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Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Ewing’s name flashed on my phone. He was calling &
Your parents are in town?“%
“Yeah.”
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
“I posted it on social. Besides, aren’t you always saying you’re afraid my parents will start dropping hints about marriage the moment they see you?“%
My parents liked Ewing–a lot. Genuinely. When it came to finances, houses, cars, even whether we’d have kids, they were open–minded and supportive. All they wanted was the reassurance of a wedding–something official between us.
But Ewing always said, “Once you sign those papers, that’s it. You’re locked in. And right now, I’m in my prime. This is my time to make something of myself.”%
After that, I stopped bringing it up.
I made myself clear this time: “Just wait for me at the apartment, Ewing. Don’t procrastinate.”
I’d barely stepped inside when he suddenly pulled out a ring.
“Irene, will you marry me?“%
I stared at him, caught off guard.&
He pressed on. “I’ve thought about this over and over. I could lose everything, but I can’t lose you.”
This wasn’t what I expected. And after the initial shock, all I felt was exhaustion.
All this time, I was the only one giving. Ewing just took it for granted–my patience, my effort. The longer it went on, the more drained I became.
It was just like the day my dad was diagnosed with his heart condition. I grabbed my documents and tried to force Ewing’s hand about marriage. He told me I was just doing it for luck, as if my dad’s health could somehow be fixed by our wedding.
Looking back, I think I’d aiready stopped hoping. I was just waiting for something–anything–to break me for good.
“Irene… will you?” Ewing’s question barely made it out; there was no confidence in his voice.
“No.“%
The word hurt to say, sharp in my chest, but I didn’t regret it at all.
Ewing looked crushed, but not devastated. He leaned on the arm of the couch for support and asked, “Was it the day your dad had surgery?”
I said nothing.
“Or when I gave my watch to Magnolia?”
Still, silence from me.”
Finally he said, almost whispering, “Or is it because I never really paid attention? I didn’t even know you hate cilantro.”
I sighed.
“Ewing, you get it, don’t you? I understand what Magnolia means to you–unrequited love takes time to fade. But every time she shows up, you forget I exist. You let your feelings for her run wild, even encourage them. Love is a one–way street: I’ve been loyal, I’ve sacrificed, I’ve always been sincere. You can’t treat me like a loyal dog, just waiting for scraps.”
He started to cry–actually cry. And for a moment, I almost pitied him. “I know I was wrong. I really do only love you.”
No, Ewing. You don’t love me. Remember that time I scraped my leg on my bike? It was barely a scratch, but the more I thought about you, the more it hurt. I was so desperate for you to notice, to comfort me–hell, you could’ve scolded me and I’d have been happy. But you always brushed me off, kept your distance.”
“You always sensed my moods, my pain–but you just didn’t want Magnolia to notice. Were you trying to prove something to her? Show her how much you’ve moved on? Or were you hoping she’d see me clinging to you and feel jealous? Or maybe you just wanted to keep your options open?”
Ewing couldn’t say a word. He just bit his lip and stared at the floor.
Watching him, I finally understood
Love doesn’t just disappear overnight. There are always signs. Disappointment builds, little by little, until there’s nothing left.
A knock sounded at the door
I checked the peephole.”
It was Magnolia.
I turned to Ewing. “Go hide in the bedroom. You say you don’t love Magnolia? Let’s put it to the test. Let’s see how she reacts when she thinks you’re not here.”
