The car slipped smoothly into the light traffic. At this hour, the road was almost clear, and as the car picked up speed, Megyn closed her eyes, feeling the gentle rise and fall of the road beneath them.
Benjamin was calm at the wheel, his full attention on the road.
Soft music played on the stereo. A familiar tune filled the car, prompting Megyn to open her eyes. It was the same song she had been humming that morning when she walked into the dining room—the same one that played the first time Benjamin held her close.
Benjamin glanced at her, offered a lopsided smile, and began humming along. The lyrics played on:
Princess, How I wish you would smile, smile. This guy wants to see your teeth. Smile makes you more beautiful, And he thinks he deserves your beauty. What would you consider in this universe more than happiness? 'Cause I want to make you happy. I am lost for words that befit you, And I am afraid you will reject me. I am asking for a chance… I am lost for words that befit you, And I am afraid you will reject me. Interlude… You are right for me. You are right for me. I have waited for long and I have found you, Never to leave you again. Princess, you were created for me. You have taken my thoughts, Princess. Ask what you want me to do… anything! If only I had known you earlier… I would have made a wish, And you would have granted it. Shall it come true now? How I would love to make you mine forever…
Without realizing, both Megyn's soprano and Benjamin's tenor had joined in, harmonizing naturally with the tune.
Megyn didn't even notice the change in scenery—how far they had driven from Randi Town and the lake.
When the song ended, their voices trailed off.
"This lovely young lady just doesn't know what she's doing to me. She pins me down without even knowing," Benjamin mused.
"Hey, Benjamin," Megyn called. He was lost in thought, a gentle smile on his face.
"Mm?" he replied, glancing at her.
"Tell me you're kidding! Why didn't you say you were bringing me here?"
"It's a surprise," he said with a wink.
"Benjamin, you didn't have to... I mean, we could have gone to a more affordable place—"
Before she could finish, he hushed her with a finger on her lips. "You're a princess, Gazelle. My princess deserves to be treated like one."
The car slowed to a stop in the parking lot of Hotel Sunset—the most luxurious hotel in Randi. Megyn had always associated it with the elite: dignitaries and high-profile guests who held events or stayed there when in town.
And now Benjamin had brought her here, just for lunch.
Several luxury cars were parked outside, some covered, indicating long-term guests. The quality of the vehicles spoke volumes about the clientele.
Benjamin parked precisely at noon. They stepped out, and he reached for Megyn's hand. She accepted it without hesitation or embarrassment.
They walked together along a red block-paved path crossing a quiet, grassy area with benches tucked into corners. The hotel rose magnificently, ten stories tall, centered on five hectares of lakefront property.
The grounds sloped gently to a private beach. Guests lounged on sunbeds and chairs, while families swam in a nearby pool.
Megyn noticed staff members in red and black uniforms, with the hotel logo printed on the red tops. Benjamin seemed familiar with many of them.
"Good afternoon, sir," a beautiful receptionist greeted them.
"Good afternoon, Antonia," Benjamin replied smoothly.
Despite a busy lobby, Antonia had spotted him immediately, making Megyn suspect Benjamin was a regular.
She took in the atmosphere: upscale yet warm and inviting. Classical music played softly, like at her house. The lighting was perfect, and everything smelled fresh and refined.
The floor was tiled in light brown with coffee-brown accents, the ceiling gilded with golden tones and bordered in coffee hues. Red couches and mahogany furniture, including a small library, added elegance to the space.
Benjamin's voice drew her attention.
"Let's go, Princess."
He smiled and took her hand again. They followed a gentleman who led them into a lift and up to a private room on the first floor.
The table was set for two, with a variety of mouth-watering dishes—fried fish included. They ate in comfortable silence. The same familiar song played again, and they exchanged warm smiles.
After finishing their meal, a waiter cleared the table and served soft drinks before leaving.
"Princess, I'm glad you agreed to come with me," Benjamin said.
Megyn smiled, replying, "Thanks for bringing me here, my L—err… Prince." She saw a flicker of disappointment on his face and laughed.
"Gazelle, you should finish saying what you meant—or I'll do it for you," Benjamin teased.
"I've enjoyed the lunch and this whole experience. It must've cost a fortune," Megyn said with a blink.
"Anything for my Gazelle." He held her gaze, and Megyn's heart began to race with a warmth she couldn't explain.
"We met almost a month ago on our first arranged date and many things have happened," Benjamin began. "Since then, I've never let you off my heart. Just as I promised before I left—I'm back."
