All Chapters of Proposal No. 101: Chapter 1 - Chapter 8

The bouquet of flowers fell to the floor. Without so much as a glance in my direction, Drew Myers turned and walked out the door.We had been together for five years, and this was already the 100th time he had proposed to me.Everyone was convinced it would finally happen this time. The date had even been carefully chosen to coincide with my birthday.Our friends had been waiting patiently for two hours. However, he ended up arriving late because Tammy Fowler had insisted on watching a movie first.Suddenly, the door flew open once more, and the melting cake splattered across the floor.Drew paid no attention to the spilled mess and carefully packed away all the vegetarian risotto. It was my favorite dish.Perhaps it was the pitying stares from the others that made him uncomfortable. He struggled to find the words to explain himself."You know Tammy's been in a bad mood lately. Anyway, it's just a proposal. We've done it so many times already. One more or less won't make a diffe

"Are you out of your mind? Why couldn't you make your own tea? Why did you have to drink Tammy's tea? Are you trying to make her depression worse?"After that, Drew and I didn't speak for a whole month. Meanwhile, he proposed to Tammy five times.I just didn't have the energy to keep going.Out of nowhere, Drew called me over, his expression unreadable."Come sit and eat with us. I actually need to talk to you. Tammy's lease is ending, so she'll be staying at my place for a while. It's best if you give us some space."Tammy smiled sweetly. "Bridget, you know I struggle with depression and hate sharing Drew with anyone. Living under the same roof would be unbearable for me."Looking slightly uneasy, Drew reached out and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.A sharp pain stabbed through my chest, and tears threatened to spill from my eyes.Drew's sudden bursts of kindness always came with a catch, just like how one simple breakfast once bought him the opportunity to propose

Pierce had been worried at first that Drew would distract me.After all, I had retired from the special forces back then just to give Drew a sense of security. But looking back, all I felt was utter humiliation."Don't worry, Commander. There's nothing left between me and him."After hearing my story, Pierce let out a heavy sigh. "You never deserved any of that.""It's for the best," he added. "You were always meant to excel in your own field."The military district held a welcome banquet in my honor. Pierce proudly recounted all the achievements and commendations I had earned throughout my career.Those weathered medals reignited the sense of duty I had always felt toward serving my country.A line of female special forces soldiers stood before me, saluting with respect.In that moment, I realized something profound. While I had been making compromises in my own life, countless young women were drawing strength and inspiration from my story.The powerful notes of the military

"I didn't show you these earlier because I was worried they might affect your mood," Pierce said. "But now, I think it's important for you to go back and have a proper conversation with Drew."The earliest letter was dated about six months ago. Most of them contained nothing but mundane daily updates, echoing the same few phrases.Drew kept hoping I would retire and come home soon.That was when a harsh realization struck me. Through all the years we were together, Drew had never once asked what I truly wanted.Still, I decided to make the trip back.Pierce advised me to take a few days to rest and recover. Tougher missions would be waiting when I returned.When I arrived, I knocked on Drew's door. The place was almost unrecognizable.The floor was strewn with clutter, leaving no clear path in sight. At the same time, the air was heavy with the scent of alcohol and stale smoke.Drew stood before me with messy, tangled hair and a scruffy beard. His tank top was faded and had a s