Chapter 85: D-Day

It was D-Day. Ronald and Jace were in the makeup room, getting their makeup done. The soft hum of chatter filled the space as brushes and tools were moved around them. "You're so cute," the trainee working on Ronald's makeup gushed, unable to hide her excitement. "His face is good enough to be a model's. Just apply light makeup and some glitter," Marie, her boss, instructed, moving over to Jace. "Okay, boss," the trainee replied eagerly, feeling lucky to be in the same room with them. As the final touches were applied, the door creaked open. Jace, too absorbed in his phone to notice, was oblivious. But Ronald, catching a glimpse in the mirror, saw her. "Dorah is here." Relief washed over him. He remembered how he'd snapped at her in the car, dismissing her feelings as an overreaction because they weren't even dating. She'd ignored his calls and texts for days. Now, knowing she's here, he regretted his words more than ever. "All done," Marie announced, stepping back. Ronald checked himself in the mirror, adjusting his suit, while Jace, still glued to his phone, didn't bother to look up. "You're good to go," Marie said, smiling as the makeup artists bowed and left, the trainee still giggling on her way out. Ronald stood up and patted Jace's shoulder. "Hi," he greeted, approaching Miranda, who was standing off to the side. "Hey," she replied with a smile. "Is Dorah around?" he asked quietly, not wanting to attract Jace's attention. "Yeah, she's with Jace's dad when I left her," Miranda replied, giving him a knowing look. Ronald nodded and walked away. Jace, hearing the door close, muttered, "Where's he going?" He finally put down his phone and glanced at the mirror, only to freeze in shock. His gaze darted to the door. "Mi... Mira?" he stammered, unable to believe what he saw. "Jace," she called softly, her voice a comfort he didn't know he'd been missing. Without thinking, Jace ran to her and pulled her into a tight hug. "You're real. You're so real," he whispered, holding her like he might never let go. "I missed you so much. Thank you for coming." Mira chuckled softly. "I'm here now." Jace held her even tighter, inhaling her familiar scent. "I'm so happy right now. I don't even know what to say first," he admitted. "It's fine," she teased, "but can you let go? I can't breathe." Jace quickly released her. "I'm sorry for everything I said at the party. The kiss... it actually meant something to me. Gosh, I have so much to say..." "Shhh, you talk too much," she teased, placing a finger gently on his lips, her smile soft and reassuring. Ronald walked through the busy corridor, scanning the crowd for Dorah. He spotted Joseph and Agnes talking or rather, Agnes was talking while Joseph kept getting distracted by passing workers. "Seriously, Joseph? Can you focus on me? I'm right here! You should be relaxing. This isn't even your job," Agnes snapped, clearly frustrated. "I'm sorry," Joseph apologized, attempting to focus on her. But within seconds, his attention drifted again. "I'm out of here," Agnes huffed, storming off. She brushed past Ronald but still managed to spare a quick, "Hey, Ronald," as she left. "Jeez, Agnes," Joseph groaned. He started to go after her, but the manager stopped him for a quick conversation. Ronald stepped closer. "Hey, Joseph." "Hey, Ronald. What's up? You okay?" Joseph asked, smiling. "Yeah. Have you seen Dorah?" "Oh, she left a little while ago," Joseph replied, looking around the area. Ronald sighed. "Alright, thanks." As he walked off, his mind raced: Where could she be? Just then, fate seemed to hear his thoughts. He saw Dorah. She wore a glittering blue gown that stopped just above her knees. The sleeveless dress shimmered under the lights, and around her neck was a delicate necklace with a star pendant. Her heels clicked against the floor with every step. The moment she spotted him, she stopped and turned on her heel, starting to walk the other way. "Dorah, wait!" Ronald called out, his voice reaching her through the bustling crowd. She ignored him, her back stiff, walking faster. In a swift motion, Ronald grabbed her wrist, spinning her to face him. "What do you want from me?" she snapped, yanking her hand away. "Dorah..." He reached for her again, but she cut him off. "Oh, please, spare me," she raised a hand to stop him. "Just go back to your fiancée. I don't give a damn about you anymore." Before she could leave, Ronald caught her wrist once again and, in one quick motion, pinned her gently against the wall not hard enough to hurt her, but enough to stop her from walking away. "What are you...?" Dorah started, but before she could finish, Ronald pressed his lips against hers. Dorah gasped, initially trying to push him away, but he was too strong. Her mind raced, but she quickly realized she didn't want to make a scene, not with cameras everywhere. Slowly, she felt herself relaxing. Sensing her surrender, Ronald loosened his grip and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. Hesitantly, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. When they finally broke apart, Ronald rested his forehead against hers. "My mom already canceled the engagement," he murmured, his voice low but firm. Dorah blinked in surprise. "So, you don't get to walk away from me," he continued, his smile softening. "And you're not allowed to say mean things to me anymore." Dorah swallowed, her cheeks flushed from the kiss, the words he had just spoken sinking in. Slowly, she nodded.