He was often seen in a suit of varying shades of blue, so she had never seen him in white. Yet, there he stood, looking as striking as ever, like an image of Prince Charming from a fairy tale. In his hands, he held a bouquet of purple flowers she recognized as irises, which was the symbol of eternal love.
Ines had a hunch about what Ethan was up to. Her hand shook slightly as she held the key, her eyes unwaveringly fixed on the man standing not too far from her. Their gaze met, and in that instant, the world around them seemed to disappear. It's like there were only two of them.
Phoebe watched as Ines stood frozen in place and gently reminded her, “Izzy, what are you daydreaming about? Go to your husband.”
Ethan chose that moment to break the silence, extending his hand towards Ines, “Izzy, come to me.”
Slowly, Ines lifted her foot and started towards Ethan. She gently placed her hand in his. The warmth of his touch was soon spreading a comforting warmth throughout her body.
Ethan gave her a soft smile before dropping to one knee. There was a deep affection visible in his gaze, “Izzy, marry me.”
A proposal was a dream Ines had often fantasized about during her younger years. However, after witnessing her parents’ relationship fall apart, she stopped dwelling on such unrealistic dreams.
After marrying Ethan, the concept of a proposal was the last thing on her mind. Like, who proposes after marriage? Yet, as she looked down at the man kneeling before her, tears welled up in her eyes. Everything seemed blurry, but Ethan’s face remained clear as ever. His charming smile was as captivating as when they first met.
Ines took Ethan’s hand. Her voice choked with emotion. “Get up, we’re already old married folks. I’ve even had your child, but you’re proposing now? What’s the point?”
Ethan gently patted the back of Ines’ hand but didn’t rise. Instead, he repeated, “Izzy, marry me.” Ines was well aware that when Ethan got stubborn, he was as obstinate as she was. If she didn’t give an answer, he would likely keep kneeling there. With a satisfied smile, she finally said, “I do.” She was always willing to be with this man, no matter what.
As soon as Ines finished speaking, Ashley emerged from a bedroom, holding a red velvet box. With a flick of Ethan’s finger, the box popped open to reveal a diamond ring. Ethan gently held Ines’ hand and slipped the ring onto her finger. Then, he pulled her into his arms and planted a tender kiss on her forehead. His voice was husky and filled with emotion, “Izzy, I promise you that even though we didn’t go through the traditional steps of marriage, I will give you everything you deserve. This is my lifelong promise to you.”
Ines was overwhelmed. Her face was wet with tears. He had kept his promise. He had already given her everything. “Thank you, Ethan.” She never cared much about the formalities. All she cared about was Ethan himself. As long as he loved her, she didn’t need anything else.
“My Izzy, from now on, my heart is completely yours.” Ethan’s voice was soft, just like the gentle whispers they shared when lying in bed together.
“Okay.” Ines felt that all words were futile at this moment. She was afraid that if she opened her mouth, she would burst into tears. “Forgive my lack of romance. I’m not good at sweet talk, and I don’t know how to plan romantic surprises like young lovers. All I can promise is to look after you, to make sure you eat well and sleep well. I can provide a shoulder for you to lean on when you’re sad, and a hug when you need comfort. Our life may seem boring, but this is how I’ll be, and maybe one day you’ll grow tired of it. But no matter what, I’ll always try to make you happy…”
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