Clara was surprised. "W-Why do you suddenly ask?"

She sounded panicked by the idea.

"Is it sudden?" Wilson mock whispered. "It's not sudden at all. I've thought about the question a thousand times, thinking about the answers you may give me. I just thought it's finally time to ask you tonight."

After a short pause, he continued, "Clara, I want to know what you think. Nothing else. Just ask your own heart. Do you want to stay with me for the rest of your life?"

Wilson asked again, a little nervous as he anticipated her answer. Yes, he was nervous. Clara remained silent. She lowered her head as if pondering the question.

Wilson stood by the bed, patiently waiting for her answer.

Time had flown by, minutes passing quickly. Wilson waited for a long time, but she never gave him an answer.

Clara's silence made him bitter and slightly resentful toward her. He should have never asked. The question definitely threw their relationship off balance.

"Forget it. Pretend I said nothing.