Embracing Love [✓]

ᶠᵒʳᵗʸ ᵗʰʳᵉᵉ ✓

All day, he kept stealing glances at her
But she had no cracks
From A to Z, they barely had anything in common
'Can they really hit it off?'
He often asked himself, but the next second, his heart would want her.

This heart fluttering
That he thought he'd never have
It's so precious.
'Is that only him?'
He felt himself asking before looking at her.
He wondered if she felt the same way
But he's afraid that this all will be a dream
So he hoped that she'd hold him.
She'd look at his eyes
These days, she kept getting prettier
Even though nothing's going on
He'd pick up his phone
Then put it back down
Finally, he desperately confessed her
To accept his heart.
Because he can't deal with this emotion

■■■

"Marry me."
Saad repeated.
His voice dropped, turning raw.
"It took me a while, but I finally realized what you mean to me. In fact, I think I already knew what you meant to me, but I was just afraid of commitment and so I couldn't bring myself to voice them."
Saad said, kneeling down.

"You and me,"
Forwarding the ring, he said. His eyes held hers.
"For real this time."

"Marry me!"
He repeated.

As he spoke those words, a wave of conflicting emotions washed over Nila. For so long, she had yearned to hear those exact sentiments from him, hoping that they would bring solace and validation to her own desires. But now, at this moment, something had shifted within her.

Her heart, once filled with hope and anticipation, now felt a quiet resolve. She had grown during their time apart, rediscovering her own strength and finding contentment within herself. His words, though once significant, had become inconsequential in light of her newfound self-assurance.

"No."
She replied. She loved Saad and there was no point pretending her feelings had magically changed despite what happened. But just because she loved him didn't mean she trusted him.

"What?"
The soft smile on Saad's face instantly vanished.

"I can't - no- I won't marry you."
With a calm demeanor, she met his gaze before repeating herself.

"What are you -"
Saad stood up.
"Is it because of my past actions? Alright, I understand. You are still angry-"

"No. I'm not saying this because of my anger."
Cutting him off, Nila said.

"Then is it because of your parents?"
Saad asked.
"Don't worry. I'll pursue them."

Nila shook her head before speaking.

"Then... have your feelings for me changed?"
With a dreading heart, he asked slowly.

"No. It's..."
Nila sighed.
"I can't trust you. I can't trust you not to leave me at the last moment."

"Nila, I know what I did was utterly stupid. But trust me. It won't happen again."
Desperate voice of Saad was heard.

"I- I can't. That night,"
Indicating the night she fled from her house, Nila said.
"I needed you to say those words...I desperately wanted you to be by my side but you didn't."

"I was stupid, dumb."
Grabbing her hand, Saad spoke.
"Please give me another chance. Please, Nila."

"I'm sorry."
She said quietly.
"I love you, Saad. I love you more than you love me and -"