Joanna said nothing, studying his face. She didn’t need excuses. She didn’t need pretty words. She needed one real action.
“Kasim,” she said firmly, “you’re a grown man. You have to decide where you stand. Are you going to spend your life stuck in the middle, or are you going to stand beside the person you say you love?”
“Beside you,” he whispered. The words came out strained and shaky. “Please. Give me one chance to prove it.” He reached for the metal latch.
“Just let me come in. Please.” Joanna closed the door long enough to remove the latch, then opened it fully. He stepped inside, but he didn’t touch her. He didn’t even try. He seemed afraid of breaking the fragile moment.
“I just want you to hear me out. And if, after that, you say no, I’ll leave. For good. I won’t bother you again,” he promised.
Joanna nodded silently, crossing her arms over her chest. Kasim took a deep breath. “I know my family behaved terribly. I’m not excusing any of it.”
“But you need to understand something. What they said wasn’t really about you. It was about their own fears and prejudices.” He took a cautious step toward her.
“They’re terrified I’ll choose my own life instead of the one they planned for me. They’re afraid of losing control. And you—yes, you—are the first person who’s ever shaken that control.”
Joanna blinked, surprised. “You really think what they want is some obedient, picture-perfect daughter-in-law?” she asked. He gave a bitter half-smile.
“They want someone easy to manage. Someone they can direct. You’re not that person. You’re strong, honest, and brave. And you don’t bend for anyone. That’s exactly why they’re threatened by you.”
Joanna didn’t know what to say to that. His words warmed something in her chest, but the hurt was still there.
“So what happens next?”
