She could only laugh at her friend's reaction.
"Veron, why didn't you tell me Zean was here?" she asked, still a little stunned.
"It's a surprise double date," Veron replied with a grin. "Your boyfriend planned it himself."
She shifted uncomfortably and glanced down at her outfit.
"Idiot, compliment her! She was nervous about seeing you, wondering if her dress looked good on her," Veron teased the man sitting beside her boyfriend.
"Nah," Andrew cut in, smirking. "He practically dropped his jaw to the floor when he saw Faith."
"Really? Hey, do you think Faith looks beautiful in her light makeup and that dress? Or should I make her wear something more daring next time?" Veron asked mischievously.
"Veron!" Faith's voice was sharp with embarrassment.
Frank sighed. "Hon, you look gorgeous right now. And don't you ever dare to wear anything too revealing when I'm not around—because you're mine, only mine."
"Hey, idiot, Faith never wears those kinds of clothes anyway, so calm down with the possessiveness," Veron said with a laugh.
"T–Thanks. You're handsome too," Faith muttered, cheeks turning pink.
Frank smirked. "I know that," he replied, winking at Mariely.
Veron shook her head, half amused, and her soon-to-be husband just chuckled beside her. She smiled—seeing Mariely this happy after everything warmed her heart.
After Edward suddenly disappeared from Mariely's life, she had slowly healed from her bruises and trauma. Veron had seen firsthand how Frank supported her through it all, how he stayed by her side, and how he loved her in a way she'd never experienced before.
"Now, we need to order," Andrew announced.
Veron nodded, but Faith hesitated. "W—Wait, let's not order too much. I know the food here is expensive. Let's only get what we can finish."
Her frugal side was showing again, making Veron shake her head with a smile.
"I brought my own money," Faith said, pulling out her purse.
"Faith, no—it's fine," Veron sighed.
"B—But, Veron—"
"Don't worry, Frank and I are covering this," Andrew reassured her. "You don't have to think about it."
"Hon, you might spend too much," Faith told Frank.
"Hon, come on. This is a special night—I need to take you out on a date. Don't worry about my money," he said warmly.
"B—But—"
"It's for you. Let's just enjoy our night, okay? Stop worrying so much." He gently caressed her cheek.
Faith let out a small sigh and nodded.
"What do you want to order? Should I just choose for you?" Frank asked.
"L–Let me see," she said, taking the menu.
Veron leaned over to look as well. "Besh," Faith whispered.
"What?"
"These prices are crazy," Faith muttered. "I—I don't even know what to pick. Can you choose for me?"
"Let me see… I know you have some favorites here," Veron replied.
"Yeah, but everything's almost double the price," Faith sighed.
Veron just laughed. "You like this one… and maybe some salad too."
"Frank," she called.
He looked over, and she told him their choices.
"Wow, that's a lot. Can you finish all that?" Faith asked.
"Of course. The servings here are small," Veron replied.
"You're crazy," Faith muttered, laughing.
"Zean, that's all Veron and I can finish. I think she's just craving something," Faith told the man across from her.
Zean smiled. "What are you craving? I'll order it for you."
She shook her head. "Nothing, I'm fine."
"Veron, what is she craving?" Zean asked.
Faith discreetly nudged Veron, warning her to keep quiet, but Veron just grinned. "Chocolate cake," she blurted out.
"Hey!"
"Zean, no, really—" Faith tried to protest.
"Okay," he said simply.
"Veron, that's expensive," Faith scolded.
"Oh, please. He can afford it."
"Veron…" Faith muttered, scratching her head in embarrassment.
***
Andrew chuckled at the two women. "Can you really afford it?" he asked Zean.
"Do you think I'm broke? For her, I'll never be stingy. If she wants something, I'll get it for her," Zean said firmly.
"Zean, I'll pay you back for that cake," Faith insisted.
Zean smirked. "Hon, just kiss me instead."
Her cheeks flushed. "L—Later," she mumbled.
"You really love to tease her," Andrew said.
"I do. I'll always enjoy teasing my soon-to-be fiancée," Zean replied with a grin.
"Are you giving her the engagement ring tonight?" Andrew asked.
"Yeah," Zean said, his voice tinged with excitement. He clearly couldn't wait.
Andrew smiled, knowing they were there to witness the special moment.
"Hey, hon," Zean said, "before we eat, I have something to give you. Close your eyes."
Faith blinked in surprise but nodded, closing her eyes. Veron had to stop herself from squealing.
Zean pulled out two elegant ring boxes. "Okay, you can open your eyes now, hon."
Faith's eyes widened at the sight. "Z–Zean…"
"Don't worry—it's just an engagement ring. So… will you be my fiancée?" he asked softly.
Faith gasped, covering her mouth, and nodded. "Y–Yes."
"From now until you become my wife, you'll be my fiancée, and I'll be yours forever," Zean said, smiling warmly.
"Zean, I'm always yours," she replied, tears welling up.
He slid the ring onto her finger, and she placed the matching one on his.
"Zean, can I hug you?" Faith asked, standing up.
Zean stood as well, wrapping her in a tight embrace. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and he chuckled.
"Why are you crying?" he asked gently.
"I'm happy. I didn't expect this proposal at all," she admitted, holding him close.
"I'm happy too—that you accepted this ring, a symbol of our steady relationship," he said. "I may not be a perfect fiancé, but I'll do my best to be a good one. Thank you for believing in me, Faith. Thank you for giving us another chance, even though we didn't start off well. You've loved me unconditionally, and I'll never take that for granted."
"You don't have to be perfect, Zean. I can see how much you love me. Sometimes, being a little foolish for the one you love pays off," she said with a tearful laugh.
"If you're ready to take this further, we can talk about marriage. But for now, let's just enjoy being together. You're officially mine now—and I'm never letting you go," Zean said.
Faith laughed softly, wiping her tears before kissing him on the lips. He kissed her back, the moment tender and full of love.
Veron caught Andrew's eye, and they shared a secret smile for the couple.
"Yeah, we have to celebrate—this isn't just an ordinary date," Andrew said.
"Sometimes, it still surprises me," Faith admitted, returning to her seat.
"Veron, I'm so happy," she whispered, staring at her ring.
"I know," Veron replied warmly.
"Oh, Faith—someone wants to talk to you," she added.
"Who?"
"Your big brother."
"He knows?" Faith asked in surprise.
"Yeah. Before the proposal, Frank asked your parents and, of course, your brother for permission. Your brother said he needed to witness it," Veron explained with a laugh.
"Nathan!" Faith called excitedly.
From the video call came a soft laugh, and Nadia's voice could be heard in the background.
"You've really grown up, Ely. I'm happy you've found your one and only. Honestly, I didn't think you two would get back together. But maybe fate really tied you and Frank together in love. Look at you—still falling for him from the start. I can't stop it. I'm here to congratulate you," Nathan said, smiling.
"Thank you, brother and Nadia. I'm so much happier now. I guess love has finally smiled on me," Faith replied with a laugh.
"Hey, Frank—if you ever make her cry again, it won't just be a punch you'll get from me. Take care of her," Nathan warned.
Frank chuckled. "I told you—I'll always take care of your little sister. Thank you for your blessing, Nathan."
"Anytime. You're both welcome to visit," Nathan said before ending the call.
When the order finally arrived, they all dug in, the table filled with laughter and love. And for Veron, it was enough just to see the kind of relationship her friend now had—one built on care, trust, and a promise of forever.