AMELIA PARKER
The words hung in the air, resonating in my mind as I tried to process what Lucas had just said. "I want to marry you, Amelia." His intense gaze bore into my soul, leaving me speechless and unable to respond. It was such a surreal moment, and the shock of his proposal was like a bomb dropped on my head.
"What ?" I managed to stammer, still struggling to find my voice amidst the overwhelming emotions swirling inside me.
"You heard me." He whispered softly, standing so close that I could feel the warmth of his presence enveloping me. He motioned for me to sit beside him on the sofa, and I obliged.
"Why marrying all of a sudden ? I asked, feeling a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.
"Amelia, for the past four years, my mother has been insisting on getting me married. I always refused, but after her accident when she told me that it's her only wish, and reasoned it. I started thinking that she might be right. And now, I believe she is." He explained, surprising me with his willingness to open up and share his feelings.
"But why me ? Why not date someone ?" I asked, trying to understand his sudden decision.
"You have known me for six years. You know how hard it is for me to open up and go on romantic dates, do cheesy stuff. I can try, but it's not easy. And when I look around, you are the most deserving woman for me to try for." He confessed, his words genuine and sincere. "And also, Alex would never feel lonely with all of us by his side."
His words struck a chord deep within me, and my heart fluttered with admiration and affection for him. "I can assure you that if you say yes to this marriage, I will respect all our vows. I will take care of you and Alex, and all I ask in return is that you love my family like your own. I will try my best to be a good husband, but I don't want to give you any false hope."
I couldn't deny the deep care and respect I had for him, and the idea of being a family with him brought an unfamiliar warmth to my heart.
"I can't force you, but I hope you will think about it once. Will you ?" He politely asked, holding my hand in his, seeking my honest answer. Unable to speak, I simply nodded, my mind racing with thoughts and emotions.
Just then, Alex's slow and weary voice reached my ears, pulling me away from the intensity of the moment. I hurried to his bedside, holding his hand gently as he squinted his eyes, adjusting to the lights.
"Hey." I whispered, gently stroking his hair.
"My body hurts, sis. Am I in a hospital ?" He asked, still groggy from his fainting spell.
"Yeah, you are. You fainted." I replied, trying to soften the impact of the news.
"Oh...uh...your eyes are red. What did the doctor say ?" He asked hesitantly, concerned for me even in his weakened state.
"Nothing to worry about. You just need a little frequent therapy." I assured him, knowing that truth had to be told. His gaze shifted to Lucas, who had silently been listening to our conversation.
"Thanks, Lucas." Alex whispered, noticing the bloodstains on Lucas's shirt. Lucas nodded subtly before excusing himself and leaving the room, giving us some privacy.
"We can go home now." I tried to cheer Alex up, but he seemed lost in thought.
"I feel like I am ruining your life, sis." He said, pain evident in his voice, breaking my heart.
"Hey ! Why would you even think that ?" I asked.
"You have already spent all that you accumulated over the years on me. Now what are you gonna do ? And when will you live for yourself ? I wish if I die, you might be free." He confessed, a single tear streaming down his cheek. His words shattered my heart, and I couldn't bear the thought of losing him.
"Alex, don't you ever say that again. If anything happened to you, I don't know if I would be able to live. I love you so much." I said, tears welling up in my eyes.
"I love you too." He whispered, his voice filled with emotion.
"Now, let's go home." I suggested, trying to lift his spirits. He nodded slowly, sitting up and attempting to put on a brave face.
"Why did he come to our home ?" He asked about Lucas.
"He said he wants to marry me." I replied honestly, unsure how Alex would react.
Alex's eyebrows knitted together in confusion as he processed my words. "You guys were dating ?" He asked, perplexed. I shook my head in the negative, saying, "No, he just wants to marry me because Mrs. Knight wishes for him to get married, and he thinks I am a good woman for him."
"That's it ?" Alex inquired, clearly surprised by the simplicity of the situation.
I hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Also, he believes that with his family, we can have a loving family again." As I said those words, I noticed a flicker of pain crossing his eyes.
Then, Alex asked the question that made my heart skip a beat, "Do you have feelings for him."
It took me a moment to gather my thoughts. "I don't know." I admitted honestly. "I care about him a lot, and I respect him from the bottom of my heart."
Alex sighed, trying to feign disappointment, but I could tell he was just trying to lighten the mood. "Would you do anything for him, like you would for me ?" He asked, teasing me.
Without hesitation, I nodded, "Yes, I would."
"Then, you do have feelings for him, sis." Alex said, smiling warmly. "Maybe you can explore those feelings after your marriage."
His words left me thoughtful, and I smiled back at him, grateful for his support.
As we left the hospital, I noticed Lucas leaning against his car, gazing up at the sky. Despite everything happening, he still appeared calm and composed.
"That could be all yours." Alex playfully teased me. I gave him a playful glare and went to the counter to pay. However, Lucas had already taken care of it.
What was I even expecting ?
Lucas drove us home, and throughout the ride, my eyes couldn't help but find their way back to him. He truly was a man of every woman's dreams, and yet, he saw something special in me. It felt like a dream, and I couldn't help but smile at the thought of what the future might hold.
We arrived at my house, and I made sure Alex was comfortable in his room before heading out to find Lucas sitting on the sofa. His eyes were closed, and he seemed at ease.
"Please freshen up. I'll serve." I offered, hoping he would stay for dinner. It was the least I could do to express my gratitude.
"Okay." He whispered. I set our plates and served the lasagna I had cooked, sitting down beside him as we began to eat. My mind was still occupied with thoughts about his proposal, and I couldn't help but wonder why he thought I was the deserving woman to be his life partner.
"Say what's bothering you, Amelia." Lucas said, his intense gaze returning, and I felt that jittery feeling once again.
"Why do you think I deserve to be your life partner ?" I asked, seeking the answer that would ease my uncertainties.
He smiled, and my heart skipped a beat as he replied, "You are the strongest, selfless, and most confident and beautiful woman I have ever seen." His words made me feel slightly shy, my cheeks flushing with warmth.
"Am I blushing. I don't blush ! Oh God. This is embarrassing." A thought crossed my mind.
But beyond the warmth in my body and the blush on my cheeks, his answer cleared my doubts and reassured me. He saw me for who I truly was, and his belief in me was incredibly touching.
"I will marry you, Lucas." I whispered.
He gazed at me with admiration before returning to his food. "But, I have one request." I added, lifting my head to meet his gaze.
"What is it ?" He asked, attentive to my every word.
"I want a simple wedding." I expressed, hoping he would understand my desire for a meaningful but understated celebration.
To my surprise, he nodded in agreement. "I would like that too. If you say so, I'll love a simple church wedding." He said, showing his support and willingness to accommodate my wishes.
"I'll love that," I replied, feeling a sense of relief and excitement.
"I think you should take a leave tomorrow." He suggested. "It won't be needed. I have asked Nina to stay for a while, now maybe until our wedding." I informed him.
"Alright then, I shall take my leave now." He replied, standing by the doorway.
"Take care, Lucas." I said.
"You too." He responded, and with that, he was gone.
As I closed the door behind him, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness about what the future held.
But I know, with him by my side, everything would turn out to be just fine.
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