Chapter 21
After I dropped my girl off at her place, I headed straight to the restaurant where I'd set up dinner with my aunt and uncle. I rarely see them, but since they're my only family, I like getting together whenever I can.
I got there five minutes late. The hostess led me to the private room Chloe had reserved.
When I opened the door, I paused. They were sitting there, talking and smiling, and for an instant, the image reminded me of my parents when they were alive.
I stood in the doorway watching them, admiring the happiness they radiated after so many years together.
Our family has always valued love and respect above all else.
In my last relationship, I did everything I could to make it work, but unfortunately, I didn't get the same affection in return.
That experience made me hesitant to open up again—until Chloe came into my life.
So far, everything's been perfect, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep it that way.
I walked in, clearing my throat to get their attention. My aunt and uncle, who'd been deep in conversation, turned to me and smiled as they stood up to greet me.
“Oh, my dear nephew, it's so good to see you,” Aunt Dora said, wrapping me in a tight hug.
“Hi, Aunt Dora. Hi, Uncle Valter. I've missed you both.”
“You've been working too hard, son,” Uncle Valter commented, giving me that classic ear tug.
“I know, Uncle. The company's growing, and I need to ride the wave. Besides, I want to honor my father's name.”
“And you're doing that very well. Your father worked so hard to build Petrov. I'm sure he's proud of you.”
We talked for a good while, ordered dinner, and laughed a lot. But as usual, toward the end of the evening, they brought up a subject I always tried to avoid: marriage.
“So when are you going to introduce us to a fiancée?” Aunt Dora asked with a curious smile.
“Aunt, you know... I'm focused on work right now,” I said, trying to change the subject.
“I heard Abigail's back in the country, retired now,” Uncle Valter said.
“She stopped by my company, but I wasn't there.”
“So you haven't seen her?”
“And honestly, I don't want to. What she did is unforgivable.”
“Of course, our family has always put love and companionship above all else,” Aunt Dora said. “We understand, but have you considered that she was very young back then? Now, with age and maturity, she may have changed.”
“Aunt, I respect you so much. And like you said, love and companionship always come first, especially in a relationship. I did everything for her, gave her everything she wanted. The least I deserved was respect—and unfortunately, I never got it.”
“We just want what's best for you, son. You're over thirty now—it's time to get married, have children, start a family.”
“I've been thinking a lot about that, Uncle. I'm getting to know someone special. Despite her age, she's very mature and a wonderful girl.”
My aunt and uncle looked at each other and smiled, holding hands, clearly happy for me. They turned back to me and said:
“All we want is to see you happy, just like your parents wanted,” Aunt Dora said, tears in her eyes.
“I know, and I'm grateful to have you both rooting for my happiness.”
We hugged and finally said our goodbyes. Chloe really has made me see everything differently. She makes my life happier, brings me joy and love—things I haven't had in a long time.
I've decided to ask her to be my girlfriend, after a lot of thought.
I know it might seem rushed, but I feel like she needs this.
We don't have a label, and it gets uncomfortable when we go out and people ask about us.
I always introduce her as my assistant, which leaves her vulnerable to everything—even the looks from my clients.
If I want to stake my claim, I need to change our status and make her completely mine.
With a mix of nervousness and anticipation, I've made up my mind—on Friday, I'll ask her to be my girlfriend. Despite the age difference and expectations, I want to respect her pace and let her have all the experiences she deserves, considering she's never been in a relationship before.
I get home exhausted and head straight for the shower—a feeling of relief I love.
As soon as I finish, I wrap myself in a towel and collapse on the bed, falling asleep instantly.
The next morning, I wake up to the alarm screaming in my ears.
I smack it off and crack open one eye, still drowsy, trying to get my bearings.
I breathe a sigh of relief feeling the soft sheets beneath me, a comfort that makes me think about how good life can be.
I sit up in bed and notice the towel that was wrapped around me is now tossed and crumpled beside me—I'm completely naked.
I scratch my head, trying to clear my thoughts, then rub my eyes, wondering how I fell asleep so fast. Since I didn't drink anything at dinner, despite my aunt and uncle's suggestions, I'm starting to think maybe I'm working too hard and need a break.
And that's exactly what I'm going to do: after asking my girl to be my girlfriend, we're going to get away for a few days, enjoy some time together before her surgery, which is coming up soon.
This break will be exactly what we need.
After getting ready for the day, I put on my favorite suit and make a small detour before heading to the office: I stop at a jewelry store to order a special ring.
I choose a beautiful pink stone that I think will suit her perfectly.
I schedule the pickup for Friday, right before picking her up for the cocktail party.
I'm nervous to see her reaction when I ask her.
I can't wait for Friday! I plan to buy her an incredible dress, something that will make her shine. I want everyone to see how special she is, to meet the newest Mrs. Petrov—my woman, in every sense.
But, as always, life is full of surprises, and sometimes the people we love most disappoint us; unfortunately, that’s a consequence we can’t avoid.