SEBASTIAN’S POV

Not long after, I was already inside the gallery room with Jerry to change clothes. At that moment, I had no idea that El had seen the three of us walking in together. It was Amelie who signaled to me to go ahead and get changed with Jerry.

“Sebastian… psst, Sebastian!”

“What? Why? Aren’t you going to keep me company while I change?” I turned to look at Amelie who suddenly stopped behind me.

“I think El just saw us entering together. Turns out she’s already sitting in the front lobby.” Amelie pointed toward the front hallway we had just passed.

“Okay then, go meet her now… I’ll get changed quickly.”
Amelie nodded. “Alright, don’t take too long. I’m afraid I won’t be able to explain everything on my own.”

“Yeah, it’s just a suit change. I won’t be long!” I quickly went after Jerry.

Not long after.
In less than twenty minutes, I was fully dressed in a complete suit.

“Perfect, you look great!” Jerry gave me two thumbs up. “Now… do we need makeup?” He looked at me, his expression suddenly serious again.

“Oh come on, what now? No way! I’m not a girl!”

“Hey! It’s not about being a girl or boy! You’re getting married—you’ll be photographed a lot. At least make yourself look fresh.”

“So you’re saying I look bad?” I swung my fist playfully at Jerry’s arm. He dodged and laughed.
“Hahaha, that’s not what I meant. I mean just freshen up a little. No need for makeup, but let me have my assistant fix your hair. Won’t take more than five minutes.”

I took Jerry’s suggestion. And true to his words, within five minutes, my hair looked stylish and neat.

“Alright, go see your bride-to-be. I’ve got to get ready myself. Then we’ll head straight to your place.” Jerry waved me off while laughing.

I walked back toward the front lobby where Amelie and El were sitting and waiting.

“So here’s the thing, El—” Amelie hadn’t even finished her sentence when I arrived and stood beside the seat where the two of them were sitting. I could tell she was struggling to explain everything to El. I gently patted her shoulder.

“Let me finish the story. Go wait in the car, Mel,” I told her firmly.

As I stood there, I could see El looking at me with confused eyes.

“El, can we talk for a minute?” I looked at her, uneasy. I was afraid she’d be angry and reject my plan.

“Sure, that’s the whole reason we met today anyway—to talk,” she replied quickly.

“I’ll get straight to the point, okay? Is that alright with you?” I hesitated, unsure whether to sit close to her or keep some distance. In the end, I chose not to sit too close. Being near El made my heart beat even faster.

“Whatever you’re comfortable with. I don’t mind,” El answered again.

“Well, El… all of this is actually part of my plan. You remember why we agreed to meet today—to talk about how serious I am about you.” I ran a hand through my hair, forgetting for a second that it had already been styled. I hurriedly tried to fix it again with my fingers.
“Actually, the lie Amelie and Jerry told… was at my request.”

“Wait, hold on…” El quickly interrupted. “Both Amelie earlier and now you—you're talking about lies. Can you explain what exactly you mean by this lie?”

“That’s why, El. Let me explain. Everything will make sense after I get to the main point.”

“Okay, go on.”

I then explained how the lie from Amelie and Jerry was just part of helping me. But it seemed like El misunderstood my intention. I had to convince her that I lied only because I was afraid she would reject my plan to marry her soon.

“I was scared you’d say no. That’s why I asked Amelie and Jerry to help me.”

“And you think I wouldn’t say no if you went behind my back like this?” El sighed. “Marriage takes two people, Sebastian. Not just one. Everything should be discussed and decided together, not like this… not from your solo decision.”

Her words hit hard. I instantly felt stupid and reckless.

“I… I didn’t think that far ahead. All I could think of was how to show you that I’m truly serious. I’m sorry if my decisions don’t align with your way of thinking.”

“So… you don’t want to marry me if it’s forced?” I asked, exhaling deeply, already imagining how devastated my mother would be.

“What do you think? Do you think I’d agree to a plan you decided all by yourself?”

I just looked down, speechless. My mind was a mess, completely scattered.

Imagining the disaster if this all failed.

“I… I’m not so sure anymore about my plan…” I began unbuttoning my suit jacket roughly, eyes full of anxiety. “I’m starting to doubt my way of proving myself.”
Argh! I ran my fingers through my perfectly styled hair, messing it up completely.

“You should’ve just asked me first, Sebastian. Don’t go making decisions like this on your own.”

“So that means you don’t agree, right?” I let out a weak sigh.

“I want to ask something…” El spoke in a very soft voice.

“What?” I asked impatiently.

El didn’t speak yet, but instead, she removed the engagement ring I had given her.

“What the—El! What are you doing?” I pushed her hand away in frustration as she tried to return the ring.
“Even if you cancel the engagement, I won’t take back something I’ve given you. That ring became yours the moment I proposed. Even if we break up, I won’t take back any of the things I’ve given you. Do whatever you want with it—throw it away or sell it—it’s no longer my concern. It’s yours!”
I could feel my tone rising with emotion.

El pulled her hand back and just held the ring tightly in her palm.

“If you have a question, just ask, El. No need to talk about calling off the engagement or returning the ring. Please… think of my mother. I’m afraid she’ll go into shock.” I spoke in frustration.
“Now go ahead, what did you want to ask me?”

“Are you really sure about your decision to marry a woman like me?”

“What kind of woman do you mean?”

“Well… you know what my job is…” El’s voice grew even softer.

Her words made me smile slightly.
“Ohh… so that’s what’s making you doubt my decision?”

I saw her shake her head quickly.
“It’s not just that, Sebastian. There’s something else I haven’t told you.”

“Alright then… go ahead, tell me.”

El then began to tell me what had been bothering her. I was completely shocked by what she just revealed.

“I’ll pay! Cancel it!” I shouted, emotional.

El just laughed and calmly explained her situation again.

“Listen closely, El… whether or not you accept my proposal, I *will* help you find a way out of the problem you just told me. Understand?” I looked into her eyes with a softer gaze, trying to reassure and comfort her.

“Re-really? You’re sure?”

“I’M SURE!” I nodded quickly and confidently. “I’ll help you, no matter what happens. Don’t be afraid.”

Suddenly El went silent.
“El?” I called gently. “What’s wrong?” I grew more puzzled seeing her trying to wipe away tears.

“Sebastian…” El called out in a hoarse voice.

“Yes?” I frowned.

“Can you call Jerry or his assistant?”

My heart beat faster. I looked at El with a confused gaze.
“Why, El? Do you want to remove your makeup and change?” My heart was close to breaking. I was about to stand up and call Jerry and his assistant.

Suddenly, El grabbed my hand.

“Don’t tell him I want to remove this beautiful makeup. Tell him… I want to ask for help to *touch it up* and fix my dress.”

Her words confused me even more. “Touch up what?”

“Tell Amelie to be patient. We’ll join her once I’ve freshened up. And your hair too…”

“You… are you saying…”

“Yes, Sebastian. I accept your sincerity. Let’s get married…”

Hearing her answer made me cheer wildly inside.

***