Chapter 51

Dashtan stared at Rakia with a surprised look, then looked down as he exhaled loudly through his sharp nose. He folded his lips into his mouth as he thought, but he couldn't think of an appropriate response to Rakia's question. Meanwhile, Rakia stared at Dashtan, waiting for the man's reaction to her question.

"I... Don't want you to get hurt for expecting so much from me." Dashtan sighed in relief. At least he didn't look helpless in front of a woman. He did not want to let anyone see his weak side; he was still unable and entirely at peace with himself. He was too afraid to make a real commitment to a woman. Rakia swallowed all the disappointment she got from that statement. But she couldn't force anything on Dashtan.

"As you said, I wouldn't expect much; maybe that's better," Rakia said and smiled, trying to brace herself. She finished her ice cream while Dashtan finished his juice. After that, Dashtan stood up and excused himself to bed. Rakia just nodded; her face looked sad af