Alex wiped the sweat from his forehead, his hands still trembling slightly from the rush of finishing the chores. "Yeah, I just finished," he said, glancing at Melisa, who stood nearby with her usual bright smile.
"Already done with the laundry?" Alex asked, surprised at her speed and efficiency.
"Yup! It's all hung up and drying out back. Now I'm ready to get my game on," Melisa responded, her smile growing wider.
"Is Connor done with the dishes yet?" Alex asked.
Melisa shook her head, a playful smirk on her lips. "He's still trying to teach the little ones how to wash the utensils. I think we've got a few minutes alone before they're ready for hide and seek," she said, her cheeks turning pink with a soft blush.
Alex blinked in surprise, caught off guard by her words. He nodded hesitantly, unsure how to proceed as a strange warmth spread through him.
Sensing Alex's hesitation, Melisa spoke softly, her eyes downcast. "Are you sure… you want to tell Mother Selene and your mom about us after the ceremony?" There was a tinge of worry in her voice, her gaze fixed on the floor.
Alex felt a rush of emotions and, gaining a bit of courage, nodded slowly. "Yes," he replied, though his voice trembled slightly. "If this is how you feel… I'll be the happiest guy alive." He fumbled with a shoebox, placing it into the closet, trying to calm his racing heart.
As he bent down, his shirt lifted slightly, revealing the scars and burn marks on his side. Melisa's eyes welled up with tears, her heart aching as she remembered. Without a word, she wrapped her arms around Alex from behind, hugging him tightly. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice breaking.
Startled, Alex turned around and embraced her in return, whispering gently into her ear, "It wasn't your fault, Melisa. I'm just glad I got there in time." His voice was steady, but his wry smile masked the pain of the memories that had scarred both his body and soul.
Melisa, with tears streaming down her cheeks, buried her face into Alex's chest. She was overwhelmed by his kindness, unsure of how to respond to his forgiveness.
Alex's mind wandered back to two years ago, when he had gotten those scars. He had saved Melisa from a group of noble children who were bullying her, their taunts escalating into something far more dangerous. They had tried to take her away, and Alex had intervened before they could drag her to a secluded area. The price he paid was in blood and scars, but he had saved her.
"It's alright, Melisa," Alex said with a soft chuckle, holding her tighter. "If I could go back, I wouldn't change a thing. I'd do it all again."
Melisa looked up at him through her tears, her conviction firm. "Then I want to marry you, Alex," she said, her voice trembling but filled with certainty.
Alex's heart nearly stopped. His breath caught in his throat as he stared at her in disbelief.
"We'll be sixteen tomorrow," Melisa continued, her voice gaining strength. "We'll be old enough to ask permission from our guardians to arrange our marriage when we turn eighteen. I'll get permission from your mother, and you can ask Mother Selene."
Her excitement was infectious, and Alex found himself nodding, though his mind was spinning. His heart raced faster than it ever had, and a wide smile slowly spread across his face as the realization hit him.
Melisa giggled, wiping the last of her tears away. "Besides," she teased, "your mom probably already knows I'm going to ask. I've been dropping hints to Mother Selene for weeks now, telling her how wonderful and hardworking you are."
Alex chuckled, the tension in his body easing. "You really think my mom knows already?" he asked, amused by the thought.
Melisa nodded with confidence. "She sees how we are, how close we've become. I wouldn't be surprised if she and Mother Selene have already talked about it."
Alex relaxed, the weight of the world lifting off his shoulders. Knowing that his mother and Mother Selene would likely approve made everything feel so much easier. He let out a deep breath, feeling more at peace than he had in a long time.
Melisa, seeing him finally relax, leaned in and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, her eyes shining with affection.
Alex froze, unsure of how to respond, his face flushing in embarrassment.
Before he could process what had happened, the door burst open. Connor stood there, grinning like a fool. "Hey, lovebirds!" he shouted, clearly enjoying the moment. "How about we show these kids how the pros play hide and seek? Then you two can go back to being all mushy later."
Alex and Melisa both jumped apart, laughing awkwardly as a swarm of kids came running in, tackling Connor and pulling at his clothes, all shouting for him to hurry up and play.
Alex, still holding Melisa's hand, laughed and said, "Alright, we're ready. But when we win, you all have to set the tables for dinner tonight without a single complaint."
The kids immediately accepted the challenge, grinning mischievously. "Deal!" they shouted in unison. "But if we win, we don't have to help with dishes after the ceremony!"
Alex and Melisa exchanged amused glances, both nodding. "You're on," they said, chuckling as they prepared for what would undoubtedly be an entertaining game.
…..
As the late morning sun climbed higher in the sky, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone streets, Christine walked alongside Mother Selene, their pace leisurely as they made their way through the bustling town. The sound of distant chatter filled the air as the market came to life with the energy of the day, but the two women remained focused on the task ahead—delivering invitations for the evening's charity ceremony.
