Love Beyond the Stars

A Proposal in Desperation

I was in shock, my mind racing with no idea what to do. Somehow, Steve appeared, washing his father’s car at the automatic car wash nearby. He noticed me, immediately sensing something was wrong, and walked over.

What happened? Why are you crying? He asked, concern etched on his face.

I could barely speak, my voice shaky. Your brother... he's called off the wedding. He loves someone else.

Steve’s eyes widened; his disbelief clear. Are you joking? That’s impossible. What are you talking about? There’s no way.

I wish it weren’t true, Steve, but it is, I whispered, tears threatening to fall.

I tried calling Derek, but my phone went unanswered. Steve put a hand on my shoulder. Listen, is it possible for me to give you a lift home? Please don’t worry. I’ll talk to my father, and we’ll sort this out. You're not alone in this.

At first, I hesitated, but something in Steve’s voice reassured me. After a few moments, I nodded and got into his car. As he drove, he spoke softly, Don’t worry. I’m here for you, you can consider me your good friend, through light and dark. I won’t let you go through this alone.

His words brought some comfort, but inside, I still felt broken. When I got home, my mom was bustling around. She stopped when she saw me. What happened, darling? Why do you look so pale? Is everything okay?

I took a deep breath and blurted out the truth. Derek... he’s in love with someone else. He doesn’t want to marry me.

Her face drained of color, and she stumbled. I rushed to her side, helping her to sit down. Mom, please. It’s not worth getting worked up over. Stay calm, I begged, handing her a glass of water.

Just then, my sisters entered the room, and they must have overheard. They burst into tears, their sobs filling the house. The noise caught my father’s attention. He rushed into the room. What’s going on? What happened?

My sister, still crying, managed to tell him the story. The shock hit him hard. He gripped the doorframe to steady himself, his face pale. I ran to him, pleading, Dad, please. It’s not the end of the world. Stay calm.

In the midst of the chaos, my mother’s sister arrived, cheerful and unaware of the tension in the room. Where are my two little princesses? She called out, carrying bags of gifts. But the moment she saw our faces, her smile vanished. What’s going on here? She whispered.

Meanwhile, Steve had gone home and told his parents everything. Derek returned home shortly after, and his father confronted him as soon as he walked in the door. What the hell have you done, Derek? I’m deeply disappointed in you. I never thought you’d bring this kind of trouble to our family.

Dad, listen, Derek began, trying to defend himself. I don’t say Kristen is a bad girl, she's very good and brilliant, but I love someone else, a billionaire’s daughter. If I marry her, think about it, our entire life will change. We’ll be living a dream life! What’s so wrong with that?

His father’s face hardened. You have two choices: marry Kristen and stay part of this family, or walk out that door and don’t come back.

Dad, how can you say that?" Derek shot back, his voice rising. You can’t afford to run this house without me! I pay for everything. You need me!

Furious, his father shoved him toward the door. Get out! And don’t you dare come back until the day I’m dead! His voice echoed through the house, so loud that it startled even Steve from where he stood in the next room.

Derek turned to his mother, eyes pleading. Mom, remember, I’m not leaving by choice. You’re the ones kicking me out.

After he stormed out, Steve’s father decided to come to my house to apologize. Steve, his mother, and father arrived at our doorstep. My father, still recovering from the shock, sent a servant to let them into the drawing room. Moments later, my parents and my aunt joined them.

Steve’s father bowed his head. My dear friend, I can’t express how sorry I am. I never imagined things would come to this. I’ve kicked Derek out of the house, and I promise, even after my death, he won’t be allowed back.

Tears welled up in Derek’s mother’s eyes. She loved her eldest son deeply, and it pained her to see him cast out, but she said nothing.

My father, his face hard, spoke slowly. Do you know the humiliation I have to face tomorrow? All because of you. Tomorrow, my family’s respect will be dragged through the mud, and I will stand there with nothing but shame.

Just then, a small boy burst into the room. Steve, your car is blocking the driveway. Can you move it, please?

Steve, who had been quiet the entire time, nodded and left to move the car. Without thinking, I followed him outside. My mind raced. There was only one way to save my parents' dignity. I had to do it.

Steve, I called after him. He turned, confused. Will you marry me?

His face twisted in shock. What? What did you just say?

Will you marry me? I repeated, trying to steady my voice.

Steve looked at me as if I were crazy. You’re in shock. Calm down. You don’t mean that.

But I held his gaze. You said you’d stand by me in the light and the dark, remember? Prove it to me now.

Steve didn’t reply right away. He looked lost in thought, and for a moment, I wasn’t sure what he would do. But then, without another word, he turned and walked back into the room where everyone was sitting.

My heart pounded as I followed him. Steve sat down beside his mother, and the room went silent. He looked at my father, and after what felt like an eternity, he spoke. I’m sorry for everything that’s happened. But there is one thing we can do. I want to marry Kristen... if everyone is okay with that.

The room fell into stunned silence. Everyone stared at Steve in disbelief, unsure of what had just happened.