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Lucian's smile faltered when he saw her hesitate. "Mirabel…"
She looked at him, forcing a shaky smile. "Don't ruin this moment for me."
And then, with a deep breath, she said it.
"YES. I will marry you."
The crowd erupted as Lucian's face lit up. He slid the ring onto her finger, stood, and wrapped her in his arms. She pulled back just slightly, still in his embrace, as he leaned close to whisper:
"You look so cute in that pink hair."
She blushed. "Wait—was this why you told me to dye it? To recreate the moment when your parents asked me to marry you?"
He grinned. "You're too quick to remember, dear." He kissed her forehead before they finally pulled apart.
The hall shook with applause. Reporters snapped furiously, the noise almost deafening. Their kids dashed up to them, and Lucian scooped Cherry into his arms as Charlie clung to Mirabel's side.
He had planned every detail, ensuring her family was present. Convincing her brother and grandfather hadn't been easy; he'd had to bare his heart and prove his devotion before they gave their blessing. Tracy, of course, had been the easiest — already firmly on his side.
Mirabel made her rounds, hugging her grandpa, Mike, and Flora, but saving the tightest embrace for her best friend.
"Thank you so much. You knew about this too, didn't you?"
Tracy laughed. "Yeah."
"That explains why you wanted me to dress up so badly. Thank you… you're the best friend, the best sister, I could ever ask for."
"You're welcome, babe." They pulled away smiling, only for Mirabel to turn to Daniel next.
"Lucian, I haven't officially introduced you. This is Mr. Daniel." She extended her hand, but Lucian gently stopped her.
"Just call me Daniel," he said smoothly. "I'm Lucian's childhood best friend."
She blinked in surprise. Childhood best friend? She hadn't known that. She stretched her hand for a hug, but Lucian cut in sharply.
"You don't need to hug him."
"Why not? He's your friend."
Daniel smirked. "You don't need a reason to hug me."
Lucian's grip on her hand tightened, steering her toward the exit. Outside, the reporters swarmed again, cameras flashing as the bodyguards pushed the crowd back.
"Mirabel, what are your plans this year?"
She raised her hand, showing off her ring with a grin. "Preparing for my movie comeback, my runway shows… and most importantly, planning my wedding."
The crowd roared. Lucian leaned down and kissed her cheek, fueling even more flashes.
"Tracy, what about you? Any plans this year?"
"I'll be focusing on acting — more films. And, I won't spoil too much… but I'm directing my very first movie. It'll be released next year."
"Mr. Mike, your plans?"
"Running my hotel and company, as always, alongside my family."
"Miss Flora, do you believe your father will be re-elected as president?"
Flora straightened proudly. "Yes. My father is a good man, and I know he'll win again."
"Mirabel, what's next for King Entertainment?"
She flashed her professional smile. "Our artists will all have their comebacks, and we'll be debuting a new girl group, boy group, and a soloist this year."
Just then, their car finally pulled up. The first group of family members got in and drove off. Moments later, the second car arrived, and Mirabel, Lucian, and the rest slipped inside, leaving the roaring press behind.
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