Rita's Unseen Destiny.

 The scene erupted into chaos as the two men clashed, their voices raised in anger. Rita tried to intervene, but it was too late. "You are not to talk Alex," Carlson said, his voice form and authoritative. "You are the one who left Rita high and dry when she got pregnant with your child in college. You are the one who abandoned her when she needed you the most."

 Alex's face turned red with rage, but Carlson continued, his words cutting deep. "And now, you are with your new boyfriend, aren't you? The same one you cheated on Rita with?" 

 The restaurant fell silent, all eyes on the dramatic scene unfolding before them. Rita's eyes welled up with tears, but Carlson's words gave her the strength to stand tall. 

 "Alex, you have no right to question Rita's choice or my presence in her life. " Carlson said, his voice unwavering. " You lost that right when you walked out on her and your child. "

 The truth hung in the air like a challenge, and Alex's anger deflated, replaced by shame and regret. He knew Carlson spoke the truth, and he had not come back. With a defeated look, he turned and walked away, leaving Rita and Carlson.

 The restaurant staff quickly intervened, calming the situation and escorting Alex out of the premises. Carlson and Rita, shaken but unharmed, took a moment to collect themselves.

 "Are you okay?" Carlson asked Rita.

 Rita nodded, her eyes still wide with shock. "Yeah, thank you. I don't know what I would have done if you weren't here.

 Rita smiled and took his arm, and they exited the restaurant, leaving the drama behind. As they drove through the quiet streets, Rita turned to Carlson with a grateful heart.

 "Thank you for standing up for me, Carlson. That meant a lot." 

 Their day ended in a beautiful park, where they sat on a bench, watching the sunset. The tranquility of the moment washed away the earlier chaos, and Rita felt a sense of peace wash over her. 

 "Carlson, can I ask you something?" She said, her voice barely above a whisper.

 "Of course, Rita. What is it?"

 " Why are you being so kind to me? You hardly know me." 

 Carlson's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "Maybe I see a bit of myself in you, Rita. We have both been through tough times, and I know how it feels to be a lone. But I want you to know you are not alone. I am here for you, as a friend."

 Rita's eyes welled up with tears, but this time, they were tears of joy. "Thank you, Carlson. That means everything to me."

 As Carlson pulled up to Rita's house, she couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards him. They had spent the entire day together, and despite the drama with Alex, she had felt truly happy and care free. Carlson noticed the smile on her face and smiled back, his eyes crinkling in the corner.

As they pulled into the driveway, Rita's parents, David and Naome, came out of the house, beaming with excitement, rushing over to hug their daughter.

 David, Rita's dad, clapped Carlson on the back. "Thank you for bringing our girl safe and sound, Carlson. We appreciate it." 

 Rita's mom and dad couldn't help but notice the numerous shopping bags in the back seat. " Look like you two had a productive day!" David said, chuckling.

 Naome's eyes widened as she helped Rita unload the bags. " Oh my goodness, Rita, what did you buy? Rita laughed, blushing. " Mom, stop, it's not that much.

 But Naome was not discouraged.

 "Nonsense, sweetie, we want to see everything." Carlson, you are invited too, of course!" 

 As they carried the bags inside, Rita's parents couldn't help but notice the change in their daughter's behavior. She seemed lighter, happier, and more confident than she had in weeks.

 As the evening drew to a close, David and Naome thanked Carlson again for taking Rita out and making her so happy. You are a good friend, Carlson," David said, shaking his hand.

 Naome nodded I agreement. " Yes, we are so grateful to have you in Rita's life. You are a wonderful influence on her." 

 As Carlson left and Rita walked him to the door, she turned to him with a smile. " Thanks for the day, Carlson, it was truly an amazing day."

 Carlson smiled back, his eyes warm. " Any time, slowly through his front door, exhausted. He had been looking forward to a peaceful evening at home, but his mind was still shocked by the events of the day. As he lay on his bed, he couldn't shake off the feeling of insecurity that had been nagging him.

 As Carlson's mind continued in shock, he couldn't shake off the feeling of insecurity that had settled in. He thought about all the what-ifs and maybes, and his brain was a jumble of emotions. He felt like he was losing control, and it was a scary feeling.

 Despite his best efforts, he couldn't help but wonder if he was truly worthy of Rita's love. Had he been foolish to think that their relationship could work? Doubts crept in, and he felt his confidence decreasing.

 But as he lay there, he realized that he couldn't let his fears dictate his actions. He needed to take a leap of faith and show Rita how much she meant to him.

 The next morning, Carlson woke up with a new-found determination. He picked up his phone and sent Rita a text, asking her to join him for dinner at a cozy restaurant that evening. He had a plan, and he was determined to see it work through.

 As they sat down at their table that evening, Carlson's nerves began to get the better of him, because he didn't know how to start the conversation. But as soon as Rita smiled at him, all his doubts melted away. He took a deep breath and reached for her hand.