Warm sunlight poured down. Charles Chase, dressed in an off-white sweater and a camel coat, gazed tenderly at Mia Moore.
A feeling of grievance and sadness welled up in Mia Moore's heart. She stood up and walked over to him.
Behind her, Cecilia stifled a giggle and waved her fist encouragingly at her brother.
Charles Chase smiled and naturally reached out to take Mia Moore's hand. The two crossed the street and strolled along the banks of Donghu Lake. (Let's pretend it's not Xihu, West Lake—haha.)
The sky was a clear, brilliant blue. Fallen plane tree leaves blanketed the ground in overlapping layers of gold and red, autumn in full swing.
On this particular lakeside street beside Donghu, sweeping up fallen leaves is not allowed, making it especially beautiful.
Charles Chase's palm was dry and warm—something one could easily become addicted to. Mia Moore followed him slowly, but then stopped and gently pulled her hand away.
She was still angry. She wasn't ready to hold hands just yet.
The warmth vanished from her palm, making Charles Chase imperceptibly furrow his brow. He turned to look at her.
With her flat shoes, Mia Moore only came up to his shoulder—petite and delicate.
Those deep-set eyes watched her as he reached out and pulled her close, enveloping her in a gentle embrace. His voice was helpless, tinged with sadness: "Are you really going to ignore me?"
He noticed how cold her hands were and, pulling his coat open, wrapped her up inside.
All the worry, fear, and helplessness of the past two days surged up in Mia Moore's heart, along with the lingering sadness of their quarrel. It felt as if she'd finally found someone to lean on. Her throat tightened, and she couldn't speak.
Clutching at the soft wool of Charles Chase's sweater, she buried her small face against him and sobbed, "You're the one who said we needed a break."
"I'm sorry, darling. That's not what I meant," Charles Chase muttered, berating himself harshly inside. "I just... was trying to figure out why you were ignoring me."
"I was scared you didn't want to be with me anymore," he admitted, not wanting her to feel even the slightest sadness.
"Charles Chase, I was so scared," Mia Moore said, knowing he was speaking the truth. "Do you want to stay with me? Like... for the rest of our lives, that kind of together?"
Charles Chase reached out, gently stroking the back of her head. "Of course. I want to be with you forever."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Charles Chase, if I ever say something that hurts you, will you promise to hold onto me and not really leave me? I just... My mouth is faster than my brain most of the time," Mia Moore said, her voice small and aggrieved.
"I know. I would never leave you."
As if afraid she wouldn't believe him, Charles Chase took a deep breath, arm still around her. With his other hand, he produced a small red velvet box he'd been carrying all along.
He stepped back, dropped to one knee without hesitation, and with elegant fingers opened the box before Mia Moore could even react.
"Miss Mia Moore, will you be my bride?"
In the center of the red velvet box sat a large diamond ring, delicately crafted like a tiny rose. The band was edged with fine milgrain beads, carrying an air of vintage romance.
The brilliant diamond caught the autumn sunlight, casting dazzling, sparkling reflections.
Mia Moore gazed at Charles Chase, kneeling on one knee. In his deep, steady eyes she saw an unprecedented seriousness—a sense that he was offering her the most important promise in the world.
Her slender, fair hand reached forward, tears falling silently to the ground. Suddenly she understood—what she'd been most afraid of these days was that Charles Chase wasn't actually ready to get married.
Mia Moore smiled, her lips curving as if all her anxieties had been soothed.
"Yes... I do."
The weather was perfect, and people out for a stroll along Donghu began to pause, their steps slowing. Smiles of envy and good wishes appeared on every face.
Charles Chase let out a long breath. Even he couldn't hide his nerves at this moment. He stood up, trying his best to maintain a calm demeanor.