Darren quickly opened the car door for Chloe and hurriedly returned to his seat. He drove the car towards a ce he had in mind. Along the way, Chloe and Darren chose to remain silent. In this silence, Darren tried to think about starting a conversation with Chloe so she wouldn’t be shocked. Why was he so worried? He kept thinking about it repeatedly. Oh, it was apparent! The stakes were their rtionship. Darren didn’t want Chloe to drift away. He didn’t want that to happen. They were especially rejecting him outright and disappointing Darren. He didn’t like the arranged marriage to take ce; he just wanted to marry Chloe.


    “Are you still tired? If you feel that way, it’s better to go back! I don’t want anything bad to happen,” Chloe spoke up when Darren was still focused on driving to afortable ce for them to talk.


    Darren was startled because, all this time, his mind had been preupied with worries. Yet, Chloe was right by his side. He shouldn’t make her feel ignored, especially since Darren didn’t want any negative thoughts to enter Chloe’s mind.


    “Of course not; I feel much better when I’m with you,” Darren teased Chloe, who unconsciously smiled.


    Eventually, Darren chose a lush park with many food vendors and a beautiful view. Considering the shady and not-too-hot atmosphere, this park became their favorite ce to discuss what needed resolution. Chloe also liked this ce because it brought her a sense of tranquility andfort.


    “Should we spend time here in the park?” Chloe asked Darren.


    That question made Darren chuckle, and he shook his head gently. “No, I just want to talk about something with you here. Don’t you really like this ce?” Darren asked Chloe, who nodded subtly in response. It took only a short time after that for Darren to park his car near their destination. He took a deep breath multiple times, trying to convince himself that this n wouldn’t fail.


    “Alright, I’ll follow you,” Chloe decided with a thin but sincere smile as Darren opened the door. He extended his hand to receive a warm wee from her.


    Meanwhile, Leonel continued to follow them, filled with suspicion. Were they going to spend time in this park? It was not ssy at all. He also observed that the surroundings were quite crowded. Oh, goodness! Darren’s taste could have been more profound.


    In the park, Darren and Chloe sat on one of the chairs. Darren looked at Chloe’s serene face before starting the conversation.


    “So, what do you want to talk about?” Chloe asked.


    “First, I want to ask about the rity of our rtionship. Are you sure about the seriousness of the rtionship we’re going to have?” Darren asked Chloe, who nodded subtly, but he could sense a trace of doubt on her face. He tried to push away his negative thoughts.


    “Yes. That’s true. I do want to be in a serious rtionship with you. Why? Is there something wrong?” Chloe asked with a furrowed brow.


    “If it’s serious, I want to introduce you to my parents, considering they always question your presence and ourmitment to this rtionship. They often pressure me about when I n to bring you to meet them and introduce you. I hope you can make time for us to meet my parents,” Darren exined to Chloe, who fell silent.


    His words left her speechless, not because she was shocked, but because they had discussed this before. Didn’t Darren decide to go to Surabaya instead?


    “First of all, I apologize for prolonging the discussion. It could be more straightforward between us. Why do I say it’splicated? I’m afraid of burdening you, Sa. I don’t want to appear to be forcing myself on you. Though, well, my parents do want seriousness in our rtionship.”


    Darren looked distressed, and Chloe could feel it. Slowly, she tightly held Darren’s hand. It also made Darren lift his gaze, and they exchanged nces.


    “I’m not burdened, Darren. You know that,” Chloe gently stroked the fingers of his hand. “I’m afraid that you’ll leave me.”


    “Is that true?”


    “Do I look like I’m lying?” Chloe asked with a pout. It made Darren smile happily.


    “Why have I been postponing the introduction until now, Darren? You know, I’m a widow. I’m afraid of being looked down upon by your parents. I also need to present myself well. I don’t want any other assumptions, such as being seen as someone who relies on a man like you. You shine like the sun, Darren. Me? I’m just someone lucky enough to have someone kind around me.”


    “Sa,” Darren interrupted disapprovingly. “Why would you say that? I wouldn’t say I like it when you say things that belittle you. I’m not okay with that!”


    Chloe remained silent.


    “My parents are pressuring me to meet you because they want to get to know you better. How can I show them the person I often admire in front of them? The person who I’m deeply in love with. The person I want to share half of my life with. My mom and dad have never mentioned anything about your status, Sa. Don’t worry about that.”


    Darren’s words sounded so sincere. They touched Tisa’s soul and brought a different warmth as time passed. The doubt about Darren’s feelings in Chloe’s heart slowly vanished. It was reced by theplete conviction that her choice wasn’t wrong.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Leonel was only a part of her past. An obstacle that came before her happiness. How strong would Chloe hold up against this obstacle to stay with Darren?


    “I choose you to be by my side, Sa. No one else. Just you.”


    Chloe nervously swallowed.


    “If, Sa… and I’m saying this in case the things you’re afraid of happen. Let me be your shield. Let me live that life, Chloe. With you, we’ll be happy. We don’t need anyone else, especially my parents criticizing our rtionship. They won’t live this married life, right?”


    Darren’s words made Chloe’s face light up even more for some reason.


    It also sounded like… “Are you proposing to me?”


    Darrenughed yfully. “Come on, and I’m not proposing in a ce like this. I want to make sure I invite you to meet my parents. That’s it. After that, if we talk about proposing, I’m sure you’ll ept me.”


    Chloeughed along with Darren’s humor.


    They didn’t know that a pair of eyes behind the car window closely watched them. His jaw clenched. His gaze was full of pain. His heart burned fiercely. He felt like burning everything that dared to touch Chloe.


    Unfortunately, he was no one.


    Just an outsider who happened to be the ex-husband of the woman who looked happy sitting with another man.


    “Damn it!!” he cursed while hitting the steering wheel.