Twenty Six

"Babe!!!". Arisa called out in panic as Matt staggered towards her trying to balance on his two legs.

She threw her legs down ready to stand but he grabbed her by the knees and their eyes locked.

She saw mixed feelings swirling in his eyes.

Despair, hopeless, gratitude and sadness.

She looked at her father who silently stood at the doorway with his signature "amused" look.

Lily had made up some excuse to leave them but John will face that later.

She looked down when Matt grabbed her hand and ran his thumb over her engagement ring.

"You saved my life...". He looked at her and they locked eyes again. "...And I'm more than thankful for that...".

"You don't have to be .. I'm just doing my duty as your future wife". She stammered.

Matt breathed out.

"Arisa.....I owe you but...aside marriage..I can give you anything you want. Can't you think of something else".

Arisa's eyes spammed as she pulled her hand away from his grasp.

"W...what are you saying...you want to leave me for tha