Behind me, Nick wrapped his arms around me and whispered softly into my ear, "Do you remember? This was how I proposed to you. I still recall how fast my heart was beating then, afraid you'd say no. Six years have flown by in the blink of an eye and my heart still beats for you. I'm so glad you're still by my side. Do you like this gift?"
I forced a smile. If I didn't know he had another woman, I would have loved it. But now, this gift was like chocolate tainted with mud, utterly nauseating.
As the sky darkened, Nick didn't notice my indifference. He spoke joyfully, "Helen, how about going out to sea with me?"
He reached out to hold my hand and on his wrist was a watch paired with a mismatched red diamond bracelet.
Years ago, when he was just starting his career, I had bought that bracelet for him. Back then, times were tough, but our love was unwavering. Climbing a mountain with a thousand steps was nothing to me.
When he learned how difficult it was to obtain the bracelet, he pulled me into his arms and gently stroked my reddened knees, "Don't do anything that makes me worry about you again. With your love, Helen, I can conquer anything."