Chapter 64: Marry me
Arnold was stunned after she had revealed her background to him. She had handed the company over to her assistant to be in charge until she was done with her professional wrestling course at Rising Impact University... However, it was still clear that he had attentive eyes on it, pretty protective of her father's property.
With all these explained to Arnold, first, he wondered why Mia had said too much to him. It was as if she was telling him about her whole family life and past. But after a while, she guessed it was already okay.
"So, tell me about yours," Mia sipped and asked.
Arnold only gulped but had no choice.
He told her about how his father died one day just after coughing out blood after coming back from a meeting with his friends. She was also notified about their poverty life for years, and how he had managed to pay his fees in Rising Impact University.
"So, it was true that you picked dumped metals... I'm so sorry about that," Mia felt sorry.
"That's all in the past. It was the only way though," Arnold smiled and didn't take that part too seriously.
Mia was also told that Arnold had two sisters, one suffering from asthma. However, the news of his brother now being a drunkard and a criminal frightened her the most.
"When last have you got to see him?" She hesitated and asked.
"Since I left for Rising Impact University for the first time. I haven't seen him since then, and I never want to," Arnold said, slightly furious.
Mia was finding it hard to mix up due to the case being so complicated and overwhelming. The fact that he had been helping his family financially even when he was at Rising Impact University made her flinch. While he struggled to get these things done, his brother was away from home, mindless of whatever might to his mother and sisters.
He never cared in the first place.
Soon, Arnold insisted that he would no more about it, so they switched to another conversation.
Awkwardly... A flow of silence and only complicated stares filled the room. Arnold's vibrant eyes stared at hers, but for a moment, they were both withdrawn.
"What?" Arnold asked.
"What? You looked at me first," Mia's lips curled up.
"Oh, well my bad..."
'Ah gosh... Why am I so afraid to say this.'
Arnold felt his heart beating hard. While his eyes and Mia's clashed, he felt like his heart would skip. But he was calm on the outside, making it even harder for Mia to notice anything.
Now, the truth was that Mia was also going crazy inside her mind.
'He is just here to appreciate my help. He doesn't feel a thing for me.'
This was the conclusion she made due to uncertainty... But she didn't know what was happening on the other hand.
Both figures' hearts were vibrating at that moment, and it was already becoming utterly awkward.
However, at a point, Arnold tried to pull off his nervousness. It wasn't as if he would get nailed after all... He desired her, and he had to tell it to her face...
And perhaps, she could be his girlfriend.
For a twenty-three-year-old, it wouldn't be a crime, right?
With a sigh, Arnold raised his head one more time.
'You can do this, Arnold. You can do this...'
Mia, somehow, had raised her head to look at him, placing her right hand against her cheek. Her eyes were cold and faint, as though like a little, shy child.
"I have something to say to you, Mia. But I'm afraid your reaction would be negative," he glanced at her.
"W... What? What is it?" Mia stammered, the faintness in her eyes becoming more intense.
Her reaction wasn't discouraging after all, and Arnold already felt himself gaining boldness. Although he had a strange feeling inside his heart, it wasn't enough to stop him from spilling some words out...
Those little yet powerful words.
"I like you..." Arnold suddenly spoke, "I mean... love you, Mia."
At that instant, Mia's eyes dilated, stunned.
"Just when I set my eyes on you, I have been the most troubled man ever because I have always wanted you. You saved my life, and I wouldn't have been here today if not for that."
Mia stared blankly as though she had become a statue, but this was actually what she had wanted to hear after all. Her shock didn't come because she didn't expect it, it came because her mind was right.
Arnold wasn't just here to repay her for her help...
"Please, Mia. Be my girlfriend," Arnold added, his face and voice sincere.
It took quite a moment before she could say a word, but Arnold was patient, staring at her beautiful face.
"I... I never expected..."
"You never expected it, but I have to. I know you wouldn't reject my proposal, Mia," for the first time in his life, Arnold was persuading someone to be his girlfriend.
An affection which came suddenly from nowhere... A complicated feeling he had for Mia just at first sight.
Mia prolonged her moment of hesitation, but it was fine by Arnold. Since she hadn't spilled out a "NO" from her mouth.
Then, in a moment, she raised her head to look at him, followed by a smile that almost made Arnold's heart explode.
"Yes, I will be your girlfriend. I... I love you too, Arnold..."
Arnold's eyes widened in disbelief, yet it was in reality. She said yes!
"But you have to do me a favor, Arnold. I could go down on my knees if you want..." She said, her face grim yet sincere and worried.
"You don't need to. What is it?" Arnold asked curiously, praying that it wouldn't be one of the disgusting conditions given by rich girlfriends these days.
"I will be your girlfriend... If you promise to marry me."
Now, she let out the favor she needed, blowing Arnold's mind. At that moment, Arnold was short of words, caged in a box of utter astonishment.
Right there in front of her, his only reaction was...
"But why?!"
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[A/N: Please let's help grow Arnold and Mia's character in the book info section! Your Golden Ticket votes would be highly appreciated. Thank you!]