Chapter 12 One year later , New York Financial Center . Mia stood before the floor - to - ceiling windows , overlooking the bustling city below . Sunlight streamed through the glass , casting a golden halo around her . " Ms. Stone , the quarterly reports are ready . " Her secretary entered , placing the files on her desk . Mia turned around , a confident smile playing on her lips . " Thank you , just leave them there . " In exactly one year , she had transformed from someone who nearly perished at sea into one of Wall Street's rising stars . The small studio Winston had introduced her to was now a thing of the past . She currently headed a multinational investment company , managing hundreds of employees . The abilities that had once been suppressed by illness and emotional turmoil had finally exploded into full bloom this past year . Her phone vibrated , displaying a message from Winston : The paper's reception exceeded all expectations - let's celebrate tonight ! " ' Same place , don't stand me up . " Mia chuckled softly , her fingertip tapping the screen . ' Okay . " Over the past year , she and Winston had become good friends . He encouraged her not to hold back , to boldly showcase her financial alents . In return , she cooked various delicious meals for him , ensuring he didn't forget to eat while buried in his research . That evening , at a secluded Italian restaurant in Manhattan . Winston was already waiting at a corner table . Seeing her enter , he immediately stood up , his eyes sparkling with joy . You look beautiful today . " He pulled out her chair , his voice as gentle as if afraid to disturb something precious . Mia glanced down at her simple black dress and laughed softly . " Dr. Parker , you're being unusually sweet today . Did the paper win an award ? " Winston shook his head , pouring her a glass of red wine . " It's not about the paper . " 01:21 My Dead Husband Chose His Mistress Over His Dying Mom ? I Made Him Lose Both ! 137 Chapter 12 His gaze suddenly became unusually serious . " Mia , this past year , watching you emerge from everything step by step , becoming better and better , I ... " His voice trembled slightly , his slender fingers unconsciously turning his wine glass . Mia's heartbeat suddenly accelerated . She vaguely guessed what he was about to say , yet didn't dare to be certain . " I had planned to wait for a more appropriate moment . " Winston took a deep breath . " But today , seeing the interview invitation from the medical journal , I suddenly realized life is too short - we shouldn't waste a single minute . " He stood up , walked around the table to her side , and knelt on one knee . Other diners in the restaurant began whispering among themselves , some even pulling out their phones to record . ' Mia , I've fallen in love with you . Not as a doctor caring for a patient , but as a man loving a woman . " His eyes shone brilliantly . " I know what you've been through . I don't expect you to respond to my feelings right now - I only hope you'll give me a chance to prove ... " Mia's fingers gripped her napkin tightly , her chest feeling as if something had struck it hard . Winston's sincerity was undeniable . Throughout this past year , he had accompanied her through every difficult day of rehabilitation , answered her calls when she woke rom nightmares in the middle of the night , and even quietly prepared all the materials she needed when she faced setbacks during her first return to the workplace. But . Dominic's shadow suddenly appeared before her eyes . he saw him watching coldly as she knelt in the snow nearly dying , commanding her to jump into the sea to retrieve the urn at the easide , and so many other scenes that filled her with fear . A sharp pain spread from the depths of her heart . Winston , I ... " Her voice was barely audible . " I need time . " he light in Winston's eyes dimmed for a moment , but quickly brightened again . le gently took her hand : I can wait as long as it takes . " I just want you to know that your past doesn't define your future . You deserve to be loved wholeheartedly . " Mia's eyes suddenly grew moist . At that moment , she allowed herself to think for the first time . Maybe she really could start over . 01:21 My Dead Hushand Chase His Mistress Over His Dving Mom ? I Made Him Lose Roth ! Chapter 12 Maybe not now , but someday she could .