Aaron's POV

With a groan, I open my eyes and let my surroundings set in. My neck aches from sleeping in wrong position, or on the couch from a week I guess. I rub my eyes as I sit up and hold my head in my hands, letting the morning take over me. After stretching my limbs a bit, I get up and go down the hallway to see if Diana's up. I knock on the bedroom lightly before turning the doorknob open.

As soon as I enter, I am hit with a wave of disappointment, my heart falling in my stomach as I stare at the empty bed. The blanket is folded and kept on the edge of the bed, a clear indication that she has left without meaning to wake me up. I run a hand through my hair as I curse a little, something I have been doing a lot lately. I kick the door and enter the room a little further.

How the fuck did I not wake up when she was leaving? After days of misery, I went to sleep with a bit of peace in mind last night. Her words still clouding my mind, tugging at my heart, but her actions say completely otherwise. I let out a frustrated breath as I exit my bedroom and move to make a coffee for myself, I really need one. When I enter the kitchen, my eyes immediately move to a note stuck on the refrigerator.

"Thanks for letting me stay the night. –D."

I frown as I read that one statement over and over again. Thanks, really? She couldn't just stay till I woke up or at least wake me up while she was leaving? I shake my head as I put the note back at the refrigerator and move to make a cup of coffee for myself. After pouring it in a cup, I move to the couch again and start the television. Well, that's how the rest of my day going to be like. I am turning into a couch potato.

Before getting any more lazy, I move to take a shower and brush my teeth. Just as I step out of the bathroom, the doorbell rings, immediately putting me into a frantic mode as I quickly get out to the living room and pull open the door in the hopes of seeing Diana, despite all the odds in our favour.

My mood falls as soon as it had lightened up when I see Connor standing on the other side. "Hey," I say, opening the door further for him to step in.

I don't even care about the fact that I only have a towel wrapped around my waist. He's a guy anyway, it's not like I have anything he hasn't seen before. He steps inside only a little and gives me a nod.

"Hi buddy, how you doing?" He asks and I almost scoff at that question.

"Well, your best friend bailed on me before I could even open my eyes. So, I am amazing, how are you?" I shoot back, sarcasm dripping my tone.

I earn a look from him before he speaks, "Do you blame her?"

"Honestly? No. I am surprised she stayed at all." I tell him truthfully, meaning it and he nods. "What brings you here, anyway?"

"I would have come here a long time ago to give you a pep talk, but Diana would kill me if she finds out that I discussed anything with you at all."

"As far as I am concerned, my lips are sealed, mind open and ears at your mercy, so please, go on!" I motion for him to take a seat on the couch and he laughs.

"If we're doing this, you better go put on a shirt." He remarks and I smirk a little, nodding and disappearing down the hall.

I quickly take out a shirt from the closet and pull  it over my head before putting on a clean pair of sweatpants. I ain't going out today at all, might as well stay comfortable while I am in. My life is hitting rockbottom, and the funniest part is that I don't give a shit about it.

When I get in the living room, Connor has turned on the television and watching an episode of How I Met Your Mother. I remember Diana mentioning that he's crazy about the show. That was the first time we had a proper date, a candle light dinner at her home. The memory immediately saddens me, making me miss her so I shake off my thoughts.

"Coffee?" I ask and he nods.

As I get in the kitchen, he starts talking from the couch, "You know, Diana and you are the biggest idiots I know." He says and then adds, "No offence."

"None taken." I shrug behind his back. "Why, though?"

"Because my friend, you both love each other but one of you is stubborn as fuck, and the other gives up easily." He says, turning around to look me in the eye and I frown at him.

"Is this the part where I have to figure out who is who?"

He gives me an amused smile, "Don't you already know?"

I scoff, taking offence, "When have I ever given up easily? And I only guessed that I am that one, because obviously Diana is the most stubborn person I know." I tell him.

After pouring his coffee in a cup I make my way to him and he takes it from my hand before I sit down on the other end of the couch, both of our eyes fixed on the television.

"When have you not, buddy?" He questions back, taking a sip and I roll my eyes.

