Chapter 401: A terrible loss for you
The car came to a stop, and Karmen stepped out alongside his parents. A gentle breeze stirred around them as they approached. Aisha’s parents came forward to greet them, their faces lighting up as they embraced one another warmly.
"Karmen," 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," Karmen replied with a gentle smile. "The last time I saw you was nine years ago at the council meeting."
"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 Karmen shyly, extending a delicate flower toward him. "Daddy says this brings love," she said softly.
"Eloise, come here," Lilith called gently.
Karmen 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 roamed the room appreciatively. "Your home’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 me 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 assortment of delicacies.
"Where’s your second daughter, Mrs. Doren? We’re eager to see her," Norma said, unable to hide her excitement at the thought of meeting Aisha.
"She’s in her room. Lilith will bring her down shortly," Valentina replied calmly.
Meanwhile, 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, Karmen 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 Karmen stood up, but kept his expression neutral.
Lilith asked her younger sister to sit beside Karmen. Aisha was reluctant, which Karmen noticed.
"Aisha, come sit here," Valentina told her daughter this time, motioning her hand to the left couch on which Karmen was seated alone.
Moving closer, Aisha finally sat down and Karmen followed her suit.
’Something is wrong. She doesn’t want it to happen,’ Karmen 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, Karmen and Aisha sat in silence.
"Why don’t we let them alone for some time?" Valentina suggested. "They both are sitting like statues. Aisha, take Karmen with you to the garden. You two should talk."
"Yes, Mom," Aisha replied, wearing a fake smile and standing up.
She went ahead while Karmen followed her, excusing himself.
As they reached the garden’s center, Karmen decided to speak first.
"I–"
"I–"
The two of them spoke at the same time and even paused.
"Please, go first," Karmen told her.
"No, you should speak first," Aisha pronounced.
"Do you remember me?" Karmen asked.
"Pardon me?" Aisha confusedly stared at him.
"We were in same class in the school. Of course, different sections," Karmen replied. "But–" he paused.
"But?" Aisha arched her eyebrows.
"Joshua and I used to be in the same class. Even during university, our courses were same. That’s how I know you. As far as I know Joshua was your mate," Karmen 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," Karmen replied, frowning a little.
"He died two years ago... In an accident." A lump formed in Aisha’s throat, and she lowered her head as tears flowed freely from her eyes.
"I-I am sorry," Karmen 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.
Karmen 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," Karmen replied, interrupting her. "You two were mates. Then, why did you agree for this meeting?"
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 me. Then, why did you come?" Aisha asked curiously.
"Because I was curious," Karmen replied. "Are you parents forcing you to go for a marriage? You can tell me."
"Yes. But I’ve to marry for their sake," Aisha replied. "Please don’t say no for me."
"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," Karmen advised her.
Aisha was surprised to hear his words. She hadn’t expected that, most men who came with proposals grew irritated, dismissive, when faced with her reluctance. Yet Karmen... Didn’t. He wasn’t angry.
"I can tell inside I’m not interested," Karmen said.
"No," Aisha refused.