Chapter 3 I Will

Betty's heart was torn as she considered the proposal. On one hand, she longed for the stability and security that the man could offer. Moreover, she barely knew him and wondered if she would be making the right decision by accepting his proposal. The burden of caring for Lisa and providing for their future had taken a toll on her, and the promise of a comfortable life was tempting. On the other hand, the idea of marrying for financial reasons alone went against her ideals and dreams of love and genuine connection.

The man noticed Betty's silence, so he became inquisitive. "What are your fears?" He asked.

"Well, I don't even know you, and just on our first meeting, you propose marriage to me," Betty managed to communicate her feelings.

The middle-aged man nodded, his expression serious. "You're right, young lady. My name is Liam, and I own one of the largest companies in this city," he said.

"Well, that's not what I mean. I'm not just talking about your name or identity. I..."

"Well, I think I understand you," the man interrupted. I know we haven't known each other before now and this might seem sudden. But I believe in us, and I'm willing to put in effort so that we build something beautiful together."

The middle-aged man reached out and took Betty's hand, his touch gentle yet firm. "Betty, I want to be completely honest with you. I know this might sound unconventional, but it's not just about the bills I promised to pay or the life I promised to give. I promise to love you," the man said. Betty was surprised at how the man got to know her name. They hadn't met before, so she wondered. "You wonder how I got to know your name?" The man asked, reading Betty's countenance.

Betty quickly nodded, affirming the man's thoughts. "Your name tag. You're still wearing your tag..."

"Oh..." Betty reacted as she looked down at her shirt. The tag was resting neatly on the right side of her blouse. It was the only thing the security guard had forgotten to retrieve from her at the restaurant so she knew she would have to go back to return it.

"Betty, I know this might seem sudden. I've been searching for someone like you for a long time, and I can't shake the feeling that you're the one I've been waiting for."

Liam's voice was filled with conviction as he spoke. "Betty, will you marry me?"

Betty's mind raced, processing the audacious request that had been laid before her. The man watched her intently, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and anticipation.

Betty stared into her half-empty coffee cup, her mind racing as she contemplated the choice before her. The man's proposal had the potential to change her life in ways she had never imagined. Finally, she looked up at the man with a warm smile, "Yes, Liam. I will marry you."

Liam's face lit up with joy as he reached across the table to take Betty's hand. Their love story had begun with a bold proposition.

"Can we get married in a few weeks?" Liam asked.

The words hung in the air, a weighty and unexpected proposition that left Betty momentarily speechless. She stared at Liam, her mind whirling with a mixture of emotions and thoughts. The idea of a wedding in just two weeks took her by surprise.

"Why the rush, Liam?" Betty finally managed to say, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

Liam leaned forward, his gaze intense. "Betty, I've realized that life is short, and I don't want to waste any more time. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I don't want to wait for the perfect moment because there may never be one. I want to create our perfect moment, and I want to do it now."

"But two weeks, Liam?" Betty said, her voice filled with uncertainty. "That doesn't leave us much time to plan a wedding."

Liam reached out to gently take her hand, his touch warm and comforting. "I know it's sudden, Betty, but we don't need a grand, extravagant wedding. I want something small and intimate, just between our families and a few close friends. It's about us, our love, and our commitment to each other."

Betty took a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of thoughts in her mind. She thought about her dreams, her vision of a love that was slowly nurtured over time. But she also thought about her sick sister in the hospital, and how urgent she needed to pay the hospital bills.

Finally, she looked into his eyes, her gaze steady. "Alright, then."

Liam's face lit up with joy as he embraced her tightly. "Betty, you've made me the happiest man in the world. I promise you, our wedding will be a beautiful celebration of our love."