Hers to Love

Chapter 52

Amir walked into Maria's office with a soft smile, holding a bouquet of vibrant red and white roses. Maria, immersed in her work, looked up in surprise.

"Amir?" she said, standing up from her desk, her heart racing. "What are you doing here?"

He handed her the flowers. "I wanted to see you," he said, his voice warm yet nervous. "And these... are for you."

Maria blushed, feeling a mix of confusion and warmth. "Thank you. These are beautiful."

"There's more," Amir continued, shifting slightly on his feet. "Can I steal you for a bit after work? I want to take you somewhere."

Maria studied him for a moment, her heart fluttering. He was bei  ng extra sweet—more than usual—and though it felt good, she couldn't help but wonder if this sudden shift had something to do with the news they'd recently discussed. The baby. She still hadn't fully processed how everything would change.

"I'd love that," she said softly, giving him a smile.

After work, Amir was waiting for her outside. They drove to Downsview Park, one of Maria's favorite spots. It was a quiet evening, the sky painted in hues of orange and pink as the sun began to set. They walked together along the peaceful path, the flowers still in Maria's hand. Amir was unusually quiet, and Maria couldn't help but wonder what was on his mind.

"You're awfully quiet," Maria said, glancing at him with a teasing smile. "Something you're not telling me?"

Amir stopped walking, his hands in his pockets as he turned to face her. His expression had shifted, growing more serious but soft.

"Maria," he began, his voice low. "There's something I've been wanting to say for a while now. But I... I needed the right moment."

Maria's heart raced. She felt the air between them change, heavy with unspoken emotions. She had a feeling she knew what was coming, but she wasn't sure how to react.

Amir took a deep breath and reached for her hand. "I know we've been through a lot... and I haven't always made things easy. But I've been thinking a lot about us. About what we could be."

Maria's eyes softened, and she could feel her throat tightening with emotion. Amir looked down for a second, then back up at her with a vulnerability she hadn't seen before.

"I brought you here because I wanted it to be special... because you are special to me. More than I've ever admitted." He paused, then pulled something out of his pocket—a small velvet box.

Maria's breath caught in her throat.

"Maria," Amir said, his voice trembling slightly as he knelt down on one knee, "will you marry me? I know my parents said we should marry, Amir continued, his voice growing softer, "but... it's not just because of them. It's because of how I feel about you." He looked up at her, his eyes pleading. "I don't want to lose you. I know I've been distant, and I know I've made mistakes, but I want to do things right. I want you to be part of my life, part of my family. Please, Maria... will you marry me?"

"I..." Maria hesitated, her heart aching with the weight of the decision. She looked at him, her eyes searching his for answers. "Is this what you want? Or is this because of your parents or just because of the baby?"

Her voice cracked, barely holding back the emotions swirling within her. She had to know, once and for all, what Amir truly wanted, not what his family expected, not what circumstances pushed him toward.

Amir's face softened, and for a moment, Maria thought she saw a glimpse of the vulnerability he'd always kept hidden. "It's not just them," he replied quietly. "Yes, my parents wanted us to be together, but this is about more than that." He looked down, struggling to find the right words. "I've been confused, I've messed up, but... you're the one person I can't stop thinking about. When I saw you in the Philippines hugging another man and then he kissed you on your forehead, I lost it. I was so hurt, that's why I distanced myself. I tried to be with Dianne to forget you and to follow my family tradidion, bu you're different, Maria. And I'm scared I'll lose you if I don't do something."

The words hung in the air between them, filled with the raw, unspoken feelings that had been left to fester for so long. Maria looked at Amir, the boy she had cared for but also the one who had kept her at arm's length, always leaving her unsure of where she stood. Was this proposal the answer to all her doubts, or would it only deepen them?

Maria's eyes welled up as she stared at him, trying to process everything. She had imagined this moment, but with all the ups and downs between them, she never thought it would happen like this.

"Amir..." she whispered, her voice shaky. "Is this because of the baby?"

Amir shook his head, his eyes locked on hers. "No. This is because of you. As I have said, I want to marry you, baby or no baby. You're the one I want to spend my life with."

Tears began to slip down Maria's cheeks as she let out a shaky breath. "Yes, but next time when you doubt me, please ask me or tell me first. That guy in the Philippines is a friend of mine and he was just being playful that time." she whispered, her voice breaking. "So yes, Amir. I'll marry you."

Amir stood, pulling her into his arms as they both laughed, a mix of joy and relief washing over them. As they stood there, wrapped in each other's embrace, the sunset cast a golden glow over them, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.