Understand love

Epilog

The news of the engagement echoed loudly in the media. The story of the renowned designer, who once terrorized Paris in the name of love, remarrying became the top headline. Although the couple had proven the sincerity of their feelings to all of Paris, there were still those who looked unfavorably upon the upcoming marriage between the designer and his secretary, accusing him of infidelity and questioning his motives.

Gabriel and Nathalie ignored all the unpleasant comments directed at them. They were well aware of their standing and how society might perceive their relationship. Although the shadow of their past actions would always linger, both were ready to move forward with heads held high. They knew that, together, just as before, they could face the world, relying on the faith that had grown in their hearts. A faith in true love that had endured countless adversities, growing stronger and becoming unbreakable.

Gabriel and Nathalie sat close together on the couch, sipping warm tea. On the table in front of them lay piles of wedding magazines-from floral arrangement catalogs to the latest collections of high-end wedding gowns. Though Gabriel remained steadfast in his intention to personally craft Nathalie's dress, he agreed to a compromise, allowing her to choose the style she liked best. Despite browsing through her fifth magazine, she still hadn't found the one that truly met all her hopes. With each page, her doubts grew, and she started to worry that her own fears and uncertainties were getting in the way. Turning to Gabriel with a slightly disheartened look, she saw the depth of love in his eyes, and her worries melted away, replaced by a tender smile. Sensing her subtle frustration, despite the absence of the Miraculous, Gabriel took her hand-where the engagement ring rested and,kissed it gently without looking away. He then intertwined their fingers and spoke to her in a warm, soothing voice.

G: "Will you finally admit, my dear, that I was right and allow me to design the dress?"

Nathalie sighed, a bit exasperated.

N: "Alright, my future husband, you win." Resigned, she leaned her head on Gabriel's shoulder, gazing at their intertwined hands. With a hint of irony in her voice, she added, "I still can't understand why I can't find my dream dress. This is supposed to be a magical moment, right? The one where I meet the 'second love of my life'-the dress that makes me fall in love instantly, knowing it's the one. But nothing can be that simple, can it? Maybe life has just cursed me in matters of love, or I unknowingly angered some spirits on one of my trips."

Nathalie gently slipped her hand from Gabriel's grasp, covering her face with both hands, trying to hide the look of resignation spreading across it. Gabriel, sensing her frustration, wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her onto his lap. He softly moved her hands away, revealing her face, and then kissed her tenderly, letting his warmth chase away any remaining worries from her mind.

G:Nathalie, you are not cursed; you just have terrible taste in partners," Gabriel joked. "But seriously. Fate has blessed you with the biggest heart, which you give to those you love. You hide that love, making others happy from the shadows, which causes you to forget about yourself. You give yourself completely without expecting anything in return, which only leads to your own pain. Though in this case, most of the blame lies with me-being obsessively lost in saving Emilie, I didn't realize how much I was hurting you. But now I am trying my best to atone for my sins to show you that the love you gave me is reciprocated. However, you must remember that love is not just about giving but also about receiving. You cannot keep putting others before yourself, forgetting your own desires and feelings. I want you to know your worth, because what I see in you is strength, courage, and beauty that deserve to be appreciated.

Gabriel gently stroked Nathalie's cheek, whose face showed surprise. Then he continued.

G: "As for the dress, no bad luck or curses are at play here. Deep down, you know that only your future husband can create a masterpiece you'll truly love." Gabriel grinned playfully.