Chapter Forty: The Formal Offer
(Ria's POV)
I could barely breathe. My hands shook as I adjusted my dress in the mirror. Maya fussed behind me, fixing my hair, while Emma tried to snap a few "cute" candid pictures. Lia hovered nearby, arms crossed, occasionally muttering, "Zaria, breathe, you're going to be fine."
Breathe. Right. Easy words. But my stomach churned like a storm. Today wasn't just a visit. Today was… the moment.
Miles appeared in the doorway, perfectly composed, wearing a crisp shirt and that infuriatingly confident smirk. He took my hand gently, brushing his thumb over my knuckles. "Threads… you look perfect. Are you ready?"
"I… I think so," I whispered, panic still clawing at my chest. "What if they say no?"
"They won't," he said firmly. "I'm standing right here. Nobody says no when we do this together."
I nodded, swallowing down the lump in my throat.
The living room was set up formally, a delicate balance of tradition and comfort. My parents sat on the sofa, composed but watchful, while my aunts whispered in the background. Sofia, perched on the armrest like a tiny queen, was scanning Miles critically.
Miles's mom, sitting beside him, gave me a reassuring smile. "You've got this," she whispered.
I took a deep breath and tried to summon courage I wasn't sure I had.
Miles stood, clearing his throat. The room went silent. My father leaned forward, expression unreadable.
"Mr. Rahman, Mrs. Rahman," Miles began, voice steady, "thank you for receiving me today. I know this is… unconventional, bringing all of us here, but I wanted to speak to you directly because Ria — Threads — is the most important person in my life."
I felt heat rising in my cheeks. Threads. Only he could say it like that.
"I love her," he continued. "And I want to marry her. I want to make her happy, to protect her, to be by her side through everything. I am committed, fully, to her."
My mother's eyes narrowed slightly. "And what do you bring to our family, Mr.Patel? You must understand this is serious. Our daughter's future is at stake."
Miles didn't flinch. "I understand completely. My family is reliable, my work stable, and my intentions honest. I will care for Threads with everything I have. I am asking for your blessing to marry her."
I held my breath. My stomach twisted. Miles was… perfect. Calm, respectful, commanding without being arrogant.
My father finally spoke, voice measured. "Miles, you've spoken well. I can see that you are serious. But marriage is not just about words. It is about trust, about respect, about responsibility. Our family needs to be assured that Ria will be safe, respected, and loved."
"I promise you," Miles said, kneeling slightly before me to take my hand. "I will honor her, protect her, and make her happiness my priority every single day."
Sofia squeaked, "Yay! You're gonna be my big brother!"
I laughed through tears, hiding my face in my hands. "Sofia, shh… please."
Hours passed in negotiation and conversation. My aunts asked questions, my mother scrutinized every detail, my father nodded thoughtfully. Miles answered each one with patience and sincerity, never losing his composure, never letting me feel alone in the storm of scrutiny.
Maya and Emma whispered encouragements from the side, while Lia gave me approving glances, occasionally nudging me.
Finally, my father leaned back, sighing. "Very well. If this is truly what you want, Miles, and if you will honor her as you promise, then you have my blessing to make it official."
I could hardly breathe. Relief and joy tangled in my chest so tightly I thought I might burst.
Miles smiled at me, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "Threads…" he whispered, his voice low, intimate, full of warmth. "We did it. Together."
I could only nod, tears spilling down my cheeks as he leaned down to kiss me softly. Not the wild, possessive kiss of passion, but a gentle, grounding one — a promise and a relief all at once.
Sofia clapped her tiny hands. "Again! Again!"
I laughed through my tears, holding onto Miles. "One step at a time, Sofia. One step at a time."
As the night settled, with the family finally at peace and all approvals given, I realized: the panic, the stress, the months of fear — it had been worth it. Miles was mine, officially. And for the first time, I felt like I could breathe.
But deep down, I knew… life wasn't done testing us. Challenges, surprises, and maybe even mistakes were coming. And somehow, I was ready.
Because we had each other.