CHAPTER 35

Marcus's pov

I continue holding her in my arms as I pass my hand in her hair. I don't like seeing her this upset.

"I don't want my parents to be disappointed in me but I also don't want you to feel like you are not important to me." She says after some time.

"I am so sorry, babydoll. It must be tough to have to deal with all of this. But just know that I am here for you, no matter what. You are the most important person in my life, and I will always support you and stand by your side," I say, holding her hand tightly. We sit in silence for a while, just holding each other, finding comfort in each other's presence. 

"Let me go and check what Beth has prepared for us for supper. I will be right back." I tell her as I go to the kitchen.

Juliana nods, giving me a small smile before I leave her side. As I walk into the kitchen, I can't help but feel grateful for having Juliana in my life. I will do anything to make sure she feels loved and supported.

As I see Beth bustling around the kitchen, preparing a delicious meal for us, I can't help but feel grateful for her presence in my life as well. She has become like family to me, and I know she cares for Juliana just as much as I do. I thank Beth for her hard work and I let her take the rest of the night off. I want to spend this time with Juliana, comforting her and reassuring her that everything will be okay.

As I set the table and call Juliana to come to eat, I can see a small smile on her face. I know that this situation with Maggie is weighing heavily on her mind.

As we sit down to eat, I look across the table at Juliana, her smile lighting up the room. I reach across the table, squeezing her hand gently, letting her know that I am here for her, always. I make sure to keep the conversation light and cheerful. I want Juliana to feel at ease and relaxed in my presence.

As we finish our meal we go to my room and sit on the bed. I take her hand in mine and look into her eyes.

"Juliana, no matter what happens, I want you to know that I love you. You are the most important person in my life, and I will always be here for you. I will never let any harm come to you, I promise you that," I say sincerely.

Juliana's eyes fill with tears, but this time they are tears of gratitude and love. She squeezes my hand tightly and smiles at me, a smile that reaches her eyes and warms my heart.

"Thank you so much Marcus for everything." 

Juliana is my everything, and I will do whatever it takes to make sure she is happy and loved. I will do anything to make sure she is taken care of. I won't let anyone cause her any more pain, especially not that two-faced Maggie. I just hope one day Juliana will realize that she is not worth her friendship.

"Marcus, there is something I have been wanting to ask you," Juliana says, playing with her fingers.

"What do you want to ask me babydoll?" 

"Are you close with your mother's side of the family, it is just that you never talk about them." I look at her surprised by the question.

I look at my mother's picture on my bedside table, she is smiling in the picture. My father told me that she took that picture the day they found out she was pregnant. Anyone who looks at the picture can tell that she was happy that day. Her beautiful blue eyes have a sparkle in them. I get my eyes from her, the magical eyes as Dad calls them.

"You don't have to tell me if you do not want to," Juliana says, bringing back my attention.

"No, sorry babydoll it's not like that I was just thinking about my mum," I tell her as I hold her cheeks.

"Okay."

"I am not close to my mother's family, they disowned her when she decided to marry my father. My parents met in college when my father got a scholarship to New York University. My mother's parents didn't want their daughter to be with a scholarship student from Africa, so they told my mother to leave him but she refused. After their graduation, my dad proposed to my mom and she agreed to marry him. When her parents heard this they told her to choose between my dad and them, she chose him. They got married and then they came to Zambia together. My mother's parents cut ties with her, they didn't even come to the funeral when she died." Juliana hugs me tightly when I finish telling her.

"Have you ever tried to reach out to them?" She asks after some time.

"Yes, I did when I went to the States for my degree. I met my uncle. We started talking before I went there, so when I got there he came to see me. He was so happy to see me. I still talk to him and my two cousins. I have tried to reach out to my grandparents but they want nothing to do with me."

"I am so sorry Marcus, that must have been hard for you and your father," Juliana says sympathetically. I can see tears in her eyes, my babydoll is feeling sad for me.

"It was tough, but my dad always told me that family is not just blood, it is the people who love and support you no matter what. And that's what I have with him and now with you," I say, kissing her forehead. She is my family and I am glad I met her.

"I love you Marcus, and I am here for you no matter what," Juliana says, looking into my eyes with love and understanding.

"I love you too babydoll, thank you for always being there for me," I say, feeling grateful for her presence in my life. I can't imagine a life without her.

I am grateful for Juliana's love and support, and I know that she was sent from heaven just for me. She has become my rock, my anchor, and my everything. And I will always be there for her, no matter what. I am truly blessed to have her in my life. I will make sure she lacks nothing in life. She is mine to protect now.