Stranger's In Love
64|CHARLES BRIDGES

Zean took Irene by the hand while walking along Charles Bridge among the bright lights under the almost perfect crescent moonlight, now almost seven p.m. They decided to go for a walk leaving Cassandra who was still faithful to stay in the living room controlling almost part of the sofa and television, she acted like her own Mansion.

Charles Bridge is a long bridge connecting the districts of Old Town and Lesser Town, the construction of this bridge began in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV and was completed in the early 15th century. The bridge is decorated with statues of the saints on both sides giving a mystical feel, but also beautiful and romantic.

“I love this place, beautiful,” said Irene paused her steps for a moment staring around as she breathed some fresh air here.

“Yes, you are right, beautiful,” said Zean as he looked at the woman as if she was the one who was beautiful, more beautiful than this place.

“I'm talking about this place, Zean. Why are you even looking at me that way,” Irene brushed off Zean's face so she wouldn't look at him.

Zean immediately pulled the woman into his arms. “There is no beautiful and comfortable place besides being in your arms, Irene.”

Irene broke out her embrace, then looked at Zean with a smile then her smile faded remembering something that kept bothering her mind. Irene was eager to tell Zean, but she was afraid of messing up this beautiful moment.

“What's up, baby?” ask Zean who noticed the change in Irene.

“Until when are you going to continue acting stupid like this, Zean?” Irene asked back.

Zean frowned, not understanding what his wife's question meant. Zean just kept waiting for Irene to continue her words. Now Irene was looking down while rubbing her cheeks like she was crying.

“Irene,” Zean pulled gently on Irene's chin so she could look at him, but Irene immediately shifted her gaze.

“Please, Zean. Stop this stupid attitude of yours,”. Irene could not stand it anymore, every time she wanted to say it felt like there was a knife that stuck deeper in her heart.

“Stop being stupid for keeping a woman who can't even give you offspring, Zean,” said Irene again, this time really making her soul moan.

Zean understood now where this conversation was headed. Irene thought back to her flaws. Of course this was a natural thing, the woman was worried about Zean's future. Irene thought about the Zean lineage later, she did not want to be a barrier for Zean to obtain offspring. Irene could not just sit back and live as if everything was going well when in fact it was very slicing the hearts of both.

“What loving you is a folly?” Zean looked at Irene fixedly, trying to show how sincere her love for Irene was.

Irene averted her eyes, but Zean immediately cupped the woman's face to keep her looking at her. “Don't avoid my gaze, Irene.”

Irene could not dodge anymore, she had to look into Zean's eyes.

“Aware, Zean. There's nothing you can expect from me, from a woman whose womb has even been removed. I really can't give you any offspring,” Irene tried hard while saying this, she must look strong for Zean. I wish the man would think about this.

All this time Irene felt that she was deceiving her own feelings. Even though Zean was always there for her and never once offended or disputed about it. However, this worry cannot be dismissed, this is an important thing that concerns the future of Zean later.

“Then tell me. How can I think of a descendant when I've fallen too deeply in love with you, with a woman who can't give me this offspring. Say, Irene. How do I stop loving you!” Zean couldn't stand it anymore, his emotions were heating up. He hated seeing Irene like this.

Irene sobbed again, this was the first time Zean had spoken in such a high tone to her. Irene felt guilty about starting this debate, but this matter was indeed worth debating. Zean had to have children to continue his lineage.

“I'm sorry, Irene,” said Zean suddenly and hugged Irene.

“Sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you, sorry,” Zean stroked the top of the woman's head.

“It's not your fault, Zean. You even have the right to be angry, you have the right to yell at me who thinks you're stupid for still loving a woman like me,” Irene tightened her arms.

After that they went back to a luxury restaurant near there, next to the charles bridge. The dining room at this restaurant is above a pontoon floating on the water beside the foot of the bridge. The bright lights are dimly lit around here and the candlelit dinner dishes give a romantic impression at every table, plus the accompaniment of violin music from some people in the music stange makes anyone feel at home for a long time in this restaurant.

“It feels like I want to stay in Prague,”, Irene said shortly after chewing salmon in her mouth.

“Alright, then let's stay in Prague,” says Zean without a second thought.

Irene immediately glared in shock, but she did not mean it. “I just origin talk, Zean.”

Zean put down his knife and fork then looked at Irene with a serious look.

“I'll obey all you say, Irene. Whatever you want, whatever makes you happy, I will do.”

Irene stopped her busy eating, she looked at Zean who looked so serious with her words earlier.

“Do you really mean it?” ask Irene. It seemed like he was thinking of something to make use of Zean's words earlier.

Zean nodded in response.

“Good. I will ask you something, someday,” said Irene.

Zean squinted his eyes at Irene suspiciously. “What do you think, Irene?”

Irene chuckles. “No, no, I was just kidding. Why are you so serious?”

Zean snorted in annoyance, Irene always did. Never really, all just jokes and jokes. It sucks, but Zean still loves that woman. They resumed their dinner until all the dishes at the table were gone. The food in this restaurant is really good plus the beautiful view of the historic charles bridge makes anyone will immediately fall in love with the capital of the Czech Republic.

After eating they decided to return to the Mansion.

"How about we stop by for a minute to buy something for Cassandra?" ask Irene.

Irene felt bad about returning empty-handed while in the Mansion they had a guest.

"No need, Irene. Don't treat him like a guest. You don't know Cassandra completely, she's annoying" Zean said, focusing on driving on the streets.

"But still Cassandra is your friend, Zean," complained Irene who felt Zean really did not like the presence of Cassandra when the woman looked good and very friendly.

Zean glanced at Irene for a moment then looked back at the street ahead.

"I dare to bet, he's making a mess in the Mansion" Zean said with a smile.

Irene scrunched her forehead, "Is that true?"

"Look at it later" Zean said, adding to the speed of his car.

Irene got curious, what mess could Cassandra possibly be doing?