At four in the morning, Rafaella arrived outside Meridia's room and knocked softly on the door.
"Meridia, please open the door," she whispered urgently.
The door opened—but it was Gabriel standing there.
"What's wrong, Mom?" he asked, clearly half-asleep.
"Where is Meridia?" Rafaella demanded. "I need her."
"She's sleeping," Gabriel replied firmly. "Please don't disturb her."
"Don't disturb her?" Rafaella scoffed. "Have you forgotten we're attending a function today?"
"Yes, I know," Gabriel said calmly. "Noche Magnífica. But it's not until five in the evening. Why does she need to get ready now?"
Rafaella sighed in frustration. "Because I completely forgot to take Meridia shopping. What is she going to wear tonight?"
Gabriel smiled slightly. "I already bought a gown for her."
Rafaella's eyes narrowed. "Did she like it?"
"No," Gabriel answered.
Rafaella immediately straightened up. "See? I told you. Let's go buy something for her right now."
Gabriel laughed softly. "No, that's not what I meant. When I said she didn't like it, I meant she hasn't seen it yet. It's a surprise."
He paused, then added proudly, "I had a stunning, custom-designed branded gown made for her—straight from Rayelle Rays."
Rafaella blinked in surprise, then smiled.
"Oh… for the first time, I actually feel proud of you."
Gabriel grinned. "I'm proud of myself too. Now go back to sleep."
She nodded. "Fine. Just make sure you're both downstairs early for breakfast at seven."
Everyone finished breakfast together in the morning and then went off to get ready for the evening.
By four in the afternoon, William and Rafaella were already dressed and waiting in their room.
Rafaella tried calling Gabriel, but he didn't answer. Frustrated, she dialed Meridia instead.
"Yes, Mom?" Meridia answered.
"Where are you two?" Rafaella asked impatiently. "You still haven't come. William and I are already ready."
"I'm ready," Meridia replied calmly.
"Then hurry up," Rafaella said. "By the time we reach there, it will already be five."
"I'm ready, but Gabriel isn't," Meridia said with a sigh. "He's been in the shower forever."
Rafaella groaned. "Oh God… Fine. You two get ready and come on your own. William and I are leaving now."
"Alright, Mom," Meridia replied.
She ended the call.
Gabriel was still showering in the bathroom when Meridia walked up to the door and knocked impatiently.
"Hurry up," she said. "We're already late."
"Just two more minutes," Gabriel replied from inside.
Meridia crossed her arms. "Your 'two minutes' have already turned into two hours."
"I'm coming, I'm coming!" Gabriel called back.
Meridia leaned closer to the door and paused for a moment.
She sniffed the air suspiciously, narrowing her eyes.
Meridia leaned closer to the door, sniffing the air thoughtfully.
"You're using Moérie Ultimate Hair Growth Shampoo and Hela Spa 24K Gold Body Scrub, aren't you?" she said confidently.
Startled, Gabriel tensed instantly, instinctively covering himself.
"Meridia, listen—this is completely wrong," he said nervously. "You can't just stand outside my bathroom while I'm showering."
Meridia rolled her eyes. "Relax, idiot. I can smell it."
Gabriel let out a slow breath and finally relaxed.
"Alright, fine," he admitted. "I do skincare. That's why it takes a little time."
"Skincare?" Meridia raised an eyebrow. "Do guys actually do skincare?"
She smirked.
"I always thought you boys could survive using laundry detergent for everything."
Gabriel groaned from behind the door.