Nelson paused at the doorway. “What do you need?"

"Alick's here. Could you please tell him I won't marry him? We're over, and ask him not to contact me again."

Nelson was taken aback.

So Alick had come after all.

That explained her intense reaction.

"Alright, just try to stay calm." Nelson chose not to try and soothe her with words. Annis was too upset.

There was no need for him to say anything at this moment.

Anything more could only upset her further.

He turned and made his way downstairs. As he got closer to the road, he spotted Alick looking lost and confused.

Nelson approached him.

"Alick."

Alick turned around and straightened up upon seeing Nelson.

He was nervous, no doubt about it.

Yet, he knew better than to let it show in front of his elders.

"I came to see Annis."

"We should head to the café," Nelson suggested.

Alick nodded in agreement.

Once they were seated, Nelson said, "Annis needs a bit more time."

He eyed Alick, as if he wanted to add more, but then he hesitated.

Alick seemed to understand what was on Nelson's mind and decided to share his thoughts first.