Chapter 13: The Engagement

"Hey man, I need your help. I really need to ask Ravenna to marry me, but I don't know how to go about it. Do you know what I should do?"

"Ortega, can you take it slow? You are running too fast." Matoe tried to get the full details of what Ortega was trying to say.

What do you want Ortega?

"I want to get married to Ravenna, I want to leave with my her as my fully married wife. I respect her too much to just be with her for the knacks. Even though i enjoy it every single time we do."

"So what kind of engagement party do you want for her?"

"I don't know, maybe that's why I have you, don't you think?"

"Are you crazy? You don't know what you want for your woman and you expect me to know?"

"Yes... you know I have never really been one who does all these things for any lady, I never have been interested or invested in any woman the way I am for this one, and I must say it scares me."

"Yes, I know i used to be romantically involved with a lady, but that's over five years now, and she might not like the sort of things that will make Ravenna feel special."

"At least both are ladies and will love the same thing."

"No, Ortega, it doesn't work like that. We have to make her engagement tailored to her own fantasy. "

Does she not have family or friends?

For family,  leave them out of this, I doubt if they know anything about her. They never liked her when she was with them. For friends, that reminds me the only friend I know her with is Laura, your personal assistant."

"Yes... that's true. I remembered how she lightened up when she heard that you took Ravenna as your girlfriend. I think she must have ideas about her fairy fantasies."

"If money can buy it, I promise to fulfil every one of them. Don't worry, Matoe, I will be with you in no distant time." He said, still sitting in one of his trucks, a rezvani hercules 6x6 2024 model. Each time he wasn't going out with his guards, he preferred his hercules. Before he started the ignition of the car, Santiago walked to him tapping window of the car. He wyned down to hear what he had to say.

"Don, Gael is now stable, and the doctor has kept some medication and is sending a nurse to him once he leaves."

"Have you given enough money for his troubles? When i am back, I will see him. Let him have enough rest. For now, I have something important to do, and time is of essence to me."

Yes, Don. It is done. Don't you need an escort, at least."

Not at all. Have you forgotten i am Don Diego the don of Medellin?"  He lifted his hand in the air total surrender.

"How could i forget that it is Don Diego, the Don of all Dons." He said as he showered praises to him.

He started the ignition and zoomed off.

In less than no time, Ortega drove into Matoe's parking lot and walked into the anex of the building, and as usual, Laura was sitting in the reception, sorting out some files.

"I guess you're always sorting files each time I come here, huh?"  Laura didn't quite hear what Ortega had said, so she raised her head up only to find Ortega standing in front of her still as majestic as always.

"Sorry, ohhh... good day, Ortega. I'm pleased to have you here. Matoe is inside. I'm sure you want to see him."

She muttered without excitement in her voice coming off the fact that Ortega and her best friend Ravenna were now together.

"I sure will with you of cause. "

"With me?" She asked, confused. 

"Yes, with you. After you." He waited as she took the lead to walk into Matoe's office. Laura stood by Matoe's desk with fear written all over her face. Ortega walked past her as he made his way to the sofa that stood across Matoe's work table.

"Relax, Laura, no cause for alarm. Ortega here just wants to know a few things about his woman."

"His woman? How am I supposed to know about her."

"You should know your best friend Ravenna,  shouldn't you?"

"Ravenna? I know my best friend Ravenna." She spoke with eagerness and surprise, all wrapped in one as she hastily took a seat in front  of Ortega who was sitting on a sofa at the corner of the room.

"What is Ravenna's ideal engagement?"

At noon, the room was all set for Ravenna's engagement party. Red petals spread across the bed with inscription be my wife boldly decorated with the flowers. Scented candles and two big bouquets lay on the bed. One bouquet of money bigger than her hands could handle, and the other beautiful tulips bouquets.

Don Diego had hand-picked the limited edition of Bugatti chiropractor sport, and a big teddy was stuffed in the car.

Laura walks into the room with a designer's bag pack of Ravenna's out fit for the evening.

"Hey Raven! I have missed you terribly. No calls, no texts, and your line hasn't been connecting. What happened?" Laura ran for a hug upon sighting Ravenna in her luxurious suite.

"I'm so sorry it's a long story. Sit down, let me get something for you..."

"There be no need to sit darling go in and change into this. We are going out for a drink."

"Emmmm, I don't think I can. Ortega doesn't know I'm out, and he might not like it since he isn't aware I'm leaving."

"I don't think Ortega will have any problem with you hanging with me since he gave me his platinum card to get a dress for you." Laura said as she handed over the bag to her.

Really?

"Yes darling, your man doesn't want you going anywhere without a designer's outfit he said all the money he has made is meant for you to spend."

"Ortega never seizes to amaze me. Give me a minute, and I will be out soon." Ravenna was out in no time and was taken to the already reserved location in the same car that brought Laura earlier.

"Where is this place?" Ravenna inquired.

"Your man booked a reservation for us to come have some alone time."

"Wow! Ortega never siezes to leave me dumbfounded."  Ravenna wore a beautiful emerald colour dress. It was the latest edition of Louis Vuitton and a green purse. She looked brilliant. Her red lipstick made her stand out. Laura had helped her pack a long hair in a bon. As Ravenna made a majestic entry into the room, she was agaped.

"Oh my God, what is this?" At another end with a loud microphone, Ortega began to speak.

Hey, my lady! I know you never saw this coming, but you are worth this and much more than money can buy. You came into my life from the very first day and rendered me completely confused. No one ever made me stutter. No one ever made me seek validation. I never thought of marriage until you came along. You made me do the most unthinkable. You made my voice tremble, and my heart race. You bring me stability and chaos all at once. When you touch me, my heart takes a pause.  For all eternity, you are the best thing that I have ever done. With you, life truly makes sense. I want nothing other than to spend forever in your warmth. Please marry me, my lady.

This gesture was over and beyond what had asked for. Tears rolled her eyes as she nodded her head, and with trembling hands, Ortega slid in a beautiful emerald crested ring into her middle finger.

Ravenna reached for a passionate kiss, so passionate that both of them could not breathe.

"One more thing, my lady. Tonight, I made sure to bring all your dreams come to pass." Ortega handed over a green box to her.

"What is here again, Ortega? Haven't you spoilt me enough?" She asked as she took the box from Ortega's hand nonchallantly. When Ravenna opened the box, she found lying peacefully a key to a Bugatti chiropractor sport car.

Ravenna ran outside to have a glimpse of the beauty she had standing pretty outside. A strange little boy not above 13 brought a bouquet of flowers, and before she got to the car, another young girl, not more than 10, brought to her a bouquet of money.

"A Bugatti chiropractor for me?" Ortega only smiles seeing how happy Ravenna was already. Happening so fast. I hope I am not dreaming?" she mumbled.

"Shhhhh, I want to live the rest of my life making you happy, Ravenna. My happiness is complete seeing you happy.