The words hung in the air, settling between them like a weight. Victor's breath hitched, the reality of her departure striking him harder than he'd expected. He turned to her, struggling to maintain composure, but the sadness in his eyes was undeniable.
Kaylee nodded, her gaze gentle as she reached out to take his hand. "Yes, tomorrow. They're eager to see me, and I know it's time for me to go home."
Victor squeezed her hand, managing a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Of course. You've made such incredible progress... it's only right you go home to your family."
But even as he spoke, his thoughts shifted to something far more pressing—the proposal he had made just a few nights ago during one of their nightly worship sessions. He had asked her to marry him and had asked Kaylee to take her time to think about it and give him an answer before she left with her parents.
And now, with tomorrow night approaching, Victor had no idea what her answer would be. His chest tightened with anxiety, the uncertainty gnawing at him. Was her decision to leave tomorrow a sign she wasn't ready to commit? Was she planning to let him down gently?
Victor's mind raced with questions, his heart pounding as he searched her face for any clue to what she was thinking. But all he saw was the woman he loved, the woman he wanted to spend his life with, sitting beside him with that same kind, gentle smile that had captivated him from the start. He wanted to ask her, to know where he stood, but the words caught in his throat. Instead, his eyes betrayed him, brimming with a mix of hope and fear, silently pleading for an answer.
Kaylee noticed the change in his expression, the vulnerability in his eyes so unlike the confident, composed man she knew. She could see how much this moment meant to him, how deeply he cared, and it touched her heart, bringing tears to her eyes. She had always admired his strength, but seeing this tender, uncertain side of him—so full of love and longing—made her love him even more.
Unable to hold back her emotions, Kaylee let out a light, joyful laugh, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him. "Victor, you're so adorable when you're nervous."
Victor blinked, surprised by her laughter, his heart skipping a beat as he tried to decipher her reaction. "Kaylee...?"
But before he could say anything more, Kaylee squeezed his hand tighter, her smile widening as she met his gaze. "Yes, Victor. The answer is yes. I'll marry you."
For a moment, Victor was stunned, her words not fully sinking in. But then, as their meaning struck him, a rush of overwhelming joy filled his chest. She had said yes! The nervousness that had gripped him moments ago melted away, replaced by a surge of happiness that made his heart soar.
"Kaylee," he breathed, his voice thick with emotion as he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. "You've made me the happiest man in the world."
Kaylee laughed again, tears of happiness in her eyes as she wrapped her arms around him just as tightly. "And you've made me the happiest woman, Victor."
They stayed like that for a long moment, wrapped in each other's embrace, the world outside forgotten as they shared in the joy of the moment. Victor, his heart still racing, pulled back slightly to look into her eyes, his gaze full of love and gratitude.
"I promise you, Kaylee, I'll spend every day of my life making sure you never regret this decision."
Kaylee smiled up at him, her heart full to bursting. "I know you will, Victor. And I can't wait to start this journey together."
As they held each other close, the sadness of saying goodbye tomorrow night faded into the background. All that mattered was the future they would build together—a future filled with love, faith, and the promise of forever.
***
Victor had always felt a certain distance from the idea of church, a remnant of the years spent away from his faith after his mother's passing. But today, as he walked beside Kaylee toward the temporary worship hall of St. Thomas Cathedral, he felt a mix of emotions swirling within him—nervousness, anticipation, and a touch of something he hadn't expected: peace.
It had been over a decade since he last stepped into a church. The memories of attending services with his late mother were both cherished and painful. Her deep faith had been a cornerstone of their lives, and losing her had shaken him to the core. For years, Victor had avoided anything that reminded him of that loss, but now, as they approached the hall, he felt ready—perhaps even eager—to reconnect with that part of his life, especially with Kaylee by his side.
As they entered the temporary worship hall, a humble space set up while the main cathedral was under renovation, Victor couldn't help but notice how different it felt from the grandeur of the cathedral he remembered. The room was filled with the soft hum of voices and warm light filtering through modest windows, creating a sense of intimacy that was surprisingly comforting. The wooden pews, though worn, held a certain charm, and the altar was adorned with simple yet beautiful decorations that spoke of the congregation's dedication.
Victor and Kaylee found a seat near the middle, blending in with the other worshippers. The service began with a hymn, and Victor listened as the familiar words filled the air, his heart slowly unclenching with each note. He glanced at Kaylee, who was singing softly, her eyes closed in reverence. There was something serene about her presence, something that made him feel like he was exactly where he was supposed to be.
As the service continued, Victor noticed the discreet glances from some of the congregation. He was, after all, a well-known figure in the city, and his presence here together with Kaylee was undoubtedly unexpected. But to his relief, the attention was respectful, almost protective of Kaylee, as if the community understood the significance of this moment for both of them. The whispered conversations were kept low, and no one dared to take out their phones to snap a picture or post about it on social media. It was as though the sanctity of the place and the significance of their relationship demanded a level of respect that everyone honored.
