Chapter 94 — Honey, are you ready?
Petra’s days returned to normal; he could live peacefully after seeing Renaldi punished for his crimes. He never imagined that justice would be on his side again, clearing his once-tainted name.
Petra constantly expressed gratitude and thanks to Lyyana for helping him resolve the case with patience and care. Their relationship grew even closer, especially since Petra had prepared a big surprise for Lyyana. Life at Petra’s home felt warmer, and all his employees were happy and supportive of their relationship, appreciating Lyyana's kindness and respect towards them.
Like tonight, Petra’s luxurious home was lively with the shouts of Petra and Garret calling for Lyyana. Lyyana had to be patient with the two men of different ages. Wearing a white dress that fit her petite frame, Lyyana moved gracefully, helping Petra and Garret. “Darling, why haven’t you put on your tie yet?” she asked as she picked up a bow tie and fastened it around Garret’s neck.
“I was looking for it and couldn’t find it, Mama.” Lyyana responded with a gentle smile.
Her attention then shifted to Petra, who was still busy putting on his shirt while fiddling with his phone. Whatever he was doing, he seemed engrossed and could not be disturbed. "Honey, you've buttoned it wrong again," Lyyana said, fixing Petra's shirt buttons.
After Petra and Garret were ready in their outfits, Lyyana quickly returned to her room to apply makeup. Since tonight was a special night, she chose a simple yet glamorous look.
"Honey, are you ready?" Petra asked, hugging Lyyana from behind, his strong fingers encircling her flat stomach as she finished her makeup.
Lyyana turned and looked at Petra from the side, nodding and smiling. "Shall we go now?" Petra suggested, still holding Lyyana.
Petra took Lyyana and Garret's hands as they left the room and descended the stairs. They walked together to the car already parked in front of the house. This time, Petra chose not to drive himself, opting for his personal driver instead.
Throughout the journey, Garret kept asking where they were going and why they had to dress up like this. Petra gave brief answers and remained silent. The long journey ended as their car arrived at the parking lot of a renowned hotel. Lyyana covered Garret's eyes with a blindfold, and they held Garret's hands on either side of him.
Upon arriving at the ballroom, Lyyana marveled at the luxurious yet child-friendly decor. Tonight was not just Garret's birthday celebration; Petra combined it with the inauguration of his new branch office and another important event he still kept secret.
The evening's event was lively, with all of Petra's friends and colleagues present, including Berli, Denzel, and his adoptive parents. Robert, Olive, and Laura were also in attendance. The birthday song for Garret echoed throughout the ballroom. Garret looked happy and joyful to finally celebrate his birthday with Petra and Lyyana, even though they were not his biological parents.
Many guests complimented Lyyana's beauty, praising Petra for choosing such a wonderful partner.
"You two are perfect together, one handsome and charismatic, the other beautiful and graceful. May you always be happy," said one of Petra's colleagues. "Oh yes, happy birthday, handsome! May you grow well and be the family's hero," they added, offering a blessing to Garret, who stood between Petra and Lyyana.
"Amen, thank you," Lyyana replied with a smile.
Many more blessings were offered by the guests for Garret and the relationship between Lyyana and Petra. The cheerful music and the clown entertainment provided by Petra added to the festivity. The music stopped, and the host invited Petra to the podium to give his speech.
With firm steps, Petra ascended the stairs to the podium. "Good evening, thank you for taking the time to attend my event. May God always bless you. First, I want to wish a happy birthday to the first Colton grandchild, Garret Faolan Colton. May he always be blessed. Second, I ask for your prayers and support for the inauguration of my company's new branch in the beauty industry, 'Lygold.' I hope this company will create new jobs and benefit all sectors. Behind all my achievements, my family has always supported me from above," he said, looking up at the ballroom ceiling. Everyone looked at Petra, touched. "And there is a woman who is my home, my comfort, and my companion, giving me her support and encouragement." Petra looked at Lyyana, sitting at the front table with Garret. "She is the most beautiful woman in my life. Thank you."
Petra walked down the stairs, heading towards Lyyana with a determined smile. The guests clapped enthusiastically as Petra approached his table. Suddenly, the party lights went out, and the music stopped. Lyyana gasped, trying to find Garret, who was no longer beside her.
"Petra? Garret? Where are you?!" Lyyana shouted amidst the darkness and silence. In the pitch-black room, she stood up and started searching for Petra and Garret, feeling her way around.
After a while, footsteps were heard, and lights began to illuminate the room from the back, one by one, in sync with the approaching steps.
Music slowly started again along with the lights. "Petra?" Lyyana said as the man stood in front of her.
She looked down and saw Garret beside Petra. "Honey, I think this is the right time to say everything."
Lyyana was stunned as Petra spoke, kneeling in front of her. "I have waited a long time for this moment, ever since we first met as children and were reunited at the right time. You have always been by my side, my angel for me and Garret, lighting up the darkness in our lives. I love you and want you to be my lifelong partner, to live and grow old together. Will you accept me?" Petra asked, looking at Lyyana with eyes full of love and sincerity.
The guests looked at Lyyana with anticipation, hoping she would soon give her answer. A voice suddenly shouted, "Say yes! Say yes!"
Initially, it was just one person, but soon everyone joined in, encouraging Lyyana to accept Petra's proposal. Lyyana looked down at Petra with an expression that couldn't be easily interpreted, while Petra gazed at her with hope and sincerity, raising an eyebrow as he awaited her answer.
"I…"