"Abelia, are you done?" Aunt Babei's voice interrupted my thoughts, bringing me back to the present. The Bubble Festival was just an hour away, and preparations were in full swing. Irwin and the others had left earlier for urgent business, leaving only Gregoire and Calantha behind.

As I stepped outside, the festive atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Decorations adorned the surroundings, and the air was filled with the anticipation of the upcoming event. Despite the energetic surroundings, I couldn't help but sense a subtle undercurrent of potential matchmaking orchestrated by Aunt Babei. I had overheard her conversations with Uncle Abai, and it seemed like she was playing the role of a cupid, intending to set up Gregoire and Calantha on a blind date. The idea held an appeal for me; Gregoire's gentlemanly demeanor and Calantha's vibrant energy seemed like a perfect match. Gregoire's gentlemanly demeanor added a layer of charm to the potential match. He was always cautious and gentle around women, qualities that had earned him the admiration of many. On the other hand, Calantha exuded an energy that was vibrant and contagious. The contrast between their personalities seemed like a harmonious blend, creating an intriguing dynamic.

As the festival drew near, I couldn't help but envision the possibility of Gregoire and Calantha discovering a connection that went beyond their professional interactions. The delicate dance of romance amidst the lively backdrop of the Bubble Festival added an element of anticipation and excitement to the unfolding events. Gregoire and Calantha's height difference added an endearing touch to the potential match. The contrast in their physical stature seemed to enhance the charm of their compatibility, creating a visual harmony that resonated with a subtle sweetness. Despite the opportunities they had to converse, I could discern a certain hesitation from Gregoire's side. Perhaps it was the uncertainty of crossing the boundary from friendship to something more, or maybe he harbored reservations that remained unspoken. The uncharted territory of romantic entanglements often carried with it a mix of excitement and trepidation.

On the other hand, Calantha's romantic history was a blank canvas. She had never been in a relationship before, dedicating her focus to career aspirations and the pursuit of independence. Inspired by her brothers, she had chosen a path that prioritized personal growth and professional success. Her dual major in Journalism and International Law showcased her commitment to diverse interests, and her role as a board member in my company demonstrated her dedication and capabilities beyond academia. Calantha's international exposure had provided valuable insights over the years, making her an integral part of the company's strategic vision. As I looked ahead to my future role as CEO, I envisioned collaborating closely with her to implement significant changes. The synergy between us held the promise of positive transformation, and the prospect of working alongside someone with Calantha's unique blend of skills and perspective was both inspiring and invigorating.

The unfolding dynamics between Gregoire and Calantha, both on a personal and professional level, added layers of complexity to the narrative. The subtle nuances of their interactions became threads woven into the fabric of a larger story, one that promised growth, connection, and the potential for romantic sparks to fly amidst the changes on the horizon.

"Let me help you, Abelia," Gregoire offered as I surveyed the final touches before the festival began. "No need, it's done," I replied with a smile, glancing around at the meticulous setup. "Maybe Calantha needs help," I added, pointing toward where she might be.

"Oh, okay," Gregoire nodded, accepting my response, and he wandered off to find Calantha. As I observed them together, a sense of contentment washed over me. The prospect of Aunt Babei's matchmaking efforts were creating a lovely atmosphere, promising an enchanting night.

The anticipation of the festival hung in the air, and the vibrant decorations reflected the care and attention that went into the preparations. Despite the joyous occasion, a subtle yearning tugged at my heart-I missed Irwin. The absence of his presence, especially during such moments, left a void that only his companionship could fill. Wanting to share the beauty of the decorations with Irwin, I took a picture and sent it to him along with a heartfelt message: "I wish you were here." The sentiment encapsulated the mix of emotions I felt-gratitude for the unfolding festivities, a touch of nostalgia, and the longing for the companionship of someone dear.

As I awaited Irwin's response, the night held the promise of magic, bubbles, and the potential blossoming of connections. The gentle breeze carried whispers of laughter and conversations, creating a canvas of emotions against the backdrop of a festival that seemed poised to unfold into a memorable evening. "Your wish has been fulfilled, your grace," Irwin's message flashed on my phone. A slight smile played on my lips, and I was about to respond when, suddenly, the fairy lights around us were extinguished, and the soft notes of a guitar began to fill the air. A hush fell over the crowd, and I felt an inexplicable pull toward the source of the sweet music.