After the service, as they made their way out, Kaylee suggested they take a look at the ongoing renovation work on the main cathedral. Victor agreed, curious to see the progress and knowing how much this project meant to her.
The sun was beginning to dip in the sky as they approached the towering structure of St. Thomas Cathedral. Scaffolding covered parts of the facade, and workers moved diligently, breathing new life into the historic building. Victor stood silently beside Kaylee, his gaze traveling over the intricate designs and the partially restored stonework. He recalled the charity auction where they had first met—where Kaylee's architectural design for the cathedral's renovation had been unveiled. It felt like a lifetime ago, yet only two weeks had passed.
Kaylee, too, seemed lost in thought, her eyes tracing the lines of the building she had poured so much of her heart into. Victor could sense the deep connection she had with this place, a bond that had drawn him to her from the start. The cathedral was more than just a building; it was a symbol of faith, love, and new beginnings.
After a long moment of quiet reflection, Victor turned to Kaylee, his expression serious yet warm. "Kaylee," he began, his voice steady but tinged with emotion, "I've been thinking... When this renovation is complete, I want us to hold our wedding here, as the first event to mark the reopening of St. Thomas Cathedral."
Kaylee looked up at him, her eyes widening in surprise and then filling with tears of happiness. "Victor, are you sure? That's such a beautiful idea... and it would mean so much to me."
Victor nodded, gently taking her hand. "I can't think of a more perfect place. This cathedral is a symbol of everything we've been through—our journey, our faith, our love. I want to start our life together here, in the very place where your vision and my heart found each other."
Kaylee smiled through her tears, leaning into him as they both looked back at the cathedral. The idea of their wedding here, in this sacred and historic space, felt like the perfect culmination of everything they had shared and everything that was to come.
As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Victor felt the last remnants of his old grief lifting, replaced by a profound sense of hope and love. The future was no longer something he feared or avoided. It was something he was ready to embrace—with Kaylee, and with the faith that had guided them both to this moment.
And as they walked away, leaving the cathedral behind for now, the murmurs of the congregation faded into the background. No one would break the sanctity of this moment with a social media post or a whispered rumor. This was their story, their journey, and it was just beginning.
***
That late afternoon, the atmosphere in Victor's home was tinged with a quiet melancholy as Kaylee packed her belongings. Corinna, the helpful nurse, had concluded her responsibilities and left.
After placing the last item of her V Magic skincare products, the R Cream, into her small luggage bag from the dressing table, Kaylee took one last glance around the guest room, which had become her sanctuary over the past eleven days. Victor stood in the doorway, watching her with a mixture of emotions. He had known this moment was coming, but that didn't make it any easier.
"You've really made this place feel more like a home, Kaylee," Victor said softly, stepping into the room. He leaned against the dresser, his hands in his pockets, trying to maintain his usual composed demeanor.
Kaylee smiled at him, her expression warm but tinged with sadness. "And you've made me feel welcome here, Victor. These past few weeks have been... special. I'm going to miss this."
"So will I," he admitted in a low voice. He wanted to say more, to tell her how much her presence had brightened his life, but he knew that words could only go so far. Instead, he helped her with her small luggage bag, their movements slow and deliberate, as if neither wanted the moment to end. But time continued to pass quietly.
The sun had just begun to set, casting a warm golden glow across the city as Victor and Kaylee put the finishing touches on dinner. The kitchen was filled with the sounds of chopping, sizzling, and the quiet hum of conversation. Kaylee moved with ease, expertly preparing the dishes that her parents loved, while Victor did his best to keep up, trying not to let his nerves show. Tonight was important—he was meeting Kaylee's parents for the first time, and he wanted to make a good impression.
As they worked side by side, Victor couldn't help but be impressed by Kaylee's skill in the kitchen. She moved with a grace that spoke of years of practice, her hands deftly handling each ingredient. The aroma of the terung dayak pork bones soup filled the room, its rich and earthy scent made Victor's mouth water. The stir-fried tempoyak large prawns sizzled in the pan, their tangy aroma mingling with the savory scent of the stir-fried garlic shallot daun keladi that was already sitting on the kitchen counter.
Victor took a moment to taste the soup, his eyes widening as the flavors hit his tongue. It was his first time trying Kaylee's home-cooked dishes, and the rich, comforting taste brought back memories of his late mother, Long Lefyna. He remembered how she used to cook similar dishes for him when he was young, the warmth of her smile, the love she put into every meal. For a moment, he was lost in the past, the familiar flavors tugging at his heartstrings.
"Victor?" Kaylee's voice brought him back to the present. She was looking at him with concern, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "You okay?"
He nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. "This is incredible, Kaylee. It reminds me of my mom's cooking... I haven't tasted anything like this in years." His voice was thick with emotion, but he managed a small smile.
Kaylee's expression softened as she understood the depth of his words. She reached out and squeezed his hand, a silent gesture of support. "I'm glad you like it. I'll cook more of these for us next time."
