After I read your suggestions about the man and some about just the woman, I wrote a scene which turned out surprisingly. Here is a bit of the scene. The man has just told the woman about his change of mind and she replies, “I waited so long to hear those words from you,” Shelley looked down and away from him before continuing, “It’s too late now.”
“Why?” He asked.
Shelley didn’t look up, “After you helped me, I was sure you had feelings for me.” Shelley looked up with her face darkening in anger, “I felt I wouldn’t have to settle for second-best. I was sure you felt the same. Boy was I wrong.”
“We can still work things out.”
“No, we can’t. Look,” Shelley extended her left hand. There was an engagement ring.
I was surprised the woman was engaged. The man may have helped her, but he did not understand her. It was a moment that was lost to both of them.
