Chapter 27
Dylan was nervous as he approached Mandy's house. He took a deep breath and rang the doorbell, the sound echoing through the quiet street. A few moments later, the door swung open, revealing Judith, Mandy's mother, with a warm smile on her face, unaware of the anxiety Dylan was trying to hide. Dylan, with a faint smile, greeted Judith as he opened the door: "Good morning, Judith. I'm sorry for coming so early, I was eager to see Mandy. Is she awake?"
Judith returned the greeting, conveying a sense of warmth: "Good morning, Dylan. Don't worry, you're always welcome here. Come in, you're practically family. And yes, Mandy is already up. She's in her room."
"I'll wait for her here then," he responded awkwardly.
"You can go up, she should be done with her shower. Don't be shy," Judith said.
"I'm not sure if she'd want me to come up," he replied.
"What happened?" she asked, concerned.
"My mother, as usual, made snide remarks to get under Mandy's skin, and I stayed silent as always, which upset her. She left the apartment late, by the way. I'm sorry for not bringing her, but she didn't want to listen to me," he confided. "Your mother, as always, is an unpleasant person. I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but ever since she met Mandy, she hasn't given her a moment's peace. My daughter hasn't done anything to her, but as always, she thinks Mandy isn't up to her standards. I can't blame Mandy for being upset with you, but I understand you. Having to choose between two important people and being caught in the crossfire is never easy."
Mandy, still groggy, descended the stairs and could hear her mother's voice talking to Dylan in the living room. When she reached the room, she looked at Dylan and said firmly: "You're coming with me."
Judith, not fully understanding, asked: "Aren't you going to have breakfast, dear?"
Mandy replied determinedly: "Don't worry, I'll have it when I get to college." Dylan bid farewell to Judith and followed Mandy. Judith went to the door to watch them and said, "Behave, you two!"
Dylan walks alongside Mandy, the silence hanging between them. For a moment, words seem to escape him, until he finally decides it's time to speak. "Mandy," Dylan says sincerely, "I'm sorry. I know I was wrong to stay silent. I should have stopped my mother, and I'm deeply sorry for the words I said." He expresses his regret.
"I'm not even surprised anymore. It wasn't the first time, and it won't be the last that you stayed silent. I know she's your mother, and I never asked you to fight with her on my account. But staying silent, it's almost worse. It's like you agree with everything she says to me, and I'm tired, Dylan," Mandy admits, her voice shaken.
"I understand, my love. Please forgive me. Every time my mother comes around, it creates stress. I promise I'll talk to her. She doesn't have to like you, but she needs to respect the fact that I love you. I was planning to wait until you finished college, but I think it's time to formalize our engagement." Dylan gets down on one knee.
"What are you doing?" she asks, puzzled.
With his heart pounding, Dylan senses the urgency of the moment. He gently kneels, eyes locked onto Mandy's, shining with a mix of nervousness and determination.
"Mandy," murmurs Dylan, his voice filled with emotion, "from the moment I met you, my life gained new colors, and every day became more special. You're the person I want by my side forever. Will you marry me and make me the happiest man in the world?" The sparkle in his eyes mirrors the hope and love he feels for her.
Mandy is left speechless, surprised, and touched. Noticing her reaction, Dylan rises from the floor with a nervous smile, showing her the ring.
"You need to say something, or I'll end up looking like a complete fool," Dylan says, trying to hide his anxiety.
Finally, Mandy regains her senses, and a smile lights up her face. "Yes," she says softly, "I accept."
Dylan gently slides the ring onto Mandy's finger, sealing the moment with a kiss full of promises and love. The world around them seems to fade away, leaving only the two of them, united by this unforgettable moment.
"I promise I'll never let my mother cause fights between us again. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you," he says, giving her a tight hug.
Jason arrives at Megan's house and is learned by the security guards, who recognize him. Upon entering, he finds Megan waiting for him. She speaks with a seriousness that cuts through the air. "Jason," begins Megan, "I'll spare you the trouble. It's all over. It will be better this way."
The eyes of Jason reveal genuine sadness. "Megan, that's not what I wanted to say," he says sincerely. "I'm sorry for hurting your heart. If you allow me, I'd like to try to make amends. Can I take you somewhere special?" The silence that follows is charged with tension and expectation. Megan hesitates for a moment, looking into Jason's eyes, uncertain of what to decide. Before she can say anything, Jason gently places his hands on her chin, lifting her head, and begins to press slow, tender kisses on her lips, each one carrying an unspoken plea for forgiveness and a promise of repentance.
"Please say yes," Jason insists.
"Alright! Let's go to this special place, but I still don't know if I'll forgive you, just so you know," she says.
"After the surprise, I prepared for you, I'm sure you'll forgive me."
---
Jason and Megan leave the house, get into the car, and drive to the apartment that Jason's father had given him. When they arrive, Megan is captivated by the breathtaking view of the sea, letting out an admiring sigh.
Upon entering, she is greeted by a charming surprise. Jason has set up an incredible breakfast table, adorned with balloons that read "Forgive me, Megan." On the table, a note with delicate handwriting awaits: "For the most incredible girlfriend in the world, owner of a smile and a beautiful heart, my Megan".
Megan looks at Jason, her eyes shining with excitement and surprise, while a smile starts to form on her lips. This affectionate and thoughtful gesture melts away any remaining hesitation, filling the room with undeniable sweetness. "Jason, this is such a beautiful surprise," Megan says, enchanted.
"I knew you'd like it. I'm so sorry for scaring you with my disappearance. Will you forgive me?" he asks hopefully.
"Yes, I forgive you," she says, embracing him.