THE WEDDING: CATHEDRAL OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

"Ling, Honey…" Four Eyes' voice cracked slightly despite the smile. "Will you marry me?"

The room went still.

Even the giggling twins, Kim Kim and Chin Chin, paused mid-twirl. Lily clasped both hands over her mouth; Ren had frozen mid-whisper; Pharsa looked like her breath had caught just beneath her ribs.

Ling Li didn't speak right away.

She just stared down at her groom.

Not cold, not uncertain — but mesmerized, as if his voice had cut through every defense she had ever constructed.

There was astonishment in her eyes — rare and wild, like she was watching a star fall just for her.

Seconds passed.

Each one echoed like a gong in Four Eyes' skull.

Thirty seconds.

The longest of his life.

Then, finally, Ling Li nodded, eyes still holding his.

"Yes, I will marry you." She said, teary-eyed.

Four Eyes didn't waste a heartbeat.