Getting to the crux, he proposed, “Marry me, and I'll contemplate including your name on the real estate license."

Melissa fixed a prolonged gaze on him before offering a subtle, knowing smile.

She stated plainly, "Ryan, I don't love you."

It dawned on her that maybe she had never truly loved him. Instead, it was a sense of gratitude.

Since his illness, her predominant emotion had been the weight of responsibility.