CHAPTER 36

Charlotte slowly opened her eyes, stretched her arms wide and yawned. Feeling Engfa's warm presence next to her, she turned to face her with a big smile. Today was their first anniversary. Since their anniversary fell on a Sunday, Charlotte planned to spend time together and celebrate their anniversary at a five-star restaurant. After all, throughout their relationship, Engfa had always made surprises for her, now it was time for her to repay everything Engfa had done for her.

" Good morning, my love. Happy 1st Anniversary "

Said Charlotte as she gave Engfa a quick kiss on the cheek

" Morning baby. Happy 1st Anniversary too "

Engfa replied with a sweet smile on her lips.

" Since today is our anniversary, I want to spend as much time with you as I want, tonight we're going to celebrate our anniversary at a five-star restaurant, are you okay with it ? "

Said Charlotte who couldn't wait to celebrate their first anniversary today.

" Whatever you have planned, I'm okay babe, as long as you're happy, I'm happy too "

Charlotte couldn't help but laugh, squeezed Engfa's hand and said

" I'll make you the happiest person today. I promise "

Engfa looked gently at her lover's face

" Char, I'm already happy. As long as I'm with you, I'll always be happy "

Charlotte felt touched and hugged Engfa tightly. She then pushed her away slowly, leaned over and planted another quick sweet kiss on her forehead.

" I love you, Engfa "

" I love you too, Charlotte "

They both then got out of bed, Engfa followed Charlotte into the bathroom. Charlotte stepped into the warm shower while reaching for her favorite lavender scented shower gel while Engfa brushed her teeth. After a few minutes, Charlotte came out of the bathroom, her hair wet and wrapped in a towel, Engfa then entered the bathroom after her. While Charlotte was combing her hair, Engfa emerged from the bathroom. Her brown hair was still wet. Engfa's eyes then met her in the mirror with a smile, she asked

" Are you excited today, babe ? "

Charlotte turned to face her, a smile curving her lips

" Of course I am excited ! "

" Hmm but I am not "

Engfa's joke made Charlotte laugh at her playful protest

" Oh you're not huh ? How dare you ! "

Engfa laughed out loud, she then approached Charlotte, put her arms around Charlotte's waist and looked at her.

" I can't wait for today too, I want to make today the most beautiful day for both of us "

" Me too ! "

Charlotte replied. They then headed to the kitchen together where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. The familiarity of their morning routine enveloped them, offering comfort.

While Charlotte poured herself a cup of coffee, Engfa served her favorite breakfast.

" I made your favorite breakfast, a egg sandwich "

Charlotte grinned, appreciating Engfa's concern

" You really know the way to my heart, don't you ? "

Engfa chuckled as she sipped her own coffee.

" Well you're my woman, plus your smile makes it all worth it "

Charlotte couldn't help but laugh.

After breakfast, they cleaned up together. After everything was packed, they sat together on the couch to enjoy their favorite movie. In a comfortable atmosphere, Charlotte held Engfa to sit closer, enjoying the warmth and peace that they brought.

" Hmm babe which restaurant are you taking me tonight ? "

Asked Engfa curiously.

" Hmm secret "

Charlotte's answer made Engfa raise both eyebrows.

" Hmm why keep it a secret ? "

" Because I have a surprise for you later "

Engfa was surprised, she didn't think Charlotte had planned something for herself. She thought Charlotte just wanted to spend time with her and celebrate their anniversary at the restaurant.

" What surprise, baby ? You don't have to do anything else, plus I didn't do anything even a surprise for you "

Engfa said trying to deceive Charlotte even though she also planned something for her.

" It's okay, babe. Besides, you always surprise me, so today it's my turn "

" Hmm okay babe, you are the best ! "

Engfa replied, her eyes shining

Sitting side by side, they knew their relationship had grown stronger through challenges. They had overcome, not only work difficulties but also past misunderstandings and pain. Their love was filled with mutual trust and understanding.

Engfa and Charlotte have found their true selves and discovered what is truly important in life, ready to face the new challenges ahead. They look to the future with hope, dreaming of a peaceful life where love and work are no longer burdens but motivations to grow together. When night falls, the lights in their house glow warmly and their laughter fills the space. It was past of the life they had built together, a place full of love and dreams where they can weather any trials as long as they are together.

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Engfa sat waiting in the living room while Charlotte finished her makeup in the room. A few minutes later, Charlotte stepped out with a smile on her face.

" Sorry to keep you waiting "

Charlotte said, gently holding Engfa's hand as they left their house. Tonight, Charlotte decided to drive the car and Engfa became the passenger. For their dinner tonight, she wore an elegant white dress, looking like a flower blooming in the busy city while Engfa wore a sophisticated black dress, highlighting her beauty. Together they made a perfect couple, a harmonious image on this special anniversary.

