Raka's Residence.
"Looks like the gossip is true. Raka really is going to propose to Selina today."
"You're right. Just look at this. Raka even threw a birthday party for Selina here at his house. Something is definitely going to happen today."
"Of course. Selina's mother has been paying special attention to Raka's family all this time, so naturally she wouldn't throw away the opportunity she worked so hard to create."
"Exactly. She hasn't done this just once or twice. She—"
"Shh. Look. That's Selina."
The whispered gossip among several women gathered in a small circle abruptly came to a halt. All their attention immediately shifted to a woman passing nearby.
She was breathtakingly beautiful, like a princess in the ivory-white gown she wore. Her long hair flowed freely down her back, adorned with a small tiara atop her head. Her minimalist makeup still allowed her natural beauty to shine through.
"Wow... It was definitely worth Raka's family throwing such a lavish party for her," one of the women exclaimed, having previously remained silent while listening to her friends' whispered gossip.
"She really does look like a living doll," another woman chimed in, awestruck.
"Selina, you look absolutely beautiful," praised a woman who approached her. She was no less beautiful than Selina, and her features were nearly identical to Selina's—only more mature.
"Sis Nessa," Selina greeted the woman, who turned out to be her eldest sister.
"If only Dad could see you, he'd be so happy," Nessa said, her voice slightly choked with emotion. "Oh, right. Your brother-in-law has prepared a gift for you. He's gotten you sapphire earrings."
"He really didn't have to—"
"Nonsense. You have to accept them," Nessa cut her off.
"But speaking of which, where is your brother-in-law? He was right beside you earlier. And Raka, too. Where did he go?" Nessa grumbled as she looked around for both her husband and Raka, the owner of the house, who had yet to show his face.
"Obviously. Whenever they get the chance, men will sneak off. Either to smoke or to bury themselves in conversation about business or politics," a middle-aged woman remarked as she approached them.
"Mom," Selina greeted her mother, whose name was Laura.
"After all the effort I put into preparing this party, Raka, that boy, still hasn't even shown up to get it started," Laura grumbled.
"That's right, Mom," Nessa added. "Even though Raka is the one throwing this party, you've arranged everything from beginning to end."
"By the way, Rena really isn't coming today?" Laura grumbled again. "She's still wandering around somewhere, who knows where. Don't be like your second-oldest sister, Selina."
"Hm," Selina replied with an elegant smile.
"You understand, right? You're Mom's last hope, and her most precious jewel."
"Yes, Mom."
"Just wait and see. Raka has prepared an engagement ring. It's made of diamonds." A broad smile spread across Laura's beautiful face, which looked the most like Selina's.
"Since Raka's parents are no longer around, his aunt is handling all the engagement arrangements. Even so, you know what you have to do later, right?" Laura pressed, making sure Selina understood.
"Don't worry, Mom. I'll try my hardest to look surprised," Selina assured her mother.