After dinner, Ethan had given Melissa a long hug, and both of them seemed to have forgotten the world they lived in. It was as if time had stopped, and they lived for eternity. The warm embrace felt like it would never end. Melissa's mother, Martha, looked on from the side, her eyes brimming with tears of joy. She lifted her hands heavenward, whispering, "Oh Lord, how faithful You've been! You’ve given my daughter and me more than we could ever have expected. You brought us to this land safe and sound, and just as we arrived, a grand gift awaited us—what we couldn't achieve in our own country, we’ve found here."
As she offered her heartfelt thanks, the two lovebirds finally broke their embrace. They stared into each other’s faces, and although Melissa was blind, she could sense Ethan’s towering presence. When she hugged him, her head nestled beneath his chest, and when she raised her chin to meet his gaze, he chuckled, "Don’t worry, I’ll get you high heels that will help you reach my height."
Melissa playfully pouted, balling her tiny fists and lightly hitting his chest. Ethan burst out laughing. "Oh my darling, you’re really funny!" he exclaimed. She smiled, her beautiful eyes shining brightly. Despite her blindness, they sparkled like those of an eagle, captivating him completely.
Taking her hand, Ethan turned to Martha. "Mama, now that you’re here, let me treat you both to something special."
Martha raised an eyebrow. "A treat? What kind of treat?"
"You’ll see," Ethan replied, a mischievous grin on his face. "I have a perfect outing planned for both of you."
Melissa looked puzzled. "How do you even know our sizes?"
Ethan chuckled, recalling their previous conversations. "Remember that time we were talking on the phone? I asked you about your shoe size and dress size, and I even inquired about your mom's."
Melissa's eyes widened in disbelief. "You were planning all this behind my back?"
With laughter, the mother and daughter went upstairs to change into elegant dresses. Melissa wore a stunning gown that accentuated her figure, while Martha donned a beautiful purple dress that exuded class. When they descended the stairs, Ethan was taken aback by their beauty. "Wow! Now I know where my darling got her looks from. It’s obvious it runs in the family."
Martha blushed, and Ethan added, "I wouldn’t dare tease you." He took Melissa's hand, and with her mother now relaxed, she no longer needed to guide her daughter. Ethan offered to be her guide for the evening.
They stepped into his limited edition Rolls-Royce, which sped down the road, arriving at a luxurious restaurant known as Paradise. This establishment was famous for its romantic ambiance and exquisite decor, catering to affluent couples and families. Reservations were typically required months in advance, but Ethan, a VIP member with a rare black card, had the privilege of securing a table on short notice.
As they entered, the restaurant was empty, having been cleared out just for them. The romantic setting, adorned with fresh flowers and candlelight, took Melissa’s breath away. Although she couldn’t see, she could smell the intoxicating fragrance of real roses, something she had always dreamed of experiencing.
Martha leaned in, whispering, "My daughter, you need to see how beautiful this place is."
Melissa smiled, feeling the warmth of her mother’s love. "It’s like a dream, Mom. I can’t believe Ethan went to such lengths for us."
Ethan returned from a brief phone call and noticed the questioning looks on their faces. "Is everything okay?" he asked.
Melissa hesitated, then spoke up. "This decoration is so grand. Are you sure you’re not spending too much?"
Ethan waved her concerns away. "Don’t worry. I want to treat you both well. Melissa, you’re not materialistic, and I appreciate that. But I want to do this for you."
As they enjoyed a lavish meal, Ethan made sure Melissa had everything she desired, feeding her bites of delicious food. Laughter filled the air as they shared stories and dreams, and the atmosphere felt electric.
After dinner, the lights dimmed, and a stage lit up, revealing a band ready to perform. They played Melissa’s favorite songs, and she felt as if the world had melted away, leaving only the music and the love surrounding her.
Then, in a moment that felt both surreal and perfect, Ethan knelt before her, opening a small velvet box. "I know this is sudden, but I can’t wait any longer. Will you be my wife?"
Tears of joy filled Melissa’s eyes as she gasped, "Yes! Yes, I will!"
Ethan slipped the ring onto her finger, and they embraced passionately. Turning to Martha, he asked for her blessing. With a nod, she said, "May your bond never be broken. May you always find happiness together."
As they left the restaurant, Ethan felt a sense of completeness he had never known before. He had found his family, and it felt like home. That night, as he returned to his own place, he promised to come back for breakfast, eager to share more of his life with Melissa and her mother.
In the quiet of his room, he reflected on the evening, knowing that this was just the beginning of a beautiful journey together.