Chapter 2: The Gamble for Spring

The last time I tested him was in winter, during the first snowfall. The world was hushed and bright.

He asked me, on a boat in the snow, if I would marry him.

"If I'm willing, I have only one request," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I want you to give up seeking the CEO position. Can you do that?"

I remember every detail from that time—the warm thermos in my hands, the heavy snow, the lake spread out in endless white. He sat beside me, wrapped in a dark wool coat with a big collar, his ears pink from the cold, his breath a little misty but still warm.

I said it was too beautiful here—every time I blinked it felt like an illusion. I almost didn't trust it.

"If this is really a dream, what should I do? How would I know?" I whispered to him. "Like the philosopher dreaming of a butterfly—am I the philosopher, or the butterfly?" I wondered if he even knew the reference.

He turned to me and answered seriously, "Bailey, I won't fall in love with a butterfly, but I will fall in love with you." My breath caught at the way he said it, and for a moment, nothing else mattered.

"Maybe life really passes in a blink," he said to me. "I still hope to dream with you."

He said, "Bailey, marry me. Will you?" His eyes searched mine, hope and fear mingling.

I looked into his eyes. For a second, I just couldn't say no. Who could? Who could bear to hurt him with love as a condition?

I hesitated again and again. My thoughts circled, my heart thudded. I couldn't decide.

"I have only one condition. I won't ever be the wife of a CEO," I said at last. "Give up the company, or give up me. I hope you can choose."

"What if I like being CEO?" he asked, his voice barely steady.

"I'm not negotiating or threatening," I shook my head. "I'm just telling you what I need. The choice is yours."

"This is your life. I hope you think it through."

Even I felt overbearing saying that. I felt heat rise in my cheeks, wishing I could take it back.

He looked very serious, his eyes searching mine for something. I could see him weighing everything.

"I understand," he said quietly, his voice steady but sad.

All winter, we didn't see each other again. The silence between us felt endless.

Victoria thought we’d quarreled and came to check on me, her eyes wide with worry.

Once she understood, Victoria let out a breath, then looked regretful, her brows knitting together.

"If Julian chooses the company," she asked, her voice trembling, "Bailey, what will you do?"

"I don't know," I said, shaking my head. "But if that's the case, it's fine."

"Won't you regret it?"

"I will. He's the best I've met so far," I admitted honestly. "I have to do this, but I'll still regret it."

Victoria squeezed my hand and didn't say anything more. Her silence was heavy.

When the dogwoods bloomed by the lake again, I received a velvet box he sent. My hands shook as I opened it.

It was a painting—mountains and spring scenery, soft and hopeful.

And four words: "By candlelight, we must travel."

Light the candle, Bailey. Let's walk toward spring. The words made my heart ache and soar at the same time.

He agreed to my request. I felt both relief and fear.

My father was furious about it. The thunder in his voice made me feel like a child again.

I couldn't help but feel guilty. Dad had always been kind to me—I forgot he could get angry too. I remembered all the times he tucked me in at night, and I felt a pang in my chest.

I went to greet him two days in a row, but he wouldn't see me. I thought he was angry at me for risking everything for my own desires. I chewed my lip, waiting, worrying.

But in the end, he loved this daughter most. On the third day, he relented, his face tired but gentle.

"Have you thought it through?" He called me to sit beside him, his voice soft but heavy.

I nodded, bracing myself for his disappointment.

He sighed again and again, his shoulders slumping. The weight of years showed in his eyes.

"I know you didn't choose him for titles. My child never cared for that," Dad said slowly. "Is there some hardship you can't speak of?"

"Don't worry about family, honor, or reputation. All my life, I've worked to keep these things, just hoping my child could have her own life," he said. "Last year you told me you wanted to travel by boat, to see all the Great Lakes. How could I forget? Everything is ready. In two months, it will come true."

"You're my youngest child. There are many hardships I never wanted you to know," Dad said, his voice trembling. "I just hoped, when you grew up, you'd find a family you liked. Even if you suffered, I could always protect you."

"But now," he broke down, tears slipping free, "what can I do?"

"I understand," I leaned on Dad's knee and whispered, my voice thick. "I'll never go back to the company."

"I still want to travel by boat, to see the Great Lakes," I said. "But Julian will be by my side."

"I know the risks of this marriage, but what he gives up for me is precious too. I can't ignore it. I believe his heart is true," I said. "I like him, love him. That's true too. Do you believe me, Dad?"