The two couples were completely worn out from the evening's activities and all they longed for was rest. Megyn, especially, wanted to rise early the next morning to attend church service.
The girls requested to be dropped off at their hostel, but the guys had other ideas. Evans assured Megyn that he would take good care of Cindy — no monkey business involved. He spoke with such genuine calm that Megyn found herself nodding. With a bit of persuasion, Cindy agreed and left in Evans' car, heading to spend the night at his apartment.
Megyn, though slightly uncertain, trusted her best friend. Cindy had already been through the stormy side of hasty relationships. If anyone had learned caution, it was her.
Left alone with Megyn, Benjamin opened the car door for her before sliding into the driver's seat. He started the engine and pulled out of the hospital grounds, but instead of heading toward the university, he veered into the opposite direction.
As the car gathered speed and the city lights shimmered in the night, Megyn frowned slightly, watching the streets grow unfamiliar. Benjamin was still glowing with satisfaction from the events of the evening — and clearly in no rush.
"Benj, you've forgotten," Megyn said, leaning slightly toward him. "You were supposed to drop me at my hostel."
"Princess," he said with a teasing smile, "I'll drop myself first — at the Royal Sunset Hotel penthouse suite — then I'll take you to your hostel later. It's already 1 a.m., and we're both beyond tired." He reached over and tapped the car stereo, playing Princess, the song that always seemed to echo their story.
Megyn gave him a knowing look, but didn't protest immediately.
Benjamin, still focused on the road, added softly, "I just want to be with you tonight, Megyn. Every platform is buzzing with our wedding announcement. I don't want the first night — or any other — to find you alone in a cold hostel room."
She sighed, touched by his sincerity. He glanced over and noticed the concern in her eyes.
"Gazelle," he said gently, "you know you're mine, and I'm yours. That penthouse has a room for you. It always has. It always will."
Megyn reached out, touching his shoulder affectionately. "Benj, I love you. After tonight… my heart feels so full, I don't even know where to put the extra love." She smiled, then added, "But I really hoped to wake up early tomorrow for church service at the university chapel."
Benjamin chuckled. "You mean to tell me you can't skip just once?"
"Not even once."
He grinned. "Alright then. I'll make sure you get the best rest tonight, and tomorrow, we'll go to the service together. Deal?"
"That sounds splendid! I love your suggestion, my love."
His smile was like sunshine in the darkness. They arrived at the hotel, barely said much, and within moments of settling in, their heads touched the pillows — and sleep took over.
Somewhere in the middle of the night, it began to drizzle lighly. Thunder rumbled softly. Still, they slept soundly
Then suddenly, Benjamin's eyes flew open. The bedroom door swung abruptly, and Megyn rushed in, her eyes wide with fear. Without a word, she dove into the bed beside him, curling up like a frightened child.
Startled but instinctively protective, Benjamin wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.
"Princess," he whispered, "what happened?"
"There's a gunman in my room," she murmured sleepily, her voice barely audible. Then, just like that, she fell back asleep in his arms.
Benjamin blinked in the dim room, unsure whether to believe her or not — but she was safe now. He held her tighter and let sleep reclaim him.
At dawn, Megyn stirred. Something didn't feel right — she couldn't move easily because someone was holding her. She blinked, trying to place herself. Wasn't she in her usual guest room? Why did it feel like she wasn't alone?
"Benj… is that you?" she asked softly.
The light from the balcony fell gently across the room. She saw him stir and smile — that warm, sleepy smile that made her feel everything was okay.
"Megyn Maringo," he whispered, gazing at her, "what do I do with you? You're killing me — and you don't even know it."
She laughed softly, still half-asleep. "Then let's die together… and figure out how to resurrect together."
Benjamin grinned. "Go back to sleep, Princess. We'll sort it all out soon."
Sunlight streamed into the room like liquid gold. Megyn opened her eyes, blinking at the warm glow. Beside her, Benjamin was still fast asleep, his face relaxed, peaceful. She looked at the clock — it was ten o'clock.
Carefully, she slid out of bed and tiptoed to her designated room. A hot shower calmed her, and she selected a long African-print dress — bold and elegant — paired with matching sandals.
She told herself she wouldn't wake Benjamin, but by the time she stepped out, it was already 10:45 a.m.
To her surprise, he was not only awake but fully dressed, sitting casually in the lounge with a smile waiting for her.
"Look who beat you at your own game!" he teased.
Megyn shook her head on protest and then tilted it playfully, exposing darker patches on her neck. Benjamin's eyes caught them instantly and understood, though she seemed unaware of the presence of the marks.
She smiled and said, "I surrender."
He laughed softly. "Come sit next to me, Princess," he said, patting the space beside him.
"I've already spoken to your church pastor. He's expecting us at 3 p.m. But right now, we need to talk."
She joined him, and they ate breakfast quietly, enjoying the simple intimacy of the moment.
After a while, Benjamin spoke again, more seriously.
"Gazelle… our parents saw the announcement we made yesterday. And… well… they have mixed feelings. Especially your father. He feels like he was ambushed."
Megyn looked down, her fingers curling around her mug. She had planned to break the news when she visited home the next day. Even she had been caught off-guard by the speed of the public post.
"Well," she said slowly, "the truth is — the date is already out. It's set. And now, they already know."
"It's okay, my Gazelle," Benjamin said soothingly. "All will be well. Our parents have actually spoken. They've agreed that negotiations should begin immediately. My kinsmen will visit yours in two weeks. I know it's short notice, but it'll be fine."
Megyn nodded, letting the reality sink in. Everything was happening so fast.
"And one more thing," Benjamin added. "We're going to see the hospital trauma therapist. He's one of the best. Just a precaution — especially after what happened last night." He paused. "If I had taken you back to the hostel… I'm afraid to imagine what could've happened."
Megyn didn't argue. Her silence was agreement. Later that afternoon, they met with the therapist, and afterward, they sat with the church pastor. He was delighted.
"Yes, my children," he said warmly, "this is the right thing to do. I'm proud of you."
The next day, they visited the Hawi home before Megyn's flight to Randi. Benjamin insisted on it. "You're in the public eye now," he said. "And so is your safety."
He booked her flight himself, insisting on escorting her to the airport. As the plane prepared for takeoff, Megyn looked out the window and whispered,
"My life is changing... and I'm ready."