Ambitious

Marie walked towards her parents' porch, the warm glow of the evening lights spilling onto the pathway. She raised her hand to knock, but froze as the sound of a car horn pierced the evening air. It was Xavier, parked by the curb, his car's headlights illuminating the darkening street.

Concern etched on her face, Marie turned back and strode towards Xavier's car. She bent down at the window, her hair falling in soft waves around her face.

"Did you need something?" she inquired, her voice tinged with a hint of worry.

Xavier shook his head, a gentle smile playing on his lips. Marie's brow furrowed in confusion.

"I thought you did, by your horn," she reminded him, her tone laced with amusement.

Xavier's gaze held Marie's, his eyes vulnerable as he confessed, "I wanted to say something, but I didn't know how you'd take it, so I decided not to try my luck."

His voice was laced with sincerity, and Marie's heart skipped a beat at the genuine emotion.

She meant everything to him, and he couldn't bear the thought of deceiving her. Marie's encouraging smile put him at ease.

"Then you should go ahead and say it," she urged, her voice gentle.

Xavier's cheeks flushed, but he took a deep breath and continued, "I was going to ask if...if you'd like to go out with me again soon? Maybe just the two of us?"

Marie's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Don't tell me you're shy about talking to me. I don't bite," she teased, her smile radiant.

Xavier chuckled, feeling his nervousness dissipate.

"All thanks to you, dinner went smoothly, more than I ever expected," Marie said, her voice filled with gratitude. "You're such wonderful company, Xavier. Sometimes I wonder how I snagged someone as lovely as you in my corner."

Her words warmed Xavier's heart, and he felt his courage return.

.

"Do you realize that I have a lot of feelings for you, and sometimes I might want to act out of the norm?" Xavier's words hung in the air, catching Marie off guard.

She hadn't expected the conversation to take this turn. Her mind racing, she searched for a response.

Xavier's confession wasn't entirely unexpected; Marie had sensed his feelings for her. She had grown fond of him, but her heart remained guarded.

"Yes, I think I'm aware of that," Marie said, her voice gentle, as she glanced at her watch.

The subtle hint wasn't lost on Xavier. He knew she had to go, but he hesitated to let her leave.

"Is there any problem? Is there any way I can also help?" Marie inquired, her brow furrowed in concern.

Xavier's expression remained introspective, his thoughts still lingering on his unspoken feelings.

Marie's gaze drifted back to her parents' house, sensing their watchful eyes. She knew they disapproved of Xavier, her father believing he wasn't ambitious enough for her.

"Why don't you text me later on, so we can continue this conversation tonight?" Marie suggested, her tone gentle but firm.

She added, "I need to go in and catch up with my son; that's if he's not yet sleeping."

The mention of her son was a subtle reminder of her priorities, and Xavier nodded understandingly.

"Of course, I'll text you later," he said, his voice low.

Marie smiled softly and straightened up, preparing to leave.

"Thanks for tonight, Xavier. You were amazing company, as always," she said.

Xavier's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "Anytime, Marie. Goodnight."

Xavier nodded, resigned to letting her go. "Yeah, you can leave. I also have an early start tomorrow."

The lie slipped easily from his lips, a gentle attempt to ease the awkwardness.

Marie hesitated, sensing the unease lingering between them.

"Are you sure?" she inquired again, her eyes searching for reassurance.

Xavier forced a smile, trying to appear nonchalant. "Yeah, I'm positive. Go spend time with your son. I'll catch up with you later."

Marie's gaze lingered, as if seeking confirmation. Then, seeming to accept his words, she nodded.

"Alright, goodnight Xavier. Take care," she said, her voice soft.

Xavier watched as she turned and walked away, the porch light casting a warm glow around her.

"Goodnight, Marie," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

As Marie disappeared into her parents' house, Xavier remained seated, lost in thought.

The evening's unspoken tensions still lingered, leaving him wondering what could have been said, what could have been done differently.

Xavier nodded, his fingers tapping a gentle rhythm on the steering wheel.

"I'll manage, you don't need to look after me," he said, his smile warm and reassuring.

Marie's eyes softened, her expression revealing a deep affection.

She was drawn to Xavier's independence, his willingness to alleviate her burdens.

It was a refreshing change from her family's dynamics, where they often relied on her to revive the company's fortunes.

Her parents and siblings had grown accustomed to her sacrifices, exploiting her kindness.

But Xavier's self-sufficiency only endeared him more to her.

"You're always so considerate, Xavier," Marie said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Xavier's gaze met hers, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"I just want to make things easier for you, Marie. You deserve that," he replied.

The sincerity in his voice wrapped around Marie's heart, tightening its gentle hold.

In that moment, she knew she wanted to protect and care for him, to be his safe haven.

As they shared a warm, wordless glance, the night air seemed to vibrate with unspoken promises.

Marie sighed in exhaustion as she trudged up the steps, her feet heavy with the weight of the evening's emotions.

"I hope he's not sleeping yet," she whispered to herself, a gentle smile on her lips.

She reached the door and knocked softly, the sound echoing through the quiet hallway.

Marie's mother opened the door, a knowing glint in her eye.

"Ah, it's a surprise to see that he let you go," she said, her tone dripping with disapproval. "I could have sworn he wasn't going to."

Marie rolled her eyes, her suspicions confirmed. Her mother had been eavesdropping again.

"Mom, really?" Marie asked, exasperation etched on her face.

Her mother shrugged, unapologetic. "I just want what's best for you, sweetie."

Marie sighed, familiar with this conversation.

"You mean what's best for the family business, don't you?" Marie countered, her voice laced with sarcasm.

Her mother's expression turned stern. "Marie, don't be dramatic. Xavier is nice, but he's not exactly the most ambitious man."

Marie's defenses rose. "That's not fair, Mom. Xavier's kind and genuine. He makes me happy."

Her mother's eyes narrowed. "Happy? Is that all that matters? What about security, stability?"

Marie's frustration simmered. "We've had this conversation before, Mom. I'll make my own decisions."

The tension between them was palpable, the familiar rift widening.

Marie's son, sensing the strain, wriggled out of her arms and ran to his toys, seeking escape.

Marie's heart ached, wishing for a peaceful evening with her child, free from her mother's meddling.