It was dusk when Lisa and Mark left her apartment and only stopped before a blue-painted building.
Mark led her out of the car into the building.
The thickness of the darkness in the room prevents her from seeing through.
Her steps were cautious so she wouldn't end up falling with her heels.
"Why is there no light?" She complains. "It's so dark"
Mark held her by the arms, quietly leading her through.
" Will check what's wrong" he said, " let's get you seated"
Just when they were fully inside the building, the lights were switched on and she closed her eyes out of reflex.
With so much difficulty, she opens her eyes only to see a certain amber blue eyes staring at her. He was on one knee, with a box containing a diamond ring before her.
Shocked, Lisa turned around but Mark was not beside her.
Her eyes caught sight of him standing beside Xena, alongside Keane and Smiles.
"You should've been hating me, not loving me," Lisa said. Staring at Derrick kneeling before her with a ring.
"I have nothing to hate about you, Lisa…all I can see and feel is love," he tells her honestly. Lisa's eyes were teary. She couldn't believe this was happening to her, that he was asking her to be his forever with a promise of a ring, the ring he bought for her.
"Why me?" She asked in between her sobs.
"Because I love you…he chose you and I chose you too" he pointed to his chest. She cries more.
"I-I don't deserve you" she cries, "no… I don't " She feels guilty and conflicted.
"yes! " He agrees," You don't deserve me because you deserve better than me, someone who will treat you like the queen you are"
"Make me the happiest man on earth, Lisa…marry me," he said again. Lisa stares at everyone in the room. Keane, Smiles, Xena, and Mark.
Smiles nod, urging her to accept. Even though they were love rivals, Smiles didn't hold any against her. Lisa was a beautiful and good lady after all.
"Yes, I will marry you" Lisa accepts. Derrick couldn't be any happier.
He swipes her off her feet in a jiffy, happy she said yes. Even though he'd been hoping she would accept, his heart couldn't get enough of her.
He slides the ring into her finger and takes her in for a kiss.
The group cheers happily. Lisa couldn't be any happier.
When Derrick left, she thought he'd given up on her. Her heart couldn't stop blaming her for her selfishness and more.
But this, this is the greatest and most romantic surprise she's ever received.
Turning to the crowd, she happily hugged both ladies alongside Mark but when it was Keane's turn, she hesitated on what to do Keane was quick to sense her fright as he pulled her in for a hug and murmured
"Congratulations!" In her ears. This reduces her tense shoulders. She hugs him back but doesn't let herself get consumed in his arms as she quickly pulls away moving to Derrick whose arms are wide open, waiting for her.
Like the perfect place she'd ever wished for, his arms gave her the sense of warmth and comfort she'd always longed for. His sweet scent sends waves of chills down her spine, racing her excitement.
Just when everything was coming to an end, Bruce walked in, leaving everywhere silent as they stared at him, blinking.
"What?" He asked making herself comfortable on the couch.
"Don't tell me you forget this too!" Keane spoke out. He's become even more lively than usual. Too bad Bruce will have to deal with it 'cause he's the single one in the group.
"What if I did?" He asked nonchalantly. It's not as if someone will beat him or anything.
"Too bad the most exciting part is over" Keane mocks.
"As if I care," he said feeling bored," had to grant his wish" his eyes darted to Derrick who could only laugh at how Keen was silently dealing with him.
" I think he needs a woman in his life," Keane said," what's your say guys? " He turns to Derrick and Mark who nods in unison.
" He surely does" Derrick adds, " someone to soften his hardened heart," he said, laughing.
" Can y'all cut me some slack! " Bruce was getting faded up with him being the main topic of discussion.
" I came here to get some drink… to celebrate, don't push it"
They all understand what he means by that. In understanding, they let off their topic and quickly pick on something fun and nice.
Bruce orders more wine as they all drink.
But Smiles couldn't drink because she was pregnant.
Keane refused to drink because his wife couldn't drink. As the saying goes, 'You jump, I jump' that's just how the couples were living their lives.
After a while, Keane and Smiles excused themselves as he says
"Gotta go guys, my wife needs her beauty sleep and some caresses" he proudly announced.
"Sure!" Derrick quickly replies, "Take good care of both treasures" he adds, "Can't wait to see you after nine months" he laughs.
"Me too!" Mark added, laughing.
"Me three," Keane said excitedly. "Can't wait to hold my adorable little Smiles and wife in my arms, oh! How wonderful" he said dreamily.
Smiles couldn't help but laugh, feeling lucky to have met him and falling for him. Most especially him loving her, to such an extent.
"Will be right behind you!" Derrick said rubbing on Lisa's tummy.
Understanding what he means by that, Lisa turns crimson red in embarrassment.
"Better be fast!" Keane jokes, " I beat you in one, don't let me go the second time" he laughs.
"That ain't gonna happen," Derrick said, laughing along.
"Just stop this unending talk and get going" Bruce's boring voice vibrates, making them laugh even more.
"Says the loner!" Keane mocks.
"Get a life, man" He added, waving them goodbye.
"Yup, at this point, that's what you need most," Derrick said and Marks nodded in response.
It's not like Bruise isn't capable of creating a family for himself, he just doesn't want to for reasons better known to him.
He has the money, the fame, and more. Sometimes, it doubts Derrick why he chose to work for Keane but just like him, Bruice wasn't any different.
Just that, he's found his meaning and completed his self-giving mission.
There was no need to hang on, not when she found his missing rib.
With a smile, he turns to Lisa and places a soft yet deep kiss on her lips.