Weeks passed after that heavy conversation. Scarlett found herself increasingly trapped in a world she never wanted. On one hand, she had to face it, trying to calm herself with the reality that her pregnancy was bringing major changes to her life. On the other hand, her contractual relationship with Asher was becoming harder to understand. She knew the feelings growing inside her couldn't be ignored, but she also feared that she would just become another piece in the larger game that Asher was playing.
Her decision was becoming clearer. Scarlett was now faced with a tough choice: to keep fighting for the love that was slowly growing between them, even though it started with a rigid contract, or to walk away and preserve the dignity she had held on to for so long. Even though Asher had given her a vague answer about her pregnancy—that he didn't mind the situation—his words didn't bring any certainty. The answer was too unclear, too indecisive. If Asher couldn't provide clarity, then it was up to Scarlett to find the answer.
That morning, Scarlett stood by the window of her room, gazing at the hustle and bustle of New York, the city that never slept, full of life and dreams. Her pregnancy made her reflect more often on the future, on what she would give to the child she was carrying. She wanted to give everything, something better than what she had. But beneath all these emotions, she couldn't ignore the fact that Asher was an inseparable part of this journey, even though she often felt confused about his feelings toward her.
What was she supposed to choose? Love that was starting to grow despite the doubts, or the dignity she had fought so hard to keep? Everything felt harder, and the more she tried to make a decision, the more the tension filled her heart and mind.
After a quiet breakfast at the dining table, Scarlett decided to leave the house, seeking fresh air to try and calm her thoughts. Her mind was full of unspoken feelings, especially after that night, when they returned to the same bedroom, yet in an uncomfortable silence. Asher seemed to avoid any further conversation, focusing more on his work. Scarlett felt trapped in a relationship without real commitment, even though their child should have been a reason to talk more openly.
Outside the house, Scarlett walked along the busy city streets. Her steps were filled with uncertainty. What if she made the wrong decision? What if she chose to stay and accept Asher, only to later be crushed by the bitter truth that he never loved her? Scarlett felt a growing emotion for Asher, yet she couldn't ignore her dignity.
That evening, she returned home and found Asher sitting in the living room, staring at his laptop screen. No words were spoken, just a silent atmosphere surrounding them. Scarlett walked toward Asher, stood in front of him, and took a deep breath.
"I want to talk," Scarlett said, her voice soft yet determined.
Asher looked at her, as if realizing that this moment would change the course of their relationship. "Of course, Scarlett. What do you want to talk about?"
Scarlett sat beside Asher, keeping a little distance. "I think we can't keep avoiding this reality. We both know that our marriage is just a contract. There's no emotional bond, no love. But I feel like we've both reached a point where feelings, feelings that are more than just obligation, are starting to emerge."
Asher froze for a moment. He knew Scarlett was right. Over the past few weeks, he had felt a change within himself. He was becoming more drawn to Scarlett, and even though he tried hard to maintain emotional detachment, he couldn't deny that those feelings were growing stronger.
"You're right," Asher finally said, his voice slightly hoarse. "I feel something different. I never wanted this relationship to change, but the truth is... I feel something growing between us. I don't know if it's love, but I feel very attached to you."
Scarlett stared at him with the same intensity. "I feel the same, Asher. But I'm scared, if we continue like this, without any clarity, we'll only hurt each other. I don't want to be part of your business game. I need to know what you really feel about me. Do you truly want me in your life, or is this just about obligation and responsibility?"
Asher fell silent for a moment, feeling the weight of the question. He was trapped in a dilemma. On one hand, he couldn't deny that he was starting to feel something deeper for Scarlett. On the other hand, those feelings contradicted the principles he had built all his life. He had never believed in love, and he didn't want to be a victim of emotions that would make him weak.
"I don't know, Scarlett," he finally answered, his voice heavy. "I can't say this is love, because I've never learned to love. But I also can't ignore the fact that I want you to stay here, with me."
Scarlett felt the depth in Asher's words, though she still sensed his confusion. "So, what do we do now? Are we going to continue living like this, just fulfilling each other's obligations, or are we really going to give this feeling a chance to grow?"
Asher looked at Scarlett with a gentler gaze, though doubt still lingered in his eyes. "I don't know what will happen after this, Scarlett. But I do know one thing: I can't see you leave. I can't let you feel like this just because we're bound by a contract."
Scarlett let out a long sigh. The decision still weighed heavily on her heart. What if she chose to stay and fight for a love that might not exist? What if she was wrong and ruined everything?
But in the end, she knew she had to decide. She couldn't live with this uncertainty forever. The decision had to be made, for herself and for the child she was carrying.
"I don't know if this will work, Asher," Scarlett said, her voice full of emotion. "But I want to give us a chance. We have to decide whether we want to choose love or our dignity."
Asher nodded slowly, looking at Scarlett with a softer gaze than before. "I'll try, Scarlett. I want us to try."
This big decision would lead them down a path full of uncertainty, but one thing was for sure, their relationship would never be the same again. They both had to face the reality that love and marriage were not just about contracts and obligations, but also about decisions that would change their lives forever.