Chapter 182: Do You Want to Get Married

Although Noah stopped pushing them to get married after Killian talked to him, Killian had some thoughts of his own.

Things between him and Lena couldn't drag on forever. Sooner or later, there would be an outcome, and he wanted to know what Lena was really thinking.

So one evening, he specially booked a candlelit dinner and asked Lena to meet him at a fancy restaurant after work.

"It's not even a special occasion. Why make it so formal?"

Lena followed Killian to the restaurant and looked at the carefully arranged table, asking with curiosity.

Killian didn't answer right away. Instead, he pulled out her chair and let her sit down first.

After they were both seated, Killian spoke unhurriedly, "Even if it's not a special occasion, we can still enjoy life. Besides, it's been a long time since we sat down for a meal like this."

They had been so busy with work lately that they really hadn't had time for other things.

Lena smiled a bit sheepishly, looking at Killian with some guilt in her eyes.

"Lena," Killian thought for a moment, then asked, "Have you ever thought about marrying me?"

Lena paused slightly, hesitating before asking back, "Why are you asking this?"

They hadn't formally talked about this topic before, and their understanding of each other's thoughts was pretty vague.

Killian didn't want it to stay that way. He wanted to discuss everything openly and talk it through.

"We've been together for quite a while now. Setting aside what others and Grandpa expect from us, it's time we could talk about marriage. I want to know what you think."

Seeing how serious he was, Lena didn't brush it off. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Actually, I have a lot of concerns about getting married."

"I worry about whether my career will be affected, whether the kids will be stigmatized, and whether I'll still have options. This isn't as simple as just having a wedding ceremony. It involves so many factors. Both you and I need to think about it carefully."

Killian hadn't realized Lena had thought about so much, and he addressed each of her concerns one by one.

"Lena, I hadn't considered all of that. I didn't know you were thinking about all this, but I want to tell you that these problems aren't really problems. Your career will still be yours. I won't interfere, and I'll protect the kids well so they won't be exposed to the media."

He reached out and held Lena's hand, promising seriously, "And you'll always have options. Whatever path you choose, I'll fully respect your decision and quietly support you."

He meant every word. He hoped that after marriage, Lena would be even happier, not weighed down by heavy burdens.

This wasn't really a proposal, but more like a realistic, equal negotiation.

They weren't talking about when or how to have a wedding, but opening their hearts and sharing their views.

"Thank you, Killian."

Hearing his heartfelt words, Lena was deeply moved and couldn't help but smile.

Finding a soulmate wasn't easy, but she could feel all the changes Killian had made for her.

Although she didn't give an answer right away, she told him clearly for the first time, "Killian, I also promise you that if I accept your proposal, it will definitely be because I'm willing to share the future with you, not to meet everyone else's expectations."

Their union would be because of love, because they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, and would never be influenced by outside factors.

They smiled at each other and continued enjoying the dinner, feeling more at ease inside.

The candlelit dinner Killian had specially prepared was very much to Lena's taste. They ate and chatted, having such a good time that they almost forgot about the time. It was late at night when they finally got home.

Seeing them come back together, laughing and talking, Isolde couldn't help but smile, "You're in such a good mood today. Things must be going well at the company."

"Pretty good," Lena said with a smile. "Happy or not, it's still just one day. Why make yourself miserable?"

Isolde really appreciated her attitude and was glad that Lena was becoming more and more at peace.

Killian also took the initiative to give them space, letting the mother and daughter chat while he went to the room to put the kids to sleep.

Isolde nodded with satisfaction and said to Lena, "Have you noticed that Killian has been fitting into our family more and more lately? The kids really like him, too."

"Really?"

Lena pretended to be surprised, but she had actually seen it all. Whether it was Killian taking on the father's responsibilities, taking care of her and the kids, or showing concern for Isolde as an elder.

Killian was so thoughtful and caring that even she, as a daughter and mother, felt she couldn't compare.

"I don't mean anything by it, but good men like this are hard to find." Isolde left it at that, not saying more, and went back to watching TV.

Lena pressed her lips together lightly, knowing that Isolde was reminding her.

Some people, once you miss them, are hard to meet again, especially someone like Killian.

But should she really agree to Killian? She felt conflicted inside and couldn't make a decision right away.

After chatting with Isolde for a while, Lena returned to the room. Killian had already put the kids to sleep and come back.

"You really have a way with them. You got them to sleep so quickly."

Killian smiled and replied, "Actually, they're all very good. I hardly need to do anything. Only Zoe is a bit clingy and needs a little more attention."

But he enjoyed it and didn't think there was anything wrong with that.

As the kids' father, he should take on these responsibilities. Besides, during the eight years he was absent, Lena had given so much more than him.

"Lena," Killian suddenly felt emotional and couldn't help but hug Lena, saying, "You've worked so hard."

"Why are you suddenly saying I've worked hard?"

Lena laughed, confused.

Killian was the one who had just put the kids to sleep. Why was he suddenly saying this?

"You raised the kids alone before. It must have been even harder. I should have realized it sooner."

Hearing the guilt in his voice, Lena's heart softened.

"It's not all your fault. Back then..."

Lena paused mid-sentence and laughed softly, "Let's not think about what's already past. Tomorrow matters more, doesn't it?"

What's the point of dwelling on the past? What matters is their future.

Killian smiled and nodded, pulling her into his arms.