The sudden turn of events took Rena aback.
She at first was a little dazed, staring surprisedly at the man who was yet kneeling with a box in hand, waiting for an answer.
She didn't know how to react for a while.
The room's background music changed into a romantic tune, creating quite an ambiguous atmosphere.
It was clear he had planned this beforehand.
"Rena?" He rose a brow, his tone coaxing.
The customers around noticed this action of his and most cheered, urging her for a positive response.
"Say Yes! Say Yes!!"
Most yelled, causing Rena to feel slightly uneasy.
With a lowered gaze, she questioned. "What are you doing?"
She didn't expect this at all. At this moment, she didn't know what to feel.
She have been dating Herman for nine months but all these times, she had never thought of marriage.
She loved him but for her now, marriage was quite a stretch.
Besides, his background was far above hers. He was from one of the 4th ranked family of affluence in the capital city and having met his family once, she knew they didn't approve of her.
This process would be quite difficult.
"This isn't some fun play, Rena." He frowned slightly, his words resolute and firm.
He held her arm gently, his gaze direct. "I apologize. I know my earlier words and actions made you angry but you must forgive me. I intended to propose last night, seeing that scene got me all worked up. I'm sorry." His sincerity was apparent.
His humility stirred her heart.
Such a wealthy person half-kneeling and seeking for her forgiveness was baffling.
Especially since she was from an overly lowly background.
It was hard not to feel touched.
Till now she couldn't understand why Herman choose to be in a relationship with her, she was obviously not fitting of his status but he had said she was charismatic and suitable.
Even though she didn't agree, she couldn't think of any other reasons.
Besides her beauty, she didn't think she had any other thing people would favour.
It wasn't low confidence speaking, it was what she considered truth.
Perhaps was that the reason he wanted her? But they must be other more beautiful women ready to accompany him.
She was not convinced.
Looking a bit flustered, she stated. "Your parents would not agree."
It was a fact.
Herman paused subtly but promptly beamed the next. "They will. I will talk to them."
"Oh."
"So do you accept? Do you say yes?" His expression showed anticipation.
Rena hesitated.
This was too hasty for her.
Their relationship was only months old and Herman was a busy man. They do meet a few times a week but that was not enough to know him better.
If she does refuse however, she knew he would not be happy especially since he had proposed in front of many people.
He would certainly feel embarrassed and his ego would be hurt, their relationship might turn possibly awkward.
Feeling puzzled, she remained speechless.
The customers seemed to sense her reluctance so urged even higher.
"Say Yes! Say Yes!!!"
Feeling the immense pressure, especially from his expectant countenance, she sighed and nodded. "Okay."
Herman smiled even more and slid the ring into her finger.
Rena watched with an heavy heart.
For some reasons, she felt uncomfortable as if a part of herself didn't agree with her decision.
Why? Was it because of Lester? After all, he was the only man she had vowed to get married to.
But that was when she was young and stupid, now this was a new beginning and she was sensible and mature enough to not dwell on the past.
~
After dropping her back home, Herman watched her figure walk into her apartment.
Seeing her enter, the broad smile on his face disappeared, replaced by a slight frown.
In fact, he lied.
He never intended to propose last night but seeing her in a sexual rendezvous with another aroused a sense of panic in him.
At that moment he realized he might not be the sole man she liked.
What if she chooses another?
Never. Never would he let that happen. He had endured this long, how could some random bloke snatch her away?
Gritting his teeth, he dialed a set of numbers and spoke.
"Watch over her. If she dares make contact with any man, report to me!"
~~
The next morning was a weekend. Rena tidied up her apartment before calling her best friend, Mildred over.
Today the school was as usual closed, so she wanted to use the opportunity to hang out with her.
Soon, Mildred arrived.
She was a young woman, tall, with brown hair and hazel eyes.
She was beautiful, her clear eyes and bright smiles adding a much jovial appeal to her appearance.
She gasped as soon as she settled on the couch.
"This..." She was shocked immediately she saw the ring on her finger.
"Did Herman propose to you?" She was bewildered.
According to her knowledge, Rena and Herman have been dating for a few months.
For others, that might be enough but for her who knew Rena well, she couldn't help but wonder if she was being hasty.
Rena took a gulp from a juice can before responding.
"Yes, he did last night."
"Gosh. Are you really serious about him? I mean, are you really wanting to marry him?"
Although Herman was rich and a CEO, Mildred was well aware of Rena's character.
She simply does not care about material things, she only wanted a good, honest man who will never betray her.
Rena sighed. She was indeed serious about Herman but marriage...
She had consented to a relationship with him just to give herself a chance to fall in love again, she didn't act on it to marry later.
But now...
She knew she needed to ponder.
Mildred saw her hesitation and mouthed quickly.
"Do you like him?"
"I do."
"Then what?"
"I don't know. I... I just think I haven't known him enough yet."
"Then why did you accept the ring?"
"..."
Sighs.
Mildred couldn't help but sigh at her friend's confusion.
"I don't know much about relationships but I think you shouldn't play with a person's feelings that way. If you don't want to marry him, you should not accept his proposal and cause him to be delusional."
Rena bit down on her lips stiffly. "I then didn't want to embarrass him."
"...?"
Mildred clicked her tongue thoughtfully, her eyes slightly curved. "To be honest, I don't think he is that bad though. Proposing early shows his intention — he loves you and wants to marry you. Such man with his background is hard to find."
It was the truth and Rena knew.
Her hesitation seemed a bit unnecessary and even made her feel a little bad. It was as if she was unworthy of his feelings.
She took a breath and muttered. "I understand..."
Mildred held her hand, a momentary concern beaming in her gaze.
"You should think of it carefully. Marriage is quite a long road once you enter into it. If you are unwilling now, you should only consider your own feelings and explain it to him. If he doesn't accept then it would be best to put the relationship on hold or not continue it any longer."
Rena felt warm.
Such advice was one she needed.
She should indeed think and reason her wants carefully
She shouldn't ignore her own feelings to please another.
Just as she was about to utter her thanks, her next words made her freeze.
"Rena, have you... Have you told him about your womb?"