The stage was electric, with flashing lights illuminating both the performers and the audience. Cheers and singing intertwined, creating a euphoric atmosphere.
Mikayla wore a burgundy short dress, her long, sleek black hair tied in a ponytail swaying with her movements as she danced to the rhythm.
Cayden watched her radiant smile, feeling his own spirits lift. He turned and asked, "Are you happy?"
"Ah -" "What?" Mikayla was solely absorbed in enjoying the performance."I asked if you're happy tonight."
She turned, linking her arm through his, "Very happy!"
By the second half, Mikayla's voice was hoarse from cheering, but her enthusiasm remained undiminished. During a slow, emotional song, the singer played the piano and sang soulfully. Cayden, standing beside her, suddenly felt nervous.
Mikayla him, "What's wrong? I love this song!"
"Nothing, it's beautiful."
Cayden pulled a ring from his pants pocket, gently taking Mikayla's left hand and sliding the ring onto her finger. Mikayla's eyes widened in surprise, unable to utter a word. No one around them seemed to notice the secret proposal, as everyone was entranced by the music.
Cayden moving close to her ear, "Mikayla, will you be with me?"
In that moment, everything seemed to stop. The surrounding noise faded away, her heartbeat skipped, and it felt like the world was just the two of them. His eyes shone like a galaxy of stars, pulling her in. Within that starry expanse, she saw a reflection. It was herself. The answer already known.
Mikayla's voice trembled, "I haven't even answered, and you've already put it on me."
He smiled, a warmth that sent ripples through her heart, "Because I already know your answer."
Her eyes welled up with tears, and Cayden gently brushed them away, "Don't cry."
Mikayla sniffed, then looped her arms around Cayden's neck, her fresh citrus perfume enveloping him. She whispered in his ear, "I will."
In the midst of the grand concert, their secret love remained unnoticed by all.
On the way back, sitting in the taxi, their hands entwined, Mikayla felt a strange awkwardness she had never experienced before. She broke the silence, "It feels like a dream."
"Do you mean us?"
She playfully blinked, "I meant the concert!"
Cayden gently rubbed the ring on his ring finger. Cayden turned to her, rubbing the ring on her finger. Mikayla realized she hadn't properly looked at it yet. She opened her hand, examining the ring closely.
"When did you buy this?"
"The day we got our marriage certificate."
"Cayden, seems like you planned this for a long time."
He smiled slightly, saying nothing, just bringing his right hand with its matching ring close to hers.
Back in the hotel room, as soon as the door closed, Cayden pressed her against the door, his passionate kisses falling like a storm on her soft lips.
