Chapter 67 READY

All the Baider stared at me and they were obviously shocked by my question as if I was the strongest person they met.

"Courage. You're filled with courage." Leroi gave me a friendly grin.

"It's been a long time that this family has had a new member and I think there will be a new member," Cristoph said with a suppressed smirk.

We could barely eat because of the tension of this conversation.

"So, do you really want to marry Laurent?" Semon asked without emotion. That question was repeated over and over again as if they were making sure.

"Yes, the first day I saw him I loved him. The second day, I proposed to him. The third day, I invited him to marry me," I said sincerely so I was so shocked when they laughed.

Huh?

Resttan and Laurent were smiling now but Lauressa was still looking sharp.

You hate me so much, don't you?

I wanted to ask her something like that, but that sounded rude so I just kept that in mind.

"Before I open the Patunay programs I want to ask you again, if you are really sure?" Again, I saw Ariya's smile.

"I don't tend to think twice. I'm sorry," I said seriously. I saw the smile on his lips becoming wide.

"Okay, it's like your mind will never change." Suddenly Ariya's face became serious as she grabbed the scroll beside her. "You can't meet Laurent starting tomorrow until the Patunay is not yet over."

The nervousness intensified in my chest. I think it hurts more than any wound. I wanted to frown but I did not do that. I just hold my stomach to gather some strength.

We can't see daddy, baby. Hold on.

"Are you back puting right away?" Lauressa caught my attention with her question.

I shook my head. "Why would I back off? It hasn't even started yet." I showed her that I could grin, too.

Where did I get such courage? Is it really me? Or maybe my son is brave and he empowers me to be strong?

"I like the way you defeat the argument," an astonished Anton said.

I smiled sparingly with the spark of getting friendly with them. "It's not an argument, it's just an answer to the question."

The smiles of some members widened.

Do they like me? That’s what I see. Good job, Anmela, Eris!

"Well, did you know that if you break the rules, you'll die with your family?" Lucio asked while putting meat on his mouth.

I was stunned for a moment. I knew that, I still could not help but be scared and nervous.

"I'm sure. I will follow the conditions." My heart was pounding recklessly. I needed to ease the nervousness that was beginning to intensify.

I saw their nod. I breathed a sigh of relief.

"In that case, the first Patunay is that you and Lauressa will fight. She's Laurent's sister, that's the rule. You'll fight in a boxing ring, you should impress us," Ariya looked straight into my eyes while speaking.

My nervousness rumbled again. Why Lauressa? I don’t know if I could hurt the sister of the person I love? I can't do that.

"All right," I sparingly replied as they were surprised.

I do not understand why they are surprised?

"The last Patunay will be held at Pulchra, you will climb a mountain, you are lucky if you don't see us in the path, if you meet us...you will die," Ariya said the last line strongly.

Will I die?

I already know that. I still can't get the nervousness out of my chest because I have a child in my belly to fight with.

“If you get to the top of the mountain alive you will live happily." Ariya's voice sounded encouragement. "And the family will accept you wholeheartedly. Please don't pretend that you love Laurent, just to get the wealth of the family. We believe that if you truly love him...will survive the Patunay," Ariya said continuously.

I moved my chin up. "I understand."

I saw the shock on their faces again. Maybe it was because of my undoubted answer?

"Nice girl, Laurent," Semon was praising Laurent with the spark of being proud of him.

Laurent showed him how he loved and trusted me so much. "Find yours, Semon." Laurent's tone was meaningful, causing Semon to avert his gaze.

Maybe they are just as afraid in love because of their tradition.

"Anmela, when you break the first tradition that you are not allowed to meet Laurent you will never get to the First Patunay because there is no other punishment other than...death." I did not know if it was a threat from Ariya or just a warning not to commit a wrong. Whatever the two, I had no plan to disobey the rules.

My nervousness was still there as I nodded. I already know that it was not really easy, but like they say if I really love him I can survive the Patunay and I believe in that.

"Remember your life, your family, depends on you when you violate the condition, sorry, Dear. We'll kill you." Ariya said seriously and then she ate some food as if she did not say fearful words.

I could hardly move my food in my mouth, out of dread but I did not let it show to my expression.

"Good luck," some of them said smiling.

"Say goodbye to the world, Anmela." Lauressa teased me as she shrugged boastfully.

I shook my head. "No, say hello to my new world, Lauressa," I smiled broadly at her. I was not playing with what it was just really fun to think that after all of this, I would be with Laurent for the rest of my life.

Their eyes widened at my answer. Then, I saw their amazement at me again.

In my entire life, I was fighting to survive the struggle that came into my way. This was just a little sacrifice for my forever happiness. The future of my child was dependent on my win in this Patunay.

I should win! No other choice. No buts! I will be with Laurent!

They all looked straight at me and asked at once. "Ready or not?"

I grinned before speaking again.

"READY."