Too Late, I Walked Away

Early morning, Liam pulled me out of bed as if nothing has happened yesterday.

“Sophia, it’s time to head out. It’s a sunny day for a hike.”

There was no sign of displeasure last night on his face. It seemed that his figure rushing out of the door was nothing but my delusion.

“Don’t worry. Lyra won’t come with us.” He paused as if he took it granted, “I’ve made full preparations for her. She can pamper herself with hot spring, ski resort and fine food at the foot of the mountain. I didn’t want her getting bored down there and coming up to cause trouble.”

Liam even thought about the way for her to kill time. How thoughtful he was!

The path up the mountain was steep. Liam walked ahead of me, occasionally turning around to lend me a hand. But he was absent-minded.

Lyra’s messages came one after another. He replied to Lyra while talking to me, “Are you tired? We can take a break.”

His phone rang before we finished less than half of the journey. It was Lyra, her voice trembling with tears. “Liam, what a terrible hot spring you offered?! I fell so hard and I’m bleeding! Get back right now!”

Liam stopped, his brows furrowing into a knot.

Amelia caught up from behind, “Liam, I can find someone to take care of her.”

Another friend chimed in, “Lyra gets used to overstating the truth. ‌Perhaps nothing occurred.‌”

“Exactly. I can go back to take care of her if you’re worried. Today… is important.”

Liam kept silent for a moment. A blast of mountain breeze blew over, sending shivers down my spine.

He turned to look at me, “Sophia, I’m heading down for a bit. Wait for me at the mountaintop. I’ll be back soon.”

Amelia couldn't help grumbling, “We got halfway. Why you go down now…”

But Liam was already hurrying back, not waiting to hear her out. He left behind footprints of different shades in the snow.

Amelia walked up to me, as if she’d made an important decision.

“Sophia, there is something I think you should know. Do you know why Liam was courting you back then?”

The wind gusted over the ridge, chilling me to the bone.

“It was a bet. Lyra promised to call Liam Dad if he can win your heart. But, nobody expected you’d stay together for so many years. Lyra later regretted what she did, but you know she’d never admit a mistake.”

I stood still and sighed. ‌I felt like I was just a joke. What was more absurd was that I sincerely loved Liam for seven years.

“But, he is going to propose to you on the mountaintop today. He wanted to make up for not being able to hold a wedding for you right now. He spent almost two months preparing the ring, those flowers and decorations.”

I stared at the snow-covered mountain path, saying nothing.

“Will you keep going?”

“Why not?”

I met Liam for the first time in the snow-capped mountain. Just let my affection came to end right where it began.

For the rest of the journey, I walked alone at the very front. When I nearly reached the summit, I saw the wedding decorations. Pink and white balloons were tied between two pine trees. The ground was covered with red rose petals, glowing like a setting sun against the backdrop of white snow. The venue was as beautiful as the snow-capped mountains. Several friends came up early, and Liam also showed up.

“Sophia, I’m here!” Liam ran up to me, panting heavily, yet his eyes were bright. That was a luster I hadn't seen for a long time. He blinked with anticipation, tension, and even a touch of childlike innocence.

He took out the ring box hiding in his pocket and opened it, kneeling on one knee, “Sophia, my dear girl. Thank you for accompanying me for seven years. I know I’m not good enough and I’ve put you through a lot. But, please trust me. I…I will officially marry you after eight months.”

He raised head, his eyes reddening, “I will love you with all I’ve. Would you marry me?”

Friends behind me burst into cheers.

“Say yes!”

“Marry him!”

Everyone was looking at me, including Liam. The man in front of me was the one I’ve loved for seven years. Kneeling on one knee in the snow and holding a ring in his hand, Liam was affectionate.

I spoke out, “Liam, I don’t want to.”

My voice was not loud, but firm enough to be heard.