Today, in the soft hues of morning light, Mary asked for permission from the doctor to allow Andrew to depart from the cold embrace of the hospital, for he had grown weary of the rigid bed that confined him. The comforts of home, the familiarity of every nook and cranny, would surely bring solace to his healing heart. Moreover, he could not bear the thought of Lệ Linh burdening herself on his account – hastily gobbling down meals purchased outside the hospital’s gates. Every time he witnessed such a scene, a pang of guilt surged, remorseful for not being a better shield for her.
With tender care, Mary assisted Andrew to sit down on the embrace of the living room sofa. His legs, weakened from prolonged confinement, trembled slightly. Yet, the doctor assured her he would soon regain strength and stride with regular exercise.
As Mary went out, intending to fetch their belongings, she felt the gentle grasp of Andrew’s hand. Those soulful eyes, laden with unspoken words and sweet nostalgia, made her heart flutter anew.
“Sit by me,” he whispered, “I have something to convey.”
A tad flustered, she settled beside him. But before she could utter a word, Andrew drew her close. His handsome visage leaned in, his warm breath caressing her face, causing her cheeks to flush with embarrassment and anticipation. Giggling, she playfully pushed him away.
“Such audacity! Teasing an innocent maiden in broad daylight!”
“All I yearned for was to embrace my beloved,” he murmured, feigning innocence. “Is that so wrong?”
“No, it’s just…”
Before she could finish, their lips met – a passionate union of two souls, lost and then found. He held her as if fearing she might vanish, remembering their past sweetness, understanding the misunderstandings, and vowing never to let go.
As emotions soared, Mary felt an overwhelming warmth emanating from him. She impulsively pushed him away and fled to the sanctuary of her room, leaving Andrew bemused yet with a mysterious smile.
In their shared days and nights, Andrew constantly broached the topic of marriage, sometimes pushing Mary to the brink of exasperation.
“We are still young,” she would argue, her thoughts consumed with her publishing responsibilities. “Let’s not rush matrimony.”
Andrew’s face was clouded with hurt, suspecting her love had waned, hence her reluctance.
“It’s not about hurrying you,” he’d retort, “Even as a married couple, we can tend to the publishing house. After all we’ve been through, I want every living day to be one we share.”
“From your words, it sounds as if one of us is on the brink of demise,” Mary teased with a gentle chuckle, finding his demeanor childlike.
“Your laughter and jests, how am I to resist?” he lamented playfully.
In the glowing embrace of the morning, Andrew gently pulled her hand, drawing her into a tender, intimate embrace. Mary, perplexed by his newfound affection, found that ever since he awoke from that fateful day, he seemed almost inseparable from her. Her phone would buzz with his calls and texts every half hour she spent outside. And whenever she traveled for work, he’d insist on accompanying her, shadowing her like an inseparable tail.
Reflecting on it, she found comfort and joy in this new closeness, starkly contrasting their prior days of treating each other as adversaries.
Today, Mary had an early start at the publishing house, for she attended a book signing event and promoted the latest work of the renowned Joy. This event bore significance, for its success would further solidify the publishing house’s esteemed standing in the literary world.
The early influx of readers was a testament to the incredible success and impact of the book, far surpassing expectations.
“Why didn’t Andrew come with you?” someone inquired.
“When I left, he was still asleep, and I didn’t have the heart to wake him,” she replied with a gentle smile.
“Men who are overly pampered can become spoiled. You must be wary,” came the playful warning.
“I’ll discipline him when I return home,” she quipped.
Both exchanged a knowing look and shared a laugh. To Mary, Joy had always been like an elder sister, providing care, protection, and much-needed attention.
By evening, as the event concluded, Mary invited everyone for a celebratory dinner at a nearby upscale restaurant. While some suggested a modest venue for frugality, Joy emphasized that the evening’s success was thanks to everyone’s collective efforts, meriting a grand thank-you celebration.
Mary heartily agreed. The chosen establishment specialized in French cuisine, its spacious interiors culminating in a sprawling terrace overlooking the city. Before them lay a lavishly set table surrounded by large vases of radiant roses.
“It seems someone is planning a proposal tonight,” a colleague whispered in awe.
As they were seated, Mary, puzzled by the opulent preparations, thought there might’ve been a mix-up. “We didn’t make a reservation, so I think…”
But a handsome waiter swiftly interrupted, “Ma’am, you might not have, but someone did it on your behalf.”
All eyes shifted to Mary, admiration evident in their gaze. Her eyes met Joy’s, filled with intrigue.
Suddenly, a young man approached from behind with a grand bouquet of roses. Handing them to Mary, he slowly knelt.
“Will you marry me?” he softly whispered.
A wave of excitement swept the room, clapping hands creating a harmonious rhythm as Mary blushed deeply, overwhelmed by the surprise.
“Say yes! Say yes!” the room echoed.
With love evident in his eyes, Andrew delicately slipped a ring onto her finger, his gaze speaking volumes about his intent and emotions.
“Kiss her! Kiss her now!”
A tumultuous tide of emotions surged from the fervent cheers of the crowd. The passionate kiss that met the wasted was a testament to a love that had weathered many a storm and tempest.
The guests eagerly inquired about the couple’s romantic saga throughout the party. A female colleague jested, “Surely, before the incident, your love for each other was profound. How fortunate that after coming around, his memory remains intact, or you might have had to fall for each other all over again.”
In light of this jest that bore a hint of truth, Andrew replied joyously, “Indeed, we’re starting anew. Ultimately, I’ve realized nothing in this world is as vital as two souls loving and living happily together. Meeting is fate, staying together is destiny, and we’re blessed to have both.”
As the guests chattered away, a frantic staff member suddenly rushed up, announcing that Mary had fainted in the ladies’ restroom. Andrew bolted down without hesitation, whisking her off to the hospital.
In the ambulance, he held her hand tightly, his heart filled with fervent prayers for the safety of his beloved.
The situation seemed dire. Mary had been in the emergency room for over two hours without any update. Suddenly, a doctor emerged, and Andrew hurriedly approached, “Doctor, how is she?”
The physician shook his head, somber expression, “Her condition is precarious. We suspect there might be a tumor in her brain. We need further in-depth examinations to reach a final diagnosis.”