Chapter 15

**A Few Years Ago**

Ethan had just parked the car in the campus basement parking lot. Before getting out, he double-checked the contents of his bag. 

He made sure the velvet box containing the diamond-studded ring he had prepared was still there. It was a very special item he had prepared for today to give to the woman he loved so much.

"Amelia, you have to accept my love and my proposal," Ethan mumbled, smiling to himself. His mind wandered as he imagined how Amelia, the woman he had known and made his friend for the past year, would respond to his love.

Ethan was certain that Amelia shared the same feelings for him. It was evident from their everyday interactions—they were always together, comfortable, and seemed to be a perfect match. Because of this, Ethan wanted to clarify their relationship and even planned to propose to Amelia. Moreover, both of their parents had agreed that their relationship should progress to a more serious level.

"Actually, this might be too soon. Considering the long road to becoming a doctor that you still have ahead of you," Raphael, Ethan’s father, hadn't initially agreed when his son asked for his blessing to propose to Amelia. There were many factors that influenced Raphael’s decision to eventually agree.

"Ethan understands that, Dad. And he’s not planning to marry right away. He just wants your blessing to propose to Amelia. When the time comes, we’ll get married," Ethan had said, trying to reassure his father.

Raphael paused to think. He carefully considered Ethan’s request before speaking again. 

"Are you sure about your choice?" Raphael asked, making sure.

"Absolutely, Dad. I’m confident in my decision. Besides, you don’t have to worry. Amelia comes from a respected family, just like ours," Ethan had replied, trying to ease his father's worries.

Hearing that the woman Ethan was interested in came from the same background as their family made Raphael feel relieved. 

"Since the woman you like is from the same circle, I don’t have any doubts about her background. Whatever your decision is, your mother and I will support you," Raphael finally agreed.

Ethan smiled widely, glad to have secured his parents' approval.

That was why, secretly, Ethan had been preparing everything. He had carefully selected the perfect day and time to make his relationship with Amelia official. 

On his birthday, Ethan had arrived at campus earlier than usual. He waited in the parking lot for a short while before spotting Amelia, who had just arrived and gotten out of the car she was driving.

"Amelia," Ethan called as he approached her.

Amelia turned and, as usual, flashed him a sweet smile.

"Ethan, what are you doing here?" she asked.

"Waiting for you," Ethan replied.

Amelia raised her eyebrows, confused. "Waiting for me? For what?"

Ethan smiled and instead of immediately answering, he grabbed Amelia's wrist and led her toward the campus garden at the back of the building.

He guided her to a bench and invited her to sit. After some light conversation, he was ready to speak his mind.

"So, why did you bring me here? Is there something you want to talk about?" Amelia asked.

Ethan smiled again, and for a moment, he just stared at her face. The face that had occupied his thoughts and dreams, sometimes even appearing in his sweet dreams.

"Ethan?" Amelia said, noticing he was lost in thought and not responding.

"Huh? Y-yeah? What were you saying?" he stammered.

"I asked, why did you bring me here?"

Ethan smiled again, but this time, he finally answered her question.

"Actually, there’s nothing specific. I just missed you and wanted to talk."

"Missed me? Really? We meet every day, don’t we?"

Ethan nodded, laughing. Even though they were in different courses, he made sure to meet or at least greet Amelia every day. He couldn’t imagine going a day without seeing the woman he admired.

"Well, what can I say? You’re just so lovable. I could hardly eat if I didn’t see you for a day."

"Such a smooth talker."

"I’m serious, Amelia. Just look into my eyes."

Amelia obeyed. She looked into his eyes as he asked.

"What’s in your eyes?"

"There’s an angel’s reflection, don’t you see?"

"My God, you’re so cheesy."

They both laughed for a moment before Ethan took Amelia’s wrist again, holding it tightly.

"Amelia, the real reason I brought you here is because I want to say something to you."

"I also want to tell you something," Amelia replied.

"Oh? Well, you go first."

Amelia smiled. With her free hand, she took out a small black box with a gold ribbon from her bag. With enthusiasm, she handed it to Ethan.

"Happy birthday, Ethan. May all your wishes come true today. I hope this gift suits your taste."

Ethan grinned widely. Eagerly, he opened the gift, revealing a watch from one of his favorite brands, the one he had been eyeing for a while.

"You know exactly what I wanted," Ethan murmured as he put the watch on his wrist.

"What is there that I don’t know about you, Ethan?" Amelia replied.

Her words were true. After a year of being friends and close to Ethan, Amelia had memorized almost all of his likes, habits, and dislikes. That’s why it wasn’t hard for her to find and give him exactly what he wanted.

"Thank you so much for the gift. Now, it’s my turn to give you a gift."

"A gift? For me?" Amelia asked, surprised. "But it’s not my birthday, Ethan."

"Do you have to wait for someone’s birthday to give a gift to someone special?"

"Maybe it’s just fried rice, then. So special."

Ethan laughed again, then he took out the black velvet box he had carefully kept in his bag. Confidently, he handed it to Amelia.

"What’s this?" Amelia asked, puzzled.

"Just open it and see what’s inside. I’ve been planning this for a while now."

Amelia nodded and slowly opened the box. When she saw what was inside, a beautiful diamond ring with Ethan’s name engraved on the back, she was speechless.

"You’re giving me a ring?" Amelia asked, confused. She didn’t understand why Ethan suddenly gave her such an expensive ring.

"Amelia..." Ethan whispered softly. "We’ve known each other for a long time, we’ve become close, and we’re comfortable with each other. I’m sure you know that I have stronger feelings for you."

Amelia nodded, choosing to listen to what Ethan had to say.

"Out of all the women I’ve been close to, honestly, you’re the only one who has caught my attention from the moment we met. I want you to know that I really like and love you." Ethan tightened his grip on her hand and looked into her eyes, locking his gaze onto her calm brown eyes. "From how close we’ve been, I’m sure you feel the same. That’s why today, on my birthday, I want to ask you to take our relationship to the next level."

"What do you mean?"

"Yes, Amelia. I want to propose to you, and after that, we can get married. I know it’s soon, but would you be willing to be my partner?"

Ethan said it with full confidence, certain that Amelia would accept. After all, they had complemented each other for so long. But it didn’t go as he expected.

In that moment, Amelia pulled her hand from Ethan’s grip. She shook her head and responded.

"I can’t, Ethan. I can’t accept your proposal for engagement, let alone marriage."

Ethan was stunned, unable to believe what he was hearing. He was sure she was joking.

"Amelia, you must be kidding, right? I know you feel the same way about me."

"No, it’s not that," Amelia shook her head. "I care about you, Ethan. But for engagement and marriage, I’m sorry, I can’t."

Ethan tried to process her words, unwilling to accept that Amelia didn’t agree to his proposal.

"But why, Amelia? Why can’t you? Haven’t we been comfortable with each other? I’m not asking you to marry me right now. You can finish your studies first. I promise I won’t stop you from pursuing your dreams and goals..."

Amelia continued to shake her head. She wanted to explain why she couldn’t accept his proposal, but her mouth felt frozen.

"I just can’t, Ethan. I’m sorry."

Amelia stood up and without saying much more, she walked away, leaving Ethan feeling hurt by the rejection.