When Charlotte opened the car, her gentle gaze towards Engfa warmed her heart. Charlotte started the car and the soft sound of the engine filled the air as they began their journey to the restaurant in New York. Laughter and small stories filled the car, adding to the cheerful atmosphere.

" I've been looking forward today "

Engfa said with a bright smile

" I won't let you down "

Charlotte replied with full confidence on her face

Not long after, they arrived at the five-star restaurant that Charlotte had booked.

" Wow, this restaurant is beautiful, I've never been here before, babe "

Engfa said while her gaze was still on the restaurant in front of her.

" Yes, I know and that's why I chose this restaurant "

Charlotte came out and opened the door for Engfa, her smile never fading. As they entered, they were greeted by the fresh scent of flowers and warm yellow light. The wooden tables, simply but attractively decorated, each had a small vase of fresh flowers with a classic picture painting on the wall, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

As Charlotte and Engfa walked hand in hand, a restaurant staff member immediately came to greet them. Charlotte smiled and said

" Hello, I have made a reservation "

" Welcome Ms. Austin, we are ready for you "

The staff returned the smile, leading them to a beautiful table with a view of the river.

" Congratulations to you both ! This is the table we have prepared for you "

The table was decorated with fresh flowers and a small note that said "HAPPY 1st ANNIVERSARY"

Engfa admired the stunning riverside view considering it was her first time here. She then turned to Charlotte, her eyes filled with gratitude.

" Oh my god, this is beautiful. I've never seen a scene like this "

She said and hugged Charlotte tightly

" Thank you so much for all this, baby "

" Most welcome babe "

Charlotte was pulled to the chair for Engfa and sat facing her

" Babe, you know right I have a special surprise for you but..... I'll show you the surprise after we finish eating "

Engfa couldn't hide her smile, she said

" Okay babe, but I also have a surprise for you "

Charlotte raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

" Huh ? hmm what surprise ? I think I'm the only one who has a surprise for you tonight "

Engfa chuckled, she raised her glass, inviting Charlotte to join her in a toast

" To our first anniversary ! "

After finishing their meals, Charlotte asked a staff member to bring a small gift. She smiled meaningfully and said

" Ready for a surprise now ? "

Charlotte gently pulled Engfa's hand and gave her a small gift. Engfa opened the gift box, revealing a delicate necklace decorated with light blue diamonds, symbolizing Engfa's name. Next to it were the car keys, a black Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2, making Engfa stunned.

" Charlotte, did you...? Did you really get this for me ? "

Engfa couldn't believe it, tears welled up in her eyes. Charlotte nodded slowly, smiling.

" Yes, this is my gift to you. All this time you have done a lot for me. I got everything I wanted and the most unexpected thing, you gave me the dream house that I dreamed of. Now I want to repay all the kindness you have done for me, I know you already have a 4x4 truck but I bought this truck because I want you to always remember me when you use it "

Engfa got up from her chair, hugging Charlotte as joy filled her heart.

" Thank you, my love "

" Do you like it ? "

" Yes, I do. This truck is one of my bucket list, baby "

They looked at each other with happy smiles.

At the same time, Engfa then realized that this was the right time for her to show her surprise to Charlotte. She slowly released the hug and she suddenly knelt in front of Charlotte, her hands began to take out a ring, simple but dazzling. She looked at Charlotte who was surprised by her actions.

" Charlotte, I know we have only been together for 1 year but what happened five years ago made me realize that I don't want to lose you again. Since today is our 1 year anniversary, so I want to take this opportunity to propose to you and this is my surprise for you "

Engfa said while holding back her trembling voice. She took a deep breath before speaking again

" Charlotte, will you marry me ? "

Charlotte felt like her body was covered in ice. She didn't know what to say. This was beyond her expectations. She didn't expect Engfa to want to spend the rest of her life with her and made her almost cry.

" Engfa...... of course I do, I also want to marry you too "

After hearing Charlotte's answer, Engfa stood up and slipped the ring onto her lover's finger. Then they shared a long and tender kiss amidst the beautiful restaurant atmosphere where everyone watched them in awe, celebrating their love.

" I promise to always be by your side no matter what happens "

Engfa whispered, her eyes shining

" Me too Engfa. You and I will face everything together "

Charlotte replied, her gaze sincere

" And now you are officially my fiancée "

Engfa declared making Charlotte blush

" And you too "

Ps: Hi everyone, the story will end soon. There are three episodes left :(