Chapter 4. Proposal

As we sat down, I still didn't know what to say to him. I could feel a growing sense of nervousness in my heart because something felt off with his behavior. He was being exceptionally sweet, and I didn't know why.

"What would you like to eat?" he asked me gracefully.

"No pasta—"

"No pasta, of course, my love," he agreed with what I was about to say, and we both laughed.

"How was your business trip? I thought you would stay there for a few more days," I changed the subject, knowing he didn't always want to talk about work when we were together.

"I only went with Dad because my brother couldn't make it. I was also restless while I was there, knowing that I hadn't been able to say goodbye to you properly," he replied seriously, making me laugh.

"It's not a big deal to me. Is your brother coming home?" I asked.

He finally turned his gaze to me after placing our order with the waiter. Suddenly, his expression became serious, as if something was wrong.

"Dad wanted him to come back home many times. He just gave in just now," he replied in a serious tone. After a moment, he looked at me again and forced a sweet smile.

"Let's not talk about it anymore. Just focus on me tonight. I've missed you. My real plan was to invite your whole family as well as mine because this is an important night for both of us. But I didn't want to put pressure on you, knowing that's how you'll feel. I want you to know how serious I am about you, Anastacia," he said to me seriously, full of pleading.

I gulped at what I heard, blinking a few times while looking at him. I could feel my heart beating slowly, but it was strong. My hands on the table started to tremble, so I lowered them to my lap so he couldn't see.

After a while, his expression grew more serious, but his eyes remained soft as they locked onto mine. It was evident that he felt a deep love for me, and I couldn't fully process what was happening in my mind.

"A-Ares…" I managed to utter. I couldn't tear my gaze away from him.

"I already talked to your family about this last week. I just can't take it any longer. I can't bear the thought of you being away from me as long as I know you're not really mine yet…" he continued. His expression softened.

I quickly adjusted myself, summoning the courage to speak.

"I-is this a proposal?" I almost whispered to myself as I looked at him. I felt the tears welling up because I knew that's exactly what he was doing.

Ares smiled softly at me and reached for my hand. When I gave it to him, he kissed it gently over and over.

"I won't take no for an answer this time, baby…" he said tenderly, still looking into my eyes.

I bit my lower lip to suppress my emotions.

"I-I'm not going to say no… but are you sure about this? I'm not… I can't match your life. I'm just your secretary and—"

"Stop saying those self-deprecating words, Ana. You're more than just that. My whole family loves you, and I'm so grateful that you came into my life…" He interrupted what I was going to say, and I lowered my head in embarrassment.

When I looked up again, a small black box was in front of me. Ares opened it, revealing a ring with a large diamond in the middle. I couldn't hold back my tears and started crying in front of him, quickly covering my whole face.

"Hey…" I heard him say, and I felt him move closer to me.

Tears of pure happiness streamed down my face. In these moments, it felt like I was drowning in his love. I couldn't find the right words, so I just let myself cry.

I had never imagined that someone would accept me so completely, just the way I am. Self-doubt had always held me back, and life had never been particularly comforting. The kind of acceptance I was experiencing now was something entirely new, especially considering my family's lack of support, especially after my dad passed away.

"Did I upset you, baby? I'm so sorry..." Ares said gently, softly stroking my back. "I'm not rushing you. If you want to say no, just say it. Please stop crying..."

When I managed to speak, my voice quivered, "Y-yes..."

He seemed stunned, his eyes welling up with emotion.

"What?" he asked, his voice breaking.

I bit my lower lip and reached for his face. Unable to hold back any longer, I kissed him passionately.

"I will marry you. I'm ready, Ares. I am so ready to be your wife," I declared after that heartfelt kiss.

I heard him whisper a few words, and then he knelt in front of me. I saw tears welling up in his eyes before he hugged me tightly.

"I can't wait to marry you, Anastacia. I love you..."

After that intense dinner, he drove me back home. I'd been longing to spend more time with him, but I knew he was exhausted from the trip. So, I let him rest when we arrived.

Once I got home, I heard a commotion from the kitchen. I rushed there to find my older brother Matthew and Mom in a heated argument.

"What's happening?" I asked, causing them both to halt.

Matthew turned to me and came closer. I was taken aback when he roughly grabbed my arm, making me flinch.

"Didn't I tell you to give the money I asked for to Mom? Why didn't you do it?" He demanded.

"It hurts, Brother," I told him. But instead of releasing his grip, he tightened it, and I could feel his nails digging into my skin.

"I really needed the money! Why didn't you give it to her earlier?" he yelled persistently.

"I-I just forgot. I was away for a bit..." I stammered, trying to loosen his grip, but his hold was too strong for me to break free.

I tried to seek Mama's help through my eyes, but she seemed indifferent to what she witnessed, causing me even more emotional pain. What more could I expect?

"And where were you? Putting your own desires before family? You're utterly useless!" Matthew yelled at me, releasing his grip on my arm violently before storming off.

I bit my lower lip, the pain in my arm searing. Yet, the greater pain was in my heart due to Mom's words.

"Has Ares already proposed to you? It's fortunate you can marry a wealthy man, so we can gain something from you," she said coldly before I left.

I felt my heart shattering during those moments. I weakly made my way to my room. Once inside, I finally crumpled to the floor, tears streaming down silently.

I don't understand why they treated me this way. Despite the repeated pain, I couldn't protest, feeling as though they were punishing me for the accident that occurred a few years ago.