Victor's heart fluttered at the thought of their future together. Hearing those words from Kaylee made something blossom within him, a warmth spreading through his chest with hope and love.
Before long, the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of Kaylee's parents. Victor's heart skipped a beat, but he took a deep breath, reminding himself to stay calm and composed. Kaylee gave him a reassuring smile before heading to the door, and Victor followed, determined to make this evening a success.
Stone and Amethyst entered with warm smiles, their presence filling the room with a comforting familiarity. Kaylee hugged them both, and Victor greeted them with a firm handshake and a respectful bow of his head.
"Mr. Stone, Mrs. Stone, welcome. It's an honor to have you here," Victor said, his voice steady despite the nervous flutter in his chest.
Stone, a tall man with a commanding presence, studied Victor with a critical eye, though his expression remained polite. Amethyst, with her warm smile and kind eyes, seemed more at ease, though Victor could sense the protective aura around both parents.
"Thank you for having us, Victor," Amethyst said gently. "Kaylee's told us a lot about you."
Victor smiled, glancing at Kaylee, who beamed at her parents. "I'm glad to finally meet you both. Kaylee's been a great influence on me—she's introduced me to a whole new world of flavors tonight." He gestured toward the table, where the food was laid out in an inviting display.
As they sat down to dinner, the conversation flowed easily, much to Victor's relief. Kaylee's parents were curious about him, asking questions about his work, his interests, and his upbringing. Stone, though reserved, was clearly testing Victor, gauging his responses with a discerning eye.
Midway through the meal, as they savored the rich flavors of the terung dayak pork bones soup, Stone set down his spoon and looked directly at Victor. His gaze was steady, assessing. "So, Victor," he began, his tone measured, "what made you interested in Kaylee? You're a busy man—why take time out of your demanding schedule for my daughter?"
The question hung in the air, catching Kaylee off guard, her expression betraying a flicker of surprise. Victor took a moment to gather his thoughts, knowing this was more than just a casual inquiry—it was a father seeking to understand the intentions of the man who had captured his daughter's heart.
Victor met Stone's gaze, his expression sincere and open. "Mr. Stone, I could tell you about all the things that first drew me to Kaylee—her intelligence, her talent, her kindness—but the truth is, it's much deeper than that. When I first met Kaylee, I was struck by her authenticity. In a world where so many people wear masks, Kaylee was... is real. She doesn't pretend to be someone she's not, and that's rare. And she rekindled my faith in Christ, something I had set aside for over a decade."
He paused, his voice softening as he continued, "Yes, my work keeps me busy, and it's demanding, but Kaylee has a way of making everything else fade into the background. She brings a sense of peace into my life that I didn't realize I was missing. Spending time with her, learning from her, and simply being in her presence—it's not something I've made time for; it's something I've needed, something that feels... essential."
Victor's words were heartfelt, each one chosen with care. He glanced at Kaylee, who was watching him with a tender expression, then looked back at her parents. "I've had success in my career, but I've come to realize that success means nothing if you don't have someone to share it with. Kaylee is that someone for me. She makes me want to be a better person, and I can't imagine my life without her in it."
Stone listened intently, his sharp eyes softening slightly as Victor spoke. He nodded slowly, absorbing the sincerity in Victor's words. It was clear that this was not just a man saying what he thought a father wanted to hear—this was a man who genuinely valued and cherished his daughter.
Amethyst, sitting beside Stone, smiled warmly, clearly touched by Victor's words. "That's beautiful, Victor," she said softly. "Kaylee deserves someone who sees her for who she truly is, and it's clear that you do."
Victor nodded gratefully, feeling the warmth of their acceptance beginning to form. "Thank you, Mrs. Stone. I know how special Kaylee is, and I promise you both that I'll do everything in my power to make her happy. She's given me a gift that I never expected, and I don't take that lightly."
Stone leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face as he considered Victor's words. After a moment, he spoke again, his tone more contemplative. "Your mother, Madam Long, she was a remarkable woman. We were fortunate to have known her, even if only briefly. It's clear she raised you with strong values."
Victor's eyes softened at the mention of his late mother, the familiar ache of loss mingling with the comfort of her memory. "I think about her every day," he admitted quietly. "She was my guiding star, the person I always turned to for wisdom and strength. Losing her was the hardest thing I've ever faced. But I know she'd be proud of where I am today, not because of my business success, but because I've found someone like Kaylee to share my life with, someone who helps me grow in my faith."
He took a breath, his voice thick with emotion as he continued, "My mom always said that life is about the people we love, the assignments God gives us, and the hearts we touch. I believe she'd be overjoyed that I've found Kaylee whom she had tried to find for so long since their divine encounter fifteen years ago. And I hope, in some way, she's watching over us now, blessing the path I've chosen."
The room fell quiet, the weight of Victor's words settling over them. Stone and Amethyst exchanged a look, a shared sense of loss passing between them.
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