Raymond dialed Maria's number, his heart racing with a mix of emotions. He had been planning this moment for weeks, but he couldn't let his true intentions show. Not yet.
"Hey, Maria! How's it going?" Raymond asked, trying to sound casual.
Maria's voice was cheerful on the other end. "Hey, Raymond! I'm good. Just hanging out with Andrew."
Raymond's grin widened. "Cool! I was thinking, how about we grab dinner tonight? I found this amazing new restaurant downtown, and I'd love for you to try it with me."
There was a pause before Maria responded, "That sounds lovely, Raymond. What time were you thinking Maria asked with excitement?"
Raymond's excitement grew. "How about 7 pm? I'll pick you up from your place."
"Sounds perfect. I'll be ready," Maria said, and they wrapped up the call.
Maria turned to Andrew, who was lounging in the living room. "Hey Andy, I'm going out for dinner with Raymond tonight."
Andrew's eyes sparkled with interest. "Ooh, dinner date! What's the occasion?"
Maria shrugged. "No idea. He just invited me out of the blue."
Angel, who was scrolling through his phone, looked up. "Be careful, Maria. "Anyways that's your prince charming we are talking about, bring something for me when coming back
Maria playfully rolled her eyes. "I can take care of myself, . Besides, Raymond is nice."
As Maria got ready for her dinner date, Andrew exchanged a skeptical glance. He has always been protective of Maria.
Meanwhile, Raymond was preparing for the evening, his mind racing with anticipation. He had a plan, and it was about to unfold...
Later that evening, Raymond arrived at Maria's place, looking dashing in his tailored suit. Maria opened the door, stunning in a red dress that accentuated her curves.
"You look breathtaking," Raymond said, offering Maria his arm.
Maria smiled, taking his arm. "Thanks, Raymond. You don't look so bad yourself."
As they drove to the restaurant, the conversation flowed effortlessly. They chatted about everything from work to their favorite TV shows.
Upon arrival, the restaurant's hostess greeted them warmly and led them to their cozy table by the window.
Over a delectable three-course meal, Raymond and Maria delved deeper into conversation. They shared stories, laughter, and dreams.
As the night wore on, Raymond's nervous excitement grew. He knew this was the perfect moment.
"Maria," Raymond said, his voice filled with emotion, as he reached across the table to take her hand. "From the moment I met you, I knew you were someone special. Your kindness, your beauty, your infectious laugh... You light up my world in ways I never thought possible."
Maria's eyes sparkled, her voice barely above a whisper. "Raymond, I feel the same way about you."
Raymond's heart skipped a beat. This was it.
"Maria," he continued, his voice trembling with emotion, "I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy. Will you marry me...?"
Maria's eyes welled up with tears as she gazed at Raymond, her heart overflowing with emotion. "Yes, Raymond! I'd love to marry you!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with happiness.
Raymond's face lit up with joy, and he slid the ring onto Maria's finger. It fit perfectly, sparkling in the dim light of the restaurant.
As they shared a tender kiss, the restaurant's patrons erupted into applause, congratulating the newly engaged couple.
Maria and Raymond beamed at each other, basking in the happiness of the moment. They knew that their love would last a lifetime.
But little did Maria know, Raymond's proposal was only the beginning of a complex web of events that would change her life forever...