**blind date**

Emma felt a sharp pain in her chest the moment Alex broke the news to her, shocking her into stillness. Time seemed to slow, the weight of those words crashing over her like an unforgiving tide.

"What did you say, Alex? Tell me it's not true." Tears pricked her eyes as her knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the cold floor.

She had arrived earlier, expecting to meet her friend and discuss how to proceed with their search, only to find Alex kneeling, crying uncontrollably. Concerned, Emma had pressed her for answers, only to have the bombshell dropped on her.

Alex wiped her tears and grasped Emma's trembling hands, trying to keep her from fainting.

Emma's chest tightened, her muscles seizing with unbearable grief. She gasped for breath, but each inhale only fed the growing panic inside her.

"W...w...what...how...no..."

Her lips quivered, the words refusing to form. Her vision blurred as reality pressed down on her like a crushing weight.

"Not Ash... No... Not Ash... Not Ash!"

She shook her head violently, desperate to wake up from this nightmare. "Tell me it's not true... please, Alex..." Her voice cracked as she clutched Alex's arms, her nails digging into the fabric of her sleeves. Then, unable to hold back anymore, she burst into agonized sobs.

Alex, equally distraught, held her close, their grief intertwining as their tears flowed freely.

"I don't... want to believe it... Alex!" Emma's cries filled the empty space between them, her body wracked with despair. "No... Ash can't leave me!"

Her hands fisted against Alex's shoulders. "I know Ash better than I know myself! She can't possibly disappear! I want my friend! I want my sister!"

Alex didn't want to believe it either. Like Emma, she was disquieted, her heart unable to accept the truth. She had arrived at Ashley's home as usual, expecting to see her, only to find the house eerily empty. No trace of life.

After searching desperately, calling out for Ashley, she had found the letter on the sofa. A letter bearing Ara's signature. The moment she read it, she collapsed onto her knees, tears falling freely as she clutched the paper in her hands.

Emma trembled as she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "Tell me it's not happening again... it's a lie, right?" Her breaths became ragged, her hands gripping her chest. "She's playing a prank on us... Ash will be back, won't she? Tell me? Tell me, Alex, please!"

She searched Alex's eyes for reassurance, for denial. But all she found was the harsh reality etched into her friend's face.

And then... darkness. Her body went limp as she fainted into Alex's arms.

---

**Eight Months Later**

Araya sat in front of the mirror, brushing her hair in slow, delicate strokes. She smiled softly as her hands caressed the gentle swell of her baby bump. Taking a final glance at herself in the reflection, she sighed and gingerly stood up.

"It might be dusky outside, but the weather will look beautiful because of you," a familiar voice said from behind.

Araya turned, a warm smile spreading across her lips. "Everything is moving too fast, I tell you," she murmured, watching Ashley step forward.

Ashley came around and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "And you are recovering more quickly every day."

Araya chuckled, shaking her head. "You look beautiful, sister. And I'm sure my little niece will be even more beautiful."

"Really?" Araya feigned offense but ended up laughing.

Ashley smirked. "You're so sweet, sister. I'm sure you'll meet a man who will keep you happy and beautiful."

Araya sighed, shaking her head. "Enough flattering, Ash. Now, get ready to escort me to my blind date."

"Yes, ma'am. Except, you need one more thing to look exceptionally beautiful." Ashley pulled out a necklace and held it up.

Araya's eyes widened. It was the same locket she had bought for Ashley on her 15th birthday.

Ashley fastened the chain around Araya's neck, smiling. "You are so pretty in this red dress, sister. I love the woman you've become. Have fun with your date, okay?" She winked mischievously. "And always keep smiling."

"Oh, Ash! What would I do without you?" Araya hugged her lightly before heading toward the door.

Ashley held her hand as they walked to the car together. Before closing the door, she whispered, "Good luck," and blew her a playful air kiss.

---

As soon as the car halted, Araya took a deep breath, steadying herself before stepping out.

