Megyn's heart was finally at peace—she felt safe. Benjamin's mother welcomed her warmly, her face alight with joy.
"Thank God. My son has finally found a woman after his own heart," she exclaimed, lifting her face toward the ceiling and joining her hands as if receiving a blessing from above. Megyn couldn't help but laugh at the gesture.
"Welcome, my daughter," she added, pulling her into a gentle embrace. Her swollen stomach prevented a rib-crushing hug, but it was the joy on her face that mattered most.
Megyn hadn't eaten a proper meal all day. She had stepped into the bathroom for a quick shower before grabbing something at the cafeteria, only to discover the door locked from the outside. Despite her tearful pleas, no one came to her aid—until her prince charming finally rescued her. She had lost all sense of time.
As the sun set and dusk crept in, the savory aroma of dinner filled the house, making Megyn's stomach grumble.
Embarrassed, she glanced sideways, only to find Benjamin smiling beside her. Mrs. Hawi heard the sound as well and walked slowly into the kitchen.
The chef had completed the preparations and was waiting for permission to serve. All the food had been placed in bowls on the grand center island, ready to be moved to the dining room.
Returning to the living room, Mrs. Hawi gave a subtle nod, prompting the two housemaids to begin setting the dining table. Meanwhile, Benjamin served Megyn and himself a glass of freshly squeezed passion fruit juice.
"To enhance our appetite before supper," he said with a grin.
As they sat on a three-seater couch, sipping juice, Megyn took in the elegance of the lounge.
The spacious room was dominated by a set of luxurious seven-seater coffee-brown leather couches, arranged opposite a large smart screen mounted on the wall.
The black-and-white marble floor sparkled underfoot. A striped orange and brown carpet lay perfectly beneath the sitting area. The walls were painted a warm sunset yellow, reflecting the brilliant light from two grand chandeliers—each with eight glowing bulbs—hanging from the ceiling, making it feel like daytime.
A glass coffee table stood at the center of the room, flanked on each end by vases of fresh-cut flowers, filling the space with a fresh, natural scent.
The walls were adorned with a tasteful mix of artwork and framed family photos. One photo mirrored a portrait Megyn had seen at Dr. Julia's house—Benjamin's grandparents in their youthful days.
"Supper is served," the chef announced just as Mr. Hawi arrived, perfectly on time. They all made their way into the dining room.
The dining room was just as stunning—sophisticated, with a large mahogany table at its center. Six woven dining chairs lined each side of the rectangular table, their cushions as soft as feathers. Family portraits graced one wall, while a bold abstract painting adorned another. At the far end stood a deep marble sink with two sleek silver taps.
A wide window opposite the door brought in natural light, and a golden chandelier—identical to those in the lounge—hung from the ceiling, bathing the room in a warm, inviting glow.
After washing their hands, they took their seats.
The food looked magnificent—a royal spread. Every dish Megyn loved was there: chicken stew, beef fry, fish fry, mushrooms, pilau, ugali, chapatis, assorted vegetables, and fruit salad. The table was overflowing, though it was set for only four.
"Food fit for kings," Megyn thought, opting for chicken, fried rice, and vegetable salad, carefully skipping the soups to leave room for a full meal.
They ate quietly at first. Then Mr. Hawi spoke, apologizing to Megyn and explaining what had happened with Daisy. He understood all too well how some women believed they were superior to others. He and his wife had experienced worse during the early days of their own relationship.
Mrs. Hawi, seated beside her husband, looked at Megyn across the table with warmth and a radiant smile.
"Don't worry, my daughter. You're safe here with us."
"Thank you so much, Mum, for allowing me to stay. I already feel safe," Megyn replied, flashing a smile that revealed the charming gap between her teeth.
"I don't know if it's too soon," Mrs. Hawi began, glancing at her husband for support, "but we would really love to meet Megyn's parents."
Megyn and Benjamin burst into laughter at the old couple and the way they looked at each other. Mr. Hawi, stifling a chuckle, responded,
"Not yet, my dear. Let's first deliver our daughters safely.
That'll be in four months' time. That gives the lovebirds enough time to plan."
"But... but..." Mrs. Hawi began, clearly disappointed.
Her husband understood. She had long wanted to visit Randi and was always eager to build lasting relationships—especially when it came to their son's happiness. She already adored Megyn and longed to meet her family.
Smiling, he gently placed a finger on her lips.
"We'll talk about this later," he said, then wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into a brief embrace.
The next morning, Megyn sat on the veranda, admiring the garden's aesthetic beauty. She had slept soundly and woken to Benjamin's call—he had to leave early for an emergency meeting at the hospital. It was 7:30 a.m.
She showered, put on a white floral dress with canvas shoes, and stepped outside.
She had told her parents she was accompanying a patient in need of urgent surgery to the city. She had quickly returned home, packed a small bag, and explained she'd be away for three days. The hospital had confirmed it.
Now, two days later, her parents called. They were anxious to see her. Her father, in particular, was full of probing, realistic questions: Where would you sleep? How would you eat? Who's funding this trip? Megyn answered to the best of her ability, though her father still gave her pocket money—just in case.
That afternoon, Dr. Lucia arrived at the Hawi residence, driven by Benjamin. She was returning to Randi with Megyn the following day.
"Otherwise, I'll be dead meat," she said with a laugh.
Megyn wasn't surprised. Her parents were used to her being at university or at home. Staying at the Hawi residence would be difficult for them to accept. She respected that.
Cindy had also called, overwhelmed by questions from her father: What would a student doctor do at the hospital for three days after admission of a patient? Which hospital takes that long to admit a patient?
Given all this, Benjamin knew he only had one evening left with Megyn. He decided to take her out on a dinner date.
After talking with Dr. Lucia and confirming a 3 p.m. flight the next day, Megyn left the two sisters catching up and went to look for Benjamin.
She found him in her room, seated, holding a bouquet of flowers and smiling warmly.
"These are for you," he said.
"Thanks, Benj." She took the flowers and sniffed them. "Just like in the movies."
"They're beautiful. Let me put them in water."
She found a vase thoughtfully placed on the table, half-filled it, and arranged the flowers—burgundy, white, and pink roses—her favorites.
Benjamin stepped closer, embraced her, and kissed her forehead, gently running his fingers through her short hair.
"Princess, let's go out tonight," he whispered.
Megyn nodded, smiling. "Yes, my prince. I'd love to."
He stepped back and picked a paper gift bag from the floor beside the seat.
"Here. Get dressed. I'll be back in thirty minutes to pick you up."
Benjamin left the room. Megyn quickly freshened up and changed. Exactly at six, he knocked on her door.
"How did you know my size? Antonia isn't here," she said, delighted, her smile lighting up the room.
She wore a knee-length burgundy dress with a golden belt cinched just below the bust. The skirt wrapped elegantly, highlighting the unique design.
She was glowing.
"You like it?"
"What do you mean 'like it'? I love it."
Benjamin took her hands, and she saw that familiar look in his eyes before he leaned in and planted a passionate kiss on her lips. She kissed him back, heart full.
They stepped out hand in hand, with Megyn wondering what Benjamin had planned for the evening.
She was ready for the surprise.