A few days later, Rayan and I were sitting together at my house when a conversation sparked between us.
Rayan leaned back and said, "Well, the Light Festival is coming up in a few days. The markets must be full by now. You must be making a lot, right?"
I chuckled. "Yeah… but not that much. You know, in crowds like this, the chances of getting caught increase. But still, this Light Festival is something else—it's so grand. I heard the reason for all the celebration is the good news about the soon-to-be-announced new king of the nation."
Rayan nodded. "Yeah… I've heard about it too."
He continued, "Well, have you ever actually enjoyed this festival? I've heard there's a famous spot nearby—a bridge with a view that's worth seeing."
I smiled faintly. "Yeah, of course I've been there. But not in the way you're thinking. I always go there to help Mira and her mom in the market, so I can't really say I've ever celebrated or enjoyed it."
Rayan's eyes lit up instantly. "Then let's go together this time! What do you say?"
My excitement matched his. "Yeah, of course! Let's meet at the bridge at six on the festival day."
The day of the festival arrived sooner than I expected.
I got ready and slipped into the white dress Rayan had given me on my birthday. Then, with a flutter of excitement in my chest, I headed toward the festival.
My eyes lit up at the sight before me—sparkling lights, glowing lamps, and candles everywhere. The bridge was crowded with families, laughter, and music… and of course, there was Rayan, waiting for me.
As for me? I swear this dress grows more beautiful every time I wear it. Under the festival lights, it shimmered, making me feel as if I was glowing along with them. I caught more than a few admiring glances, though I barely noticed—my focus was on him.
I stood beside Rayan, and he looked at me with those soft, loving eyes.
We strolled through the market together, enjoying every moment—tasting the delicious food, sharing smiles, and soaking in the festive air. Before long, it was time for the main event: the moment when the entire crowd would gather on the bridge, release their sky lanterns into the night, and make a wish.
We reached the bridge and gazed at the sky, now dotted with glowing lanterns drifting higher and higher. It was as if the stars themselves had begun to move.
I turned to Rayan with a smile. "Release it and make a wish. They say these sky lanterns can carry our messages to God."
We both let our lanterns go, watching them rise into the night.
And my wish? Of course, it was to marry and finally have a family in the truest sense.
Rayan glanced at me curiously. "So… what did you wish for?"
I lowered my gaze, my voice turning shy. "Well… it's a secret. I'm not telling you."
He smirked and teased, "Okay… let me guess. Is it to… marry?"
I froze, my cheeks heating up. "H-how did you know that?"
He laughed softly. "It's written all over your face."
That day was truly unforgettable—we laughed, ate, wandered, and shared a piece of our hearts under the festival lights.
But after that night… things began to change.
Rayan, who used to visit me three times a week, was suddenly nowhere to be seen. It had already been a week since the festival, and during that time, all I could think about was him.
Questions kept circling in my mind—
Is he okay?
Did I say something wrong that day?
Am I putting too much pressure on him?
When will he come back?
A week stretched into eleven long days of waiting… and then, on the twelfth day, something happened.
That evening, the streets outside were unusually noisy. I couldn't help but step out to see what was happening. People were rushing about, clearing the roads, their voices buzzing with excitement.
One of the neighbors explained, "The new king is coming to tour the area! It's our first time seeing him here, so preparations are a must. You should cover your house too—we can't let the king see it in this state."
I did as they asked. Soon, the sound of galloping hooves echoed through the street—loud, steady, and growing closer. A troop of horses appeared, marching in perfect formation. But then, to my surprise, they came to a halt right in front of me.
I glanced around in disbelief. The crowd was frozen in silence, their mouths hanging open as they stared at me—the same me everyone here had always ignored.
When I turned my gaze back to the man, I noticed the details I had missed at first: the full royal uniform, the gleaming crown atop his head.
And then the truth hit me like lightning—
The man kneeling before me....was
.....Rayan… proposing to me.