Thirty Days Of September

chapter 12:the proposal

One night after dinner, Atasha and Aaron talked...

Atasha took a deep breath, standing in front of Aaron, her voice soft but firm. "Aaron, I know things between us haven't been great, and I take responsibility for my part in that. But I'm proposing something... I want to take care of you for thirty days in the coming month, September. No strings attached. No expectations. I'll cook, I'll handle things at home, I'll support you—whatever you need. You don't have to give me anything in return, not even an apology."

"Why?" he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and hesitation.

Atasha smiled softly, a warmth in her eyes. "Because I want to feel loved, and cared, and to love and care... something worth holding on to. But I don't want you to feel any pressure or obligation. Just let me be there for you, and at the end of the thirty days, I will give you the freedom you desired, you're free to go back to Candice, but for 30days-No Candice...after 30days, I will leave without trace."

The simplicity of her offer unnerved him. It was rare to find someone who gave without expectation. But in Atasha's gaze, there was no hint of deception, only an earnest hope. For Aaron, it was an invitation to lower his walls, if only for a moment.

Aaron raised an eyebrow, his arms crossed as he leaned against the counter. "So, what's the catch? You really think thirty days of you playing 'perfect wife' is going to fix everything?... Alright," he said, his voice quieter than usual. "Thirty days."

Atasha felt a wave of happiness wash over her when Aaron agreed. His simple "Alright" meant more to her than he could ever know. She had been bracing herself for a rejection, expecting him to push her away like he often did with people who tried to get close. But this time, he had said yes.

She couldn't stop the smile from spreading across her face, a genuine one that reached her eyes. "You won't regret this," she promised softly, her heart beating faster with excitement and hope.

Aaron gave her a small nod, his expression unreadable, but that didn't matter to Atasha. She had thirty days to show him what she meant, to prove that love could be freely given without asking for anything in return.

For the first time in a long while, Atasha feel hopeful...She will take everything as real.

Meanwhile, Aaron couldn't shake the odd feeling that crept over him. As soon as he agreed to Atasha's proposal, a quiet unease settled in. It wasn't that he didn't trust her—Atasha had always been genuine—but the idea of being loved and cared for without strings attached felt foreign to him.

He had lived a life where every act of kindness seemed to come with expectations, hidden motives, or some unspoken debt. Even with Candice, he knows she love him so much because he showered her with all life fancy things and comfort.  Atasha's offer was different, and that was what felt unusual. What was she getting out of this? Why was she so sure about him when he wasn't even sure about himself?

As she smiled at him, clearly happy with his agreement, Aaron couldn't help but feel like he had stepped into unfamiliar territory. It was as if, for the first time, he might actually have to let someone in—someone who wouldn't hurt him or leave him.

Though he'd said yes, the next thirty days felt like a challenge he wasn't quite prepared for. The thought of being vulnerable, of receiving love without immediately questioning its cost, unsettled him. And yet, here he was—curious, uncertain, and willing to see where it would go.

As Atasha sat on the porch, the warm breeze brushing against her skin, she cradled her cup of tea and let her thoughts drift. The scent of jasmine filled the air, and with every sip, her heart filled with quiet joy. She had always been a dreamer, and now, with Aaron agreeing to her proposal, her mind couldn't help but envision the beautiful things that could be.