An Early Engagement - Chapter 10
“I’ve been thinking about something… Please listen without any prejudice.”
“Of course.”
Damian’s firm gaze reassured Shirley, as if telling her not to worry.
“It’s about us…”
“About us?”
Finally, she blurted out the words that had been lingering on her tongue.
“Can we really become a married couple?”
“What?”
An even heavier silence fell. Even the noisy birds outside seemed to stop chirping.
*If only they’d start screaming instead.*
Damian’s wide eyes were fixed on her. Having known her for so long, he rarely showed surprise at anything she said or did.
But this time, even Damian seemed deeply shaken.
His expression was one of utter confusion, as if he had just heard something he shouldn’t have.
Facing that look, Shirley realized something had gone terribly wrong. But it was too late to take it back now.
“N-no, forget I said anything!”
Shirley shook her head and stepped back. Damian’s grip loosened, allowing her to slip out of his hold easily.
From a few steps away, she could see that Damian still hadn’t recovered from the shock.
“What did you just say, Shirley?”
Damian took a step closer.
“I said forget it!”
Shirley jumped back like a rabbit fleeing a hunter.
Damian’s face showed even greater shock as Shirley blatantly avoided him.
After clenching and unclenching his fists for a moment, Damian finally spoke.
“Shirley, of course we’re going to become husband and wife.”
“……”
“There’s no way I’d marry anyone else. And it’s the same for you.” Damian spoke as if he’d just heard something absurd.
Shirley’s chest tightened in frustration as her words had clearly missed their mark.
It was too late to take back what she had already said, so she decided to press on. *You idiot, that’s not what I meant.*
“……”
“Not just… not just a couple who gets married and puts on a show for others…”
Shirley lowered her head, chewing on her lip as she struggled to find the right words.
What she was about to say could deeply hurt Damian. She could already see the shock on his face. After all, they had spent so many years together.
But there was no way to undo what she had already said. She remembered her brother’s words: *Being an adult means taking responsibility for what you say.*
Her heart screamed at her to turn and run, but that would be even worse for Damian.
Just as Damian stepped closer to where she stood, Shirley finally spoke.
“A couple who truly loves and cherishes each other… that’s what I mean.”
Shirley stared stubbornly at the ground, pouring out the thoughts she had been wrestling with while avoiding Damian.
“I… I don’t have confidence.”
“……”
Damian froze in place. Even just by his shadow, she could imagine the look on his face.
“I can’t picture myself… spending my whole life as your wife.”
“……”
“I’m sorry.”
With those words, Shirley turned and ran. She worried he might chase after her, but no footsteps followed. For some reason, tears welled up uncontrollably.
*Cicada—*
All she could hear was the loud cry of cicadas behind her.
