Long Journey of Tough Women
42. Bitter Reality

Promises and commitments that we often say are sometimes not in line with the reality we face. Others may think we are cowards, and even we ourselves will accuse ourselves.

Believe me, sometimes we do it because we want to see the people we love happy. It is a proof of the faithful promise we have made, although not in the direction of the path that must be passed. Eda Sally

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Erik, who had completed his studies, had returned to his homeland. He is certainly very happy because it does not need to be far away from the people he loves.

But the reality they have to face is different from the commitment they have made. As soon as Erik arrived at the homeland, his father immediately invited the Celine family and determined the day and date of his wedding with Celine.

"Three months from now your and Celine's wedding will be held. I hope you don't keep avoiding Celine."

"Why is it so fast, Pa?"

"Who said fast? You guys were engaged just a year ago!"

"Yes pa! But I just got home. Getting married so soon? I don't love Celine either."

"Because papa wants to have a grandchild soon. Celine is a good girl. Love matters behind affairs because love will present itself after marriage."

Erik just took a breath hearing his papa's last sentence. The harsh reality that lay before him left him at a loss as to where to start and what to do. He did not want to break the promise he had made to Yuana.

I have to do something for this wedding to be annulled. I don't want to be considered a coward by Yuana and Joshua, because I made a promise myself.

After his conversation with his father, Erik picks up a car and goes to Yuana's apartment. He wanted to find a way out together with Yuana.

After arriving, Erik entered with a matted face, not as usual.

"Why you brother? Any issues?"

"Yes! I want to talk."

"What's up, brother?"

"So papa said that my marriage and Celine will be held in three months. I am frustrated with this reality. You know what papa looks like. I'm confused about having to go forward or back."

"Sister...

"I love no one but you. Please don't make me marry a woman I don't love but you." Erik immediately cut off what Yuana was just about to say.

Yuana was silent with an extremely heartwarming heart when she heard what Erik had just said. He was confused what to say about this fact.

"To be honest, I can't accept this fact, brother. I'm not strong!"

Yuana was bowed with tears that had started to wet her cheeks.

Erik immediately raised Yuana's face and wiped away her tears.

"Don't be sad, dear. I won't leave you that long. Even if I lose everything, I'll still choose to be with you."

"I'm sorry I made you cry like this."

After saying so, Erik immediately carried Yuana in his arms. Her tears drenched Yuana's hair.

I'm sorry, honey. I have other plans that you never know. Let this be my secret so that you do not hate me and consider me a coward. Erik

After feeling that Yuana's crying had started to subside, Erik lowered his face and dyed Yuana's hair for a very long time.

"I will always love you. To the end of my age and to the time when death will embrace me, I will still carry your name and my love for you."

Yuana tried to calm her heart when she heard what Erik had just said.

"Sister! I am so sure of your love for me. But please don't hurt your parents for me."

"Then you want me to hurt you for my parents?"

Erik looked very angry at what Yuana said.

"I don't mean so, brother. I just don't want you to be an unfilial child to your parents."

"But filial does not mean accepting the compulsion to marry someone I do not love. Who will live my life."

"And I have the right to make my own choice."

Yuana was unable to finish her sentence because Erik had already smothered his mouth with his hand. Yuana glared her eyes at what Erika had just done.

Yuana was unable to breathe and reflexively hit Erik's chest which made him immediately come to his senses and let go of his hand. Yuana coughed for a long time holding her breath.

"I'm sorry, honey. I don't want you to tell me to marry that woman."

After saying, Erik immediately took a glass of mineral water and gave it to Yuana to drink because Yuana was still coughing from her actions.

After seeing Yuana somewhat calm down, Erik again grabbed Yuana in his arms without saying anything. Yuana just kept quiet with what Erik was doing.

"Let me hold you like this so that my heart may calm down."

"Sister!"

"Don't say anything else. I just wanted to hold you to calm my troubled heart."

Yuana said nothing more and preferred to remain silent in Erik's arms.

For too long hugged Erik, Yuana felt comfort and finally fell asleep in Erik's arms.

Erik who heard Yuana's regular breathing immediately realized that Yuana was asleep. He did not try to put Yuana to sleep and even more tightened his embrace.

Erik immediately kissed Yuana on the forehead. For the first time he kissed a woman's forehead, and for the first time he felt an incredible sensation from simply peeping a woman's forehead.

I promised myself that when I start kissing your forehead, I will take responsibility for this kiss, even if you don't realize it. Let me love you in my own way.

Erik then took Yuana's hand and placed it on her cheek. After a long while, the hand was moved on her lips and gently began to kiss the tiny hand.

The sleeping Yuana did not feel everything Erik did to her. Suddenly he moved and would turn his body because he thought that he was in bed. But he felt a firm hand holding him tightly.

Slowly Yuana opened her eyes and was shocked as she fell asleep in Erik's arms. He immediately raised his face and looked at Erik who was still faithfully opening his eyes.

"Wake up, baby?"

"Sorry brother. I'm asleep." Yuana said as she rubbed her eyes.

"It's okay. I feel comfortable sleeping in my arms."

"But Yuana is ashamed of you."

"Why should you be ashamed?"

Yuana just lowered her face because of getting such a special treatment like this. This was nothing new to him, as Joshua also often lured Yuana that way.

But the one who had just lashed out at Yuana was the man she loved and it made her heart race with great excitement.

"Darling, I'm going home now. You're good here huh?"

"Yes brother. Be careful on the road."

"Promise me not to listen to anyone but me."

"Yes brother! I promise!"

Erik smiled and ruffled Yuana's hair then left.

Yuana was pensively imagining everything that had just happened and subconsciously her lips revealed a smile.

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