Rewriting My Heart's Fate

He opened the box in his hand, revealing a dazzling diamond ring that sparkled under the lights.

The entire crowd gasped audibly.

"Evelyn, I can't live without you. If you're willing, please marry me and let me spend a lifetime making up for my past mistakes."

I stared at him in a daze, my mind completely blank. Was this a dream?

Ethan, the man who had always been proud and untouchable, was now proposing to me in front of everyone?

As I looked into his earnest and passionate eyes, my heart raced uncontrollably. He was serious. He truly wanted to spend his life with me.

But after everything we had been through, could I really accept him without any reservations?

"Say yes, Evelyn!"

"Yeah! Mr. Grayson is being so sincere. What are you waiting for?"

Below the stage, Kevin and Lianne, unaware of what had happened in Englenor, started egging me on. The onlookers quickly followed suit.

To them, this was the makings of a fairy-tale ending.

But while it might seem like a fairy tale to them, to me, it was a journey riddled with thorns.

Taking a deep breath, I finally spoke. "Ethan, thank you."

As I spoke, I reached out my trembling hand. He held my hand, his palm warm against mine. I watched as the ring slowly approached my slender finger. But then...

"I don't think I'm ready yet."

The moment the words left my lips, the entire crowd erupted in shock.

Ethan's smile froze instantly, disbelief written all over his face. "Evelyn, you... you..."novelbin

I offered him a bittersweet smile. "No, I'm not rejecting you. I'm just... not ready to accept you yet."

Taking a deep breath, I expressed

what had been buried deep in my heart. "Ethan, there was a time when I though love could conquer

everything. But after everything ne

we've been through, I've realized that love is not the entirety of life.

"What I want isn't just a beautiful marriage want an independent fulfilling life of my own. I want to prove my worth with my own efforts. I want to stand tall in my career, at a level equal to yours.

"When that day comes, then I'll be ready to stand beside you and accept this ring."

Ethan stared at me in stunned silence, his eyes reddening slightly. It seemed as though he had never imagined I would have such thoughts. At the same time, it seemed to give him hope, a chance to change. "Evelyn, are you really asking me to wait for you?"

I nodded. "Ethan, I believe you can do it. When I've grown strong enough to stand as your equal, I will come to you. Is that okay?"

He gazed at me deeply, his eyes filled with reluctance, pain, but above all, understanding. He rose to his feet and gently returned the ring to its box.

"Alright, I'll wait for you. No matter how long it takes, I'll wait. I love you, Evelyn Wiley..."

Through my tears, I nodded to him. This was our promise to each other.

I believe that someday, we would meet again.

By then, I would no longer be the fragile young lady who needed his protection. I would be a strong, independent woman standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him. By then, our love would be unshakable, able to withstand any storm.

Watching Ethan's retreating figure, I silently murmured to myself. "Ethan Grayson, I love you too."

Saying goodbye to Ethan, I threw myself back into my demanding but fulfilling work.

Together with Kevin and Lianne, we were busy preparing for the brand's first launch event. From sourcing fabrics to designing styles, and selecting models, every step of the process was meticulously planned and executed.