Her conclusion
1152 Words
Caroline didn’t expect Laura to walk in while she was dressed. But when her sister did, she ignored her presence. The smell of lavender scented all over the room as she sprayed her perfume.
"Don't go with him, Caroline." Her sister warned him.
"I don’t want to talk about him with you,” Caroline said. She was getting fed up.
“No, Sis. You cannot avoid this conversation. He isn’t who you think he is….”
"How long will I sacrifice for you, Laura? I have given up almost half of my dreams for you already. Why do you want me to do more?”
"Stop talking as if you sacrificed for me! You never sacrificed for me! Mum makes all the sacrifices for both of us. You can’t put your leg in her shoes. Andrew looks nice, but he is not nice. He is definitely up to something. I think he wants to use you…."
"Quit being jealous! Damn!." Caroline strengthened her shirt.
"I am not. I might like him, but you're still my sister. That guy is up to something. He isn't who you think he is."
"You do not even know him, Laura…."
"So do you! Research him and know who he truly is. Ask him questions about himself."
"Not one more word! I am done with you. " Caroline snapped.
" Caroline, listen to me! "
She rushed out.
Caroline hurried to the living room, hoping to forget all her sister said. She saw Andrew thank her mum for something. He joined her where she stood and took her hand in his. Her heart raced again, but this time it wasn’t because of love. It was because of Laura’s words.
Though she was upset about Laura's meddling, she knew the girl wasn't wrong. She didn’t know who this Andrww Pak was. When she'd asked who he was, she sensed the reluctance in him to speak. He had no intention of being vulnerable anytime soon.
"I am the only child in my family…." He began, avoiding her eye contact.
"Really? " She asked.
He stared at her and nodded.
"I grew up in a wealthy home as you can see. My parents gave me all I wanted and I had lots of friends. I travelled wherever I wanted and experienced all I wanted, except a genuine relationship." He continued.
"You've never been in a serious relationship before? " She arched her brows.
"Only once, but that was just a short-term thing. I haven't gotten interested in a lady ever since then." He said, placing his hands in his pockets. The environment was silent.
"I thought your mum said a few days ago that you just got out of a relationship recently."
She watched his face turn red with embarrassment.
"Well….I…."
"It's okay if you don’t want to talk about it. Heart break hurts." She tapped his shoulder slightly, being supportive. She noticed his eyes staring at her with disbelief before moving to her lips. She removed her hand from his shoulders instantly, feeling awkward.
"Do you wish to visit my place someday? " He asked.
"What? No. I can't. Things will move too fast."
"I do not see the point of worrying. If we are getting married soon, why can't we just do it now? People have s*x all the time. And I do not see the need to wait anymore."
Caroline was in total shock.
"What? Marriage? Are you insane?"
"Your mum wants your dad to get the best treatment he needs. I can help with that, I can also help grow his company and bring in more investors. Our marriage can help our two families positively" He went straight to the point. "You are beautiful. But I am afraid I could waste my time just courting you. So I will go straight to the point. I love you, I cherish you, and I want you to tell your Mum that you accept me as a spouse. Think about your dad’s treatment. You can’t afford it.”
Caroline was puzzled. What nonsense was this man saying?
"Who do you think you are?”
“Take this offer for your dad’s sake,” he advised.
"That's not how relationships work. That's not how love works…."
"That's how my love works. Are you willing to comply or not? "
She scoffed.
"Laura was right. You're crazy" Caroline hissed with irritation. "You see me as a tool to use…."
He placed his hands on her lips and moved his face closer to hers, ignoring the passersby. Caroline was shocked at his audacity.
"What do you think you're doing?" She asked, staring around.
"I am not a shy person, Caroline. I can flaunt my woman anywhere and feel nothing. I do love you a lot. I love your lips and your eyes, and your freckles…."
Caroline stepped back, trembling with timidity. He made her feel so weak and his closeness caused her a feeling of hopeless romance.
"Andrew, I…."
"Give me a chance, Caroline. Convince your family and let's start a life together. I trust you can't wait to start a family with me too. We could have a little child running around the house…."
Caroline didn’t know what to say. He grabbed her by the waist and pecked her on the forehead, pressing her against him. Afterwards, they held hands and walked on. Of all the years she spoke to men, no man ever acted this strange. He was confused and…,she kinda liked it.
Arriving back home, she was greeted by her mum who waited for her review.
"Do you like him?" his mum asked.
She said nothing and walked straight into her room. Her eyes motioned back to the drawer where she placed her childhood photograph. She took out the old photo frame one more time and admired the picture.
Perhaps he was the right person for her! Perhaps he could help her with her dream of being a doctor? She thought. If he truly loved her as he said, he should be willing to help her.
"Caroline, the guy acts fishy to me. Your sister shared her doubts…." Her mum said, walking in.
"I want him! " She made her decision.
"What?! " Her mum was surprised.
"I love him, I want him…. I need him." She showed him the photo frame
"Are you sure he will support you? Life doesn’t work that way…."
"He told me he loved me and was willing to help…."
"He might not mean it, you know. Some men have sweet tongues." Her mum asked.
"If he turns out to be a liar, then I am ready to suffer all the consequences and not drag this family into my problems."
"Caroline, he asked for a month to prove his love for you. My thoughts will come after a month."
“But Mum…."
"Tell me your decision after a month. You aren't thinking right now."
- Writer
