A Little Hope For Ashma
7. Marry me

The events of last night are still imagined in Ashma's mind, when how Adam did the disgusting thing to him. Ashma could no longer stay in the man's mansion, she was afraid that Adam would take more action than last night. But Ashma felt so disgusted at her body, that man Adam had stolen the supposed first kiss for her future husband.

While Adam who was right outside the door Ashma room was confused as well, whether Adam should knock on the door of the woman's room and ask her to talk about the incident last night but Adam was afraid Ashma would reject him.

But before Adam knocked on Ashma's door, she opened the door. Adam took two steps back while Ashma was shocked not to play, he was also still scared and traumatized considering the events of last night.

Ashma looked at Adam with a mixed expression of fear, disgust, and confusion. His eyes were teary, and his heart was pounding. He was not sure what he should say or do at this moment.

Adam, though hesitant, tried to take a step forward to overcome this situation. He wants to apologize to Ashma and make sure that last night's events will not happen again. However, she decides to let Ashma give her a chance to talk first.

Shaking, Ashma finally opened his mouth. His voice was weak as he tried to reveal what was on his mind. "Adam, what you did last night is very inappropriate. I feel disgusted and scared of you. I can't stay here anymore, and I feel really bothered by what's going on."

Adam felt regret at hearing his trembling tone of voice he really wanted to rectify this situation.

"Ashma, I'm really sorry for my actions last night. I have no reason or justification for what I did. But I beg you not to leave here before the situation is safe."

Ashma clenched her teeth feeling angry should Adam realize his actions last night had made Ashma insecure and frightened. "You're really crazy Adam" Ashma looked at him. Adam knew he had made a fatal mistake and he had to take full responsibility for his actions.

Adam felt increasingly regretful and remorseful, realizing how serious the consequences of his actions were. He stood in front of Ashma with deep shame. "I'm truly sorry, Ashma," he said in a regretful voice. "I know I've crossed the line and made you feel insecure. I am responsible for my actions, and I will do everything to correct them."

Ashma still looked at Adam with a sharp look again Ashma remembered how adam did that to him, Ashma's eyes glazed over he could not help but cry.

"You almost snatched away the honor I kept for my husband, you bravely kissed me and almost did that to Adam."

Ashma shouted out loud enough to make some of the maids in the mansion want to know what really happened, but one of the senior servants who realized his master was having trouble swiftly ordered the other servants to focus on their respective work.

"I'll take responsibility for what I did last night Ashma..." Adam spoke in a low voice. " Ashma, Ashma, I am fully aware of how serious and inappropriate my actions were last night. I can't erase what has happened, but I promise I'll take responsibility."

"In charge? what are you going to account for Adam when you have boldly touched me."

Adam looked at Ashma boldly. "I'll marry you."

Ashma was shocked to hear Adam's words. His eyes widened in disbelief at what he had just heard. "What do you mean, Adam? How can you marry me after what happened last night?" his voice was filled with disbelief and confusion.

"Married to me Ashma, I will take responsibility for what I did last night." Adam once again said, of course Ashma did not understand the way the man thought, Adam actually wanted what from him or maybe all this was the scenario, he said, Adam had deliberately trapped him from the incident on the plane at that time until their luggage was exchanged and ended up Ashma was in the man's mansion.

"Why do you want to marry me after all this? What are you planning?" he asked with a trembling voice, his gaze full of probing.

"I promise this for only one year after that I will return you to your family in Palestine, as you asked before."

Ashma's eyes widened in shock, "What do you mean by marrying me for just one year?" Ashma asked with a trembling voice. "And why do you think it will fix everything? Or maybe it's because I look at you at a glance like your lover, huh?"

Adam looked into Ashma's eyes seriously. "I know that no words can erase what happened last night, but I want to do what's right. I understand that you feel dirty and disturbed by my actions. In these circumstances, getting married is the only way for me to give you the status and protection you should have after what I did last night."

Ashma could not say anything more to Adam she was still digesting at this perplexing difficult situation, why should all this be felt by Ashma? Ashma felt unable and very tired, Ashma just wanted to go home. He just wanted to live peacefully with his grandmother in Palestine.

"Leave me alone Adam."

Adam understood his sudden decision made Ashma very confused, but Adam will really be responsible for marrying the girl no matter what Ashma's decision will be Adam will continue to marry her because Adam is a man who will keep his promise.

As Ashma had said earlier that the only man who could touch her was her future husband, and Adam had insolently touched Ashma. Adam will remain in charge at least until Ashma can return to his family safely.

"Please consider my words, I'm sorry Ashma." Adam left Ashma with mixed feelings. The sturdy body of the man grew further and further away until his silhouette could not Ashma see again.

