Chapter 3

3

Xavier rushed back that evening.

He must have been in a hurry because he still carried the biting chill of early winter.

"Sonia."

He saw the open suitcase on the floor and frowned, his voice finally showing some emotion.

I didn't respond, just silently threw the last piece of clothing into the bag.

Xavier let out a barely audible sigh. He knew my temper. Even though I loved him, I usually meant what I said.

"Let me explain, okay?"

"What is there to explain? You're wearing wedding rings. Isn't it better if I just clear out of your way?"

Xavier grabbed my suitcase and pulled my arm, tugging me into his chest.

Losing my balance, we both fell onto the bed.

He took a deep breath and spoke quickly.

"That ring... I just had Sera try it on for you. You always said I was too cold and never gave you gifts. I wanted to marry you, but I didn't know how to pick one and wanted it to be a surprise."

"As for the misdiagnosis, that was my fault. Another hospital had an intern take their own life recently. I was afraid of being too harsh on Seraphina and pushing her over the edge. I ignored your feelings and let you get hurt."

Xavier's voice vibrated against my chest. I could feel his urgency.

He was never a good liar.

Maybe I really did misunderstand him this time.

I struggled to sit up. His eyes, usually as calm as water, were now filled with frantic emotion.

After a long silence, I finally spoke.

"Only this once."

It wasn't that I had no doubts. I just wasn't willing to accept that over ten years of love could lose to an intern who had only been around for a few months.

A gentle kiss landed on my forehead.

He held me like I was a precious treasure.

"Sonia, I swear. In this life, I will only love you, and I will only marry you."

Xavier moved faster than I imagined.

After we talked it out, Xavier immediately went public with our relationship at the hospital.

"Sonia, will you marry me?"

He knelt on one knee amidst the cheers of our colleagues and proposed.

"Yes."

As soon as the word left my mouth, someone bumped into me. The engagement ring, not yet secure, slipped from my finger and rolled away.

Seraphina ran out, crying.

Xavier immediately stood up and shielded me, his brows furrowed as he watched Seraphina run off, looking furious.

But I saw it. In his eyes, there was clearly heartache.