Affection & Love

Chapter 23

Sam's P.O.V:

I rubbed my temple desperately trying to ease at least some of the throbbing in my head, but the person in the car behind me wasn't helping by honking nonstop. I've been stuck in traffic for 20 minutes. On top of that, I can't forget about my talk with Liam.

A few hours ago

I looked at Liam for proper 5 minutes to understand the gravity of his question.

'What are your thoughts about marriage? '

Where did that question come from? And, why?

I couldn't understand anything from his blank face. For the first time since I met him, it felt like I don't know him at all and it isn't helping my slowly rising anxiety. I might have a hunch of how this talk could end; ugly, but I didn't want it to be that.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked him.

He straightened in his seat as he spoke, "I'm asking if you have any thoughts on getting married?"

"I still don't understand where this is coming from." I said honestly. It's true. I don't know how we went from talking about our project to marriage.

"I'll be straightforward with you, Sam. I've been thinking about your place in Jake's life. How you've been with him for the past few months. You've given him the mother's warmth he's been missing. You've made him so happy with your affection and love and I don't want it to be taken away from him. He already suffered a lot as a child. So, I want you to marry me." He said looking deeply into my eyes.

Marriage? Is he out of his mind?

I just sat there, with my mouth agape and blinking slowly for what felt like hours but only a few minutes. When I got back to my senses, my voice got very low as I spoke.

"Please tell me you're not serious." I pleaded. 

His jaw clenched, which is a sign of his anger, "I am. Why would you think I'll joke about something like marriage?" He asked.

"Maybe because you're rushing this when you don't even know me well enough." I retorted.

"I know enough about you to know you'd be a great mother to Jake." He said. I know where he's coming from but marrying him for love would've been better than this.

"If you've thought about Jake's well-being, you wouldn't have rushed this." That's true. This could end in the wrong way.

"I know what's best for my son and that's why I suggested this." He retaliated.

"I love your son, I do. But..." 

He interrupted me before I could reason with him, "Then just answer me, Samaira." He said, raising his voice.

I glared, "Do not raise your voice at me." I spoke deadly. 

Whether I have feelings for him or not, I'll not let it slide if he misbehaves.

I fumed. But on the other hand, my heart beat increased when he used my full name for the first time. He never called me by my full name so, this was new. However, I would've liked it if it was any other situation.

He looked at me guiltily, "I'm sorry. But, please, answer me."

"No." I whispered.

"Why?" He stood from his seat, "Do you think I can't be a good husband and take good care of you?" He asked leaning on the table.

"It's not about that, Liam. It's just, I always wanted to get married for love and I don't love you." Yet. I didn't add it but I knew it was a matter of time for me to fall for him completely. And, somewhere I have a feeling I'll end up getting hurt by that.