Chapter Two – Proposal

Michelle Nam Says?

"The most awaited princess on our fashion week today, with her ocean blue gown, the international super model, please welcome, Miss Michelle Nam . . ."

The whole crowd gives warm cheers and applause as I walks along the runway. I smiles in front of them. This one is the greatest achievement of my life so far, while my boyfriend is the bonus blessing.

Being an international celebrity at this young age is a great opportunity. Fame, popularity, money – I have them all now, and I am very well contented. Only except for one thing. I admits that I am too selfish enough to love Dione and at the same time keeps Dom Yó-gi for myself alone, up to this very moment. Yes, he is my first love, and we found each other at our lowest for I used to work on bars and brothels before, then Yugi became a constant patron in the bar. He happened to have a friend in a modelling agency and got me out. Though people think that he is a Casanova, the real him always cares and he does not hurt women because he honors his mom so much. We became friends, then that friendship grew to fondness, and then eventually love. That part of my life is a story that I never tells Dione for he is a perfectionist and I do not want for my image of perfection in his sight to be tainted.

I loved Yugi. Yes. However, I chose Dione because of practicality. I always longed for a perfect and prosperous life ever since – the life to which my drug addicted and alcoholic, sorry excuse of a father and a gambler mother refused to give me. Thankfully, God take her early because that means less of suffering.

I learned to love Dione later on because he lifted me from my life that is drowned in vain, the one that Yugi and his messy life can never give me. I have no future with Dom Yó-gi, although he help me at first, because he has no dream in his life. While Dione, on the other hand, can give me opportunities to stardom.

After the fashion show, I received a phone call from Dione. "Michelle, where are you?"

"I am done from a runway show," I answered.

"That is good. Let us meet on our usual place, okay?"

"Okay. I love you."

"I love you too," he said then ends the call.

As I head on the parking lot, I spotted that man again.

"Aliyah," he said with a smile.

"I am not Aliyah anymore, so leave me alone."

"Ha-ha. Right, you are Michelle Nam now. The International Super Model. That means you have the money, right? My daughter, can you share your blessings to your father?"

"Why? To gamble the money again? I have nothing to give you. You can go now," I attempts to leave but his last words bothers me so much.

"Sure, I will leave now, but I will make it sure to you that I will spill everything to your boyfriend, how unlucky man he is to have a whore of a girlfriend. You used to sell your body before, right?"

I closes my fist and bit my lower lip in order to prevent myself from trembling and then I face him again.

"How much?" I ask while trembling.

"Is half a million okay to you Ms. Michelle Nam?"

"I have no enough cash here. I will give you a pay check."

"That will do."

By that, I get my paycheck then scribble a five hundred thousand RMB and throw it to him.

"Go now," I said then I throw my bag and pulls my hair by the time he head off.

His audacity to swindle my money makes me sick on my stomach. How dare he?!

"Arggh!" I swear in between sobs.

------------

"Am I that late?" I ask the moment I finally caught sight of him and he is sitting on the chair of our table.

I leans close to kiss him on the cheek then occupy the seat in front of him.

"Not really," he said with that familiar smile. "Is there any problem? You look pale."

He give me that worried look. With a teary eye, I just smiles at him while shaking my head.

"Are you crying?" he ask again.

"I just miss you," I said as I reaches out for his hand then squeeze it. "So?"

He smiles too.

"So, what can you say about this set up?"

I look around. We are the only one in the resto. The setting is so formal and romantic – a candle lit diner.

"Impressive," I answered with a smile. "What's the occasion then?"

To my surprise, Dione stands up then lends his hand. "Can I have this dance beautiful lady?"

I accept his hand then he leads me to the dance floor surrounded by candle that were shaped into a heart. The orchestra suddenly played a familiar song – God Gave Me You by Bryan White.

This is so wonderful, dancing with the love of my life in the most romantic place ever. "I wonder how lucky I am," I whisper in his ears, "to ever deserve a wonderful man like you are."

To my surprise, Dione started to sing the chorus of the song:

God gave me you to show me what's real

There's more to life with just how I feel

And all that I'm worth is right before my eyes

And all that I live for though I didn't know why

Now I do, 'cause God gave me you

By the moment it was finally over, he hugs me close then kiss me on the cheeks.

"I love you," I said.

"I love you more," he answered then he kneels in front of me as he shows me an ocean blue diamond ring.

"I know God gave me you my dear. Will you marry me?"

With my hands over my mouth, tears starts falling from my eyes as I nod.

"Yes," I said then hugs him while crying.

From this moment, I will vow to this man that I will be his forever.

-----------

I woke up realizing that it is still too early in the morning. I looks at Dione sleeping on my side with his arm on my waist.

I smile as I remembers his proposal.

"I love you," I whispers silently.

But then, a part of my heart still doubts my love for him as I remembers Yugi's face. I knew to myself that I love Dione and I love marrying him, but, I am still not over Yugi yet. I do not understand myself. I love Dione but I still have feelings for another man. It feels like I am cheating him.

I admit that I envy Shin-li because she has Yugi's heart. Yugi is willing to fight for her. One thing that he will never do for me. She changes him so much.

Huh!

I touches Dione's lips with my fingers then my lips right after. "I am sorry for not being perfect. I am so sorry for being so selfish. I love you. I really am. Do not leave me or even break your promise, because the moment that you do it, I will go back to Yugi. Okay? I love you Dione. I love you so much. Thank you for making me happy. I love you."

After I said those, I heard the ring tone of his cellphone so I get it on the top of the bedside table and open the message.

From Lady Shin-li

Kuya Kent-li, I am sorry if I do not recognize you at first. Let us meet tomorrow, okay?

Shin-li? I turns to Dione. He is still sleeping. I decided to delete the message and put it back to its original place on the top of the bedside table then I turn to him again.

I gently kiss him on the lips.

"I told you I am selfish. I do not want to share. You are mine, okay?"