Chapter 49 - Dino Proposed To Rere (2/2)

”It's all my fault, Bar. How could she be okay after what I said? I've recklessly accused her when she was just trying to help me. If she accepted my proposal, I will try to be a good husband for your sister.”

”I will guarantee that both of you are going to marry soon.” Bara tapped Dino's shoulder.

*****

”What the heck is this?” Rere was shocked to learn that Dino asked her hand in marriage to Herman and Ainil. Rere was suspicious of Dino's arrival and her presumption was right, it turned out that Dino directly asked her hand in marriage from her father.

”Dino asks your hand in marriage from us.” Herman looked at her daughter.

”But father.” Rere pitifully looked at Herman.

”Rere, come with me!” Bara said coldly. Rere shuddered at his brother's unfriendly face. she follows Bara unwillingly to the study.

”Why don't you want to marry Dino?”

”Brother, what is the point of marriage if it is just for Leon's sake? I can take care of Leon by myself so far. We can take care of Leon without getting married. I don't love him, brother.”

”You just need time to love Dino, Re. Just marry him for Leon's future if you are really a good mother.”

”What do you mean? Am I not a good mother figure for my son, now?”

”Children need both of their parents because they need father and mother figure in their lire. Leon and Hanin could have a strong bond. They can live together if both of you get married. Leon needs his father and sibling's love. Don't separate them just because of your selfishness. Dino just wants to be responsible for his past mistake. He wants to atone for his mistake”

”But, marriage cannot be forced, brother.”

”Leon needs a legal status. Do you want people to scold and bully him as an illegitimate child because his parents are not married? You don't want that to happen, right? If the man wants to take responsibility, why don't you accept it? Every woman in your position will ask the man to be responsible, but you. I can't understand your mind. Maybe Leon is God's way to unite both of you. Just do it for Leon. Dino is a good man. I can confirm that he's a good man. He is a great father to Shaka, Shakel, and Salsa. He took care of my three children like his own.”

”But, Leon and Hanin can get closer without us getting married. Hanin can stay here if Dino allows it.”

”It is not that simple, Re. Did you refuse to get married because you feel that you are too independent? or, did you feel like you can do everything without a male figure in your life? You don't want Dino's money because you have a lot of wealth, right?”

”That's not the point, brother.”

”Then what? Give me one reason why did you reject Dino's proposal? If you do not want to get married to Dino, find another man who wants to marry you and acknowledge Leon as his son. Does that man even exist?”

”Bro ..”

”I give you the choice. If you don't listen to me, then I know my worth and I am going to step back. I'm just your stepbrother that has no right to take care of your life. We're just strangers who met because of our parent's marriage.”

”Please don't say something like that, brother” Rere panicked at Bara's anger. ”Okay. I will marry Dino. But, if he fails to make me happy in the future, I am going to blame you for my misery.”

”I never wrong.” Bara hugged Rere. ”He will be a good husband for you.”

”Give me one answer that can make me sure about Dino. Why do you believe in Dino?”

”He is a good man. The proof is that he has been a good father to my three children all this time. He loves my son sincerely. He has been a father figure for my children all this time. Trust me. Marrying Dino is the right choice. I'm sure he will make you happy.”

”Are you so sure?”

”Yes. I'm very sure. My choice is never wrong. If he hurts you. I'm the first to kill him. I just want you to be happy. I know if he can make you happy. I want Leon and his father to live together. Son can't live without presence of a father.”

Rere could no longer dodge. She was sure that Bara only wanted the best for her. How Bara treats her all this time, has proven his affection as a brother. Bara always protects her without her knowing it.