"Don't go all reverse psychology on me, you're supposed to be helping here. C'mon, dude!" I throw my hands in the air and he chuckles.

"Aaron, you found out about her daughter and you walked out. I know you asked her for another chance not many days later, but how many efforts did you put into that? And then, this Lizzy girl and your brother messed up things. By the way, you should be thankful that I didn't punch you in the face as soon as I stepped in for breaking Diana's trust." He says, suddenly serious and I gulp.

"Thanks?" I offer as a truce and he shakes his head.

"Ella will take care of it for me, she's incredibly pissed at you. I think I heard her killing you in her dream last night." He says and my eyes go wide as I gape at him and he smiles but continues, "Anyway, the point is, you made a mistake and you gave up even after that."

"You kidding me? I tried, trust me, I tried talking to her and there's nothing to explain here because obviously, I screwed up. The reason I gave up was because you don't how it felt like barging in there and finding her like that, buddy. I never want her to feel that way again just because she's in love with an idiot." I say, my head in my hands and I feel a small pat on my shoulder by Connor.

"And what makes you think that being away from you makes things any better for her?" He asks, forcing me to think.

Did I, really? Did I give up easily on her? All this time we both have been so busy fighting against each other, did we forget to fight for each other. Maybe, we did. I certainly did. Diana did give her best to me, she opened up to me when I least expected her to, especially when I walked out on her and what did I give her in return? I broke her heart. I never imagined that I would ever be that jerk in a relationship, but now when I look at it, god, I am such an asshole.

I shake my head and feel the movement beside me and look up to see that Connor is standing up. I frown at him and he gives me a small smile, "Aaron, she has never been in love, alright? Because she always thought she isn't worthy of it, but you made her feel otherwise. Just think about it, but at the end, you're the one who has a control over this." He says, his words hitting deep in my heart and I nod at him.

"Thanks, man." I give him a smile.

Just as we reach the door, he pushes his hand in the pocket, looking for something and then hands a familiar pair of keys to me, "Your car is parked in its usual spot." He informs, making me scowl.

"What?" I ask, taking the keys from him.

"She drove me to the bar in the morning before going back to her apartment so I could drive your car back to here." He explains.

My eyes move to the key rack in the kitchen and I notice my car keys missing from there. She must have taken them while I was asleep. I don't know whether to feel happy that she cares for me or feel sad that she did this just because she didn't want to see me again in the morning. Like always, Diana Rose manages to drive me nuts.

..

Monday morning arrives, my weekend slipping away as I keep repeating Connor's words in my head, pushing me off to the insanity. I almost picked up my phone, dialed her number but then hung up before the ring could go on. These past two weeks have, no doubt, been the worst days of my life. I cannot stop thinking about her, and just when the reality of us being apart starts to sink in, my heart overwhelms with the pain.

I love her. I am in love with her. And it hurts so much.

Ever since Connor gave me his pep talk, my spirits have been high, my hopes up as I have been brainstorming of what big gesture to do to fight for her. For once, my heart isn't doubtful about what I want – it's her. Diana Rose. I didn't expect my life to turn out this way, I never expected to fall in love with her. She seems to have a leash around my life and as much as I even entertain the thought of moving on and giving up on us, I feel like I am betraying myself, like I am cheating on her all over again.

"Morning, Aaron." Lucy greets me as soon as I step out in the office and I give her a small smile.

"Morning."

My eyes immediately go to the front desk and I notice her coat and purse there, but her beautiful face is absent from the sight. Silently, I make my way to her desk and look for her, but then I realize that she must be with Mr. Wilson, giving him his schedule for the day and briefing him about the meetings he has today. I couldn't come up with a big gesture, so I decided to start with small steps, because aren't those things that matter the most?

Because of how cold it is outside, I decided to bring her hot chocolate from the diner nearby. I remember her telling me that it's her favourite place to get hot chocolate from. Her name is written on the cup, 'Diana. x.' I place it near her desktop and put a white rose by it. Her favourite flower. She's indeed the most different girl, she doesn't crave red roses, she loves white ones.