In the back garden, Ashma sat alone speechless and confused. Inwardly, Ashma felt that marrying Adam would only bind her more deeply in complicated situations. He felt tired and wanted to return to a quiet life.

"Married to a man I just met? the impression of a dangerous encounter with him while on the plane, until fate took me with him. Is this part of your plan, God?" Ashma murmured while looking at the slightly glare blue sky.

"But why in this way?"

...•••...

Ashma and Adam sat at the dinner table, but the atmosphere around them felt tense and awkward. Every time their spoon or plate touched, the resulting clinking sound further strengthened the uncomfortable atmosphere. Ashma and Adam stared at each other with tense expressions on their faces, they did not know what to say.

"Listen, Ashma," said Adam finally in a slightly stern voice, "Maybe we need to talk about this matter. We can't keep feeling awkward like this."

"There's nothing more to discuss."

Adam sighed before he let go of the oto attached to his chest then wiped away the traces of food on his lips with a tissue, Ashma noticed that and looked at Adam who turned serious.

Ashma waited for Adam to open his voice while eating his food, but the man did not start his conversation again. Ashma bodo time and again spend the food that is still left a lot on the plate.

After Ashma finished with his dinner he then intended to clean up his former food like Ashma's habit if after eating. Adam who saw that instantly opened his voice. "Not to be cleaned, let the waiter take care of it!"

Ashma ignored Adam's words and his disobedience made Adam a little frustrated. "Ashma stop!" A second intrusion from Adam just made Ashma stop.

"I just want to clean it up."

Adam sighed deeply, trying to calm himself down before continuing the conversation. "Let's talk about marriage."

Ashma looked at Adam in surprise, but agreed to discuss the more serious topic.

"Let's talk about marriage" Ashma agreed. Adam was stunned, so quickly did Ashma decide? That woman was unexpected.

Ashma tried to neutralize her beating heart. "I can't marry you" she said directly. Adam had already suspected Ashma would definitely reject his marriage offer. "I don't accept rejection!"

Ashma's face turned furious "What the hell is that?"

"I'll marry you!" Adam was still on his wish.

"No Adam, can't! I've told you before that I'm only going to marry a man who believes in me and can hold onto the principles of my beliefs."

Ashma looked straight into Adam's eyes, trying to explain firmly. "Adam, I appreciate your feeling of guilt, but marriage is a lifelong commitment. For me, religious beliefs and belief values are very important. I don't want to face conflict or compromise on such fundamental matters."

"I know, I have thought of him as mature as Ashma could be, too" Adam assures Ashma that he cannot forget their respective beliefs. "Please help me embrace your religion."

Ashma still looked at Adam in disbelief, whether the man was playing with this big business that concerned with matters of trust. Ashma was doubtful and unsure of what Adam was saying. He notices Adam's facial expression and tries to find out if there are any signs that Adam might not be serious or just try to play him. After a moment of thought, Ashma decided to give Adam a chance to prove his sincerity.

"Listen, Adam," Ashma said in a cautious voice, "this is not something that can be taken for granted. Trust is something that is very important to me. So, if you're really serious and want to embrace my religion, you have to show a real commitment."

"Don't make it your responsibility to marry me the reason you want to convert to Islam, you have to choose it on your will and your faith."

Adam set his breath before continuing, "I will not use our marriage as an excuse to convert to Islam. I believe that belief in God and religion is a very personal decision. I want to choose it with all my heart and my own conviction."

Ashma sees the seriousness of Adam's face, but thinking about Ashma's marriage is not sure about it, let alone this is all very sudden.

"I don't know what makes you sure you want to embrace Islam, or maybe you've found out before, but hopefully that's the best guidance given by God. However, speaking of marriage for your responsibility because of the events last night I have to think about it again because marriage is not an event to play, he said, marriage is a very long worship and I can't accept you right away."

Adam stood up and looked at Ashma with hope. He hopes that Ashma will see his good intentions and give him a chance to prove the commitment he showed.

"Will you accompany me to meet my old friend? He can help me embrace Islam." Adam said with great seriousness, Ashma's brown netra saw the earnestness of Adam's words.

Ashma was still stunned at Adam's decision but before long she nodded in response approvingly, for some reason the figure of that man whom she thought was haughty and heartless suddenly turned this gentle.

Ashma also can't blame Adam for what happened last night, it all happened because of an accident. Adam is unconscious due to the influence of alcohol and he thinks Ashma is Lily.

"Maybe his ex-girlfriend." The Ashma Monologue in his heart.

"If it is your decision, I am willing to accompany you Adam. Despite last night's events I can't completely offend you." The man smiled faintly for some reason Ashma's feelings warmed up when all night he was frightened by her actions.

"For an answer about marriage, please give me a week."

Adam gave a small nod, "thank you, Ashma."

#TBC