Kismet [ENGLOT]

Chapter 26

Engfa's POV:

A low whisper came from behind me, cutting through the hum of laughter and music that filled the party. "P'fa, everything is set. Patcha just called me." Nessa's voice was soft but brimming with excitement, her eyes twinkling with a knowing glint.

I turned to her, my pulse quickening, and instinctively glanced around to make sure Charlotte was out of earshot. My gaze landed on her across the room, her face lit up in an animated conversation with Mew and Marima. She was laughing, her smile radiant, and for a moment, I forgot everything else. How was it possible that she became even more beautiful each time I looked at her?

Nessa's voice brought me back. "And the ring?" I asked, my tone hushed but heavy with anticipation. My eyes darted to her blazer, as if expecting to see the small velvet box peeking out.

With a dramatic flair, Nessa reached into her pocket, carefully pulling out the tiny box as though it held the most precious treasure in the world. And to me, it did. It wasn't just a ring—it was a promise, a lifetime etched into a single delicate band. My mom had given it to me, her blessing wrapped up in the warmth of her hands as she pressed the box into mine days ago. I had asked Nessa to keep it safe, knowing my nervousness might betray me if it stayed in my possession.

She opened the box slightly, revealing the ring inside. The diamond sparkled under the dim lights of the room, and my breath hitched. It was perfect, simple yet elegant, just like Charlotte. My knees felt weak, the weight of the moment pressing down on me in the most exhilarating way.

"Tonight," I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. "Tonight, I'm going to ask her to marry me."

Nessa smiled, her usual teasing demeanour softening into something more sincere. "She's going to say yes, Fa. Anyone can see how much she loves you. And honestly, who could resist all this?" She gestured playfully at me, trying to lighten the moment.

I laughed softly, though my heart was still racing. "I just... I want this to be perfect for her. She deserves everything, Dee. I need her to know how much she means to me."

"And she already does," Nessa said, her hand resting on my shoulder. "But this? This will be the cherry on top."

I nodded, my resolve strengthening as I looked across the room at Charlotte again. She glanced my way, her eyes catching mine, and for a moment, it felt like the world stilled. The noise of the party faded, leaving just the two of us connected in a gaze that spoke volumes. She smiled at me, a soft, heart-melting curve of her lips, and I felt my chest tighten. This woman, this incredible soul, had changed my life in ways I could never have imagined. Tonight, I would make her mine forever.

"Let's do this," I said, straightening up and taking a steadying breath. Nessa grinned, tucking the ring back into her pocket with a flourish.

I made my way across the room to where Charlotte stood, her laughter mingling with Mew and Marima's as they animatedly chatted. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of her—her radiant smile, the way her eyes sparkled with genuine joy. Every detail of her pulled me in, as if the world beyond her ceased to exist.

Nessa peeled off discreetly, heading to where Patcha and the others are to finalise the preparations. I stopped a few feet away from Charlotte, suddenly feeling the weight of the moment. This was it—the start of a night that could change everything. I took a deep breath and stepped forward.

As I reached them, the three turned to face me, their conversation halting mid-sentence. Marima, who was already in on my plan, gave me a sly, knowing smile, her eyes twinkling with encouragement.

"Hey guys," I began, my tone light but laced with excitement, "Sorry to interrupt your conversation, but may I borrow your girlfriend for a bit?"

Mew chuckled, glancing between Charlotte and me. "Well, how can we say no to that? She's all yours, Fa."