We arrived at the bedchamber, where he gently set me down on the bed and then sat beside me. "Why are you delaying dinner, Irem?" I asked softly.
He took my hands in his, his eyes earnest. "I need to clarify something about the time before we were together—just two weeks prior," he said, his voice steady. "I was seeing someone named Dorothy. We were together for four years, ever since high school. We met during our third year of college—your and my third year. One Monday morning, she texted me that she was going abroad and that we couldn't keep seeing each other anymore. I was heartbroken; we've known each other since childhood." I pulled my hands away, confused. "Why are you telling me this?" I asked. "Because I want you to know I didn't cheat on you," he replied sincerely. "My family is cautious because of past hardships with men from our family," he explained, his eyes sincere, making me take his words more seriously. "The elders don't want you to suffer what they did. I've never lusted after anyone else—I promise. I've been too busy, and I know I've been a mess, but I always come home, no matter the time, to remind you that I'm here, with you and Louis. You're my family. Please don't turn your back on me." He gently took my hands again, his gaze pleading for understanding.