Shana blinked, her eyes filling with tears at Sharanz's words. She had always known his love for her was real, but hearing it again, spoken with such conviction, melted the doubts that had been weighing on her heart. She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder, letting the comfort of his presence surround her.
“I don’t deserve you,” Shana whispered, her voice soft but filled with emotion. “You’ve given me so much, and I’m so scared to lose it.”
Sharanz kissed the top of her head, holding her close. “You deserve every bit of happiness, Shana. And I’m not going anywhere.”
In the days that followed, they decided to confront the challenges together rather than letting them simmer in the background. Sharanz suggested that they stop hiding from the world, to face the judgment head-on. If their love was to stand the test of time, they needed to embrace it fully—flaws, differences, and all.
Their first step was a bold one. Sharanz invited Shana to Kuala Lumpur for a work event—a social gathering where his colleagues and clients would be present. It was the first time they would be seen together in the more professional circles Sharanz moved in, and while Shana hesitated at first, she knew this was a crucial step.
As they entered the upscale venue, Shana felt her nerves tighten. The women around them were younger, poised in glamorous dresses, their eyes sweeping over her with subtle curiosity. The men nodded at Sharanz, some with smiles, some with raised eyebrows. It was clear that many were trying to piece together what they saw—a young, successful engineer with a woman significantly older than him.
But Sharanz never wavered. He kept Shana close to him the entire evening, introducing her proudly to his colleagues and clients. His confidence in their relationship was undeniable, and though the stares and whispers were still present, Shana felt a sense of pride rising in her chest. They weren’t hiding anymore, and Sharanz was showing the world that he stood by her side—unapologetically.
As the evening went on, Shana began to relax, engaging in conversations and even laughing with some of Sharanz’s co-workers. One of his colleagues, a woman named Aisha, approached Shana during the dinner, offering her a warm smile.
“You know, when Sharanz told us about you, I could see how much he cared,” Aisha said. “I think it’s beautiful, the connection you two have. It’s not about age or appearances. It’s about finding someone who sees you for who you really are.”
Shana’s heart swelled with gratitude, and for the first time in a long while, she felt fully accepted. It wasn’t just Sharanz who believed in their love—others were beginning to see it too.
The weeks that followed were transformative. With the public acknowledgment of their relationship, Shana and Sharanz felt liberated. They stopped hiding in the shadows of their love, instead embracing it fully in both their worlds. Sharanz’s family, once hesitant, grew warmer toward Shana, especially after seeing how genuinely happy she made him. Even Shana’s friends, though initially cautious, began to accept Sharanz as part of her life, seeing that he was committed in ways few had expected.
However, the journey wasn’t without its rough patches. There were still moments when Shana would feel the sting of doubt, especially when well-meaning people asked probing questions about their future. Could their relationship really endure when so much of it defied societal norms? What would happen in ten years, when the age gap might feel even more pronounced?
But every time doubt crept in, Sharanz was there to remind her of the strength of their bond. They had faced whispers, judgment, and their own fears, but they had also built a love that was rooted in understanding, respect, and mutual growth. Over time, they came to realize that their love wasn’t a fragile thing that could be torn apart by others’ perceptions. It had weathered storms and emerged even stronger.
One evening, while they sat together on Shana’s porch, much like they had many times before, Sharanz pulled a small velvet box from his pocket. Shana’s breath caught as he opened it to reveal a simple but elegant ring.
“I don’t need anyone else’s approval, Shana,” Sharanz said, his voice steady and filled with love. “I only need yours. Will you marry me?”
Tears filled Shana’s eyes as she looked at him, this man who had brought so much light into her life. Without hesitation, she nodded, her voice catching as she whispered, “Yes.”
And so, their love story, which had begun as a passionate connection, evolved into a deep, unshakable bond. They knew that the road ahead would still have challenges, but with each other, they were ready to face whatever came their way—together, with love as their anchor.
As they embraced, the world around them faded, leaving only the two of them, standing strong in a love that had defied expectations and emerged victorious.
