Chapter 6 - The Wife He Wasn't Ready to Ask For
Noah changed after that night.
He became more protective.
Not controlling.
Protective.
A driver appeared when I worked late.
Security cameras were installed around the shop.
When I complained, he listened.
Then he removed two of them.
"I don't want you feeling watched."
I blinked.
"You actually listened?"
"Always."
He began spending more time with my father.
At first, my father hated it.
Then Noah fixed the ancient sewing machine.
My father stared.
"Where did you learn that?"
"My grandmother taught me."
My father looked surprised.
Noah smiled.
"She made clothes."
Something changed between them.
Weeks passed.
One evening, Noah came to the shop carrying dinner.
My father wasn't there.
"Where's Dad?"
"Home."
Noah looked nervous.
I laughed.
"Why do you look terrified?"
"I'm not."
"You are."
He reached into his pocket.
I stopped breathing.
A ring.
But he didn't open the box.
He simply held it.
"I've been carrying this for three weeks."
I stared.
"Why?"
"Because I keep trying to find the perfect moment."
"And?"
"I finally realized there isn't one."
He opened the box.
A beautiful ring rested inside.
"I don't want to own you."
My eyes filled with tears.
"I want to build a life with you."
He dropped to one knee.
"I want to be the man you choose every morning."
I covered my mouth.
"Will you marry me?"
I laughed through tears.
"Not yet."
He froze.
Then I smiled.
"Yes."
He laughed.
"You almost killed me."
"Good."
He slipped the ring onto my finger.
Then he stood and kissed me.
But the happiness didn't last.
Because the next morning, my father found an old photograph hidden in the shop wall.
It showed Noah's father.
And my mother.
Together.
My father's face went white.
"Noah can't know."
I stared at him.
"Why?"
May you like
My father whispered:
"Because your mother didn't die by accident."
