The stylist helped Penelope with her makeup and hair. She couldn’t help but admire her own reflection in the mirror, feeling like a pretty girl. Penelope glanced at her usually messy hair and wasn’t quite sure how to comment.
“Thank you,” she said, trying to be polite, even though she didn’t fully understand others’ aesthetics.
“You’re welcome,” the stylist replied with a smile. Penelope smiled back and headed upstairs to change her clothes. Warren had prepared a purple silk strapless dress for her. The dress was simple, without any extra embellishments, and had a smooth design.
“I’m worried it’ll get wrinkled when I sit down…” Penelope began to express her concern.
“No,” Warren walked over and stared at her.
Penelope looked around in front of the mirror and remarked, “Did you pick this out? You have good taste.” She didn’t hear a response and turned to look at him. He stood in the doorway, dressed in a gray-blue suit with a black bow tie at the neckline.
She approached him with a smile, placing her hands on his shoulders, and gazed at him for a while.
“What are you staring at?” he asked.
“I’m thinking, maybe I saved the galaxy in my past life,” Penelope said with a slow exhale and a smile.
Warren looked puzzled. “What do you mean?”
She reached out to hold his arm, her gesture carrying meaning. She explained that she had endured hardship during the first half of her life, and even having a home was a luxury. Now, with him and Chris, they were her family. If she hadn’t saved the galaxy in a previous life, why was she so blessed by the gods?
The company’s hotel was closed to the public today, reserved only for guests attending the hundred-day party. Warren greeted guests in the hall while Penelope and Chris waited in the resting area. She was feeling a bit nervous, and her hands were trembling. A bearded man entered.
Penelope squinted her eyes and carefully identified him. “Asher, is that you? Where have you been?” Penelope asked with a smile.
Asher touched his beard and replied, “I just got back from Egypt and didn’t have time to shave.”
Grace glanced at him and said, “You couldn’t spare half an hour?”
Penelope observed him closely. “Honestly, you look a bit sexy with that beard.”
Asher smiled and placed his hand on her shoulder. “You’ve always had good taste. I’ve decided to keep the beard.”
Grace pouted and playfully bent down to tease Chris. “Why is this kid still asleep? The party’s starting.”
“He won’t wake up until he’s had enough sleep. Look, I’ve tried shaking him, but he’s still not awake,” Penelope explained.
Warren pushed the door open, and Penelope walked toward him, holding Chris. “Let’s go,” he said, reaching for her shoulder in a cheerful mood.
“Uncle Warren, did you see both of us?” Grace asked.
He glanced at the two of them and replied, “Keep up with us.”
Then he walked out with his wife and son, ignoring the siblings.
“Are we out of favor?” Grace turned to her brother.
Asher rubbed his beard and said, “When were we ever favored?”
Penelope and Chris appeared in everyone’s sight.
She tried to maintain a graceful smile, but no matter how everyone teased or touched him, Chris remained asleep without responding.
“I feel a little embarrassed,” Penelope whispered to Warren.
Warren smiled and said, “He won’t talk anyway. Just let him sleep.”
Penelope’s smile stiffened, and Chris still showed no sign of waking up. Then Penelope began to feel uncomfortable. She sensed soreness in her abdomen. At first, she tried to endure it, but it grew more intense. She furrowed her brow, starting to understand what was happening.
“What’s wrong with you? Why is your face so pale?” He looked back and reached out to touch her face.
“I’m feeling a bit cold. Can I borrow your coat?” She stood in front of a pillar, concealing the “small issue” behind her.
Warren immediately took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. “The temperature in this room is a bit low. Would you like something hot to drink?”
“Yes,” Penelope nodded slightly, realizing her carelessness for forgetting about her period.
He signaled a waiter to bring a cup of hot drink.
“Can you call Grace for me?” Penelope asked.
“Why do you need her?”
“I left my phone in her bag. Please help me call her.”
Warren nodded and asked someone to find Grace.
“What’s going on?” Grace asked soon after she appeared.
“Your mom just mentioned that she wants to take Chris to visit her friends. Can you take him over?” Penelope swiftly turned to Warren.
“Okay,” Warren said, not wanting to eavesdrop on the conversation between the two girls. He then walked over to his mom with Chris.
Seeing him go, Penelope asked Grace quietly, “Did you bring any tampons?”
“No…” Grace glanced at her and said, “You got your period?”
“Yes…”
“I’ll ask a hotel waiter for help. You can go to the bathroom and wait for me,” Grace said confidently, knowing how to handle the situation in this familiar place.
“Thank you…”
Grace smiled and teased, “You’re too careless, forgetting a date like this.”
Penelope felt embarrassed and made her way to the bathroom. As she entered, she noticed some blood on her underwear.
Her suspicion had been correct. Penelope stood by the toilet, waiting for Grace’s assistance. While she waited, she recalled a scene. A few minutes ago, she absentmindedly put her hands in Warren’s jacket pocket and discovered a black box.
She opened the box and found a diamond ring inside. It was larger and shinier than the one he had bought in Hong Kong previously, and its style was more fashionable. She couldn’t help but wonder if he was planning to propose on this occasion.
“Penelope, where are you?” Grace called out.
Penelope closed the box and put it back in her pocket.
“I’m here,” Penelope replied.
Grace tossed a pack of tampons to her, and Penelope caught it. She closed the bathroom door and started to think deeply.
“Should I wait for you, or should I leave first?” Grace shouted from outside.
“You can go ahead,” Penelope answered.