Page 65 of Seventeen Years Ago

I never thought I would be sitting in Reesa’s office talking to her about the part of my life that I had been scared of repeating to myself. It was embarrassing but it needed to be said. We told her almost everything that had happened the night I had been taken to Steven’s room. Reesa didn’t utter a word as I spoke.

When it came to Steven’s side of the story, where he told her about his childhood, Reesa also didn’t interrupt him either.

I couldn’t gauge what she was thinking. But she looked past Steven and me to where Bennett and Finn were seated. I didn’t need to see Bennett’s expression to know what it was, but I hoped Finn was showing some compassion for Steven.

“Reesa, as you can see, I was an adult at that time, and I am not coming forward now with his information because I want him charged. There are no ill feelings between us. We have both moved past what happened and we request that...everyone does as well.”Meaning Bennett Stone.

“I don’t really know what to say at this point. I understand that you have forgiven him but he did come to Tabiq with the intention of harming someone,” she said.

“No. He was forced to come to Tabiq. He had no idea what his father had planned. Not until that night. And what is most important is he didn’t do it. He chose to protect me by creating this lie to appease his father. If he is to be punished for this, then why not me for lying all these years. Never coming forward with the truth that I am still a virgin?”

“Still?” Bennett questioned.

Steven turned around and said, “Yes. And don’t question her words again.” His tone was so forceful. I’d never heard it come from him before. When he faced Reesa again, he said, “I really don’t care what you do with me. I only care about Aiza. She never deserved any of this. I am here now at her request. We love each other and would like to marry. But as you know, her grandmother is elderly. We cannot ask her to travel to the US and live there. This is her home. This is where she wants to live out her years.”

“You plan on marrying?” she asked him. He nodded. “When?”

“I would do it today, but it is up to Aiza.”

Reesa turned to me and asked, “And you want to marry him?”

“I do.”

“And when?” she questioned.

“As Steven said, I’d do it today if it made any difference to what your decision would be. I just know that we are meant to be together. I’m hoping you don’t rip us apart. That would be the pain that I cannot get over.”

Reesa said. “Finn, can you please ask her grandmother to come in now.”

“Please, Reesa. She doesn’t need to know all of this, does she? She is old and all I want is to care for her. It will break her heart, and I don’t want that,” I pleaded.

Reesa nodded and Finn went to get my grandma from the waiting room. My heart sank and Steven reached over and took my hand in his. “It will be okay. It doesn’t matter if she hates me, just remember she loves you.”

My endless protector.

Finn had my grandmother take his seat and he stood beside her.

“Mrs. Cross, thank you for waiting. I’m sorry it took so long but we had a lot of things to discuss,” Reesa said.

“That is okay. I just want to make sure that everything is okay. I want my granddaughter to be happy again. I want to see her smile like she did when Steven was around. It is not easy hearing someone cry from a broken heart. And them not being together is exactly that.”

“I agree. That is why I have made my decision,” Reesa said. I held Steven’s hand tightly and held my breath. “They are to be married immediately.”

“What?” Bennett said in surprise.

“Yes. I believe everything I have been told. And as the president, I have the final authority on many things. One that most do not know of either. I can act as the officiant at a wedding. You both said you would marry today. I have one last question. Would you marry each other now?” Reesa asked.

My grandmother clapped and I turned to see her smiling brightly. She blew me a kiss of approval. Then I turned to Steven who was smiling as well. “Are you sure?” I asked. “I mean we never discussed what the wedding would look like.”

“All I need is you,” then he looked over his shoulder and added, “and Grandma, here. Yes, I’ll marry you right now, if you’ll have me. You have given me what I never had in my life. Unconditional love. I am a better man because of you, and your love encourages me to do so each day. I love you with my entire being. You’re my best friend, my confidant, and the only person I have ever loved. And I want to spend the rest of my life showing you what you mean to me.”

“Steven, the moment you stepped into this office my heart skipped a beat. There has always been a connection between us. I made a promise to you years ago and I am making another one to you today. I promise to love you always, and never let you forget it,” I said.

Reesa said, “Do you take Steven to be your husband?”

Looking into his eyes I said, “I do.”

“Steven, you take Aiza to be your wife?”

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