"Honey, I understand what you're saying, but delaying this will only increase Luna's insecurity and anxiety.  The lack of public acknowledgment could make her feel less valued or secure in the relationship," Maria explained. "You need to think about this carefully. Could the delay really give you more time to build your confidence and confront your insecurities about whether you're 'good enough' for Luna and her family?"

Mira listened, tears silently streaming down her face.

"Honey, do you care more about Luna's family than Luna herself?"

"Of course not! It's Luna I care about," Mira sniffled, wiping her eyes.

"Then what's there to think about? If her family doesn't accept you, so what?  Her mother and I already do. If she gets kicked out, just take her home permanently, you can take care of her, right?"

"Absolutely," Mira said, more confidently.

"So what are you worried about? Just marry her! Then her family won't be able to interfere, even if they try, and Luna will feel secure. And about what people might think—honestly, who cares what people say once you're married? You're both single, intelligent, pretty, capable, and at the right age—you're a perfect match," Maria said, excitedly urging marriage. She was worried Mira would make them wait years longer if she doesn't do anything—years just as Luna's girlfriend, then more years for marriage! She shuddered at the thought of being an old woman by then.

Mira, wiping her tears, blushed at the mention of "marriage," then froze when she saw Luna in the doorway. She rubbed her eyes, making sure she wasn't seeing things.  Luna was still there. The office was silent.

Maria, unaware of Luna's presence, continued, "Honey, just propose to her, okay? Don't—"

Mira's eyes widened.  The silence in her office made her mother's voice clearly audible, even without speakerphone. She quickly ended the call. She didn't know how long Luna had been there.

She asked nervously, "How long... have you been there?"

Luna answered honestly, "Since you started sobbing." She hadn't knocked because it wasn't necessary anymore. After entering the office, she saw Mira burying her face in the table and was about to call her when she heard Mira's confession. She hesitated but decided to listen. She knew who Mira was talking about and heard Maria's advice, which made her heart beat fast.  She silently thanked her future mother-in-law.

However, hearing Mira's sobbing confession, she also felt a pang in her heart. She thought Mira simply didn't want to make their relationship public to avoid pressure and distractions, but she hadn't considered there was more to it.  She wasn't sure whether to be mad at herself for not thinking about it or sad for Mira.

Nevertheless, knowing everything, the weight on her heart lifted. She understood Mira's concern—her family would likely scrutinize Mira's background.

"You... heard everything?" Mira asked hesitantly.

"Yes... everything," Luna said, smiling and approaching Mira.  Taking Mira's hand, she said, "Baby, I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I wanted to know what's been holding us back.  I understand your concern, and I used to worry about that too—would your mother accept me? Would she like me as your girlfriend?"

"What? Why wouldn't she?"

"Because I'm the child of the person who turned her back on her when she needed someone most."

"Your mother explained that she tried."

"Yes, but the damage was done."

"Mom won't dislike you; you're so good, who wouldn't like you? Besides, doesn't she like you and treat you like her own daughter?" Mira said.

Luna smiled lovingly. "Yes, you're right. And just like you said. Who wouldn't like you? You're more than enough for me. You're so good and attractive that not making our relationship public makes me scared someone might take you away." She continued, "Your concern is valid, but I'm willing to leave everything behind for you and start anew if my family really opposed our relationship."

Mira looked into Luna's eyes, tears fell again. Luna felt a sense of déjà vu. She wiped Mira's tears, but they wouldn't stop.

"Please, stop crying, you're such a crybaby," Luna said helplessly.

Mira didn't stop Luna from wiping her tears. Instead, she stared at Luna. "Will you dislike me for being a crybaby?"

"No, I like my crybaby the most," Luna answered, kissing Mira's eyes lovingly.

"Will you dislike me for being so slow?" Mira asked, feeling Luna's lips on her eyes.

"Of course not! If you weren't slow, I'd doubt you were really my Mira," Luna chuckled, pinching Mira's cheeks.

"If your family dislikes me, will you still like me?" Mira asked.

"Of course. Their opinion doesn't matter to me, I'm the only one who can decide who I will be with," Luna answered quickly, holding Mira's face, feeling helpless at Mira's sudden questions.

"Then, will you marry me?" Mira finally asked nervously.

"Yes," Luna answered quickly, then paused, her eyes wide open in shock. She stared at Mira, wondering if she'd misheard.

Mira saw the light in Luna's eyes, the happiness and excitement that made her happy too. She realized her concerns were useless as long as Luna was with her; she was willing to face anything. She was willing to take a risk, for the person she loved. And the bravest thing she could do for a worthy woman was not to hesitate anymore and makes her the happiest person.

"Luna, baby, I'll ask again, will you marry me?" Mira asked sincerely.

Luna opened and closed her mouth. "Are you serious? My family might make things difficult at your company..."

"I know."

"They could really mess things up for you."

"Will you leave me because of it?"

"No! Absolutely not!" Luna said immediately.

Mira chuckled. She opened the drawer under her table, took out a small blue box, stood up, and walked in front of Luna, she went down on one knee and proposed again.

"Luna, I promise to love you and only you, in this life and in another lifetime. I'll take good care of you, in sickness and in health. Baby, will you marry me?" Mira asked sincerely, with all her heart.