Young Writers Society

Out of the three options you presented, I agree that the third one it the best.

Another option could be to start the flashback with the time and/or place that you're flashing back to. As in, "New York. Three nights ago." It's less subtle, but sometimes you don't necessarily need to be that subtle. It depends on the style and voice and stuff.

Just DON'T start by writing "Flashback"! Please!!

I don't think a flashback should be announced. And putting it in itallics is just wrong. I think it should be melted with the present, and the narration, kinda like:

"He stared directly into her eyes, and felt absolutely nothing. There used to be a time when he could feel the fire in her stare, and it would just cuddle him up, and make him happy. How long had it been now? That night? She was wearing her red dress. Oh, how he loved the way she looked.
"I want you to fart on my face," she had told him, so many years ago. It seemed like a good idea at the time..."

And so on.