"Yes, welcome everyone," the woman’s voice rang out as the applause gradually faded, "Tonight is the glorious crowning of Yvonne Marlowe!"

Ariel shot Leroy a quick glance, hoping he would speak now that she could hear herself think again. However, the monk merely placed a finger to his lips and turned his attention back to the stage.

"This has been a night of inspiration and... love," the woman continued, letting the crowd’s collective sigh hang in the air. "I’m sure there are many wonderful women in attendance tonight, but only one can be crowned as the beautiful Yvonne Marlowe and join last night’s newly crowned Mr. Marlowe—Noah Williams."

Ariel felt her mouth go dry as Noah stepped forward onto the stage, greeted by enthusiastic cheers and applause. She glanced around warily, hoping no one would recognize her. Fortunately, the crowd seemed entirely focused on Noah, who waved to them with a wide smile. From somewhere in the crowd came loud shouts:

"THAT'S MY GRANDSON!"

"HIS FIANCÉE BETTER JOIN HIM AS YVONNE—HE'S CHOSEN A REAL LOOKER!"

Ariel’s face flushed crimson as she looked down at her four bedraggled Magnolias with a wave of relief. There was no way she would be crowned Yvonne.

"Have you enjoyed this night? I hear there is someone special to you in this crowd," the woman continued, casting a knowing glance towards Noah.

Even from her position on stage, it was clear that Noah had turned a few shades pinker. "There are a lot of people special to me here tonight," he responded carefully.

"Very well then," the woman relented, her smile growing amused, "Shall we crown your wife?"

The crowd responded with a murmur of good-natured laughter, and even Noah joined in, his cheeks still flushed.

Leroy sent Ariel a sidelong glance that she deliberately ignored, choosing instead to stare straight ahead and avoid making eye contact with Noah.

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"All jokes aside," the woman continued once the crowd had settled, "Being crowned Yvonne is a great honor for any woman. Receiving the most Magnolias tonight means that you were the most inspiring and beautiful of all the ladies here. The number of Magnolias you have received will be proof of that. So let's not wait a moment longer—ladies, gather your Magnolias."

Ariel glanced uncertainly at the women around her. They were meticulously adjusting and arranging their bunches of Magnolias with an air of self-importance. Just a few feet away, she saw Taylor frowning at her handful of Magnolias, carefully removing a stray petal from one.

A handful is better than four...

Nearby, Mandy was making a show of switching arms with her impressive bundle of Magnolias, which likely numbered close to a dozen.

And an armful is even better than a fistful...

As Ariel wondered how her rival had managed to gather so many Magnolias in such a short time, Leroy broke into her thoughts.

"Do you think if I ran fast, I could grab some more for you and be back in time for you to show them?" he mused, his eyes twinkling playfully.

Ariel sighed and smiled up at him. "Thanks, Leroy, but I think it's best this way. The last thing I want is to be announced as Noah’s wife."

"What, you mean you're not?"

Ariel narrowed her eyes at the monk. "I told you already—"

"Oh. That’s right, I forgot—he just wanted to be friends..." Leroy’s voice trailed off, his gaze shifting as he shot Ariel a knowing look.

"That’s what he said," Ariel retorted, her glare intensifying as she looked at his growing smile. "Maybe if you’d just tell me what Jasper said—"

Before she could continue, the woman began to speak again. Leroy pursed his lips and looked back up at the stage, apparently entranced.

That Leroy.

"Okay, now the moment you’ve all been waiting for—the rise of the Magnolia. Ladies, I will call out a number. If you have that many Magnolias in your possession, then raise your bouquet. We’ll continue until only one woman remains—"

"What if there’s a tie?" Leroy whispered, as if rediscovering his voice.

Ariel shrugged and shook her head. How would they decide then?

"—then that woman will be this year’s Yvonne. Are we ready?" the woman asked, met with enthusiastic cheers. "Good! We’ll start at... four!"

Four.

Slowly, Ariel’s gaze fell to the four Magnolias in her hand. They suddenly felt heavy, burning into her palm. Her right arm seemed to defy her will, hanging resolutely by her side, refusing to be raised.

Leroy, keeping a watchful eye on her, noticed as a small woman behind Ariel proudly lifted her arm, displaying her four Magnolias as if she held four dozen. Setting his jaw, the monk reached for Ariel’s hand and, before she could protest, lifted her arm up for all to see.

Leroy—!