I was left stunned.


    Just as he knelt on the ground, I was about to exim but quickly covered my mouth, afraid of disrupting the unfolding scene.


    The entire hall fell into a hushed silence.


    Everyone wanted to know what Oliver was about to say. Some even discreetly opened their phones to record the moment.


    Oliver spoke in a maic, husky voice, "Lauren, I carefully selected this ring for you. I''ve been waiting for this moment. Today, I want everyone here to witness that I have been unequivocally in love with you. I''ve been avoiding this truth for far too long."


    Onlookers exchanged puzzled nces. This was Oliver, who stood above everyone in Foswood. He had been silently loving Lauren all along, and now, in front of everyone...


    "But without you, Lauren, my heart is empty, and my soul is shattered. I can''t live without you."


    Lauren stared at him dumbfounded, like a deer caught in headlights.


    "Since the day I met you, you''ve shouldered all kinds of criticism, insults, and nder. I want to show everyone in Foswood that I love you. I will openly marry you into the Hansen family, and you will be my wife.


    "Lauren, marry me! I will spend the rest of my life caring for you, loving you, and making sure you won''t suffer any injustice anymore. You have always been a kind, warm, and upright woman. You deserve to stand by my side more than anyone else. Marry me!"


    Oliver''s heartfelt confession brought tears to my eyes.


    I involuntarily covered my mouth, afraid I might cry out loud and disturb this poignant moment between the star-crossed lovers.


    Oliver''s gesture was truly admirable. He kneeled in front of everyone, offering Lauren an exnation and the opportunity to stand tall, washing away any shame.


    I even questioned how long he had been carrying that ring with him. This indicated he had been searching for the right moment to redeem Lauren''s honor. Today, this man found the perfect opportunity.


    I saw Lauren staring in disbelief at the man kneeling before her. She seemed petrified, as if turned to stone.


    Feeling anxious, I took a step forward and nudged her from behind. "Say yes!"


    It was as if she had awakened from


    a trance. She stiffened, then looked around as if confirming this was real.


    Oliveally, her gazended on


    Oliver''s face. én.swnovels


    People around us urged, "Say yes!"


    However, Lauren''s face turned pale, and she took a step back.


    "Lauren... Marry me!" Oliver urgently repeated.


    Suddenly, she covered her mouth and rushed out, leaving the onlookers in an uproar.


    "This can''t be right? Why did she run away?"


    "Lauren!" Oliver and I shouted simultaneously.


    As she disappeared through the


    crowd,


    but


    anted to chase after heret


    suddenly stopped by a hand


    my wrist.


    I was just about to look up when the hand pulled me into its embrace. I fell into a pair of familiar arms.


    The scent was too familiar, calming my racing heart. A maic voice whispered, "Oliver, go after her."


    This prating voice cut throughText ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    the mor, making Oliver hesitate


    for a moment before swiftly getting up and rushing out. Everyone watched as Oliver''s figure O disappeared out the door.