Chapter Ten : Marry Me

There was nothing Julie’s weary face could show but guilt. She didn’t want her sister to be in a mental hospital, but there was nothing she could do.

Her life was utterly broken, sad, and filled with loneliness. She felt like she had no one, at least that’s what she thought at the moment.

Even though she visited Elizah once a week, it never felt enough. Elizah constantly showed anger and disappointment toward Julie, asking to meet Liam, though her mental condition was still unstable.

All of it only made Julie feel drained.

“How is Elizah?” Mark asked, his concern evident, while Julie simply shook her head in response.

“You must be so tired, Julie. How about you take some time off? I’ll take leave too, and we can go on a vacation. You know, we’ve been too busy with work, ignoring ourselves.”

Julie’s pale face lit up, disbelief painted across her expression. She smiled, her eyes sparkling with newfound excitement.

“Are you joking?”

Mark smiled and shook his head. “No, Julie, I’m serious. We could go to Europe, maybe.”

Julie bit her lip, her face flushing. “I’ve never been to Europe.”

“Well then, this will be your most beautiful experience, and it’ll start with me,” Mark said cheerfully, and they both seemed overjoyed. Julie had been through so much—perhaps it was time she cared for herself.

“Come on, Mark, I don’t know what to say. Listen… my savings aren’t great, so—”

“Julie, don’t worry about that. Just pick a destination. Where do you want to go?”

Julie sighed, and Italy instantly came to mind. “Italy.”

Mark nodded. “Then Italy it is.”

Julie couldn’t contain her excitement. She didn’t know how to express her happiness other than jumping off the bed and shouting joyfully. Mark was a dream come true for her. Though they met during difficult times, she felt they would end up truly happy. That was Julie’s thought as she reveled in her joy, especially since meeting Mark had made a trip to Europe possible.

Italy, a country full of history, was where Julie chose Venice because she considered it more romantic than Paris.

“I’ve always thought Venice is more romantic than Paris, even though I’ve never been there.”

Mark smiled. They were now sitting side by side on the airplane. “Then I’ll take you to Paris too someday.”

“Oh my God, Mark. Are you trying to make me spend all your money?” Julie laughed and added, “Honestly, you’re the richest cop I’ve ever met.”

Mark laughed heartily, disturbing the other passengers. “The richest, but still flying economy class.”

Julie joined his laughter until a flight attendant reminded them to lower their voices.

They arrived in Venice and booked the cheapest classic hotel they could find. At the very least, they could enjoy the beautiful city, even if it meant staying in a modest place.

“I really don’t get you, Mark,” Julie said as they sat in a gondola, gazing at each other. The canals of Venice were the perfect setting to showcase their romantic side.

“What don’t you get?”

Julie bit her lip and sighed deeply before continuing, “How you do all of this… I mean, I… I don’t know. You know we’ve only just met, and—”

“Marry me, Julie.”