The Gilded Cage

chapter 16

Claudia placed her left foot over her right and looked at Chris, scolding him stubbornly: "You're only complicating yourself. Listen to me for once, as I'm saying this for your own good, and you shouldn't think independently in matters like this for—"

— "I know what I'm doing. Since when have I waited for someone to give me orders and instructions, Auntie?"

He continued, displeased: "We'll talk later!"

— "Of course you'll clarify matters for us, and it's better if you can convince me..."

She said it firmly, then pressed her lips together forcefully as she turned her face away sarcastically, while her husband muttered: "Anyway, we won't sit for long; we have to go to the hospital. Your father is tired today and needs you..."

I felt him anticipating Chris's reaction, but he was astonished when the latter said cheerfully: "The smell is extremely delicious, and I can't stand waiting anymore..."

Mrs. Claudia sighed and looked at her husband in displeasure! What's the matter?

What's happening before me...? I know they're family matters and I don't want to interfere, but the charges in the air have become electrified and charged in a strange way!... In the end, Chris and I headed to the kitchen to bring the dishes, and I looked at him silently and puzzled as he helped me without uttering a word...!

After we finished eating, Chris's aunt didn't stop expressing her opinion and praising what I had cooked, so I felt very satisfied and pleased with what she said!

After I sipped my juice, Mr. Josh's question met me: "Are your parents alive?"

— "Yes, they are..."

He let out a faint hum and asked again: "What about siblings?"

I answered, hiding my surprise at this interrogation: "I have two brothers. One traveled a relatively long time ago, and the other is in my city..."

Interest was evident on his face as he leaned his elbows on the table to say: "You said you're about to graduate. What exactly are you studying?"

— "I was recently accepted, and I don't know when I'll officially start working. I first have to take some theoretical and practical tests at the medical institute. I'm a nurse, Mr. Josh."

Their looks changed, and they looked at Chris with a sudden look of blame!!

Did I say something bad?! I bowed my head in confusion and couldn't prevent myself from feeling intense pressure. They're asking me about many things, and if Chris were the one directing them, I would have answered him in my usual way, but the matter is difficult and different now, and I find myself forced to answer! I looked at them as I clasped my hands under the table nervously, while the three exchanged looks in silence until Claudia sighed and said kindly: "I enjoyed talking to you, Charlotte, and by the way, you're skilled at cooking. The food is indeed very delicious..."

Then she directed her gaze towards Chris: "See you later... I can't be late for your father anymore. You can consult your mind about going, as you know the hospital is open twenty-four hours, and a few minutes won't affect or—"

But Chris ruffled his hair, whispering: "It's good that you enjoyed it, then..."

They stood up, so we stood up as well. I shook her hand warmly and said: "Pleased to meet you both. I hope we have another meeting."

Mr. shook my hand with a calm smile: "I hope so..."

Claudia approached Chris and hugged him, so he bent down and enveloped her calmly, and when she moved away, she muttered: "Goodbye!"

Then I don't know what they talked about, as they were whispering together, and after that, they left, saying goodbye, so he closed the door, but he remained standing in front of it without turning around. I found myself taking a very deep breath to bring life back to my body and mind once again after all this tension I felt!

And I let out a strong exhale, relieving myself, only to find him still in his position in front of the door, so I asked, sighing boredly: "What's the matter?"

— "Can we talk about something?"

I didn't answer him but stared at his back expectantly, so he turned around, eyeing me silently and calmly...

— "What's the matter? What do you want to talk about?"

He took off his jacket and opened the top buttons of his shirt and sat on the sofa with a cheerful smile, so I exhaled and sat in front of him, hiding my curiosity and confusion...

He sighed slowly and looked directly at me, and his smile relaxed a little: "Tell me, Charlotte... what if I were the only person capable of helping someone who desperately needs your help and might lose everything he owns?"

I commented with interest: "And what are these possessions?"

— "Let me be frank and clear with you. The matter in short is..."

I waited for him for a few seconds until he completed: "Marry me..."

I furrowed my brow and my eyes widened a little, muttering in disbelief: "Excuse me?"

He pursed his lips firmly as he looked at me carefully, and that smile completely faded as he muttered calmly: "Marry me..."

At that moment, absolute silence prevailed, and how I suddenly felt a strange heaviness on my shoulders!

This state of immobility continued as we stood opposite each other. During this time, I only heard the sound of the street and cars outside and the curtain moved by the gentle breeze before my laughter rose in the place!

He smiled a small, concealed smile as he looked at the ground for seconds, then looked at me again with semi-sarcastic looks: "Is what I said that funny?"

I continued laughing until I calmed down a little and said amid my laughter: "Yes, because you're still throwing these unbearable jokes! Just stop it..."

He laughed softly: "You're right not to believe me. You have the right to..."

Then he took a few steps forward, adding, furrowing his eyebrows: "Charlotte, I'm serious now and not joking with you... Marry me!"

I continued laughing softly, then muttered sarcastically: "How long will this comical conversation continue?"

He exhaled boredly: "It seems I'm very funny..."

— "You are!... I wonder why you lie so much..."

I said it as I began to mock him gradually. A matter like this shouldn't be prolonged and joked about as if it were a normal thing. I continued as I stood coldly: "Good night, I'm really tired... And don't forget what we agreed on. My deadline is over, and I'll leave tomorrow..."