Zain’s heart was pounding so hard he thought everyone in the room could hear it. His mom was still looking at him, and when she nodded again, it felt like his chest might explode.
He swallowed, his mouth dry. “I… I don’t want to marry her,” Zain said, the words spilling out faster than he could stop them. He felt like his whole body was on fire. “I can’t. I...” His breath hitched. “I’m gay.”
The second the words were out, the room froze. Like, froze. Zain swore even the air stopped moving.
His dad blinked like he hadn’t heard him. “What did you say?”
Zain’s throat tightened. He could feel Ella’s family staring at him. Ella too. She hadn’t said a word, just kept watching him with wide eyes.
“I said I’m gay,” Zain repeated, a little louder this time. His heart was racing, but he wouldn’t take it back.
For a second, no one spoke. It was like one of those awkward pauses that last forever.
Then his mom stepped forward, her hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay,” she said quietly. “I already knew.”
Zain’s eyes snapped to her. “You… knew?”
She smiled a little. “I’m your mom, Zain. Of course, I knew.”
Zain felt like the ground just shifted beneath him. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
His mom squeezed his shoulder. “I was waiting for you to be ready.”
His dad cleared his throat, and Zain tensed. Here it comes.
“This isn’t what we planned,” his dad said, his voice tight. “This marriage was important, Zain. For both families.”
Zain’s stomach twisted, but he kept his head up. “I get that, but I won’t pretend to be someone I’m not. I can’t.”
Ella’s mom shifted in her seat. “Zain, this isn’t just about you,” she said softly. “This was about bringing our families together.”
Zain shook his head. “I didn’t ask for that. I’m sorry, but I can’t marry Ella.” He glanced at Ella, guilt creeping in. “I’m sorry.”
Ella finally spoke, her voice quiet but steady. “It’s okay.”
Zain’s chest loosened a little. He gave her a grateful look, and for the first time all night, he felt like he could breathe.
His mom was still standing by him, and Zain felt that, at least, was enough for now. Whatever happened next… he’d deal with it.
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