Kismet [ENGLOT]

Chapter 27

Charlotte's POV:

My heart swelled with so much joy that I thought it might burst. The events of tonight swirled in my mind, feeling like a dream too perfect to be real. I looked down at the diamond ring now gracing my finger, its facets catching the faint glow of the streetlights as we drove. A smile crept onto my lips, so wide and radiant it made my cheeks ache. But I didn't care—I couldn't stop smiling if I tried.

Beside me sat my fiancée. Fiancée. The word sent a thrill through my chest every time I thought it, every time I looked at Engfa. Her face reflected my own joy, her lips curved into an unshakable smile that seemed to light up the car. Every few moments, her eyes darted to me, stealing glimpses as if to reassure herself that I was really here, that this was all real. Each time she caught me watching her, she'd chuckle softly, the sound warm and soothing, her hand briefly brushing mine as if she couldn't help but touch me.

I let my head rest against the seat, the memories of the evening replaying in my mind like the most beautiful movie I'd ever seen. I thought of the way she'd knelt in that magical garden, her words trembling with emotion as she poured her heart out to me. The sincerity in her eyes, the way her voice cracked as she asked me to marry her—it all made my heart swell with a love so profound it brought tears to my eyes.

The celebration that followed was equally unforgettable. Our friends had rushed forward to embrace us, their cheers ringing out into the night. The joy on their faces was genuine, their congratulations heartfelt. Nessa had practically tackled me with a hug, Patcha couldn't stop teasing Engfa about finally settling down, and even Heidi and Pichy had joined in, their support adding an unexpected but welcome warmth to the moment.

As the car hummed softly, I glanced down at my phone, recalling the call I'd made to my dad. I could still hear the emotion in his voice, the softness of his tone as he processed the news. "Charlotte," he had said, his voice brimming with relief and quiet joy, "I'm so happy for you, sweetheart. You deserve this kind of love."

Hearing those words from him had been the final piece of the night's perfection. His acceptance, his happiness for us—it meant more to me than I could express. I knew how much he had worried about me, how much he had struggled with the idea of letting someone else take care of me in my fragile state. But now, knowing he was truly happy for us, I felt an even greater sense of peace.

Engfa's voice pulled me from my reverie. "What's that smile for?" she asked, her tone light but curious as she spared me another glance.

I turned to her, my heart brimming with affection. "I was just thinking about tonight—about everything. It feels like... like I'm living in a dream I never want to wake up from."

Her smile softened, and she reached over, her fingers intertwining with mine. "If it's a dream, then we'll never wake up," she said, her voice low and filled with promise. Her thumb brushed over the back of my hand, sending a gentle warmth through me.

I squeezed her hand, my eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice trembling slightly. "For loving me the way you do. For making me believe in forever."

Her gaze flicked to me briefly before returning to the road, but her grip on my hand tightened. "Charlotte," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion, "you're the one who's given my life meaning. I'm the one who should be thanking you—for letting me love you, for trusting me."

As we pulled into the driveway of Engfa's house, I noticed the warm light spilling from the living room window. Engfa's mom was waiting for us, her silhouette visible through the sheer curtains. My heart swelled as I thought about how supportive she'd been throughout our relationship, treating me like I was already a part of her family.