The car ca to a stop, and Karn stepped out alongside his parents. A gentle breeze stirred around them as they approached. Aisha’s parents ca forward to greet them, their faces lighting up as they embraced one another warmly.
"Karn," Alistair Doren said with a smile that carried both pride and nostalgia, "it’s been so long since I last saw you. You’ve truly grown into a remarkable man."
"Yes, Mr. Doren," Karn replied with a gentle smile. "The last ti I saw you was nine years ago at the council eting."
"We should go inside," Valentina said, gesturing gracefully toward the main door of the house. They all stepped in, their footsteps soft against the polished floor, and settled into the living room.
Lilith’s daughter approached Karn shyly, extending a delicate flower toward him. "Daddy says this brings love," she said softly.
"Eloise, co here," Lilith called gently.
Karn bent slightly, accepting the flower with a warm smile. "Thank you."
"This is the daughter of our elder daughter," Valentina introduced.
"She’s lovely," Norma said, smiling as she glanced at the child. Her eyes then road the room appreciatively. "Your ho’s interior is beautiful. I heard you were an interior designer in the past."
"Yes," Valentina replied softly, a trace of nostalgia in her voice. "But family responsibilities made decide to step away." She kept silent about the true reason that two years ago, she had left her career to care for Aisha.
The maids entered gracefully, carrying trays filled with an assortnt of delicacies.
"Where’s your second daughter, Mrs. Doren? We’re eager to see her," Norma said, unable to hide her excitent at the thought of eting Aisha.
"She’s in her room. Lilith will bring her down shortly," Valentina replied calmly.
anwhile, Alistair scooped his granddaughter onto his lap, smiling fondly as she clutched a glass of juice with both tiny hands.
"How old is Eloise now?" Ramsey asked, his voice warm.
"She’s four," Alistair replied with a proud smile.
"It’s wonderful to have grandkids around," Ramsey remarked with a fondness in his tone.
"You’re right. You no longer serve as Beta for the Alpha King, correct?" Alistair asked curiously.
"Yes," Ramsey replied. "I stepped down a few years ago. Now, Karn serves as Beta to Prince Gabriel." He glanced at his son with a proud gaze.
"Aisha is here!" Valentina announced as she rose from her place.
Everyone turned their heads to look at Aisha.
Norma and Ramsey smiled while exchanging glances with each other. While Karn stood up, but kept his expression neutral.
Lilith asked her younger sister to sit beside Karn. Aisha was reluctant, which Karn noticed.
"Aisha, co sit here," Valentina told her daughter this ti, motioning her hand to the left couch on which Karn was seated alone.
Moving closer, Aisha finally sat down and Karn followed her suit.
’Sothing is wrong. She doesn’t want it to happen,’ Karn thought. But their families were acting as if everything was fine.
"These sweets are made my our daughter. Aisha loves making sweets," Alistair said, glancing at his daughter.
The conversation flowed easily among the families. Yet at the edge of it all, Karn and Aisha sat in silence.
"Why don’t we let them alone for so ti?" Valentina suggested. "They both are sitting like statues. Aisha, take Karn with you to the garden. You two should talk."
"Yes, Mom," Aisha replied, wearing a fake smile and standing up.
She went ahead while Karn followed her, excusing himself.
As they reached the garden’s center, Karn decided to speak first.
"I–"
"I–"
The two of them spoke at the sa ti and even paused.
"Please, go first," Karn told her.
"No, you should speak first," Aisha pronounced.
"Do you rember ?" Karn asked.
"Pardon ?" Aisha confusedly stared at him.
"We were in sa class in the school. Of course, different sections," Karn replied. "But–" he paused.
"But?" Aisha arched her eyebrows.
"Joshua and I used to be in the sa class. Even during university, our courses were sa. That’s how I know you. As far as I know Joshua was your mate," Karn said, directly coming to the main point without circling in loops.
"If you know Joshua, then shouldn’t you be aware of what happened to him?"
"Sorry? I don’t know," Karn replied, frowning a little.
"He died two years ago... In an accident." A lump ford in Aisha’s throat, and she lowered her head as tears flowed freely from her eyes.
"I-I am sorry," Karn apologized. Seeing her break like that, he understood Aisha hadn’t moved over Joshua. And he completely understood that it wasn’t easy for her. She and Joshua were dating from the days of their school.
Karn retrieved a handkerchief from the pocket of his pants and moved it toward Aisha. "Please, take it. I am sure if anyone sees you like this, especially our families, then it may bring trouble for you."
Aisha took the handkerchief from him, wiping her tears. After a few minutes, when she turned better, she continued, "I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have–"
"It’s fine," Karn replied, interrupting her. "You two were mates. Then, why did you agree for this eting?"
Aisha turned quiet. She didn’t want to upset her mother, and her warning still lingered in Aisha’s mind.
"What about you? You knew about so much for . Then, why did you co?" Aisha asked curiously.
"Because I was curious," Karn replied. "Are you parents forcing you to go for a marriage? You can tell ."
"Yes. But I’ve to marry for their sake," Aisha replied. "Please don’t say no for ."
"That will be wrong to you. Mates are bound to each other for one life. I don’t think you should marry, Aisha. It was a terrible loss for you. But if you are not interested, then don’t force yourself even if that what’s your parents want," Karn advised her.
Aisha was surprised to hear his words. She hadn’t expected that, most n who ca with proposals grew irritated, dismissive, when faced with her reluctance. Yet Karn... Didn’t. He wasn’t angry.
"I can tell inside I’m not interested," Karn said.
"No," Aisha refused.
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