1 ~1~

Cyrus and Mina have been together for more than six years. When his father passed away, she has been there for him and supported him in everything. He felt appreciative that she has not complained about his life, how he discarded her occasionally.

He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, so he thought of proposing. His siblings were not very fond of her, but they respected their older brother's choice and decided to tolerate anything from her. They were exceptionally appreciative of Mina because she stayed with their brother when he was in troublesome times.

He applied to C. Community College for a teaching position as he taught at a local high school. He was confident that he would get the job. However, he waited for so long to hear from them that it felt like he had to wait for an unfathomable length of time.

He wanted to have a superior job to make Mina have a sense of security.

For a year, he spared to the last cent so he could buy her a suitable ring. He wanted to give her everything. He was sure that Mina loved him the same way that he loved her. Perhaps, he thought, "I don't think she's going to stress over the quality. Though it's not a diamond, she will understand." He had hoped that she would overlook it and vowed to give her the best of the best in the future.

~~~

"Cyrus. How's the proposal coming along?" A gentle and low voice asked.

"Great, I think."

"Do you need my help?" Tara inquired.

"It's all right; I can handle it. Where are your brothers?"

"Aunt Grace's. They figured that you might require some 'alone' time with Mina," she said. Cyrus chuckled as he detected the prodding tone in her voice.

"Why aren't you leaving then?" He prodded.

"Bye, Cyrus," she giggled as she went out. He felt apprehensive and on edge. He took a deep breath and prepared the table with the food and wine. He cooked her favorite, lasagna with meat sauce and cheddar. He could not afford to give her a grand proposal, yet he did what he could.

~~~

"Cyrus," Mina called out as she set her keys and coat aside.

"I'm coming."

"What's the grand surprise? Someone told me you were..." He was on edge. How was it already eight? He hadn't noticed the time and had continued setting up the table to perfection.

"Hey," he said, greeting her with a soft peck on the cheek. "Sorry, I—"

"What's the surprise?" She asked.

"I have neglected you, missed out on important things you had going on. I am sorry. I know this simple dinner will not make up for it, but I promise that I will be there and—"

"I know how busy you are. The kids and everything," she said. "Goodness! You cooked my favorite," she shot. "It must have been hard on you. You didn't have—Candles?" Mina took a gander at him.

"Come here," he said, waving off her question as he pulled out a chair. He pushed her tenderly under the table and took a seat across her.

"This is delicious."

"Thanks," he smiled dryly. He was happy. However, he could not utter a single word. How was he going to propose? He didn't know how to start. He didn't want to say something that could have ruined the moment he remained silent.

Meanwhile, Mina was feeling sinful for even sitting at the table with him, enjoying the delicious meal and thoughtful evening he planned. She came for one thing; end their relationship. She liked him, but she did not want to marry him. He had no parents, no family, or relatives. They were not her most prominent interests, but—

She was determined and ambitious. She wanted a prosperous man, and Cyrus was everything but a wealthy man. They had good times, but she was not willing to settle down for a man like him. A man with nothing. They were young, and they had a good time. Their relationship was great. She knew he loved her, but she didn't care. It was his problem, and he should take care of his feelings.

The dinner was nice. Nevertheless, she came for one thing, and she would not let guilt get in her way.

~~~

"Let's break up," Mina said in a soft tone, her head down.

"You must have played it in your head a hundred times?" Cyrus asked calmly.

"Excuse me?"

"Sure, let's break up, but give me something—worth hearing. So, what's the argument?" He asked, his eyes fixed on her.

"What?"