Afraid that she'll come any moment, I move to my cubicle and settle down, ready to start my work for the day. Mr. Wilson has been pushing all the reports with Lincoln Enterprises before he really seals the deal with them, but I don't know why he has his doubts. They are a great investment and they will definitely flourish the future of the publishing house.

My thoughts run cold as my eyes keep lurking down the hallway to see if she has thrown both the coffee and rose in the dustbin yet. I shake my head as I look at my watch. It's twelve already! Well, I need to make this work. I get up from my chair and move to the front desk. She's sitting there with her head in her hand as she stares at the computer screen.

"Hey." I say, startling her like always and she stares up at me with her big gray eyes.

"Hi." She breathes, not even blinking once.

God, isn't she beautiful?

"Want to go grab something to eat?" I ask casually, but my nerves are a turmoil inside as I wait for her to respond.

She finally looks down and gives our a nervous chuckle, "You hit your head somewhere?"

"What?" I frown.

"We broke up, we can't go have brunch like friends." She says, looking directly into my eyes and I gulp.

She's right. I might sound insane approaching her like this. But what else am I supposed to do? I need to show her that I am not giving up so easily.

"And two exes have never been friends before?" I arch an eyebrow and she gives me a curious look.

"Well, point taken. You want us to be friends? After everything that happened, you really think that's possible?" She shoots back.

"C'mon, Diana. It's just food, I am not asking you to forgive me right now, well, at least not yet." I whisper the last words and she blinks at me.

"A no would do, Aaron." She shakes her head, staring back at her computer screen.

I let out a frustrated sigh as I lean a bit down, "Diana, please? I need this. Just brunch. I beg you, you owe me this much after sneaking out on me that morning." I plead.

She scoffs, standing up as she shuts off her desktop and grabs her coat and purse before leading the way to the elevator. She's about to step in with other employees but I stop her as I grab her elbow, shaking my head no. She frowns at me while we wait for an empty elevator and I make her follow me.

"For the record, I don't owe you shit." She says and I roll my eyes.

Ignoring her comment, I click the button to topmost floor and she immediately gapes at me. I refuse to look at her and as soon as we reach there, the elevator door slides open and we step out. She glares at me, her arms crossed across her chest.

"Why are we up here?" She asks through gritted teeth.

I turn towards her and give her an innocent smile, "Come, let's feed you." I offer my hand and she glances between my eyes and the hand before shaking her head.

Now she has a problem even holding hands with me? I don't let the hurt get to me as I give her a small nod and start walking, her following behind me slowly. When we reach end of the lobby, I open the fire exit gate that leads to the stairs and though she doesn't say anything, I can tell that she's grumpy.

"Where the hell are we going?" She whispers, her voice echoing.

"Roof." I shrug and she gives me a look.

"Employees aren't allowed there." She states.

I stare back at her, "Since when does Diana Rose care about rules?"

She shakes her head before leading the way and I smile at her back. The only reason I said that was because I knew it would get to her. After we reach at the top, she pushes open the door but it barely budges. She pouts but stands by the side, motioning for me to take the lead. I try not to chuckle at her expanse as I push open the door.

After we enter, she gasps a little as she takes in the bright sky and a table setting by the end of roof. Two chairs are set across each other with a table in between, covered with the a kitschy cloth. She takes in the view before setting her eyes back at me. A part of me has swollen with hope and pride after her seeing her reaction.

"Come." I say, moving towards the seating and she shakes her head, as if snapping out of her thoughts.

She steps forward and makes her way to the spot. As she reaches, I pull the chair for her and she gives me a look but sit down nonetheless.

"Thank you." She mumbles as she adjusts herself and I move to sit across her.

After I sit, I stare at her, gauging her reaction but she just looks around, taking in the tall buildings of Manhattan and staring at the clear sky. I am glad she brought her coat up here, the wind is a little chilly and I would hate her to be freezing because I couldn't come up with something better. I came an hour early to set this up to the office and then went back to bring her hot chocolate and flower, in hopes that this would mean something to her.

"You set me up, this is a date." She finally says, staring right into my eyes.

I give her a small smile, "It's just two friends having food together." I shrug and she shakes her head.