To my astonishment, there on the stage was Irwin, basking in the cheers and applause of the crowd. He greeted the audience, and then, with a gesture towards me, he declared, "Hello, ladies and gentlemen, welcome the love of my life." The cheers intensified, and the girls around me erupted into giggles. I stood there, utterly shocked and elated, as the moment unfolded like a dream. "I may not be the most perfect man," Irwin continued, "but for you, oh, for you, I will be the man that you need." The enchanting melody surrounded us, and the atmosphere seemed to shimmer with a touch of magic. "A beautiful girl like you, sweet as our summer memories, gentle as the forest breeze, is all that makes my heart skip a beat, my love. Oh, my love, I will fall in love a million times with you over and over again." As he sang the song he had written for me, I felt a mixture of emotions coursing through me. Calantha, sensing my overwhelmed state, wrapped her arms around me, adding to the supportive cheers of the crowd. Irwin's eyes locked onto mine as he reached the climax of the song.

"Abelia, I love you. Will you be mine?" he declared, holding out a beautiful bouquet. My hands instinctively covered my mouth as I trembled with emotion. "I am already yours, have always been yours," I whispered softly, my heart overflowing with love.

Irwin descended from the stage, and the crowd erupted into applause. As he reached me, he handed me the bouquet, and I looked into his eyes, seeing a reflection of the love and sincerity that had defined our journey. The unexpected proposal had left me elated, my heart dancing with joy. Irwin, with a warmth in his eyes, stood beside me, and the world around us seemed to fade into the background.

"What are you thinking, love?" he asked, his voice soft and tender. A smile graced my lips as I looked into his eyes, still reveling in the surprise that had unfolded.

"About you, you've been driving me insane," I replied with a playful glint in my eyes. Irwin chuckled, the sound wrapping around us like a comforting embrace. "Really? What else did I do to you?" he inquired, pulling me softly closer to him.

Before I could respond, a distant voice echoed through the surroundings. Aunt Babei's voice cut through the moment, and I felt a gentle shaking sensation. Reality blurred around me, and the enchanting scene with Irwin transformed into a hazy dreamscape. I tried to focus, but everything seemed to slip away, like grasping at mist. The gentle pull of someone shaking me persisted, and I gradually became aware that the magical moment had dissolved, leaving behind a sense of disorientation. As the blurriness enveloped me, I couldn't help but wonder if the scene with Irwin had been a dream or a fleeting reality. The transition from the euphoria of the proposal to this surreal state left me in a state of bewilderment, with questions swirling in my mind about what had just transpired. The distant voice of Aunt Babei reached my ears, cutting through the fog that enveloped my senses. "Darling, what happened?" she inquired, her tone laced with concern. Confusion clouded my mind, and all I could manage was a feeble, "What?"

"Are you okay?" she pressed, her worry palpable. Again, I found myself repeating, "What?" Unable to make sense of the situation unfolding around me.

"Babe, are you okay?" Calantha's voice joined the chorus of concern, her expression mirroring Aunt Babei's worry. "What happened?" I questioned, my words sounding more like a plea for clarity than a coherent inquiry.

"Oh, my poor baby. I'm going to get you some water," Aunt Babei declared as she hurried off to the kitchen. Left in the company of Calantha and Gregoire, I felt their eyes on me, their expressions a mix of confusion and curiosity.

"What happened? How did I end up here?" I asked, my mind grasping for fragments of memory that seemed elusive.

Both Calantha and Gregoire exchanged perplexed glances, their eyebrows raised in unison. "So, you don't remember anything?" Calantha inquired, her tone holding a touch of disbelief.

"You were so drunk, Irwin had to carry you here," Calantha revealed, her words penetrating the haze of confusion that clouded my mind. "What?" I exclaimed in disbelief, trying to piece together the fragments of the night.

"I'm going to find him," I declared. I slipped on my slippers before walking away. The realization that the proposal might have been a dream left me grappling with a sense of loss and confusion. I knocked on Irwin's door, hoping for an explanation. No response. I tried again, but still, silence echoed from the other side. Checking the handle, I found the door slightly ajar. Pushing it open, I called out, "Irwin, Irwin," but there was no response. As I entered, I stumbled on the coffee table, feeling disoriented in the dim light. Suddenly, strong arms wrapped around me, steadying my faltering steps. I tilted my head, and there he was-Irwin. His hand protectively cradled the back of my head as we stumbled toward the bed. In the intimate proximity, my hands inadvertently touched his bare chest, and a rush of warmth flooded through me. The flush on my cheeks deepened as I realized the closeness between us. The surreal blend of confusion and the unexpected turn of events left me breathless, and I found myself lost in the tangled emotions that danced in the dimly lit room.