The soft rays of sunlight fell gently on Meridia's face, making her look even more beautiful—especially while she was asleep.
Gabriel stood nearby, quietly watching her. He didn't try to wake her up. But as the sunlight grew stronger, Meridia slowly opened her eyes.
The moment she woke up, Gabriel quickly turned toward the mirror and began fixing his hair, pretending as if nothing had happened.
"Oh, you're awake," Gabriel said casually.
"Good morning," Meridia replied.
"Good morning. Get ready quickly," he said.
"Why?" she asked, confused.
"Because today I'm taking you to our company."
Hearing this, Meridia grabbed her blanket and jumped excitedly on the bed.
Gabriel laughed softly, watching her with warm eyes.
Soon, both of them got ready and left for the company.
At Home
William looked around the house.
"Since morning, I haven't seen the kids," he said.
"They went to the company today," Rafaella replied.
"Oh! Meridia went too?" William asked, surprised.
"Yes," Rafaella smiled proudly. "She's not just part of her own life anymore—she's now a part of the company as well."
Both William and Rafaella smiled with pride.
At the Company
After reaching the company, Meridia suddenly asked, "By the way, who was that woman who came last time?"
"Who?" Gabriel asked.
"Briar. She gets too close to me sometimes."
Gabriel paused. "She's my ex."
Meridia stopped walking. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Just forget it. Think of it as time pass," Gabriel said lightly.
"What do you mean by time pass?" Meridia asked, hurt. "What if one day you leave me the same way?"
Gabriel moved closer, gently brushing her hair aside.
"Shush. She cheated on me," he said softly. "That's why I could meet you."
"Enough. Tell me everything," Meridia demanded.
Gabriel smiled teasingly. "You're reacting as if you had already told me you're a cursed mermaid."
Meridia crossed her arms. "Well, now I have. So you tell me."
"She was my college friend," Gabriel explained. "We became close, entered a relationship—and five minutes before I met you, we broke up. Luca sent me a photo of her kissing her new boyfriend in a club."
"Oh… that's horrible," Meridia said.
"No," Gabriel replied calmly. "That was the best thing that happened to me."
Meridia looked confused.
Gabriel held her hand. "Come. I want to show you something."
The Designer Room
Gabriel took her to the designer room where iconic dresses were created.
"Wow…" Meridia whispered.
"I kept this room empty today—just for you," Gabriel said.
"For me? Why?"
"The designers will arrive soon. They'll design your wedding gown in front of you."
"There's no need," Meridia said firmly.
Just then, Gabriel's phone rang.
The designer informed him that they would come the next day due to urgent work. Gabriel was about to lose his temper when Meridia took the phone.
"This is Meridia speaking," she said calmly. "I'm Gabriel's future wife. Please come whenever you're free. There's no problem."
The designer thanked her and ended the call.
Meridia handed the phone back and turned to leave, but Gabriel suddenly pulled her toward him by the waist.
"Ouch!" she exclaimed.
"You really love acting innocent," Gabriel teased.
"Leave me," Meridia said.
Gabriel laughed softly. "Let's go home."
"No," Meridia said confidently. "I'll design my wedding dress myself."
"Oh? Then let me see what you can do," Gabriel said.
"Just bring me these fabrics," Meridia said, handing him a list.
Gabriel arranged everything with one call.
One Hour Later
Within an hour, Meridia completed the gown.
She called Gabriel upstairs.
"I know you couldn't do it," Gabriel said teasingly. "The dress must be torn somewhere."
But the moment he saw the wedding gown, his phone slipped from his hand.
"Unbelievable…" he whispered.
"How is it?" Meridia asked.
"This dress… it's inspired by your life, isn't it?"
"So you noticed," she smiled.
"I'm a beach boy," Gabriel said softly. "And I met a mermaid—a cursed one, but still a mermaid. This gown is not ordinary. Pack it immediately and move it to our room."
Meridia laughed happily. "Yeah!".