Larry paid no heed to the negative comments and continued to date Maria. The couple was madly in love with each other, their connection transcending physical appearances. Larry saw her beauty when no one else did, and he was confident that eventually, the world would see it too. And he was right. Six years later, all the naysayers would be proven wrong. Incredibly wrong…
After going on several dates and sharing their innermost thoughts and fears with each other, Larry decided it was time to take their relationship to the next level. During their second vacation together, he got down on one knee and proposed. Maria was overjoyed and couldn’t contain her happiness. She felt truly blessed to have found a man who appreciated her for her beautiful personality, rather than merely her external appearance. Eagerly, she accepted his proposal, excited to begin their life together as husband and wife. However, Maria also felt a pang of fear.