57. Allowing their hearts to speak.

'Where are we going?" Briella asked inquisitively as she noticed that they were not taking the usual route home. 'It's a surprise, wife," Braun replied with a smile, holding her hand while his other hand was on the wheel. She smiled, raising an eyebrow as if she was getting used to his surprises. It seemed like there was never a day when he didn't surprise her, whether big or small. He always knew how to make her heart flutter and love him more. 'You're spoiling me, President Braun," she said, facing him. 'If spoiling you means loving you, then okay, you can call it that way," he replied, winking at her. She laughed at his banter, but truthfully, she was feeling giddy. It was like she was a teenager again, getting giddy over the subtle flirts of the person she admired. After a while, Braun parked the car at a famous restaurant. Her husband smiled at her and lovingly looked into her eyes. 'This is our first, wife," he began. 'The first monthsary, first going out together..." he smiled, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips. 'Our first romantic date." She bit her lip to suppress her overwhelming emotions. ‘Why do you have to make me feel this way, President Braun?' she silently asked herself. Their eyes lingered for a moment as if speaking without words. Words couldn't explain how they felt for each other; their hearts did. She was no longer afraid of being seen together with Braun. She was ready for the world to know about them, but she would let fate take its course, not force it from her or Braun. From now on, she had nothing to worry about what others might say or what the world might throw at her. The only thing that was important to her was him. Only him. Braun was the first to step out of the car and turn to open the door for her. Hand in hand, they entered the Italian restaurant. She was surprised to see that there were no other customers inside except for two waiters who immediately approached and greeted them. Braun guided her to sit at the only round table in the center of the place. An instrumental version of a famous song started playing, adding to the romantic ambiance. 'I..." she started, tilting her head as she tried to think of what to say, but her mind seemed blank, unable to grasp any words. 'What? Do you think I will allow anyone to disturb our special night?" Braun asked with a smile. She nodded, 'Right, so you rented this whole place for tonight," she said. Braun shrugged and signalled the waiter to come closer. He handed her a menu and asked her to choose what she wanted to eat. 'Is it okay if you choose our food?" she asked Braun. Her husband nodded and ordered two Italian Pork Steaks and Tuna Salad. She glanced around the place; it was decorated with black and red balloons, and colourful scented candles, and the scent of lavender and chamomile filled the air. 'I wish you'd let me dress up more formally," she said to Braun after the waiter left. She was only wearing a plain blouse and ripped jeans, her hair was in a messy bun, and she had no makeup on. She never bothered with makeup unless she had a special occasion to attend. 'You don't need to do that. You're perfect just the way you are," he said. He poured wine into two glasses on the table and handed her one. She graciously accepted and took a sip. 'After the awarding ceremony tomorrow night, I'll need to go to Korea for a collaboration project. Do you want to come with me?" he asked her, placing his wine glass on the table. 'How long will you be gone?" she asked. 'Three days or maybe a week. I need to make sure everything is okay, especially since their culture is different from ours," he replied. She nodded in agreement. Koreans could be difficult to deal with in business matters, but once you've gained their trust and found common ground, blessings will surely come your way. 'Then, I'll wait for you. I don't want to be a distraction while you're at work," she said to her husband. 'You're not a distraction. You're my wife and always my top priority, bear that in mind," he said sternly. She couldn't help but laugh and leaned on the table to pinch his cheeks, which he allowed, widening her smile even more. 'Yes, Mr. President. I'll bear that in mind," she said, smiling as she pinched his cheeks. Their food arrived, and they enjoyed their meal together, chatting happily. She enjoyed their conversation and how attentive Braun was to her. If Briella had the power, she would have wished for time to slow down whenever she was with Braun. They joked around and talked about the events of the past month as a married couple. The past month hadn't been easy for her. She prioritized healing herself, and not once did she hear any complaints from Braun. He was always by her side, never leaving her alone, and always ready to defend her when someone hurt her. When they arrived home, Briella's car was already there. She quickly went up to their room, leaving Braun behind to attend to something or someone. After changing into her pyjamas, she entered the bathroom, leaving the door open because she knew Braun would follow her. Soon enough, she heard soft music playing, and she turned off the shower to quickly dry herself with a towel. Is Braun not done surprising me yet? Once dressed in her pyjamas, she stepped out of the bathroom. The lights dimmed, and the music became clearer. It was a song covered by the famous boyband, Westlife. She smiled as she bit her lip upon hearing the sweet voices of the band. It felt like they were singing the song just for her. She couldn't help but feel giddy; she was a fan of theirs and had once seen two of the members at a fashion show. She felt Braun's hands wrap around her waist, causing her to smile as she faced him. 'You never stop surprising me, President Braun," she said to her husband. He lifted her slightly, placing her feet on his as he held her waist and looked into her eyes with a smile. He started dancing slowly as their eyes met. 'Hold me now, touch me now. I don't want to live without you," he sang softly, his voice harmonizing with their favourite band's song. She gasped, feeling overwhelmed with joy. She listened to him as they danced, enjoying his soothing voice. It was clear and calming, and she felt all her tiredness from reviewing contracts all day fade away. 'If the road ahead is not so easy, our love will lead the way for us like a guiding star. I'll be there for you if you should need me, you don't have to change a thing. I love you just the way you are. So come with me and share the view, I'll help you see forever too. Hold me now, touch me now, I don't want to live without you. Nothing's gonna change my love for you, you ought to know by now how much I love you. One thing you can be sure of, I'll never ask for more than your love." Braun stopped dancing and gazed at her. 'Nothing's gonna change my love for you, Briella. I will always be with you, loving you, and taking care of you. I will be the man you want me to be," Braun slowly lowered himself from standing on her feet. 'Oh my God . . . w-what are you . . ." she couldn't finish her sentence as she restrained herself from bursting into tears. He slowly knelt in front of her, holding her hand. He caressed her finger adorned with a ring and lifted his gaze, smiling at her. 'Mrs. Briella Marie Montañez El Cueva, please stay with me forever and let me treasure you," he expressed with full love, never taking his eyes off her. Tears streamed down her face, unable to hold back her sobs. She felt like her heart would burst with joy and happiness at that moment. He slipped another ring onto her finger, kissed it, and looked up at her with a smile. 'I will patiently wait for you to say the magic words, no need to rush," he said, still smiling. She looked at the engagement ring he put on her finger, then at him. She took a deep breath, meeting his gaze evenly. She felt incredibly lucky to have met him, something she always told herself and she wouldn't be tired of repeating it or shouting it to the whole world. He helped her rise when she stumbled and got hurt once. He keeps patiently waiting for her and guiding her in every decision she makes. What have I done to deserve someone like you, Braun? She caressed his smiling face, tears falling from her eyes due to the overwhelming joy she felt. If only she could sob loudly, she would have done it, but she knew it wouldn't help. 'I . . ." she took a deep breath and wiped the tears that quickly flowed down her cheeks. 'I keep asking myself why me? Why did you choose me to be your wife, even though there are so many women who are better than me?" 'I choose you because that's what my heart says, and I'll choose you over and over . . . and over. Without a pause, without any doubt, and in a heartbeat. Just keep loving me and I'll risk everything for you, Briella." She couldn't hold back anymore and burst into tears, gently hitting him on the shoulder. He laughed and hugged her, kissing her on the head. 'God knows, I love you so much, wife. I don't know how it happened, but the moment I laid my eyes on you, I knew that you're the one I've been waiting for." She broke free from her husband's embrace and faced him. She took a deep breath and locked eyes with him, staring at each other for a moment, allowing their hearts to speak. After a while, she smiled. 'President Braun, is it okay if I ask you to marry me, again?"