Unexpected Encounter: They Were Meant To Be Together

Standing right outside his room, Ben scooped Clara into his arms, making her squeal in surprise.

Looking around, she slapped his shoulder and chuckled, "What are you doing Ben? What if someone sees us like this?" 

"What? Can't I even carry my wife? You know uncle Singtan used to carry aunt Ming anywhere and anytime he wanted to without caring about anything else. I haven't even seen dad carry mom that many times," Ben chuckled.

Hooking her arms around his neck, she smiled, "Thank you much for giving me a real family." 

"Well, only a simple verbal thank you is not enough, I need something else." 

"Hmm, all I have is me," she added.

Kissing her forehead, Ben smiled, "It's more than enough for me and I'll never get enough of you." 

Clara smiled and buried her head on his neck. All the years of suffering had finally come to end. She had married the love of her life and was officially a part of such a wonderful family. She had nothing to complain and be sad about. 

"So is my beautiful wife ready to check out her room?" Without waiting for her reply, he added, "Mom has also asked you and Flora to redesign our dull rooms into something which you think is perfect. All you have to do is roughly tell the person in charge how you want the room to look like and everything will be taken care of." 

When Clara smiled and nodded her head, Ben stepped into the room.

….

Living room.

"What? You are leaving?" Without waiting for her reply, Ming sighed, "Why do you have to go? Is it important? Can't you just stay?" 

Holding Ming's hand, Elsa said, "I am very grateful to you aunt Ming, you have taken care of me like a mother does. The amount of love and affection I got from everyone here is so overwhelming and I feel so lucky." 

"Then why are you leaving? At least stay until the wedding. We have been planning so many things together for months now, you should at least stay until the wedding," Ming insisted.

"Mom is right Elsa, you must attend our wedding," Yumi added.

"I—"

Cutting Elsa off, Ashton said, "Elsa needs to catch a flight in the evening and someone from her family is here to take her with him." 

Not left with anything other choice, Ming sighed and gave her a hug. "I'll miss you so much, I really wanted you to stay with us."

"We all will miss you Elsa and you must stay in touch okay?" Yumi insisted before giving her a hug.

"I will." 

"Lunch is ready," Singtan called everyone.

After everyone left for lunch, Ashton sighed and slumped on the couch. The feeling of losing Elsa was killing him and there was nothing he could do. He didn't want to fȯrċɨbŀƴ stop her from leaving when she genuinely wanted to leave. She had already suffered alot and now when finally everything was over, he wanted her to live her life the way she wanted. He didn't wish to come in between her dreams and make things difficult for her.

Sitting down beside Ash, Ming placed her hand on his shoulder. "Are you okay Ash?"

"Yeah, I am good." 

Patting his head, she said, "Come, let's have lunch." 

….

Evening

Inside Ashton's Car.

Passing her the tissue box, Ashton asked, "Are you alright?" 

Elsa nodded her head and answered, "I just never expected the girls to get all emotional. I never thought that I would get so attached with them in such a short span." 

Starting the car, he added, "Sometimes unexpected things happen and we really don't have any control over it. We just need to let it happen." 

Looking at him, Elsa pursed her lips. She had been feeling very complicated after the girls told her about Ashton having feelings for her and she couldn't stop thinking what would happen if he actually proposed to her, would she accept it? 

….

Outside the airport.

Tapping his fingers on the steering wheel, he said, "I'll take the suitcase out." Without waiting for her reply, he stepped out of the car.

Thinking for quite some time, Elsa stepped out of the car.

Placing her suitcase on the ground, Ashton took out a bag from the backseat. "This is yours too."

Taking the bag from him, she asked, "What is this?"

"Hmm these are your belongings and your certificates which Alvin had made sure you'll never find."

"My certificates? Oh my God, I thought I would never see them again," Elsa gasped.

"There are still a few more things, I'll send them over through someone after I find them all," he added.

Placing her hand on his, Elsa looked at him with teary eyes. "Thank you so much Ash, what I am now is only because of you. I have no idea what would've happened if you hadn't helped me out." 

Retrieving his hand back, he sighed, "It's alright, you don't have to thank me for anything. I did what I felt was right." 

Caressing her cheeks, he added, "You deserve all the happiness in the world Elsa and I wish you all the best. I just want you to stay happy wherever you go and if you need anything, don't hesitate to give me a call. I'll always be there for you no matter what."

Keeping quiet for quite some time, he continued, "Always remember that you are not alone now, you have me." 

Pursing her lips, Elsa wiped her tears with the back of her hands. His words made her heart feel so warm and loved and the feeling of not leaving kept on getting stronger and stronger with each passing second.

"Can I hug you?" She asked. She wanted to feel his warmth for the last time before she leaves. No one knew when they would see each other next time and that feeling was breaking her heart.

Taking a step back, Ashton said, "Have a safe flight," before getting into his car. 

….