Chapter 4: A Dinner to Remember
The silver Mercedes pulled up to the entrance of La Lumière, the upscale restaurant glowing with warm lights against the evening sky. It was 5:55 PM on April 5, 2025, and the city skyline glittered beyond the glass windows, a perfect backdrop for their dinner reservation. Fallie stepped out of the driver's seat, his black blazer and white shirt accentuating his toned frame, his chestnut brown hair slightly tousled from the day's activities. He rounded the car to the passenger side, opening the door for Anna, who sat with her legs still trembling, unable to walk on her own after their intense encounter at the water park.
Anna's blue dress hugged her curvaceous figure, the plunging neckline and high slit showcasing her voluptuous breasts and smooth thighs, but her fair skin was still flushed from earlier, and her blue eyes were soft with a mix of contentment and vulnerability. She reached for Fallie's hand, her long, dark hair falling over her shoulder as she looked up at him, her full lips curving into a small, grateful smile. "I still can't walk," she admitted, her voice soft and slightly embarrassed as she clung to his arm.
"I've got you," Fallie said, his voice warm and reassuring as he helped her out of the car, his strong arms supporting her weight. He wrapped an arm around her tiny waist, her body pressing against his side as he guided her toward the entrance, her legs wobbling with each step. Anna leaned heavily on him, her thick thighs trembling, her strappy high heels barely touching the ground as he practically carried her.
As they entered La Lumière, the other customers in the elegant foyer turned to stare, their reactions a mix of curiosity, admiration, and amusement. A group of well-dressed women in their 30s, sipping champagne near the bar, whispered to each other, their eyes lingering on Fallie's handsome features and toned physique, then flicking to Anna's stunning beauty, her curvaceous figure drawing their attention despite her obvious struggle to walk. "What a gorgeous couple," one of them murmured, her tone tinged with envy. "But why can't she walk? Did she hurt herself?"
A middle-aged man in a suit, waiting for his own table with his wife, raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips as he watched Fallie support Anna. "Looks like they had quite the afternoon," he muttered to his wife, who swatted his arm but couldn't hide her own amused smile. A young couple near the entrance, holding hands, exchanged a glance, the woman whispering to her partner, "They look so in love… but she seems exhausted. I wonder what happened."
Fallie ignored the stares, his focus entirely on Anna as he guided her to their reserved table, a secluded spot near the window with a stunning view of the city skyline. The table was adorned with a white linen cloth, a small vase of roses, and flickering candles that cast a warm glow over the setting. Fallie gently lowered Anna into her chair, her body sinking into the cushioned seat with a soft sigh of relief, her blue eyes meeting his with gratitude. He took his seat across from her, his hazel eyes warm as he reached for her hand across the table, giving it a light squeeze.
A waiter approached, his demeanor polished as he handed them the menus and took their drink orders—sparkling water for Anna and a glass of red wine for Fallie. They ordered their starters: a Caprese salad for Anna and a shrimp cocktail for Fallie. As the waiter left, they settled into a lighthearted conversation, their chemistry palpable as they laughed and shared stories, the earlier intensity of the day giving way to a comfortable warmth.
"So," Anna began, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief as she leaned forward, her full lips curving into a playful smile, "what's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done on a date?"
Fallie chuckled, his hazel eyes twinkling as he took a sip of his water. "Oh, you want to go there?" he teased, leaning back in his chair, his toned frame relaxed. "I once took a girl to a fancy restaurant like this, but I accidentally spilled an entire glass of red wine on her white dress. She was not happy."
Anna laughed, her voice bright and melodic as she covered her mouth, her blue eyes crinkling with amusement. "That's awful! Did she ever forgive you?"
"Nope," Fallie said, shaking his head with a grin. "She stormed out, and I never heard from her again. What about you? Any embarrassing date stories?"
Anna's cheeks flushed slightly, her smile softening as she twirled a strand of her dark hair around her finger. "Well, I've never really been on many dates… you know, with my health and all. But there was this one time I tried to impress a guy by cooking dinner, and I accidentally set off the fire alarm. The whole building had to evacuate."
Fallie laughed, his deep voice filling the space between them as he squeezed her hand. "That's adorable. I bet you still looked stunning, even with the fire alarm blaring."
Anna blushed, her blue eyes softening as she looked at him, her voice warm. "You always know how to make me feel better. What's your favorite thing about today so far?"
Fallie's gaze softened, his hazel eyes locking on hers as he spoke, his voice sincere. "Honestly? Just being with you, Anna. You've made this day unforgettable—from the movie to the water park, and now this. I don't think I've ever laughed this much in one day."
Anna's smile widened, her heart fluttering at his words as she squeezed his hand back. "For me, it's the way you've taken care of me… especially after, you know… earlier. I felt so safe with you, Fallie. It means everything to me."
"You mean everything to me," Fallie replied, his voice low and genuine, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "What's something you've always wanted to do but haven't yet?"
Anna thought for a moment, her blue eyes lighting up as she answered, her voice filled with excitement. "I've always wanted to travel the world—see places like Paris, Tokyo, Santorini. I want to design fashion inspired by different cultures. What about you?"
