To You, with Love

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Asher

She hugged me first, and now she's giving me her answer! I might have a heart attack soon. I waited for her until she was ready, and when I heard her sigh, I knew she was going to answer pretty soon. This is the first time I've felt this nervous.

"I've been waiting my whole life for this moment, and yet I don't even know what to say anymore." She chuckled nervously, then continued, "I've loved you since we were little, Asher; this moment means a lot to me." She paused before adding, "I would definitely go out with you." She answered with a smile that warmed my lonely heart.

Something inside me reminded me to protect this smile at all costs.

"I should probably tell you that I've never dated anyone before, so you're my first." She said. "And I'm also the first and only man you will ever date." I said, and she laughed.

"Now that we're officially dating, shouldn't I take you somewhere?" I started the car and was about to drive away when she grabbed my hand and said, "Wait, Grace is waiting for me inside, and also..." She looked down, sad. "I need my parents' permission to date you," she added.

"We can ask them together." I said. She nodded and smiled. She got out of the car. We said our goodbyes and she entered the bookstore.

I started driving to Sofia's house. I need to visit her right now since we have a lot to talk about. I started walking inside as I noticed her standing next to the door.

"Welcome back. How have you been?" She smiled and waved for me to come in. "I'm great. What about you? "I asked.

"Same. You came back earlier than usual," she said.

"Yes, I tried my best," I remarked. I paused before asking, "Where is Luke?" I started looking around, but he was nowhere to be found. "He's taking a nap," she explained.

"Is he doing well? Is he sick or something?" I asked, concerned. "No, he's alright, so don't worry." She gave assurance.

There was a long moment of silence that was not uncomfortable for us. We just sat there glancing around the house as if it were our first time seeing it.

"I have to tell you something, Sofia," I said.

"Finally, I've been waiting for you to say something. Now tell me everything." She added this, emphasizing the word "everything."

I sighed and started talking. "The event went smoothly; nothing actually happened; it was all wonderful until..."

"He approached me and started asking me about you while that woman was in his arms," I said after a little pause.

I clenched my fist. She smiled as she placed her hand on my clenched fist. "And the worst part is, he mentioned he was coming here." Her eyes widened as I said this. I knew this was bad news, but here I am telling her everything.

She suddenly stood up and started walking around the house. "Don't worry, Sofia. I'll do everything in my power to protect Luke." I said.

She stared at me before speaking, "You can't protect Luke from the law, Asher. He is Luke's father, no matter what." She's right, but I can't just sit around and do nothing. I need to do something.

Luke shouldn't know that his father cheated on his mother and just caused her pain. I don't want Luke to grow up in a broken family. "He won't know that he's the father." I said, and she gave me her full attention.

"Even if he sees him, just say it's not his." I know it's a stupid idea, but I just don't know what else to say to calm her down.

"I had Luke after I divorced him." She spoke. "I know, just lie about his age." I said.

We both fell silent again. She broke the silence with a long sigh. "I really don't want to lose my son, Asher." She burst into tears.

"I know, Sofia; that's why you have to be strong for him, okay?" I wiped her tears away.

"Okay," she murmured between her tears. "Can I ask you for a favor?" She asked. I nodded, then she asked, "Can you go buy some chocolate cakes for me?" I burst out laughing.

"Why are you laughing? This isn't funny." She pouted.

I ended up buying her favorite cakes and watching her eat them like a little girl. Who might have thought that my list of important people would grow and add another woman?

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A/N: Thank you so much for reading this chapter. I hope you enjoyed reading it. Please make sure to comment your thoughts.

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