Chapter 12: The Engagement Day

I settled the engagement date with Harrison Whitaker.

I didn’t like high-profile things.

The Whitaker family was low-key too.

We quickly agreed, kept the engagement simple.

But when it came to gifts, the Whitaker family didn’t skimp.

When the gifts arrived one by one, my bedridden grandma was very happy.

I sat there, feeling a bit dazed.

Harrison sat opposite me.

Still with his usual gentle smile.

But his gaze at me was empty, wandering.

Some things I understood.

His usual tie clip, never-changed watch.

An old but always-carried lighter.

All seemed to signal something to me.

But I didn’t care.

When the leaves outside the window turned dark green,

It was midsummer.

I quietly got engaged to Harrison Whitaker.

On the engagement day, I wore delicate makeup for the first time.

A complex, gorgeous white dress.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I almost didn’t recognize myself.

So, that plain, unremarkable Mariah

Could have moments of beauty too.

Standing with Harrison, we actually looked well-matched.

When he put the ring on me,

We should have kissed.

But Harrison clearly hesitated for half a second.

Then the kiss lightly landed on my forehead.

It was sweet, but distant—a gesture for the crowd, not for us.