Later that evening, after Adrian left the restaurant, Maya immediately rushed toward Stephanie with a huge smile.
"Steph!"
Stephanie looked up from the counter.
"What?"
Maya crossed her arms and stared at her dramatically.
"You didn't tell me Adrian asked you out!"
Stephanie groaned softly.
"I was going to tell you."
Maya laughed.
"Oh please. I saw the way he was looking at you. That man is completely gone."
Stephanie tried to hide her smile.
"Stop exaggerating."
"I'm not exaggerating," Maya said playfully.
"You two would actually make a very beautiful couple."
Stephanie shook her head, feeling slightly embarrassed.
"Adrian is from a completely different world."
"And so what?" Maya replied immediately.
"You deserve happiness too."
Stephanie stayed quiet for a moment.
Maya stepped closer and nudged her arm.
"Come on, Steph. Don't overthink it."
Then she added teasingly,
"Also, he's ridiculously handsome."
Stephanie couldn't help but laugh.
"Okay, that part might be true."
"So?" Maya asked with excitement.
"So… I said I would think about it."
Maya's eyes widened.
"Only think about it?!"
The next day, when Adrian returned to the restaurant, Stephanie finally gave him her answer.
"I've thought about what you said."
Adrian looked at her patiently.
"And?"
Stephanie took a small breath.
"Yes."
For a second Adrian simply stared at her.
Then a wide smile spread across his face.
"Really?"
Stephanie nodded shyly.
"Yes."
Adrian laughed softly, clearly relieved.
"You have no idea how happy that makes me."
Maya clapped her hands from the kitchen.
"I knew it!"
The three of them laughed together.
A few days later, Adrian returned with another surprise.
"My graduation ceremony is next week," he told them.
"At University of Cambridge."
Stephanie looked impressed.
"That's huge."
Adrian nodded.
"And I want both of you there."
Stephanie blinked.
"Both of us?"
"Yes."
Maya almost jumped with excitement.
"We're going to a graduation ceremony in Cambridge?!"
Adrian laughed.
"Of course."
The following day, Adrian took them shopping in the city.
Maya was practically glowing with excitement the entire time.
"Oh my God, Steph look at this dress!"
"And this bag!"
"And these shoes!"
Stephanie laughed as Maya ran from one section of the store to another.
Adrian watched them with amusement.
Eventually, they chose a beautiful outfit for Stephanie.
A soft elegant dress.
A stylish wig.
A matching handbag and shoes.
Maya also picked something nice for herself.
When Stephanie finally looked at herself in the mirror, she barely recognized the confident young woman staring back at her.
Maya clapped happily.
"Steph, you look amazing!"
Adrian nodded in agreement.
"You really do."
Maya turned to him with a grin.
"You see? I told you she's beautiful."
Stephanie rolled her eyes playfully.
"Alright, that's enough."
But deep down…
For the first time in a long time…
She felt truly happy.