After saying that, Marylin pushed Karl away gently.
"I need to do my makeup," she said. "Otherwise I'll run out of time."
Karl didn't argue. Smiling, he headed into the bathroom to freshen up.
For the evening banquet, Karl wore a pure black suit—understated and composed. The deep black contrasted sharply with Marylin's simple white dress, yet the two somehow complemented each other perfectly, harmonious in a way that felt effortless.
They took a car from the hotel to the venue. Along the way, Karl discreetly secured the engagement ring he had prepared, waiting for the right moment during the banquet to propose.
Her friends had organized this gathering at just the right time. He planned to propose in front of them all—to give her a promise for a lifetime, to let her happiness be witnessed, and perhaps even carried back to the ears of that scumbag ex of hers. To let that man know that what he had discarded so casually was something someone else would treasure beyond measure.