"Yeah. The journey to the heart begins with a single date," Megyn said, attempting to lighten the mood. "Sometimes life takes us to unexpected places. I didn't expect this."
"Neither did I. But I want to follow this unexpected path. I want you in my life. I want you to belong to me."
"Benjamin," Megyn said gently, "there's no need to rush. We're still in school—and we'll be separated by distance."
Benjamin's voice was firm. "I love you so much. I fell in love with you the moment I saw you. And now I'm realizing—I can't live without you."
Megyn lowered her eyes. Benjamin paused, unsure if he had overwhelmed her. He knew she was innocent in matters of love.
"But I don't want to rush you, Gazelle. With school and everything, I understand…"
Silence followed. Megyn looked around the room, avoiding his eyes. She had anticipated something like this—but how was she supposed to respond?
She opened her mouth but couldn't speak. Tears welled in her eyes. Benjamin handed her a handkerchief. She wiped them and looked up at him.
"Benjamin, I'm sorry if I heard wrong…but can you repeat what you just said?"
He leaned forward. "Princess, I said I love you so much, and I'd like to be in an official, serious relationship with you." He gently brushed a tear from her cheek. "Would you be my girlfriend, Princess?"
Megyn was silent.
Benjamin grew anxious, reading the confusion on her face.
"I don't want to pressure you," he added quickly. "Take your time. You can tell me later—tonight or tomorrow. I'm patient."
Tears of joy flowed down Megyn's cheeks.
"Benj, I've thought about you since our first meeting. But now that this moment is here—I don't know what to say."
"Just say yes. We'll figure everything else out together," he said, nervously scratching the back of his neck.
"I must admit," she began shyly, "I've fallen for the voice... and the man behind it. He is attentive and handsome. And… yes, I'm tempted to be his girlfriend."
Benjamin's smile was beyond words. "Is that a yes, my Gazelle?"
"Yes. I want to be your girlfriend… and to get to know you better." Megyn's spoke slowly and softly.
Benjamin stood and walked over to her. She stood too, falling into his outstretched arms. She didn't know how long she remained there.
"Gazelle, I promise I will never disappoint you. All I want is to love you—you won't regret this."
"I love you, Benjamin. The first man to open the door to my heart. My first love."
They kissed—passionately.
He helped her back into her seat and excused himself. When he returned, he had a small leather box in his hand, followed by the gentleman who had earlier led them in.
"Megyn, this is my friend Toby. He's also the manager of Hotel Sunset."
Turning to Toby, he said, "Sorry I didn't introduce you earlier. Meet Megyn—my Princess, my Gazelle."
"Good to meet you, Megyn. Thanks for making this Prince smile," Toby said warmly.
Benjamin opened the box. Inside was a sparkling golden wristwatch. He took it out and fastened it around her right wrist.
"O Benjamin, it's beautiful. I love it… but I feel guilty accepting it."
"Let me spoil you, Megyn. This watch marks the beginning of our relationship." He embraced her again.
Megyn looked up at him and nodded. She tiptoed and kissed him on the cheek.
"Thank you. I'm sorry I didn't bring you anything but…"
He stopped her with a finger on her lips.
"Hush, Princess. On the contrary—I've received the greatest gift of my life today. My heart is rejoicing… because of you—my girlfriend."
Toby had been taking pictures the whole time. He handed over the camera to Benjamin before leaving.
As if on cue, their song began playing again. Megyn knew this would forever be their song.
They swayed to the music until it stopped.
"My Gazelle, my girlfriend. You are so precious to me. Thank you," Benjamin said emotionally.
"My Prince, my Love," Megyn replied with a smile. "Which one do you prefer?"
"Both. I'll be both to you—and one day, I'll make you my queen," he said with a teasing smile.
The afternoon passed blissfully. As the sun neared the horizon, Megyn realized she shouldn't arrive home after curfew.
The hatchback sped away from the hotel. Megyn glanced at Benjamin—calm, joyful, focused on the road.
She turned to take in the changing landscape. They climbed a slope, crossed a bridge over River Ole—its waters turbulent and overflowing. The current was strong, stirred by rains from the highlands.
She closed her eyes at the dramatic scenery.
Benjamin noticed and smiled.
The car curved down the slope into Randi Town. Soon, they were outside her house. Benjamin walked her to the door, embraced her, and gave her a gentle peck on the cheek. His eyes lingered on her lips, then her eyes.
Without a word, he turned and left. He got into the car and drove away—without looking back.
Megyn watched him go, puzzled. His eyes had sparkled when he looked at her. She wondered what he had seen in hers that made him leave so quietly.