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A swirl of emotions danced in her eyes, and I found myself caught between sympathy and understanding instantly. An arranged marriage, is a relic of tradition clashing with the freedom to choose one's path. I could sense the weight of her burden.
"I'm sorry, Olivia," I admitted, my remorse hanging in the air. "I should’ve been more understanding from the start. It's just... my past, it makes me wary of trusting women."
Her gaze softened a silent acknowledgment of shared wounds. "I understand, Ben. We all carry scars from our pasts. And I care about you, about us."
The vulnerability in her words echoed my own hesitations. I had built walls to shield myself, and yet, here was someoneearnestly trying to breach them. The sincerity in her eyes invited me to consider a different narrative.
"I care about you too, Olivia," I confessed, my guard slowly lowering. "But I can't help but worry about getting hurt again. My ex-wife left me for another man, and I similarly caught her with a stranger. It messed me up for a while, and you can only imagine…"
Olivia's eyes mirrored empathy, a silent acknowledgment of shared pain. "Trust is something we can build together, Ben. I know it won't be easy, but I'm willing to try if you are."
Her words were a balm to wounds I hadn’t realized were still raw. We delved into lighter topics, and the air between us lightened. We spoke of hobbies, dreams, and, inevitably, family. I couldn’t help but mention Michael.
A genuine smile played on her lips. "I like Michael, too. Maybe we can spend some time together."
“So would you like to see each other often?” I asked her, ready for whatever response.
“Of course. I’d love to spend more time with you, Ben.”
“So, it’s a yes then,” I asked again to be sure.
“It is.” She smiled, shyly.
“Then, I promise to do better from now on. I’m sorry for the past, and this time, I want to get to know everything I possibly can about you.” I said, taking her hands in mine. Everything felt so right in that moment. I wondered why I’d taken so long to realize, or so long to make this move.
The prospect of blending our lives, of weaving our stories felt strangely comforting.
Our lunch continued, filled with laughter, and when it was time to go, I offered to drive her home. She declined at first, but a little persuasion was all it took.
The conversation continued till we said goodnight, and I was on my way back home. God bless Cindy. She had put Michaelto sleep before I got home. The lights were turned off to signal everyone had gone to bed. I checked on him and seeing him sleep was beautiful. I silently shut the room door and went back to mine.
Tonight, I was going to have a more restful, comforting sleep.
CHAPTER 22
Olivia
I sat in my room thinking of how yesterday’s date went with Ben. It was too good to be true, and I didn’t think he was the same person. His tone was different, and the atmosphere too.
I looked out my bedroom window and watched the golden rays of the setting sun dance upon the lush meadows, casting a warm glow on everything it touched. I’d have to do something. If things were to go as I expected, I’d have to clear the air once and for all. I’d have to talk to my father, again.
For years, I’d allowed him to push me toward a marriage that was finished. He believed that Jack was the perfect match for me. I don’t know what gave him that idea, but he didn’t know Jack as well as I did. I’d come to understand that my heart couldn’t be sacrificed for the sake of a family that doesn’t care about how I feel.
As I gazed at the horizon, determination welled up within me. I decided, right then and there, to stand my ground. I couldn’t let my life be dictated by others any longer. I deserved a love that was genuine and a future that was of my choosing. I knew who I wanted.
I summoned the courage to speak to my father. I’d explain my feelings, the reason behind my decisions, my dreams, and my desire to choose my path. I had a feeling that it would be difficult and there would be tears and arguments, but in the end, I knew I had to make the right decision.
I’d no longer be pressured into a loveless marriage, and I’d forge my destiny, no matter the obstacles. I was ready to meet with my Dad again.
As if he knew I wanted to see him, he came to the house. I heard my father and Aunty Nelly exchange what was more of a murmur than a pleasantry. My heart raced and I started having second thoughts about what I was going to say to him.
He was seated in the living room, acting like he didn't see me.
“Dad, I need to speak with you,” I said.
“Sit, talk, I'm listening.” He didn’t respond like he was happy.
It wasn’t the best time to say what I had to say, but if not now, it would never happen.