"For Ara," she whispered, calming her nerves. She hadn't wanted to go on this date with a complete stranger, but she had promised Ashley. She couldn't let her down. Not when Ashley was finally beginning to heal, to forgive, to accept their new life.

"Hi, ma'am, are you Miss Kath?" a male voice called.

Her gaze lifted, meeting the sharp green eyes of a well-dressed man. He had a charming expression, his features striking. His dark skin contrasted with his soft curls, giving him an air of effortless elegance.

"I am Rony. Mr. Yang sent me," he added when she didn't respond. "I am to walk you to him."

Araya nodded slightly, taking in his appearance. Apart from his curly brown hair, he looked well-built, his blue suit fitting perfectly against his broad shoulders.

"Miss...?"

"Oh." She quickly snapped out of her thoughts and shut the trunk door.

"This way, please," he gestured politely. She inclined her head in thanks and followed him.

As they walked through the luxurious hallway, Araya gawked at the extravagant decor. Everything screamed wealth and status.

"Mr. Yang must be very wealthy," she thought. "How on earth did Ashley manage to set this up?"

Before she could delve further into her thoughts, they arrived at the elevator. Rony pressed the button, and the doors slid open.

"Don't be nervous, Miss Kath. Mr. Yang is a nice man, and I promise you'll like him at first glance."

His accent was a mix of Korean and English. Araya smiled faintly but said nothing. To say she was nervous would be an understatement—she was terrified. And it showed, despite her attempts to hide it.

Just eight months, and Ashley had already made connections with powerful people. Meanwhile, Araya still wrestled with guilt and pain every single day. Ashley had the luck of meeting influential figures, while she remained stuck in her sorrow.

"We've arrived, ma'am. Go in and enjoy your date with my boss." Rony's voice startled her.

She nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the elevator and into the lavish five-star restaurant reserved for the most elite.

And then she saw him.

A man, calm and composed, exuding a quiet power.

She faltered, nearly tripping, but before she could hit the ground, strong arms caught her waist.

Her heart pounded as she looked up into his face.

Here's the edited version of your chapter with improved grammar, sentence structure, and flow while keeping the original tone intact. 

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**ARAYA'S POV**

"S…s…sorry," I stammered, looking up at the stranger. He was so calm and composed, like still water. Ash was right—he was handsome. Unfortunately, I wasn't into handsome men anymore, not after where it had landed me. 

"It's okay. It wasn't your fault either. I should be the one apologizing," he said, his voice warm and gentle. 

The kindness in his tone brought a small smile to my face. 

Without another word, he handed me a bouquet of roses and gently led me to the table. 

It was breathtaking. The table was adorned with red rose petals and glowing candles. Two glasses were filled to the brim with champagne, and an array of dishes were spread before me—including my favorite. 

"Oh my goodness, how thoughtful of him," I remarked excitedly. 

He seemed to notice my enthusiasm and asked as he took a seat, "Do you like it? I'm sorry it's small. You might have to adjust and manage with it." 

"Did you just say sorry?" We spoke in unison before laughing. "I love everything I see here. And you even got my favorite—bacon!" I exaggerated playfully, making him smile widely. 

"I'm glad you like it." He turned his face toward me, his gaze soft but intent. "Feel free to dig in. I understand you're pregnant, and pregnant women tend to crave a lot." 

Feeling intimidated by his heavy gaze, I lowered my eyes and focused on my food. 

Then his next words froze me in place. 

"Miss Kath, will you marry me?" 

"Huh?" I gasped, awkwardly raising my head to face him. He still had that calm, relaxed demeanor, looking even more boyish with his baby face. 

"Did you just say something?" I asked, trying to assess his intentions. 

"Be my wife, Miss Kath." 

The moment he repeated himself, my confidence wavered. 

How could he ask me to marry him the first time we were meeting? That was insane. 

"I'm pregnant, and I—" 

"I can be its father and give it a good life, Miss Kath. All I'm asking for is your approval," he cut me off, his voice unwavering. 

I swallowed hard, suddenly uneasy. 

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