"Veron, where exactly are we going?" Mariely asked, scratching her head, still clueless about where her friend was taking her.
"Just trust me. We need to look more beautiful and presentable," Veron replied vaguely.
Mariely sighed but decided to follow along. Since it was Saturday, they both began choosing what to wear.
"This is the one I gave you last Christmas, right?" Veron asked, holding up a dress.
Mariely only nodded, earning a grin from her friend. "This is what you'll wear today. Come on—I'm going to make you even more gorgeous." She grabbed Mariely and pulled her toward the mirror.
Mariely stared at her reflection, not entirely sure what Veron was doing to her face.
"Done!" Veron said happily a few moments later.
Mariely took another look at herself and still couldn't believe how good Veron was at makeup and making her look stunning.
"What's with your hairstyle today?" Veron asked, slipping an arm around her and looking at their reflection.
"I'm still deciding… What would look nice?" Mariely asked, glancing at her friend.
"I found a few hairstyles online—want to try one?" Veron offered.
"Sure, sure!" Mariely replied, excitement bubbling in her voice.
She decided on a curled hairstyle.
"Before that, get dressed. Don't worry about me," Veron said with a wink, making Mariely laugh.
"Besh, help me," Mariely said, unable to reach the zipper at the back of her dress.
"Wait," Veron said, standing up to assist.
Mariely finally saw the full look: an off-the-shoulder dress. She turned in front of Veron's full-length mirror, checking herself from all angles.
"Wow! My bestie is so beautiful today," Veron said proudly.
"Seriously, where are we going all dressed up like this?" Mariely asked again.
"It's a secret," Veron replied with another playful wink.
Mariely just shook her head. She curled her naturally wavy hair to match her dress, struggling a bit since her shoulders were bare. She adjusted her hair, pulling it back slightly.
Veron, now in a baby-blue dress that perfectly complemented her fair skin, grinned.
"Hey, you look amazing in that," Mariely said.
"No, you're beautiful," Veron laughed softly.
"Come on, let me fix your hair now," Mariely said, seating Veron in front of the mirror. She gave her friend soft curls but left them down, styling them neatly.
"Perfect," Mariely said, satisfied.
"Let's take a picture. I won't let this pass without one," Veron insisted.
Mariely agreed.
"Besh, I'm just going to grab my flat sandals—you know, since I'll be driving," Veron said.
"Okay," Mariely replied.
Still, she felt a bit nervous and self-conscious in her outfit, glancing at herself in the mirror again.
"What's with that look? You're fine. You're so beautiful," Veron teased, nudging her.
"Such a fangirl," Mariely said with a shy laugh. "Thank you, Veron."
"You're always welcome. Shall we?"
Mariely nodded, slipping into the most comfortable heels she could manage.
****
Meanwhile…
Frank kept glancing at his wristwatch. Andrew sat beside him, quietly waiting.
"Hey, relax," Andrew said with a laugh.
Frank didn't respond. "It's not that—I didn't tell her about this date."
"That's the point. It's a surprise. Just calm down. I'm sure she won't be late," Andrew reassured him, checking his own watch.
Frank remained silent, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement at how she might react.
"Are you excited to see her?" Andrew teased.
Frank gave him a look, already knowing his friend was just messing with him. "Of course I am. It's our first official date—she's going to scold me again." He chuckled.
Andrew laughed. "She's very careful with money, especially when she's worked hard for it. What? Does she secretly pay you back?"
"Yeah. I just let her, but I put the money in a separate account," Frank admitted.
"So you never really accept it."
"Nope. I love giving her things—everything I couldn't give her before. I love spoiling her."
"I know you're spoiled too—by her unconditional love," Andrew said knowingly.
Frank smiled faintly. "Yeah, she spoils me that way. That's why I steal her away from Veron."
"Idiot, she'll kick you for that," Andrew said, shaking his head.
Frank laughed. "When's your wedding with your fiancée?"
"We're still planning it," Andrew replied.
"When do you think Faith and I should get married?" Frank asked.
"Maybe when she's ready," he answered.
"Exactly. I'm not rushing her. Maybe in two or three years. By then, maybe we'll already have our own family."
"So you're really serious now?"
"Yeah. I'm done playing games. I never thought I'd dream of having a family, but then I met the one woman who changed my mind. Before we get married, I want to spoil her and make sure she's used to having me by her side."
"You really love her, huh? And you're realizing this after five years?" Andrew teased.
"I've known it for a long time. I just backed off when she was in a relationship. If she found someone who truly loved her, I'd let her go and support her from afar," Frank said honestly.
"Lucky for you, the guy after you was an even bigger fool," Andrew joked.
Frank chuckled quietly. "Maybe the universe really is rooting for me—Faith is meant to be mine."
Andrew just shook his head.
A moment later, Andrew glanced up. "I think they're here."
Frank turned—and immediately noticed Veron.
"Andrew, your fiancée looks like she's inviting you to—"
"Shut up," Andrew cut him off.
Then Frank saw her. Faith—following behind Veron, talking and smiling. His jaw almost dropped. That off-shoulder dress, the color she chose… he swallowed hard.
Is Ely always this beautiful? No… not just beautiful—absolutely breathtaking. Her innocent face, her light makeup… Veron, what did you do to my girlfriend?
"I know Faith's beautiful, but close your mouth, or a fly might get in," Andrew teased.
Frank swallowed again, his heart racing. Faith hadn't noticed him yet—probably because she didn't expect this to be a double date. He cleared his throat.
For a moment, he just wanted to take her home right away. He needed to calm down. Veron waved at them cheerfully.
Then she came closer.
"W—We have company?" Faith asked, recognizing Andrew.
"Not exactly company—someone you know," Andrew hinted.
"I'm not intruding, am I?" she asked.
"Nope," Frank said, standing up. "Because you're going to be my date tonight, Faith." He faced her directly.
Her eyes widened, hands flying to her mouth. "Zean…"
He smiled at her, knowing the surprise had worked.
"Sit down," he whispered close to her ear.
She nodded, speechless, her cheeks flushing red. He kissed her on the cheek, making her flinch slightly.
So cute… Even though she's already my girlfriend, why am I just noticing this now? He wondered silently.