"How are you feeling about tonight's charity event?" Mother Selene asked gently, her voice calm and steady.
Christine smiled, though there was a hint of unease in her eyes. "I'm excited for the kids. They've had so much fun decorating the church, and it'll be nice for them to see everything come together tonight. But…" She hesitated, her expression tightening. "Then there's the Keal family."
Mother Selene's face became serious as she listened. "You're still upset about what happened with Alex and the Keal boy, aren't you?"
Christine's shoulders stiffened. "Upset doesn't even begin to cover it," she admitted, her voice low and tense. "They almost killed Alex, and all because he stood up for Melisa. That boy and his friends abused their status, and if it weren't for Alex, who knows what could have happened to her." Christine's hands clenched into fists. "I don't want to invite them tonight. They don't deserve to be there."
Mother Selene gave her a thoughtful nod. "I understand your feelings. And truthfully, the Keal family hasn't donated to the church in years. They've done nothing but flaunt their wealth and bully others. Perhaps it's time they were left off the guest list."
Relief washed over Christine. "Thank you. The last thing I want is for them to ruin tonight."
The two women continued their walk, the bustling sounds of the market fading as they approached the quieter, more affluent part of the town. As they passed the Keal estate, a large, imposing figure emerged from the garden path—Nobleman Keal himself.
With a smug smile plastered across his face, he strode confidently toward them, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of arrogance and false charm. "Good day, ladies," he said smoothly, inclining his head. "I see you're out and about delivering invitations. I trust you have one for me?" His smile widened mockingly. "It's the least I can do, after all—considering the little misunderstanding between our boys." His voice dripped with sarcasm. "But no need to dwell on the past. My family, of course, is more than willing to be the bigger person, as God would expect of us."
Christine stiffened, her anger bubbling beneath the surface, but Mother Selene rested a calming hand on her arm. With a shared look of reluctant agreement, they handed him an invitation.
Keal took the card with a grin, but before they could leave, his smile twisted into something more sinister. "Ah, before you go," he drawled, stepping closer to Christine, "I'd like to make you a personal offer. How about you accept my proposal and join my harem? I'd be more than willing to care for you—and your son, of course." He leaned in, his tone mocking. "It's the least I could do, seeing as you're raising that demon child."
Christine recoiled in disgust, taking a step back. "No, thank you," she said coldly, turning to leave.
But before she could walk away, Keal's hand shot out, grabbing her forearm with a tight grip. His voice dropped, laced with menace. "You know," he hissed, "I could have that demon child of yours killed for what he did to my son. You should be grateful for the opportunity I'm giving you."
Before Christine could react, Mother Selene stepped forward, her eyes narrowing as she gripped Keal's wrist, her voice low and dangerous as she leaned in to whisper something in his ear. Christine couldn't hear what was said, but whatever it was made Keal's face twist with rage. He released Christine immediately, his hand falling limply to his side.
Without another word, he stormed back toward his estate, his smugness shattered.
Christine, still shaken, looked at Mother Selene in awe. "What did you say to him?"
Selene gave a small, knowing smile. "Let's just say that sometimes it helps to have the right people in your corner." She linked her arm through Christine's, steering her away from the Keal estate. "Come on, we've got the rest of these invitations to deliver, and I'm sure the kids are eager for us to finish so they can start playing."
Christine nodded, still trying to process what had just happened. The tension of the encounter with Keal lingered, but Selene's calm presence brought her some relief as they moved through the quieter streets.
After a few moments of silence, Selene glanced over at Christine with a mischievous smile. "So… what do you think of Melisa?"
Christine sighed, shaking her head as she chuckled. "I think she's smart, caring, and very protective of those she loves."
Selene's smile widened. "So you've noticed it too."
"Of course I have," Christine replied, a knowing smile creeping onto her face. "It's obvious how close she and Alex have become lately."
Selene nodded, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
Christine laughed softly. "Young love," she said with a nostalgic tone.
"Oh, so you remember what that feels like, do you?" Selene teased.
Christine shook her head, grinning. "And you don't?"
Selene's teasing smile faded slightly, her eyes growing more reflective. "I've felt it once… But my heart belongs to the church now, and that's all the love I need."
Christine softened at her words, nodding in understanding. "I know you're happy, Selene."
They walked in companionable silence for a few moments before Selene spoke again. "When do you think they'll ask?"
Christine looked up at the bright midday sky, her thoughts wandering. "If young love is still the same as it was when I was their age, I'd say… tomorrow, after the ceremony. They'll be sixteen. Lord knows they won't want to wait any longer to make their feelings known."
Selene laughed, her voice bright and warm. "We'll see about that," she said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as they continued their journey together.