Say Yes. Or Don't. - In the Meadow

He took her hand and steered her towards a meadow of daffodils and arctic blue blossoms. Jacqueline loved strolling in places that reminded her of her childhood, or a childhood she had dreamed of every night. There was no perfect word to describe the sunset. It was pale, but it glistened like a marigold. It was orange, but also pink and blue and even grape. She settled with "extraordinary."

"Your hands are stiff," Markus stated. "Relax." Her hand squeezed his before loosening.

She followed Markus until they were right in the middle of the land, below the twilight, and in front of a large butterfly with black and rouge patterns.

"Butterfly," she breathed.

"Yes, a butterfly. Did you see butterflies like these in your country?"

What a brainless question. But she wasn't thinking about that. She was thinking about Leonard back in Ugrana. He had caught a butterfly and given it to her when she got home from work. Jacqueline remembered teasing him and making him set it free.

"Jacqueline?"

Markus' next move seized her attention. He lowered himself to one knee with a grin plastered on his face.

She gaped at him.

"Jacqueline Dunne..."

Her mouth grew dry.

"Would you care to sit down and have a nice meal with me?" He took a sandwich out of his bag and handed it to Jacqueline, still smirking.

Jacqueline smacked him lightly on the shoulder. "I thought..."

"Oh, I know what you thought. Just trying to get your attention."

"I'm sorry."

"Thinking about your family?"

"I miss them."

"I know." He picked a violet and placed it between Jacqueline's hair. She gently stroked the flower, then took a bite of the sandwich.

Picture this — the sky was gradually dimming into a raspberry shade. Jacqueline had one hand limp on her side, and the other in Markus'. He had lowered himself to one knee — for real this time, holding up a ring.

He could barely see the tears trickling from her eyes. Soon, she'd be his forever.

All she had to do was say yes.

If she said yes, she wouldn't get married in Ugrana. She'd get married here. Markus would pay for her family's travels. She'd get married in an elegant, white dress at the beach.

She would have a stable future.

And Leonard would stay in Ugrana.

"Yes," she whispered hollowly.

He smiled, placing the ring on her finger.

"And trust me, we'll go back again," Markus assured as if he was reading her mind, "to see Leonard."

"You know him?"

"Your mom told me you love animals."

Jacqueline nodded, positioning her ring. "We named him after our father."

"Jacqueline, we've only met for two days. But I am close with your mother, and I promised to take care of you all with my wealth. Do you trust me?"

"I trust you."

Jacqueline stared at her ring.

I don't love him, she thought, But this...is for my family.