The preparation
As they finished shopping and visiting the salon, Courtney thought to herself, Now Leah will finally see who Kevin truly loves. You think you can slap me and end it all? I'll make sure you get what you deserve, Leah.
Leah examined the dress Courtney picked out. "Courtney, don't you think this is too…seductive?"
"Nope," Courtney replied confidently. "You've got a great figure. Any guy would be drawn to you in this."
Leah frowned, crossing her arms. "The dress is violet, and half—actually, all—of my boobs are showing! My belly button is out, and even the fabric is transparent. What were you thinking?"
Courtney rolled her eyes. "Leah, it's now or never. Trust me, this will work. A man can't resist a woman's charm."
Leah sighed, hesitant. "Ugh, fine. I hope this works."
---
The next morning, Leah hired a team of makeup artists to get her ready. While she was being pampered, she overheard whispers:
"High-class girl, dressed like a… well, you know."
"What kind of girl even wears something like that?"
Feeling humiliated, Leah sent the artists away, placed a hand on her forehead, and muttered, "Why did I even listen to Courtney?"
Determined, she went to her closet and chose a dress of her own style. It was elegant yet tasteful, and Leah felt much better. She decided then and there that Courtney would never dictate her fashion choices again. I should've trusted my instincts all along.
---
Sarah's Frustration
Sarah slammed her door shut, ignoring her sister Maddie's incessant questions about Rose's whereabouts. She grabbed her things and headed to her favorite salon, hoping a bit of pampering would lift her spirits before the prom.
But as she stepped inside, a familiar voice stopped her in her tracks.
"Where is Rose?" John's voice thundered, echoing through the room.
Sarah froze but quickly composed herself. "Kevin took her," she replied curtly.
John's face turned red with fury. "How could you let him take her away? If she's that important, why didn't you stop him?"
Sarah scoffed. "Why bother me with your guilt, John? If you care so much, don't come crying to me. And by the way, you're no longer my prom partner. You've always cared more about Rose than anyone else. I hope she…"
Before Sarah could finish, John slapped her across the face.
"It's over, Sarah," he said coldly, turning away. He walked out to his car, where Sam was waiting.
Sam noticed John's tense expression. "What happened?"
"Don't ask," John replied, exhaling deeply. "Rose is safe with Kevin. That's all that matters."
---
The Dance and Revelation
On the day of the prom, Leah rushed to Kevin's house, her heart racing. She wanted to see him before the event, hoping for a chance to win his affection. Arriving at his home, she touched up her makeup in the car and hurried to the door, only to find it wide open.
Walking inside, she spotted Kevin's maid. "Miss Leah, it's not a good time," the maid warned, but Leah ignored her and went to the backyard.
There, she froze. Kevin was sitting on the ground, holding Rose in his arms. Rose, still unconscious, looked ethereal in her violet dress. Kevin's tears fell as he kissed her forehead, whispering, "Wake up, my sweetheart. Please wake up. I love you."
Leah's heart broke at the sight. She watched as Kevin sobbed uncontrollably, clutching Rose tightly. Then, to everyone's shock, Rose stirred.
"Kevin, you're so heavy," Rose whispered, smiling faintly.
Kevin's head shot up, disbelief and joy flooding his face. "Rose?" he gasped, touching her cheeks. Tears streamed down his face as he kissed her, crying for ten minutes straight.
Leah stood frozen, tears slipping down her own face as she witnessed their love. She turned and quietly left the house, realizing the depth of Kevin's feelings for Rose.
---
Kevin's Joy
Kevin lifted Rose in his arms, overwhelmed with happiness. "This is the happiest day of my life," he said, dropping to one knee. "Rose, will you marry me?"
Rose smiled, tears in her eyes. "Yes, Kevin. I love you. You're my savior, my everything, my forever."
They danced together in the backyard, lost in their joy. Kevin made a vow to never let anything happen to Rose again.
