All attention turned to the pair. Cindy was visibly delighted for her friend, her eyes sparkling with joy.
Evans, on the other hand, maintained an unreadable expression. Deep down, he had hoped to start something meaningful with Megyn, but reality had made other plans. Now, he had to suppress his emotions and support Benjamin. He couldn't let history repeat itself—not after what had happened thirteen years ago.
After the engagement video had gone viral on social media, Evans had called Benjamin to offer his congratulations. Trying to mask his disappointment with humor, he had said with a short laugh, "This time, buddy, you've beaten me one-nil.Congratulations! You've finally broken through the gate of steel."
Benjamin had chuckled on the other end of the line. "She's not like the others... And just so you know, I'm aware—just like you—that she's your student."
"I know," Evans replied, clearing his throat. "And I respect her. Besides, I stopped playing those games a long time ago…" He hesitated, silence hanging between them. Then quietly added, "Never mind. She's safe with me as her lecturer. I'm glad she's got you."
Benjamin had sympathized with Evans. He remembered the personal tragedy that had shaken Evans's family nearly ten years ago—a heartbreak that had softened his once ruthless playboy ways. Still, Benjamin kept his guard up. He wasn't sure if this was a lasting change or a temporary mask.
As he often told Megyn, "A man is what he hides." But Megyn, ever the optimist, saw the best in people. She had persuaded Benjamin to give Evans a genuine second chance, and Benjamin, albeit cautiously, was willing to try.
"Anyway," Benjamin said that afternoon, turning to the group with a warm smile, "Dr. Evans and I would like to invite both of you to join us at the Medical Practitioners Association dinner gala this evening."
He tilted his head toward Cindy before continuing, "Cindy, you and Megyn would make lovely company at the event." Turning to Megyn, he added with a teasing grin, "What do you say, Gazelle?"
Megyn nodded without hesitation, her eyes twinkling.
Benjamin turned to Cindy. "And you?"
Cindy looked unsure. "I don't know who I'm supposed to be going with," she said hesitantly. "Besides, you already have a fiancée."she winked.
"You're going with me," Evans interjected smoothly.
Cindy raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry, Benjamin, but I might have to disappoint you. As you know, I'm already taken. You won't succeed in pairing me up with this man—the womanizer." She folded her arms with a satisfied smile. "What will the university fraternity think of me?"
Benjamin chuckled. "Evans and I go way back. Speak kindly of my friend, Cindy."
He gave Evans a sideways glance and added jokingly, "Buddy, you've heard it yourself—your reputation precedes you. You've got some serious image repair to do."
Megyn whispered something into Benjamin's ear, then pulled Cindy aside for a private word while the men continued their quiet conversation.
"Cindy, come with me to this function," Megyn urged. "Just pretend you're with Dr. Evans. He won't misbehave, if that's your fear—not with Benjamin and other professionals around. It's just one evening."
Meanwhile, Evans leaned closer to Benjamin. "Cindy's the kind of woman I'd like to concur and have in my life. What do you think?"
"No, no, no," Benjamin said firmly. "That's not happening. Megyn wouldn't support it, and frankly, neither do I. If she agrees to accompany you tonight, it's as a favor—nothing more. She's a decent girl, and she's already in a relationship, as she clearly stated."
Just then, the girls returned, beaming with smiles.
"Let's do it, guys!" Cindy said enthusiastically.
"Fantastic!" Evans exclaimed, his eyes lighting up as he looked at Cindy. For the first time, she noticed the warmth in his expression.
"We'll pick you up at seven o'clock sharp," Benjamin announced. "Dress code is red and black."
"No problem," the girls chimed together.
Back at Kilimanjaro Hostel, the girls didn't fret over what to wear. They both had elegant black dresses in their wardrobes and accessories in red—scarves, shoes, or jewelry—to match the evening's theme.
After freshening up with showers, Cindy brought her things to Megyn's room so they could get ready together. She even carried her makeup bag, determined to help Megyn look her best.
As they laughed and helped each other prepare, a knock sounded at the door. Opening it, they found a delivery man holding two beautifully arranged gift baskets. One was addressed to Megyn, the other to Cindy. Each basket held a card.
Megyn's note read: "Princess, you are beautiful just as you are. But do me a small favor—add these to your charm tonight." —Benjamin.
Inside her basket was a stunning red lace sleeveless dress that reached just above the knees. Delicate black beads adorned each flower design in the lace. Alongside it was a soft, fluffy black shawl and a sleek pair of black open-toe heels—four inches high and elegant.
Cindy opened hers to find a card that said: "I know this invitation was sudden. Please accept this as a token of appreciation for agreeing to accompany me." —Evans.
Her dress was identical in design and elegance, though in black, paired with a red shawl and matching red peep-toe heels.
The girls were thrilled by the surprise and didn't mind that their outfits mirrored each other.
Cindy skillfully applied minimal makeup on Megyn and pinned a red flower into her hair, which was now thick and growing beautifully. Megyn looked radiant.
Cindy herself wore a black-beaded hairband that complemented her freshly braided extensions and added red earrings for a pop of color. A few sprays of their best perfumes, and they were ready.
Clutching black purses, they took a final glance in the mirror and headed downstairs—it was one minute to seven.
At the parking lot, the black Mercedes-Benz SUV was already waiting. Hostel rules didn't allow male visitors inside, so the girls had to meet them outside.
Descending the stairs in sync, they stepped out with confidence.
The passenger and driver doors of the Mercedes-Benze opened simultaneously. Both men emerged, looking sharp in tailored black suits with red ties and polished shoes.
"Fantastic!" Evans called out, eyes wide with admiration. "You look fabulous, ladies."
He opened the rear left door for Cindy and sat beside her on the right.
Benjamin, meanwhile, stepped forward and took Megyn into a gentle embrace.
"Princess," he said, voice low and full of affection, "you are even more beautiful than I imagined. I love you—and I know I'm a lucky man."
Megyn smiled, her eyes soft. "I'm the lucky girl. I love you more, my Prince."
The car doors closed, and the Mercedes-Benze rolled smoothly onto the road, the evening air filled with anticipation and subtle perfume.
The gala awaited.