Rise of the God of War

Chapter7

“Since when did you recover?”

The question seemed to hang in the air for a moment, and Erwin felt his heartbeat quicken. He put down his spoon slowly, looking at Ayesha with a mixture of guilt and relief for finally being able to open up.

Erwin took a deep breath before answering. “Ayesha, I know this is something I should have told you sooner… I started recovering about a year ago. But I chose not to tell you, because I didn’t want you to worry or feel like all your sacrifices were in vain.”

Ayesha fell silent, digesting Erwin’s answer with feelings that were hard to express. On one hand, she was relieved that Erwin had recovered, but on the other hand, there was a slight hurt that this secret had been kept from her for so long. However, when she looked into Erwin’s regretful eyes, she realized that everything was done not to hurt her, but to protect her.

“You know, I never considered taking care of you as a burden, Erwin. I did everything because I love you. Nothing is more important to me than seeing you healthy and happy,” Ayesha replied in a trembling voice, but full of sincerity.

Erwin took Ayesha’s hand and held it tightly, “I know, Ayesha, and I am so grateful for everything you do for me. Tonight, I promise there will be no more secrets between us. We will face everything together, without hiding anything.”

Erwin stared into Ayesha’s eyes as if looking for the strength to tell her the truth that he had been keeping for so long. He knew that tonight was the right time to reveal everything that had happened over the past year.

“Ayesha,” Erwin began in a soft but firm voice, “ever since I started to feel a little strength returning to my body, I have been secretly trying to train myself. Every night, while you were asleep, I would try to get out of bed, learning to walk, even just a few steps. I know it wasn’t easy, my body often didn’t respond well, but I kept trying.”

Ayesha listened attentively, her heart warmed hearing how hard Erwin fought to recover. However, there was also a deep sadness because she imagined Erwin doing it all alone, without her support.

“At first, just standing was a big challenge for me,” Erwin continued with a bitter smile. “Then, I started learning to hold a spoon again. This hand—” Erwin raised his right hand and stared at it for a moment, “—felt so foreign and weak. I felt like a baby just learning to control his body. But, I kept practicing, little by little, day by day.”

He took a deep breath, feeling the burden he had been carrying begin to lift. “I have been struggling for a whole year, Ayesha. But not just for myself. I also observed your family and the people around you, how they treated you and me, with contempt and belittling us. I realized that if I didn’t get up soon, they would continue to look down on you. That’s what kept me going, trying, so that one day I could stand beside you, as your strong husband, who could protect and support you.”

Ayesha felt tears begin to well up in the corners of her eyes. Not because of sadness, but because of the overwhelming feeling of emotion and pride she felt for Erwin. How much love and sacrifice he had made, all for her.

“I’m sorry, Ayesha,” Erwin continued, his voice now filled with regret. “I’m sorry for not telling you sooner. I know you probably felt lonely or even abandoned when I chose to hide all of this from you. But I didn’t do it because I wanted to push you away, but because I wanted to make sure that when I came back, I would be ready. I wanted you to be proud of me.”

Ayesha looked at Erwin with a soft smile, the tears she had been holding back now streaming down her cheeks. However, there was no anger or disappointment in her gaze, only deep love.

“I understand, Erwin,” Ayesha replied with warmth in her voice. “I understand that you have a better reason than anything I could possibly think of. You did all of this out of love, and I don’t mind that. I’m just happy that you’re back, and that we can face this together.”

Erwin felt a great sense of relief at Ayesha’s words. He knew that their love had passed a very difficult test, and now they were stronger than ever. The two held each other's hands, feeling the warmth and strength of each other, knowing that whatever they would face in the future, they would always be together.

After the emotional moment they had just gone through, Ayesha and Erwin continued their dinner in a lighter atmosphere. Jokes and laughter filled the dining room again, liquefying the tension that had existed. Ayesha's special fried rice was truly appetizing, and Erwin enjoyed every bite while occasionally giving compliments that made Ayesha blush.

After finishing eating, Ayesha started to collect the plates to wash, but Erwin gently stopped her. “Let me do the dishes this time,” he said with a smile. “You made a great dinner, so let me take care of the rest.”

Ayesha was hesitant at first, but seeing the sincerity on Erwin's face, she finally nodded in agreement. “Okay, but if anyone needs help, call me, okay?”

Erwin nodded as he started collecting the dirty plates and taking them to the sink. Meanwhile, Ayesha sat back in the chair, looking at Erwin who was attentively washing the dishes. There was something so heartwarming about seeing her once weak husband, now so independent and full of spirit.

Ayesha's mind drifted to the past, to every day she spent tirelessly taking care of Erwin, just because of her sincere love. Seeing Erwin now, rising from hardship and coming back strong, made her feel like all her sacrifices had paid off more than enough.

After all the dishes were washed and the kitchen was tidy again, both of them felt like the day had been perfect. The night was getting late, and they decided to rest. As they headed to the bedroom, there was a slight awkwardness that enveloped the two of them. Even though they had slept together for a long time, tonight felt different, there was a new feeling that was starting to grow, a quiet yet deep happiness.

They lay in bed, looking at each other in silence. Erwin felt Ayesha's warmth beside him, and he realized how lucky he was to have a woman as strong and resilient as Ayesha by his side. Ayesha, on the other hand, felt her heart pounding, feeling like she was back in the early days of their marriage, filled with unwavering love.

Although there was a little awkwardness, the warmth and happiness they felt were far more dominant. With a faint smile on their faces, Erwin and Ayesha finally fell asleep, holding each other's hands, feeling safe and comfortable in each other's arms. That night, they knew that whatever was to come, they would face it all together.