That evening, Kevin called a press conference. On live television, he announced, "This is Rose, my fiancée and the love of my life. We're getting married this Christmas."
The news spread like wildfire, capturing hearts worldwide. Kevin, an international businessman, made it clear that Rose's privacy and health would always be his top priorities. She was his one true love, and he promised to cherish her forever.
The next morning, John was in the shower, his thoughts consumed by Sarah. He knew he had to apologize to her for how things had gone during the prom dance—or rather, how they hadn't gone, as he didn't even attend. Guilt gnawed at him, and he resolved to talk to Sam before things spiraled out of control.
After finishing his bath, John threw on a shirt and headed to the living room. His gaze landed on the TV, where breaking news flashed: Kevin and Rose were officially engaged, and the wedding was planned for Christmas. John froze, his emotions oscillating between shock, joy, and anger. Unable to sit still, he jumped into his car and drove straight to Kevin's house, desperate to see Rose.
When he arrived, Rose was in the garden, looking radiant. John called out, his voice cracking with emotion. "Rose, where are you?"
Rose turned to him with a soft smile. "Hello, John."
John stared at her, tears forming in his eyes. "How... how are you awake?"
Rose giggled. "I guess you could call me Snow White. I'm finally awake, John. Isn't that a reason to smile?"
John rushed to her and hugged her tightly. "I'm so happy you're back," he said, his voice thick with emotion.
Kevin appeared, protective as ever. "Rose, you should rest. You've been through a lot."
Just then, Kevin's maid interrupted. "Master Kevin, Rose's parents are here."
Rose stiffened, stepping closer to Kevin. Her father approached cautiously, his face lined with regret. "Rose, my daughter," he began, his voice trembling. He moved to hug her, but Rose instinctively hid behind Kevin.
Kevin placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, Rose. I'm here."
Her father sighed deeply, tears welling up. "I'm sorry, Rose. For everything. I... we were wrong. You can marry Kevin if that's what makes you happy. Your mother and I will support you, always. Daddy won't force you anymore."
Rose hesitated but then stepped forward, hugging him briefly. "Thank you, Daddy."
Before the moment could settle, an angry voice erupted from behind them. "Kevin! You conniving Mormon!" It was Sam, his face twisted with rage. "You knew she was mine!"
Rose's father stepped between them, his expression firm. "No, Sam. She's not yours anymore. She belongs with Kevin. You had your chance, but you never made her feel safe or loved. Kevin did. Without him, Rose might not even be alive. He saved her from us, and he will keep saving her."
Sam opened his mouth to argue, but the determination in Rose's father's voice silenced him. He looked at Rose one last time and left without another word.
Rose's father turned back to Kevin, his demeanor softening. "So, my son, when should we plan the engagement party?"
Kevin smiled but shook his head. "Rose just woke up, sir. Maybe we can keep things quiet for now. She needs rest and time to recover."
"Call me Dad," her father said warmly. "And fine, no big party for now. But Rose is family to us too. Don't hesitate to let us know if she needs anything."
As her parents departed, Kevin turned to John. "I need a word with you."
John raised an eyebrow. "What's up?"
Kevin grinned mischievously. "Is everything ready?"
John blinked. "Ready? Ready for what?"
Kevin rolled his eyes. "The surprise for Rose, of course!"
John smirked. "Oh, that. Yeah, it's ready."
"Good," Kevin said with satisfaction. "Let's set it up for later today."
Rose, who had been listening quietly, stepped forward. "What surprise?"
Kevin and John froze, exchanging nervous glances. "It's... um... company stuff," Kevin stammered. "Boy talk. Nothing important."
Rose narrowed her eyes, unconvinced. "Really? You two are terrible liars, you know."
Kevin chuckled nervously. "Trust me, Rose. You'll find out soon enough." He winked at her, and despite her suspicions, Rose couldn't help but smile. Whatever they were planning, it was bound to be something special.