He Chose Wrong I Chose Better (Irene and Ewing) novel Chapter 9

Ewing's name flashed on my phone. He was calling.

"Your parents are in town?"

"Yeah."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I posted it on social. Besides, aren't you always saying you're afraid my parents will start dropping hints about marriage the moment they see you?"

My parents liked Ewing—a lot. Genuinely. When it came to finances, houses, cars, even whether we'd have kids, they were open-minded and supportive. All they wanted was the reassurance of a wedding—something official between us.

But Ewing always said, "Once you sign those papers, that's it. You're locked in. And right now, I'm in my prime. This is my time to make something of myself."

After that, I stopped bringing it up.

I made myself clear this time: "Just wait for me at the apartment, Ewing. Don't procrastinate."

I'd barely stepped inside when he suddenly pulled out a ring.

"Irene, will you marry me?"

I stared at him, caught off guard.

He pressed on. "I've thought about this over and over. I could lose everything, but I can't lose you."

This wasn't what I expected. And after the initial shock, all I felt was exhaustion.

All this time, I was the only one giving. Ewing just took it for granted—my patience, my effort. The longer it went on, the more drained I became.

It was just like the day my dad was diagnosed with his heart condition. I grabbed my documents and tried to force Ewing's hand about marriage. He told me I was just doing it for luck, as if my dad's health could somehow be fixed by our wedding.

Looking back, I think I'd already stopped hoping. I was just waiting for something—anything—to break me for good.

"Irene... will you?" Ewing's question barely made it out; there was no confidence in his voice.

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