As the days passed, the flowers bloomed beautifully, painting the world in soft hues of hope and renewal. Today was the day, the engagement between Hakeem and Roselle.
The air felt lighter, carrying the sweet scent of roses drifting through the house. Roselle stood by her window, watching the sun rise slowly over the horizon. A warmth spread through her chest, a mixture of excitement, nervousness, and something else she couldn’t quite name.
Her reflection stared back at her in the mirror, framed by the delicate lace of her dress. The soft blush-colored fabric cascaded down in gentle waves, the intricate floral embroidery glistening under the morning light. Tiny pearls adorned the sleeves, adding a touch of elegance that made her feel like she had stepped out of a dream. She ran her fingers over the embroidery, tracing each stitch as if grounding herself in the reality of this moment.
A gentle knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.
“Come in,” she called softly.
Her grandmother entered, carrying a tray of sweets. Despite the tension that had lingered for weeks, there was a softness in her eyes today. "You look beautiful, my dear," she said, her voice warm. "Your mother would have been proud."
Roselle’s heart squeezed at those words. “Thank you, Grandma,” she whispered, swallowing the lump rising in her throat.
Outside, the sound of cars pulling into the driveway signaled the arrival of Hakeem and his family. Roselle took a deep breath, her fingers brushing against the delicate beadwork on her sleeves as she steadied herself.
In the living room, Hakeem stood beside his father, looking calm yet composed. He wore a traditional baju melayu in a deep shade of navy, the color bringing out the warmth in his expression. His gaze softened the moment Roselle entered, taking in the sight of her.
She saw the flicker of admiration in his eyes, how they lingered on the way the soft fabric of her dress moved with every step, how the pearls caught the light. And in that moment, the nervousness in her chest eased, replaced by the quiet comfort of knowing he saw her. Truly saw her.
Roselle’s father stood quietly in the corner, his presence still unfamiliar in the rhythm of their lives. Yet, for today, he had promised to remain, if not for himself, then for her. Stepping forward, he held Roselle's hand dearly. "Roselle, I am proud of you."
Roselle smiled as her eyes followed the smile on her face, it was as if tears were holding itself back. Such words she had been craving to hear from her father. Roselle knew, this moment will be the start of her recovery. He stepped back and sat himself down at the corner, he wants to be in the picture, yet the guilt in his heart tells him to stay put.
Aunty Nur beamed, stepping forward with a beautifully wrapped box in her hands. "This," she said, handing it to Roselle, "is a gift from us. A reminder that from today onwards, you are not just Roselle, you are part of our family."
Roselle accepted the gift with trembling hands, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, Aunty. Thank you… for accepting me."
Hakeem smiled gently, his voice soft as he said, "We’re the lucky ones, Roselle."
As the ceremony began, prayers filled the air, prayers for love, for trust, for a future built on patience and faith. And as Hakeem slipped the engagement ring onto her finger, Roselle knew that despite the struggles of the past, today marked a new beginning.
A beginning where love, no matter how tested, always found a way to bloom.
---
The quiet bliss of the night. Roselle stood by the backyard, her eyes were only focused on the moon. The moon that had always accompanied her when she needed it, the moon that had always shine in a way that she thought she couldn't.
Footsteps creaking in from behind.
"Roselle, would you mind if I join you?"
Roselle glanced at Hakeem, she greets him a smile. Nodding, as a sign that he could stay. He stood beside her, keeping a few distance. Glancing at her beauty. A beauty that made him fell for her twice the times he had admitted his feelings to her.
"I am glad to have you as my companion. However, I think you know well that we should be keeping our distance after this ceremony. After all, I wish to keep this purity until marriage." 
Hakeem pursed his lips, wanting to say a few words. Yet his lips kept shut, seeing the person he truly loves cares well for faith and religion. He sighed as he put out a smile.
"Of course, we've set our promise to only meet or speak if there's a need. I'll be waiting for the time that we can't reunite, but as husband and wife."
Roselle nodded. They both looked at each other and smiled as their last goodbye before parting ways again.