"I'd love to climb Mount Everest," Fallie said, his tone adventurous as he grinned. "It's been on my bucket list forever. Maybe we can do some of those things together someday."
Their starters arrived, and they continued their conversation as they ate, the Caprese salad and shrimp cocktail a perfect prelude to the main course. When the main course came—seared scallops for Anna and a rare steak for Fallie—they savored the meal, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they shared bites and laughed over small things, the city lights twinkling outside the window.
After finishing their meal, Fallie excused himself to the restroom, giving Anna a quick smile as he stood. "I'll be right back," he said, his voice warm as he headed toward the back of the restaurant. Anna nodded, her blue eyes following him as she sipped her sparkling water, her body still weak but her heart full.
When Fallie returned a few minutes later, he stopped in his tracks, his hazel eyes widening at the sight before him. A crowd had gathered around their table, a mix of restaurant staff and hired performers, their presence creating a buzz of excitement in the otherwise quiet dining room. A small string quartet stood to one side, their violins and cellos poised to play, while a group of waiters held colorful banners that read, "YES PLEASE YES" and "FALLIE, WILL YOU MARRY ME?" in bold, glittering letters. A few other customers had joined in, their faces lit with excitement as they held small signs with hearts and encouraging messages like "SAY YES!" and "SHE'S THE ONE!" A photographer stood nearby, his camera ready to capture the moment, and a young woman with a microphone seemed to be coordinating the group, her voice soft but enthusiastic as she directed the performers.
Anna turned as she saw Fallie approach, her blue eyes shimmering with emotion as she stood, her legs still shaky but her determination clear. She took a few wobbly steps toward him, her blue dress shimmering in the candlelight, and the crowd parted to let her through, their murmurs of encouragement filling the air. The string quartet began to play a soft, romantic melody, the notes swelling as Anna reached Fallie, herhands trembling slightly as she clasped them in front of her. The crowd's murmurs quieted, all eyes on the couple as the string quartet's melody filled the air with a tender, heartfelt atmosphere. Anna's blue eyes locked onto Fallie's, her expression a mix of vulnerability, love, and determination, her fair skin glowing under the warm lights of La Lumière.
"Fallie," Anna began, her voice soft but steady, carrying over the gentle music as she took a deep breath, her full lips trembling with emotion. "I need to tell you something—something I've been holding in my heart for three years, ever since the first moment we met."
She paused, her blue eyes shimmering with unshed tears as she continued, her voice growing stronger with each word. "It was three years ago, in the hospital. I was 20, lying in that sterile room, terrified out of my mind because of my heart condition. I thought I wasn't going to make it. But then you walked in—Dr. Fallie, the young, brilliant surgeon everyone was talking about. I remember the way you looked at me, your hazel eyes so calm and confident, like you knew everything was going to be okay. You were wearing those blue scrubs, your hair a little messy from a long shift, but you smiled at me, and I swear, in that moment, I forgot how to breathe. I was mesmerized by you—not just because you were handsome, but because of the way you made me feel safe, like I could trust you with my life. And you did—you saved me, Fallie. You performed that surgery, and I woke up knowing I owed my life to you."
Anna's voice cracked slightly, a tear slipping down her cheek as she smiled, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her dress. "After the surgery, you didn't just disappear like most doctors would. You checked on me every day, sitting by my bedside, talking to me about my dreams, my love for fashion, my hopes for the future. I remember one day, you brought me a sketchbook because I'd mentioned I wanted to design again. You sat there for hours, watching me sketch, telling me stories about your own struggles—how you'd been an orphan, how you'd fought your way to where you were. I fell for you a little more each day, but I was too shy to say anything. You were this incredible man, and I was just… me, a girl who'd been stuck at home recovering, unable to live the life I wanted."
She took a shaky step closer, her legs still weak but her resolve unwavering, her blue eyes never leaving his. "Over the next three years, we stayed in touch. I'd call you just to hear your voice, and every time you answered, my heart would race. I remember the first time I invited you to dinner—it was six months after my surgery, and I was finally feeling strong enough to go out. I spent hours getting ready, wearing this red dress I thought you'd like, but you had to cancel because of an emergency surgery. I was disappointed, but I understood. You were always so dedicated, and I admired that about you. I kept inviting you, again and again, every few months, hoping one day you'd say yes. And every time you couldn't make it, you'd send me a little message—sometimes a funny meme, sometimes a sweet note telling me you'd make it up to me. Those messages kept me going, Fallie. They were little pieces of you that I held onto."
Anna's voice softened, her smile growing as she recalled another moment. "Then there was that day last year, when I had a follow-up appointment at the hospital. I was nervous because I'd been having some chest pain, and I didn't know if it was serious. You were there, waiting for me in the exam room, and the moment I saw you, all my fear melted away. You held my hand while the tests were done, your thumb brushing over my knuckles, and you told me everything was fine—just stress, nothing more. Afterward, you took me to the hospital cafeteria, and we shared a terrible cup of coffee, laughing about how it tasted like dishwater. I remember looking at you across that table, your hazel eyes crinkling with laughter, and thinking, 'This is the man I want to spend my life with.'"
