“THE PROPOSAL”

Joaquin also delivered her that night.

Lara has to admit that she feels ashamed of her father every time she comes home from Joaquin’s house. Although that was the second time after all. She still couldn’t help but feel that way. That was despite the fact that she and the young man had already engaged.

It was just past nine o'clock when her boyfriend delivered her. But Lara still thought that Joaquin would go home soon. That is why she was so shocked when she heard what the young man said to her father Rodolfo.

"I would like to tell you something, Uncle Rodolfo," said Joaquin.

That's when Lara set down the cup of coffee on the center table in the living room.

Rodolfo did not answer and instead just nodded. That was his method of responding to what Joaquin said.

Lara's chest immediately throbbed at what she heard. She automatically stared at Joaquin's handsome and perfect face who just smiled at her.

"Why don't you sit down, Lara?" her father suggested. While in the tone of his speech, he was obviously ready to listen to whatever Joaquin had to say.

Lara just nodded and then seemed to be losing herself in following what her father said and what wanted to happen.

She just sat down when Joaquin held her hand tightly and then kissed it tenderly.

What the young man did touch Lara's heart. As she saw her father smiling as he looked at her.

Honestly until now she still couldn’t believe that the young man offered her marriage. And she consented to that marriage. She accepted his proposal while they were in the heat of their intercourse.

Lara's face immediately warmed up when she remembered the method that her boyfriend used for her earlier. And to hide it from her father's sight Lara quickly bowed her head.

If she had hidden it from Rodolfo, well, not from Joaquin. When she felt the gentle squeeze on her hand, she only saw the young man looking at her.

When Rodolfo clears his throat to get their attention. She and the young man were both surprised. They abruptly turned their attention to the old man who was watching them. He doesn’t speak, but you can see the amusement in his eyes.

“I know it's too early to say this, Uncle. But I don't see any reason to put this into a delay,” said Joaquin.

At that moment Joaquin was staring straight into her father's eyes. And she also saw the seriousness of his aura.

Rodolfo did not speak as if waiting for what Joaquin wanted to say. Her boyfriend understood that, so he continued.

"I didn't see anything missing in my life until Lara came. I didn't know what hit me, so I fell for her instantly. Although, my heart says otherwise. It tells me not to let her go. Because even though I didn't know it, she's the love I've been looking for a long time."

Lara seemed to be floating on the cloud after hearing what Joaquin said. It was not simply because she was deeply moved by what he said. But most of all, it was the sincerity she felt attached to every word the young man spoke.

"J-Joaquin," Lara's voice cracked.

At that point, the young man looked at her again and then stared straight into her eyes.

Lara burst into tears because of the many mixed emotions she saw in the dark windows of Joaquin's soul. The reason is that she has completely lost control of her tears which have become frequent.

"You are the love that even though I didn't know, I’ve been looking for a long time,” the young man continued then raised her hand that he has been holding and kissed it for the second time.

Lara just smiled because in those moments that was all she could do. Happiness is overflowing in her heart. And that is why she loses the ability to speak. Why she is speechless.

“I want to formally ask for Lara's hand, and also your blessing to our marriage, Uncle Rodolfo. I want to marry your daughter as soon as possible.”

Like her, Rodolfo remained silent about what Joaquin said.

Honestly, she did not expect that after his proposal earlier, there would be something like this.

She did not think that Joaquin would formally ask for her father's blessing. That is why she could not stop herself from being emotional.

Rodolfo nodded and after a long moment of silence, he finally opened his mouth to speak.

“I love my daughter, Joaquin. I’m sure you know that” he began.

"Yes, I know that," the young man replied.

“Good then. Because I want you to know that I have no other desire but for her to be happy and to find a man who will take care of her, and of course truly love her,” Rodolfo continued.

The tears that Lara dried earlier dripped again when her father turned to her, and their eyes met.

"P-Papa," Lara said.

Rodolfo smiled at her first and then she turned her gaze back to Joaquin and continued the rest of what he wanted to say.

"I just wanted to ask you something," Rodolfo told Joaquin.

Joaquin nodded consecutively and then looked back at her for a moment before he turned his gaze back to her father.

"What is it?" and Joaquin.

Rodolfo let out a deep sigh for a moment before he opened his mouth to speak again.

“I hope you always find in your heart the reason why you married Lara. Of why you are here today before me asking for my blessing. Especially in bad times and you want to quit,” Rodolfo said meaningfully.

Lara knew what Rodolfo meant there. She knows Callie and her true relationship with Joaquin is what he refers to.

That also crossed her mind. She knew and hoped that by the time Joaquin found out the truth there is a chance that he would get angry with her. But now she doesn't want to worry about that yet. Because what really matters to her is the fact that Callie will have a whole and complete family. Just like she had long dreamed of.

“You can expect that no matter what happens, I will not give up. I love your daughter, and I can't live without her, ”said Joaquin.

Lara was very surprised by what Joaquin said. If she wasn't mistaken that was the first time, she had heard that word from the young man. That was the first time the man said he loved her. And not to her directly, but to her father. And all those that the young man said, done, and admitted were enough to fill her heart with emotions with greater and unnamed happiness.

“Then with all my heart, I am giving you, my blessing. That also includes my trust that you will take good care of my one and only p-princess,” said Rodolfo whose voice was eventually broken.

At that point, Lara couldn't hold back anymore. She immediately withdrew her hand from Joaquin and then hug her father as tears swelled down her cheeks.

"Thank you, P-Papa," she said between tears.

It was then that Rodolfo's hands caressed her back. Then he pulled himself away from her then carefully wiped and dried her teary face.

“I've been preparing myself for this for a long time, Lara. But now I am happier because Joaquin is the man you can be with,” he said meaningfully and then kissed her on the forehead.

Lara just nodded. Then she hugged her father again. This time, more tightly.