Passionate mysteries

Chapter 4: Not his bride

ZOE

“Zoe, will you marry me?”

I was stunned by Tyler’s sudden proposal, left completely speechless. This wasn’t the proposal I had dreamed of or imagined. I had always envisioned a romantic moment on top of a mountain, the sunset wrapping us in the warmth of a new beginning. I imagined myself crying tears of happiness, where nothing else would matter but me and the love of my life.

I never wanted anything grand—no extravagant proposals or engagement parties—just solitude and genuine happiness.

Yet, I was caught off guard by Tyler’s proposal. I mean, I knew this would eventually happen, especially since our families were trying to seal a lifelong business partnership through our union.

I grabbed Tyler’s hand and softly said, “The amount of happiness I experience while loving you is tremendously remarkable, and I won’t deny that. You have been patient, kind, and gentle. But I didn’t know how to respond at the moment, and suddenly a rush of confusion flooded my mind. I’m sorry, Ty. Please give me time to clear my thoughts before I give you my answer.”

I could sense his disappointment and sadness—but most of all, I saw anger in his eyes. Maybe it was just my imagination, or perhaps my own confused thoughts.

An awkward silence echoed in my room until Tyler cleared his throat and said, “Zoe, I won’t deny it—I’m really saddened by your response. Maybe this was unfair, and I didn’t plan everything properly. I was just hoping it was about time to tie the knot, since it’s been three years since we started dating.”

I rubbed Tyler’s cheeks and slowly placed a soft kiss on his lips. “Ty, you are the kindest person I know. And even though this relationship may have been planned or staged by our parents, the memories we shared were all genuine and pure. But I need to process everything first. This isn’t just a simple decision for me; this is marriage.”

The next moment, I was left alone in my room with my confused thoughts and burdened heart. I sat in front of my mirror and calmly caressed my chest. I want to feel the beat of my heart as if it would give me the answers that I needed. I took a deep breath and covered my face with my palm. I've never been this confused and overwhelmed in my life. I wish someone would be here by my side and provide the answers I'm seeking. A mom sounded nice... then my phone suddenly rang, and I saw my Dad calling me. I answered it with a lively tone, since I didn't want my Dad to know if something was bothering me. He'll just compensate for everything with lavish gifts and spontaneous trips that can divert my thoughts. "Hi Dad, what's up?" I heard a deep sigh on the next line, and it sounded like he would give me a lecture that would last a lifetime, but knowing Dad, he doesn't do that. But I know one thing: he is bothered by something. "Hi Zoe, I heard from Tyler that you refused his proposal? Why is that?" He had this impatient tone that I didn't really like, but then I just rolled my eyes and immediately responded, "The news got fast." I clenched my fist and responded in a calm voice, "Dad, I know that this relationship was planned, anticipated, and part of your deal. But you promised that when it comes to these big decisions, I will be the one responsible, right?" He paused for a second and shifted his tone from sounding disappointed to a soft and calm manner, "My dear, I know that this was all part of the deal, but don't you think it's about time? Don't you want to settle with Tyler? Or does this marriage scare you?" I felt my heart saddened, and it pains me to think that this whole marriage proposal is not going the way they all expected. "Dad, I know it's been three years since we started dating, but I don't think I'm ready for this. Is it okay if you give me time to decide? Besides, we don't need this partnership, right? They needed us." I heard Dad laugh a little. And told me, "That's a bit funny to think, but I thought you and Tyler were in love, and it goes beyond that partnership. So, I was just a bit confused why you declined his proposal. I'll leave you with this decision, and I trust you will make a good one. I'll see you, my dear. After my business trip to Japan, we'll visit our favorite cabin in the countryside, and we'll spend our weekend there, like the old times." I smiled and said, "I can't wait to see you soon, Dad. Thank you for not pushing me too hard on this." Dad may not have been present for most of my childhood, but when it comes to making big decisions in my life, he doesn't pry or push me too hard.

After our phone call, I fixed myself and went out to my music studio. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I like to sit there and play the piano, listen to the sound of music, and calm the noise inside my mind. I opened the doors to my studio and took a deep breath. I smiled, closed the door, and sat in front of my piano. I played soft melodies with my fingers, and slowly, as I played through the beautiful tune, I closed my eyes and just let it all out. I felt all the tension building inside me, the confusion that bothered my thoughts, and Tyler's disappointment. I let the music lead me to what I was looking for. As I entered the musical void, the image of that steamy dream came to my mind. I can never stop thinking about it, and it made me feel so alive, so hot, and ecstatic. I never felt this alive in my whole life, not even with Tyler. I played every note until I reached that climactic stage. I felt my body burning with passion. As I hit the last note, I deeply exhaled and slowly opened my eyes, and I saw a figure in front of me. It gave me a sense of familiarity, but I didn't know who the woman in front of me was. But I felt my soul tingling and smiled. She gave me a warm smile, she waved her hand, and said, "Hi, you must be Zoe."