Is this destiny?

Due to the unexpected lunch at the Long family, Corey and Merve didn't go ring-shopping on that day, but they planned to go on the next day, after inspecting the newly acquired properties in person.

Merve and Corey checked the information they received from Steve related to the properties, and they were pleased with the location and the condition of the buildings.

Merve got a five-stories tall apartment building close to UCLA with thirty residential units and office space on the main floor that is currently split into three between two boutiques and one coffee shop.

Corey got a three-story apartment building close to the beach with twelve residential units.

Both of the buildings are already staffed and full of tenants, generating more than ten thousand dollars each in revenue after recurring expenses. Collecting rent from these will give Corey and Merve a solid financial cushion for their future together. Heck, with just the income from the properties they got due to Samantha's mishaps, Corey and Merve won't need jobs in the future, as long as they don't indulge in lavish lifestyles.

Corey chuckled.

"What's funny?", Merve asked him in a whisper.

"Don't you think that these are Samantha's engagement presents to us?", Corey whispered back with a mischievous grin, making Merve laugh.

Merve was confident that if Samantha heard Corey, she would blow a fuse.

Corey gave his deed to Charlie for safekeeping, and Merve gave hers to Sarah.

After the eventful lunch at the Long family, Gabriel and Becca went to the playroom to check on Oliver, and Corey and Merve called Emma, Charlie, Sarah, and Aiden to the side.

"We are engaged.", Corey announced proudly while holding Merve around her waist, close to him, stunning the four young people who stared at them.

Sarah blinked. It was not unexpected, yet it was. She knew that Corey and Merve are in love (just like several other couples from the Cliffside Villa), and it was only a matter of time when they start pushing their relationships to the next level, but she expected this move to happen from the older couples first.

Corey is eighteen years old and Merve nineteen, and both of them are about to start college in September. Or are they?

Sarah told herself to calm down. As long as they are financially settled and happy, it should be enough. After all, not everyone has a college degree.

Both Corey and Merve have substantial income even without furthering their education and getting jobs. Corey is not Sarah's concern, so she focused on Merve.

Merve has several different incomes, including from properties and various investments, and she sells her art at the gallery.

The most important thing for Sarah is that Merve can be independent and self-sufficient. Sure, Merve and Corey love each other, but one does not know what tomorrow brings, and Sarah wants to make sure that her kids don't end up stranded in a dead-end relationship if things don't work out romantically just because they are financially dependent on their partner. 

Sarah looked at Merve. "I want to know if this changes your plans for the future."

Merve shook her head, indicating that it doesn't. "We both want to finish college, and we will do it together."

"What's the rush, then?", Aiden asked sternly. He shared Sarah's concerns.

"We know what we want, and there is no point in delaying. We didn't talk about the wedding date, but even if we get married before we graduate, we will continue to pursue our dreams. Together.", Corey responded confidently.

Sarah and Aiden exchanged glances and nodded in approval, knowing that they will talk about this more later.

Charlie chuckled and gave Corey a hug. He patted his back with more force than necessary. "You are thinking like a man. I approve."

Emma was not so easy-going like Charlie. Just like Sarah and Aiden, she was concerned that these two are too young and rushing, but she decided to voice her thoughts later with less audience in order to avoid spoiling the moment.

After releasing Corey, Charlie pulled Merve into a hug and she was relieved that he didn't smack her back.

"Welcome to the family, Merve."

Merve blushed at Charlie's words and she smiled until her cheeks hurt.

"That's enough hugging.", Corey said to Charlie. "That is my future wife."

"Look at you…", Charlie said tauntingly. "Little chick got engaged and suddenly thinks he is a rooster…"

Emma, Aiden, and Sarah burst into laughter, and Corey, Merve, and Charlie joined them. Ah, the mood was good.

"What's with the commotion here?", JoAnna asked when she approached them. She and Jeff were chatting with Ellie and Jasper, but hearing the laughter, she knew that she was missing something good.

Aiden gestured toward Corey, indicating that he should respond to JoAnna's question.

Corey grinned and put his arm back around Merve. "We are engaged."

JoAnna's eyebrow arched. "Really?" She glanced at Merve's left hand. "I don't see a ring."

Corey cleared his throat awkwardly, unable to hide his embarrassment. "We were supposed to buy one today, but then this lunch happened. We will get one tomorrow."

JoAnna burst into giggles. "I'm joking. Congratulations!"

"We should celebrate!", Ellie said when she approached the group. She heard that the youngsters got engaged.

"Sure! We can do dinner tonight at our place!", Sarah was quick to make plans.

Charlie waved his hand, indicating his disagreement. "This needs to be done properly. Let's keep it for the next weekend. It will give us a few days to arrange appropriate presents for the bride…"

Merve's eyes opened wide in surprise. Charlie called her 'the bride'!

"Eh? Then we should get something for Corey!", Aiden was quick to say.

"No, no…", Charlie interrupted Aiden. "We will come with gifts for the bride so that you accept the engagement. And you can give gifts to Corey when they get married…"

Aiden nodded in agreement.

Merve smiled. Charlie called her 'the bride' again!

In the playroom, Gabriel and Becca found Oliver playing with… Delilah. She was sitting on the floor with Oliver and the duo was working on a 60 piece puzzle.

Becca was not sure what to say to this. Should she approach them? Becca and Gabriel stood at the door, observing the scene in front of them while waiting to be noticed. With Oliver around, they didn't wait long.

"Gabbey!", Oliver screamed and dashed toward Gabriel like he didn't see him in ages.

Oliver hugged Gabriel's thigh and looked up at him. "Aye you going to show me the castle now?"

Gabriel chuckled, knowing that the castle is the Long family villa. He squatted to be on the same level as Oliver. "That is why we are here. Are you excited?"

Oliver nodded enthusiastically, completely ignoring Becca.

Becca made a sour face. "Thank you for noticing me little O!"

Oliver stuck his tongue out at Becca. "You call me little, that is why I like Gabbey better."

Becca rolled her eyes and stifled a laugh. "Traitor. I will remember this when Gabriel is not around and you want to play."

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