The Engagement
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Panel 1
Scene: A cozy evening at Rena's house. Fairy lights glow softly. Joile kneels on one knee, holding out a ring to Rena.
Joile (nervous but smiling):
Rena…
Will you marry me?
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Panel 2
Scene: Rena stands frozen. Her eyes fill with tears, but her lips twist into an unsettling smile.
Rena (inner voice):
Finally…
You're mine.
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Panel 3
Scene: Rena falls into Joile's arms.
Rena (out loud, softly):
Yes… Yes, Joile.
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Panel 4
Scene: Rena's parents clap and cheer behind them. Joile places the ring on Rena's finger.
Narration:
A dream come true.
A perfect evening…
Almost too perfect.
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Panel 5
Scene: Later that night. Rena stares at her reflection in the mirror, holding up her ring, still wearing her engagement dress. Her face is glowing… but her smile is off.
Rena (inner voice):
He's mine now.
No one can take her away.
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Panel 6
Scene: A flashback of Joile laughing with another woman at the police station. Rena's eye twitches slightly.
Rena (inner voice):
No one.
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Panel 7
Scene: Rena opens her drawer. Inside are photos of Joile taken secretly—some old, some recent, one with a red "X" over a man's face.
Narration:
Engagement means forever.
And forever…
Can be dangerous.
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