“Hao Yi, I...” What was I supposed to do with this ring? Accepting a proposal triggered by such an unhealthy mindset would surely create cracks in our future life together. But rejecting Hao Yi felt like I’d be betraying his feelings. The radiant diamond seemed to reflect my guilt-ridden gaze. The brighter it shone, the filthier I felt.
“Even if this house isn’t where we’ll live together in the future, no matter where it is, I want to live with you. Tell me, will you?”
I took a deep breath and looked into Hao Yi’s eyes. His gaze was so pure, as though it had never harbored any secrets. I wanted to ask him: Have you ever doubted our relationship? Have you ever been tempted by someone else? Has there ever been a woman who seemed to understand the parts of you I don’t? And if there was, did you fight to break free and convince yourself I was the right one?
But clearly, my worries were unnecessary. Hao Yi’s face showed no trace of hesitation.
“By the way, if you’re planning to reject me, wait until we leave this house,” Hao Yi said with a sheepish smile, glancing at the real estate agent standing awkwardly nearby. “Getting turned down in front of Mr. Li here would be pretty embarrassing.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. Looking at the ring in Hao Yi’s hand, I decided to let go of my unnecessary guilt. No matter the reason this proposal came about, as long as I genuinely wanted to spend my life with Hao Yi and had done nothing to betray him, then surely, I deserved happiness. Right?
“I didn’t say I was going to refuse, did I?” I said.
“You asked so many questions—I thought the odds were against me!”
“It’s not like I’ve ever been proposed to before. I didn’t know what to say at first.” I extended my left hand. “I want to try on the ring you picked.”
“So... is that a yes?” Hao Yi hesitated, seeking final confirmation.
“What do you think?”
Relieved, Hao Yi took the ring out of the velvet box, gently held my left hand, and slid it onto my ring finger. The ring was lighter than I had expected, and slightly loose around my finger. But that didn’t matter. What truly moved me was the warmth of Hao Yi’s hand as he held mine while putting the ring on.
In the moments when I felt most lost, I was fortunate to have this firm, unwavering grip to anchor me—to remind me of what was real.
“I love it. You’ve got great taste.” I stretched out my fingers, holding my hand far away so we could both admire the ring. Hao Yi had no idea what small storms had recently shaken my inner world, but it didn’t matter. That secret would remain buried forever.
Although the thought felt a little inappropriate, maybe even cruel, I silently thanked Hao Yi in my heart—Thank you for choosing this day to propose to me.
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