Theo felt a pang of fear as he looked into Elara's father's eyes. "Yes, I do," he said truthfully.
Elara's father studied him for a moment before speaking again. "I know my daughter," he said, his voice firm but not unkind, "and I can see she's smitten with you."
Theo's heart raced, but he remained silent, unsure of what to say.
Her father sighed heavily. "I wanted to keep her safe, but I can't protect her from everything. She's a grown woman now, and she has her own choices to make."
He paused before continuing, his voice filled with concern. "But she's also naive, Theo. She doesn't understand the complexities of the world or the consequences of her actions."
Theo nodded, understanding the man's fears. "I know," he murmured.
"Can you promise me," her father leaned forward, his eyes intense, "that you'll make her happy?"
Theo felt a weight settle on his shoulders. "I promise," he said solemnly.
