Chapter 52: The Proposal

Back in the hospital room, Timothy noticed Ursula's fatigue. "Rest," he suggested, and she agreed.

After everyone left, Ursula lay in the quiet room, contemplating the challenges Matthew had set for her. She was determined to face them head-on.

Life slowed down during Ursula's convalescence. Matthew was absent, and Dylan's updates were her only connection to him. Timothy's visits became a daily thing, but Ursula struggled to find the right moment to clear the air with him.

When the day to leave the hospital finally arrived, Timothy arrived with a plan to celebrate her discharge. Ursula, ever considerate, suggested cooking a meal instead.

"Let's not worry about cooking. I'll pick you up at 7," Timothy insisted, hiding the significance of the evening's plans.

Ursula agreed to dinner but insisted on paying.

Timothy's joy was palpable, even if Ursula couldn't grasp its source. She was preoccupied with the financial strain of her leave and the looming need to tighten her budget.

Despite the financial concerns clouding her discharge, Ursula resolved to treat Timothy well that evening, vowing to work harder upon her return to make up for the expenses.
As the evening lights of Zephyr City flickered to life, Ursula hesitated outside an imposing high-rise, the opulence of Ocean Blue Bay looming above. The mere thought of the prices within astronomical figures she'd overheard in gossip made her consider fleeing.

"Timothy, maybe we should eat somewhere less... extravagant?" Ursula suggested, eyeing her casual clothes and his formal attire.

Timothy took her hand, his smile was reassuring. "Don't worry about it. I'm friends with the owner. It's on me tonight."

Ursula's discomfort was palpable. "But this place... it's not really 'walk-in with lounge pants' kind of fancy, is it?"

Timothy chuckled. "Tonight, it's just us. No dress code to worry about."

As they entered, Ursula couldn't shake the feeling that this was all too much just for a 'get well soon' dinner. The restaurant's grandeur was undeniable, with a breathtaking view of the city skyline, and their table was set for romance.

Ursula's heart raced as the server left them alone with the meticulously prepared dishes. Timothy's intentions seemed to point to something more than dinner, and she was hit with the wild thought of a proposal.

"Ursula, what's wrong? You're not eating," Timothy inquired with a touch of concern.

"Oh, they look so nice that I would feel bad to eat them " she replied, trying to laugh off her nerves.

Timothy's gaze was expectant, and Ursula, sensing what might be coming, hurriedly began to eat, signaling that she was too hungry for conversation.

Timothy nodded, "No rush. We're here to enjoy the meal."

The food was exquisite, a testament to the chef's skill, but Ursula was already plotting her escape.

Then, as if on cue, musicians appeared, and Timothy knelt before her, an engagement ring glinting in the soft light. "Ursula, marry me."

Ursula's mind raced for an escape, but before she could respond, her phone rang, a lifesaver in a melody.

"Timothy, I'm so sorry, something urgent came up. I'll call you tomorrow." she blurted out and fled, her earlier injury forgotten in her haste.

As she vanished into the night, Timothy was left with the ring, the unanswered question, and a table full of uneaten promises.