Chapter 402: Carries too much pain
"Why are you refusing?" Karmen asked, a faint frown creasing his forehead. "If you’re worried your parents will blame you, don’t. I promise, I’ll handle it in a way that no one will point a finger at you."
"My parents will only move on to another proposal," Aisha replied quietly. She hesitated, struggling to put her thoughts into words. "And... I don’t even know how to explain what I feel."
Karmen leaned forward slightly, his voice steady yet gentle. "Aisha, you shouldn’t marry if your heart isn’t in it. I know your parents want the best for you, but this life—it’s yours to live, not theirs. Joshua’s death was a tragedy, and it changed everything for you. But if you wish to keep his memory alive, then do it on your own terms. Fight for the life you want, not the one others choose for you."
Her gaze dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "How? It’s not easy... not for a woman."
Karmen’s expression softened with understanding. "No, it isn’t. Nothing is ever easy for a woman. But ease isn’t the measure of worth. Just because your parents believe marriage will secure your happiness, doesn’t mean it truly will. Happiness has to come from you, not from their expectations."
Aisha’s fingers tightened around the handkerchief. Her mother’s warning echoed once more in her mind, louder now, as if trying to silence Karmen’s words.
"Karmen..." Aisha’s voice trembled as she spoke, "I appreciate your warm and thoughtful words. Truly. But... Please don’t refuse me."
She drew in a shaky breath, her eyes glistening. "I can’t tell you everything about my situation right now, but I—I’m stuck. I hate the thought of using anyone, but... I think I need to ask a favor from you." Her voice faltered before she pressed on. "Could you... Please not refuse to go forward with this proposal? Could you please act with me that we both like each other? Until I can pull myself out of this? Just keep seeing me. I know it’s selfish. But you’re the only person I believe won’t demand anything in return. So please... Help me."
Karmen blinked, taken aback. Her words puzzled him at first, but the desperation in her eyes said more than her explanation. She was trying to protect her parents, to keep them from worry, he could see that much.
He exhaled slowly. Maybe, just for a time, he could help her carry this weight. Maybe it would even help her find her footing again.
"Alright," Karmen agreed. "I’ll help you."
"Thank you," Aisha whispered, a faint smile softening her face.
Karmen nodded. "You may not see me regularly. My work keeps me busy, so if I don’t answer your calls right away... Please understand."
"I won’t have a problem with that," Aisha assured him quickly. "I promise I won’t disturb you."
Karmen’s expression grew more serious. "I may only be in the capital for a month, maybe even less. So try to find your way out of this before then."
Her smile faltered just slightly, but she nodded all the same. "I will. Don’t worry about that."
"Great! Then, shall we head back?" Karmen asked, rising to his feet. "I suppose they must be waiting eagerly."
Aisha gave a small nod. "Hmm." Relief settled into her chest, the tight knots in her stomach finally loosening. The anxious questions about what kind of man Karmen might be no longer haunted her mind.
When they stepped back into the living room, every pair of eyes immediately turned to them with curiosity. They sat down side by side, and Valentina’s voice was the first to break the silence.
"You two seem rather quiet. I hope everything is well?"
"Yes, Mrs. Doren," Karmen replied politely.
Norma leaned forward, unable to contain her enthusiasm. "And what do you think of each other? In fact, we were even hoping you might become engaged today."
Aisha’s breath caught in her throat, and even Karmen stiffened, caught off guard.
"No, Mom," he said firmly. "We’d prefer to spend some time getting to know each other before making such an important decision."
Ramsey placed a calming hand on Norma’s arm. "As the children see fit. Let them decide in their own time. What does Mr. And Mrs. Doren think?"
"We agree with you," Alistair said, nodding firmly. "We can’t force our children into a decision just because we wish it so."
Valentina rose with a bright smile, diffusing the tension. "Well then, lunch is ready. Shall we head to the dining room?"
Everyone stood from the couches and followed her into the warm, well-lit dining room, the table set with care. Karmen and Aisha were seated beside each other, while the rest of the family took their usual places.
The meal passed with polite conversation, but neither Karmen nor Aisha spoke much, both caught in their own thoughts.
When lunch ended, Karmen and his family prepared to leave. As he settled into the car, his gaze drifted back to Aisha. She stood quietly by the doorway.
’I hope she heals soon,’ he thought, watching her figure recede into the distance. ’She carries too much pain... And everyone around her only seems to make it heavier.’
Valentina rushed to her daughter and hugged her. "Aisha, you did a wonderful job! Karmen is such a nice guy."
"I told you our daughter will find a better man soon. Karmen has rich values. Though he speaks less, he’s very thoughtful," Alistair stated.
Aisha looked at her parents’ happy faces. She simply smiled and said, "I will start going to work from tomorrow." With that, she turned around and disappeared inside the house.
"Did you hear it right?" Valentina asked her husband.
"Yes. I think it’s a good sign," Alistair stated, side-hugging his wife. "Our daughter will soon come out of the memories of Joshua."
"You’re right."
Lilith looked at her parents and frowned slightly. ’Is it only me who thinks something is odd about this?’ She went inside to speak to her sister.