Even though Cassius understood Aisha's hesitation, her fears of burdening him, of being seen as less desirable because her heart and time were tied to the orphanage, he didn't let those thoughts linger in his own mind.
He wasn't a man who saw love as a tally of hours spent together, nor someone who would measure affection against the weight of responsibilities.
So, as Aisha's eyes darted nervously, her lips pressed tight, silently wondering if he would ask her to abandon the one place that shaped her, he only chuckled softly.
"Aisha, that's the orphanage that raised you your whole life, isn't it?" He asked, his tone warm, almost playful. "The same orphanage that allowed you to be who you are today?"
Aisha blinked, startled by the question. Still, she nodded, her voice quiet but steady as she began to speak.
