Chapter 404

Chapter 404
The Fisher family table looked like a veritable feast. Marlon's mother and grandmother were expert cooks and had prepared homemade dishes that filled the house with irresistible aromas. Carol, who usually ate little in formal situations, couldn't resist. Intense, comforting flavors exploded on her palate, and without realizing it, she went back for seconds several times.
When she noticed the looks at the table, she felt embarrassed.
“My appetite is a little bigger today...”
Marlon laughed, putting a piece of meat in her bowl.
“Eat up. I already told my mom and grandma that you have a great appetite. That's why they cooked so much.”
“Boy!” Marlon's mother scolded him, rolling her eyes. “What are you talking about? A young lady needs to eat well. It's good to be healthy. Being too thin isn't attractive.”
Carol froze. Did she mean that I'm fat? Her heart raced, and she looked down, embarrassed.
After dinner, to ease the feeling, she asked Marlon to accompany her on a walk. The city had a different pace than São Paulo. People walked slowly, greeted each other on the streets, and the air seemed lighter.
Carol sighed, enchanted by the tranquility.
“I really like it here. Why did you leave all this to move to São Paulo?”
Marlon smiled, intertwining his fingers with hers.
“To meet you.”
She blushed.
“That's an exaggeration!”
“It's not.” He looked into her eyes, serious. “If I hadn't studied and worked in São Paulo, I would never have found you. I am grateful for every decision that led me to you.”
The words were simple, even irrational, but they touched Carol deeply. She looked away, smiling slightly, trying to hide the blush on her cheeks.
They walked a little further until the sky darkened. They decided to go back, since Carol would be spending a few days there and would have other opportunities to go for a walk.
When they entered, they noticed the empty living room.
“Where are your parents?” she asked.
“They must be on the balcony. They love to be there at night. Come on.”
Marlon took her hand and led her there. When they opened the door, they saw his father reading the newspaper and his mother chatting animatedly with his grandmother. It was a peaceful, familiar scene.
But before Carol could greet them, she heard her grandmother say:
“Carol is a good girl, I like her. But it's a shame... she's divorced.”
Her heart froze.
“Yes...” added Marlon's mother, frowning. “Our Marlon is excellent, he could choose any girl. Although Carol is good, I still have doubts.”
Carol felt her legs go weak.
That's when Marlon's father put down his newspaper and glasses.
“So what if she's divorced? If the love between them is real, that's what matters.”
Marlon, who had been listening to everything, squeezed Carol's hand tightly. Then he opened the door abruptly. The three of them were startled, embarrassed.
“Are you back already?” said his mother, hurriedly. “Were you having fun outside?”
Marlon didn't look away. Still holding Carol's hand, he spoke firmly:
“Dad, Mom, Grandma... in my heart, Carol is the best. I'm afraid she doesn't want to be with me. I love her. I won't marry anyone but her.”
With that, he tried to pull her outside, but Carol resisted. She let go of his hand and took a few steps forward. She bowed politely and smiled, despite the tightness in her chest.
"Grandma Fisher, Uncle, Aunt... I know my past may cause doubts. But it wasn't something I chose. I can't change what happened, I can only guarantee that it doesn't define who I am today.
With Marlon, I want to live differently. With him, I want to give my best, as if everything that came before never existed.
Her voice trembled, but it was full of sincerity.
“I love Marlon now and will continue to love him in the future. The past was only a small part of my life. He is my future. I hope you can believe in me, accept me... and bless us.”
She bowed again, more deeply this time.
The room fell silent. Her father smiled proudly, her grandmother discreetly wiped her eyes, and even her mother, who had been so strict, relented. She took Carol's hand and said emotionally:
"I'm sorry, dear. We were narrow-minded. You're right. You can't change your past, but you can build your future. I believe you will be happy with Marlon.
“May God bless you both,” added her grandmother, smiling.
Carol breathed a sigh of relief. A weight was lifted from her shoulders.
Later, back in her room, Carol's phone rang. It was her mother.
“So, how did it go? Did you like your in-laws?”
Carol smiled, without going into details.
“Everything's great.”
“That's wonderful!” her mother replied excitedly. “Give me their number. I'll call them tomorrow.”
“What for?” Carol asked suspiciously.
“Your father and I decided that next Wednesday is a good day. You should register your marriage!”
“Mom!” Carol protested. “Isn't that too soon?”
“Soon?” her mother laughed. “I bet Marlon is impatient too.”
Carol sighed.
“You two are the impatient ones!”
“So what?” her mother retorted. “Register the marriage first, then have the official ceremony. Give me the number!”
Carol hung up before she could hear any more. She turned to grab her bag, but suddenly felt strong arms wrap around her from behind.
Her heart raced.