Chapter 2 – The Proposal

Days passed after that talk. Elena’s father could not stop thinking about his old friend’s son. He believed it was a good idea. One evening he said to his wife, “I met Mr. Williams last week. He is rich and kind. His son Jason looks like a nice man. Maybe we should meet him.” Her mother agreed. “If he is good, our daughter will be happy.” They both smiled and felt hope inside.

Next morning, her father called Mr. Williams and fixed a small meeting. When he told Elena about it, she just nodded. “If you think it’s right, Dad, I will meet him,” she said quietly. Her voice was calm. Her mother looked at her and said, “You are not nervous?” Elena smiled a little. “No, Mom. I trust you. You both always choose the best for me.”

A few days later, Jason and his parents came to meet them. Jason spoke politely. He said nice things and smiled often. Elena only answered with short words. She didn’t know what to say. Inside, she prayed silently, “God, please guide me. Show me if he is the right one.” After they left, her parents looked happy. Her father said, “He seems perfect. Well-mannered, good family, good job.” Her mother said, “Yes, he looks nice. He will keep her happy.”

Elena said nothing. She trusted her parents completely. Later that night, her mother asked, “What do you think?” Elena said softly, “If you both think he is good, I will marry him.” Her father touched her head and said, “You are a blessing to us.”

Soon the talk of marriage began. Jason called Elena once after the meeting. He said, “You looked beautiful that day.” She said softly, “Thank you.” He continued, “You seem different from other girls.” She replied, “Yes, I don’t talk much.” Jason laughed and said, “That’s fine. I talk enough for both.” She smiled for the first time.

When she told her mother about the call, her mother said, “He sounds caring.” Elena didn’t say much. Her heart was quiet. She didn’t feel love, but she felt peace because her parents were happy. She only thought, “Maybe love will come later.”

The next few days were full of small discussions. Jason’s parents came again and fixed the date. Elena’s father said proudly, “Everything is decided. Our daughter will be married next month.” Her mother’s eyes filled with tears. “My little girl will have her own home now,” she said. Elena hugged her and whispered, “Don’t cry, Mom. I’m not going far.”

Jason began to call her every evening. Sometimes he talked about his business, sometimes about his friends. He said, “You will like my world.” Elena just listened and said, “I hope your world has peace.” He laughed again, not understanding what she really meant. She didn’t know that his world was full of noise and problems.

One evening, her father sat beside her and said, “Elena, I’m happy. Jason’s family is good. You will have everything.” She looked at him and said softly, “Dad, I don’t want everything. I just want peace and love.” Her father smiled. “You will have both.”

Soon the wedding preparations began. Her parents were excited. They bought clothes, jewelry, and gifts. Elena helped her mother with calm hands. Her mother asked, “You never asked for anything for yourself.” Elena smiled and said, “My peace is my gift.” Her mother hugged her tightly.

A few days before the wedding, Jason sent her a small message. It said, Can’t wait to start our new life. Elena read it and smiled faintly. She whispered, “I hope our new life is full of respect.” She didn’t know that soon her life would take a turn she never imagined.

On the wedding day, her father said, “You are my pride.” Elena replied softly, “And you are my strength.” Her mother was crying and smiling together. Jason looked handsome and confident. Everyone said, “Perfect match.” Elena stood beside him quietly. She said in her heart, “God, please protect this bond.”

When the ceremony ended, her father looked at her and said, “Now you are not only my daughter. You are someone’s wife.” She smiled with tears in her eyes. “I will always be your daughter too,” she whispered.

That night, when she sat in the car with Jason for the first time as husband and wife, she looked outside and stayed silent. Jason looked at her and said, “You don’t talk much, do you?” She smiled softly. “Sometimes silence is peace,” she said. He laughed and said, “You’ll learn to talk more in my world.”

Elena looked down and thought quietly, Maybe I will learn, or maybe I will change his world instead.

She didn’t know that her life was about to change in ways she never expected. The girl who stayed different was stepping into a world that would soon test her heart and her faith.