Her tears fell freely now, but her smile was radiant, her blue eyes shining with love as she took another step closer, her voice trembling with emotion. "And today… today has been the best day of my life. From the moment you picked me up, to the movie where I cried on your shoulder, to the water park where you made me feel so alive, so cherished… and then when you took my virginity, even through the pain, I felt so safe with you, so loved. Every moment with you has been a precious memory, Fallie—moments I could never forget, moments that have shaped who I am and what I want. And what I want… is you."
Anna's legs gave out as she finished her speech, and she sank to her knees in front of him, her blue dress pooling around her as she looked up at him, her blue eyes wide and expectant, her hands clasped together as if in prayer. The crowd around them gasped softly, the string quartet's music swelling to a crescendo as the banners were raised higher, the words "YES PLEASE YES" and "FALLIE, WILL YOU MARRY ME?" glittering in the candlelight. The waiters and performers held their breath, the photographer snapping photos, and the other customers watched with bated breath, some dabbing at their eyes with napkins, others whispering words of encouragement.
"Fallie," Anna said, her voice breaking as she reached into her purse with trembling hands, pulling out a small velvet box. She opened it to reveal a simple silver ring, its band engraved with tiny stars—a symbol of the dreams they'd shared. "I want to be with you, first as your girlfriend, and then… as your wife. Will you be mine? Will you marry me?"
The restaurant was silent, the only sound the soft strains of the string quartet as all eyes turned to Fallie. His hazel eyes widened, his heart pounding as he looked down at Anna, her tear-streaked face filled with hope and love. For a moment, he was overwhelmed by the depth of her feelings, the vivid memories she'd shared, and the weight of her proposal. But then, a mischievous glint sparked in his eyes, and he decided to pull a prank, his playful nature taking over.
Fallie's expression turned serious, his brow furrowing as he took a step back, his voice low and hesitant. "Anna… I don't know if we can be together," he said, his tone heavy with feigned regret. "I mean, everything that's happened between us… the hospital, the water park, today… what if it was all a mistake? I'm not sure I'm the right man for you. I've got my work, my company—I don't know if I can give you the time you deserve. Maybe we're better off apart."
Anna's blue eyes widened in shock, her full lips parting as her face crumpled, tears welling up anew. Her hands trembled as she clutched the ring box, her voice breaking as she whispered, "What… what do you mean? Fallie, I thought… I thought you felt the same way." Her tears spilled over, her shoulders shaking as she looked down, her heart breaking at his words, the crowd around them gasping in disbelief, some murmuring in sympathy.
Fallie let the moment hang for a heartbeat, his heart twisting at the sight of her tears, but he couldn't keep up the act any longer. A wide, genuine smile broke across his face as he dropped to one knee in front of her, his hazel eyes warm and filled with love as he took her hands in his, the ring box still clutched between her fingers. "Anna, I'm kidding," he said, his voice soft but filled with emotion as he squeezed her hands. "I couldn't resist teasing you, but I'm so sorry—I didn't mean to make you cry. Of course I want to be with you. You've been in my heart since the day I met you, too. I remember every moment we've shared, every smile, every laugh, every time you made me feel like I could be more than just a surgeon or a CEO. You make me want to be a better man, Anna. I love you—more than I've ever loved anyone. Yes, I'll be your boyfriend, and yes, I'll marry you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, making more memories, climbing mountains, traveling the world, building a future together. You're my everything."
Anna's tears turned to tears of joy, a radiant smile breaking across her face as she threw her arms around him, her sobs of relief muffled against his chest. "You jerk!" she laughed through her tears, her voice trembling with happiness as she pulled back to look at him, her blue eyes shining. "I thought you were serious! Don't ever do that to me again!"
Fallie chuckled, his hazel eyes crinkling with laughter as he wiped her tears away, his thumbs brushing over her cheeks. "I promise, no more pranks," he said, his voice warm as he took the ring from the box, sliding it onto his finger, the silver band glinting in the candlelight. "I love you, Anna Croftmen. I can't wait to be your husband."
The crowd erupted into cheers, the string quartet playing a triumphant melody as the waiters waved their banners with renewed enthusiasm, the words "YES PLEASE YES" and "FALLIE, WILL YOU MARRY ME?" now joined by new signs that read "CONGRATULATIONS!" and "TRUE LOVE WINS!" The photographer snapped photos, capturing the moment as the other customers clapped and whistled, some wiping away tears of their own. The young woman with the microphone stepped forward, her voice bright as she announced, "Let's give it up for the newly engaged couple, Fallie and Anna!" A small group of performers, including a guitarist and a singer, joined the quartet, breaking into a romantic ballad as confetti rained down from above, the restaurant staff having prepared a full celebration.
Anna and Fallie stood, their arms around each other, her legs still shaky but her heart soaring as she leaned into him, her blue eyes filled with love. The crowd continued to celebrate, the music and cheers filling the air as the couple shared a tender kiss, their lips meeting in a promise of forever. The day had been a whirlwind of emotions, from the water park to this moment, but as they stood there, surrounded by love and celebration, they knew they were exactly where they were meant to be.
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