"On a roof with a beautiful view, where you specially set this up? Though I have no idea how you did it but this isn't just about food, Aaron." She speaks, her face expressionless.

My phone pings and I look at it before grinning at Diana, "Speaking of food, be right back." I say before moving to the roof door and then enter the staircase way.

A guy who I suppose is the delivery guy stands there and I take the order from him, paying him and then get back to Diana as quickly as possible. She deadpans as soon as she takes in the boxes.

"Pizza, really?" She asks, and I give her an amused smile.

"You were the one who told me that you could have pepperoni any time of the day."

"I didn't mean it literally." She gapes at me.

"C'mon, stop being a child. You love this." I say, hoping for her to agree but she just mumbles something under her breath.

I open the box and pop open the soda cans and keep one by her side. She gives me another disappointed look and I throw my hands in the air, "Can't have wine during working hours and you have to go pick Em up after this." I defend myself.

"Why are you doing this?" She asks, heaving out a sigh.

"Eat!" I say and she doesn't protest as she picks up a slice from the box and starts chewing it.

I want to tell her exactly why I am doing this, but I am afraid that as soon as the picture of this starts becoming clearer to her, she's going to run far away in the opposite direction and never going to come back. I can't risk that, at least not when I have just begin.

"Thank you, for the hot chocolate and the rose." She says, killing the silence and I almost choke on my food.

The whole purpose of leaving it on her desk without being present was for her to not figure it out. "What?" I try to play it cool and she smirks.

"You're the only guy who knows that stuff about me, Aaron." She tells and I nod, looking down at my feet. "This isn't going to fix things, you know." She says, her voice soft and calm.

"I know, I know." I move my chair closer to hers and take her hand in mine. A part of me feels relieved when she doesn't jerk away from my touch. "I don't want to give up." I tell her, honestly.

She frowns at me and slowly retrieves her hand from mine, her eyes casting down to the other direction, "You already did." She whispers and then blinks up to me.

"I can't take back what I did, but I want to prove you that I am worthy of another chance. I love you, Diana!" I say, my emotions taking over my tongue.

Her eyes widen in surprise as she stares at me, not uttering anything for a moment but then she speaks up, "Don't. Don't say that." She shakes her head.

"You do too, you said it to me." I push, obviously walking around the thin ice.

But, I don't have a control over this anymore. I can't go on each day on the verge of breaking down, and then crying like a baby at night because of how regret and guilty I feel. But mostly because I miss her so fucking much. God, I need her in my life. Before her, my life was simple, my parents had a control over my future but then she came along the way, turning it upside down. And now, without her, it feels like a gloomy hell with no hope of sunshine in future.

"That was one time, and I was vulnerable. You can't use that against me." She defends herself and I give her a small smile.

"You said it again when you slept over." I tell her and she scowls at me, making me explain further, "You were sleeping and I told you that I love you, and you said it back."

Her expression changes, as if realisation dawns upon her, "You were crying." She whispers, looking straight into my eyes and I immediately look away, nodding a little. "I thought it was a dream." She mumbles, explaining further.

"Please, just let me prove myself. I am so sorry!" I beg and she can't seem to take her eyes away from my face.

"You were crying, Aaron. Why were you crying?" She asks, still suck on it.

I let out a nervous chuckle, "Because I managed to lose the only one good thing in my life because I am an asshole."

Her hand comes to rest on my cheek, and I feel like I am breathing again as I lean into her touch, my eyes closing on their as I embrace the moment. God, in moments like these I truly realise how much I have missed her.

"I do, I love you. But I can't go back to what happened that day, I have Emily to take care of. I can't let that darkness in again." She explains and as much relief her first words brought to me, that much pain were dawned by the words that followed.

"I will never hurt you again, Diana. Not like this, I wouldn't ever betray your trust. Yes, we'll fight and will often want to kill each other but I will always trust you and I will earn your trust." I promise her, begging her to think this through.

She shakes her head, "I can't. I have to go."

With that, she stands and collects her things before walking away to the end of the roof and then she disappears behind the door. I let out a frustrated scream as I tug at the roots of my hair.

As she walked away, she took my broken heart with her.