Chapter 28
The living room was quiet—too quiet for a house that had seen so much recent commotion. Afternoon sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting a golden hue on the velvet drapes. Kassia sat alone on the edge of the couch, her fingers knotted tightly together, her mind burdened with questions. Lately, peace felt like a fragile thing.
Then came a soft voice from the hallway.
"Kassia, dear…" Charity's words were cautious but gentle, as if bracing for impact. "Please don't freak out... your mum is here."
Kassia's head lifted sharply, eyes wide. "What?" she asked, her tone sharp with disbelief.
"I saw her," Charity explained as she stepped into the room. "At the hospital when I went to visit Chicago. She was already there… calm, quiet, but definitely there."
Kassia rose slowly, her posture tense. "Where is she now?"
"At the pool," Charity replied with a slight shrug. "Relaxing, I suppose."
There was a short silence before Charity added in a more hesitant tone, "She told me something... shocking."
Kassia's breath hitched slightly. "What is it?" she asked, her voice low, almost wary.
Charity stepped closer, lowering her voice as if delivering state secrets. "She said Cain asked for your hand in marriage."
Kassia hesitated, then slowly nodded. "Yes... he did."
Charity gasped with delight. "That's wonderful news! We should begin preparations immediately. There's so much to do—dresses, decorations, food…"
Kassia held up her hand gently, but firmly. "Mrs. Charity, I haven't accepted the proposal. I'm not ready for marriage. Everything's moving too fast."
Charity blinked, visibly confused. "But your mum told me you accepted it."
Before Kassia could respond, the sound of footsteps echoed down the stairs. Caleb appeared at the landing, his hair damp, dressed in a navy polo and jeans. He looked fresh from a shower, his face unreadable.
"Mum, I'm heading over to William's place," he said casually, adjusting his watch as he descended.
"Alright, dear. Don't be out too late," Charity called out with a distracted smile.
Just as Caleb reached the final step, Caesarea walked in from the patio, her robe swaying softly as she moved with practiced poise. Her presence, as always, carried quiet command.
"Oh good, you're both here," she said with a pleased smile. "Charity and I were just about to start making plans for the wedding."
Kassia turned to her mother, frustration visible in her eyes. "Mum, I already said no. I turned down the proposal."
Caesarea merely chuckled, waving her hand. "Don't mind her, Charity. She likes to pretend she's rebellious. She'll come around."
Kassia opened her mouth to protest, but Caesarea continued before she could speak. "Now, you should go check on your sister. She's been asking after you all morning."
With a weary sigh, Kassia nodded. "Alright, Mother. Goodbye, Mrs. Charity."
As she walked toward the door, Caesarea called after her, "The engagement party is still on for tomorrow night, right?"
Charity turned to her, lowering her voice. "I don't know… your daughter doesn't seem thrilled about this."
Caesarea offered a knowing smile. "She'll be fine. I know my daughter. She's just nervous. But she'll be there—without a doubt."
She turned to Charity and softened her tone. "Now that we're going to be in-laws, let's put our differences behind us."
"I was never angry with you," Charity replied calmly. "Now that the person responsible for the accident has been caught, there's no reason to hold onto the past."
Caesarea nodded, gathering her handbag. "Justice has been served. Time to move forward."
She walked toward the door, leaving the scent of roses in her wake. As the door closed behind her, Charity exhaled deeply.
"Wow... my boy is about to get married," she whispered to herself. "I'm so happy."
Moments later, the front door opened again. Charity turned, expecting Kassia. But instead, Cain stepped inside. He looked radiant with purpose, still dressed in his tailored navy suit, his eyes lit with excitement.
"Cain!" Charity greeted, pleasantly surprised. "We were just talking about you."
Cain offered a polite nod, stepping inside. "I just came back from the officer's office. I've got something important to share."
"What is it?" Charity asked, curious.
Cain inhaled deeply before answering, "I've just been awarded the National Young Innovator's Award for the biotech project I've been working on. It's going to be televised—full national coverage."
Charity's eyes widened with joy. "Cain, that's amazing! I'm so proud of you."
"There's more," Cain said, his voice steady but emotional. "I've decided to use the award ceremony… to publicly announce the engagement."
Charity's smile faltered. "Are you certain that's a good idea?"
"I want the world to know I've found the woman I love. I want Kassia beside me, looking beautiful. Talk to her mum, help her plan her look—dress, makeup, everything. I want her to feel like a queen."
Just then, Caleb re-entered the living room from the hallway, freezing as he overheard the final part of the conversation.
He frowned. "What the hell? You're going to marry Kassia?"
Cain turned toward his brother, remaining calm. "Yes. I am."
"No. Hell no," Caleb snapped, his voice sharp and unrestrained. "She's too young for you. Have you even thought about what people will say?"
"She's of age, and she's capable of making her own decisions," Cain replied coolly.
"I'll never accept this," Caleb growled. "Not in this lifetime."
Charity stepped between them, raising her hands. "Caleb, calm down. If your brother loves her, let him be."
Cain, choosing not to argue further, simply nodded and walked past Caleb, heading upstairs in silence.
Caleb stared after him, his fists clenched. "I won't let him marry her," he muttered. "He doesn't even love her… not really."
With those words, he stormed out of the living room, slamming the door behind him.
Charity stood alone, eyes wide, stunned by the intensity of Caleb's reaction.
"Oh, boy…" she whispered to herself, rubbing her temples. "This just got complicated."
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CC