Her words sent a ripple through Vincent, causing the faintest smile to form on his lips. “I do.”

His understanding came from observing Neil’s own mistakes. While Neil’s downfall had been mostly his own doing, Vincent had learned a crucial lesson from it. Once Katelyn decided to let someone go, there was no turning back. Vincent knew with certainty that if she ever released him from her heart, it would be forever.

With the bracelet in Katelyn’s hand, she continued, “You don’t have to make a decision now. We can simply date, and if one day you fall for another woman, you’re free to walk away.”

The thought of marriage and eternal commitment made her uneasy. However, upon hearing her words, Vincent’s expression darkened, his face turning cold in an instant.

Vincent pinched Katelyn’s chin, his voice deep and stern. “I’m free to walk away? Katelyn, do you really think I’m just playing around? I need you to understand, it’s too late for regrets. You will never be able to escape from my love.”

Vincent’s declaration was laden with ownership. It seemed as though Katelyn would never be free from Vincent unless she chose to stay.

However, Katelyn found herself oddly attracted to this dominance. She held very high expectations for love. For her, once a relationship started, it demanded eternal fidelity from both sides.

Unafraid, Katelyn met Vincent’s gaze and said confidently, “If you’re certain, then please, put it on me.”

She extended her arm with the gemstone bracelet in hand.

Vincent let go of her chin and took the bracelet, slipping it onto her wrist decisively.

Katelyn gave Vincent a small, knowing smile. How was it that this man seemed so flawlessly suited to her?

After placing the bracelet on her wrist, Vincent’s look grew even more intense as he said, “Now, you belong to me for life. You are never to leave me. If we’re to die, we’ll die together.”

He wouldn’t generously think about letting Katelyn live alone in this world. If their end came, it would come for them both.

Katelyn’s smile widened at his words. She nodded in agreement. “Okay.” She admired the gemstone bracelet on her wrist. This symbol of their love, along with the man before her, filled her with contentment. She silently hoped that her gamble was the right one!

At that moment, Vincent’s heart overflowed with elation. Locking eyes with Katelyn, he urged, “Now, say my name as my girlfriend.”

Katelyn was puzzled. What kind of request was that? Couldn’t he think of something a bit more romantic?

She looked at Vincent, gave a soft smile, and said, “My boyfriend, hope we can have a good life from now on.”

Vincent was slightly taken aback. Although she hadn’t used his name as he had requested, he found her calling him “boyfriend” even sweeter. He hoped to hear her call him “husband” someday. Vincent gripped Katelyn’s hand more firmly and responded, “My girlfriend.”

It was a simple shift in how they addressed each other, but it brought their hearts closer than they had ever been.

They were now officially a couple. He was no longer engaged to someone else. Katelyn felt wonderful about this change.

Though she treasured the gemstone bracelet, she kept it stored safely in its box, aware of how delicate gemstones could be and their tendency to break. She resolved to take good care of it.

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