When Faye arrived at Yoko's room, the door had barely cracked open before Yoko flung herself into her arms. The force of the hug nearly knocked Faye off balance, but she didn't care. She wrapped her arms tightly around Yoko, holding her as though she'd never let go.
"I'm sorry," Yoko sobbed against her shoulder, her voice breaking under the weight of her emotions. "I'm so sorry, Faye. Please forgive me."
Faye's heart ached at the sound of her pain, tears threatening her own eyes. She pressed her lips to Yoko's temple, her voice soft and soothing. "Shh," she murmured, stroking Yoko's hair gently. "I'm here now. I've got you. Always."
They stayed like that for what felt like an eternity, Yoko crying out months of regret and anguish while Faye held her, anchoring her in the moment with the warmth of her embrace.
When Yoko finally pulled back, her face was tear-streaked and her eyes red and puffy, but there was a flicker of something else thereâhope. Faye reached up and gently wiped away her tears, her touch tender and filled with love.
"Come on," Faye said softly, taking Yoko's hand. "Let's sit down."
Yoko followed her to the sofa, but instead of sitting beside her, she climbed onto Faye's lap, wrapping her arms around her neck and burying her face there.
Faye chuckled, the sound light and warm, as her arms naturally settled around Yoko's waist. "You know I'm not going anywhere, right?" she teased, her voice full of affection.
Yoko pulled back just enough to meet Faye's gaze, her cheeks flushed but her eyes steady. "Good," she said with quiet determination, her voice unwavering despite the remnants of her tears. "Because I'm not letting you go ever again."
Faye smiled, a soft laugh escaping her lips as she leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Yoko's forehead. "And I'm not asking you to."
For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air between them electric yet calm, filled with the unspoken promise of forgiveness and love. Yoko tilted her head slightly, her eyes flickering to Faye's lips, and Faye didn't hesitate. She leaned in slowly, their breaths mingling until their lips met in a tender, lingering kiss.
It wasn't rushed or desperate; it was a kiss that spoke of healing, of love rediscovered, and of a future they were ready to rebuild together.
When they pulled away, Yoko rested her forehead against Faye's, her eyes fluttering closed as she whispered, "I missed you so much."
"I missed you too," Faye replied, her voice thick with emotion.
That night, they talked through everythingâevery misunderstanding, every wound, every fear that had kept them apart. It wasn't easy, and at times the words were raw and painful, but they were necessary. With every admission, every apology, and every declaration of love, the walls between them crumbled.
Later, as they lay side by side in the same bed, Yoko nestled against Faye's chest, her breathing even and calm. Faye pressed a kiss to the top of her head and whispered, "I love you, Babe."
Yoko, already half-asleep, murmured back, "I love you too, so much"
And for the first time in months, they both slept soundly, knowing they had found their way back to each other.
---
When Yoko woke up, a soft smile graced her lips as she caught the faint scent of Faye's perfume lingering on the pillow beside her. The memory of Faye's presence filled her with warmth, but as reality sank in, she realized it was just a pillow.
Slightly panicked, she sat up and looked around. "Babe?" she called softly. Finding the room empty, she quickly checked the bathroomânothing.
Her heart raced as she stepped out of the bedroom, only to find Faye standing in the kitchenette. She looked effortlessly beautiful, her hair slightly tousled, dressed casually as she stirred coffee with one hand and held her phone with the other. The sight eased Yoko's worry.
The moment Faye noticed her, she smiled warmly and opened her arms in an inviting gesture. Yoko wasted no time crossing the room and wrapping her arms around her.
"I thought you left," Yoko murmured into Faye's shoulder, her voice tinged with vulnerability.
Faye hugged her tightly, stroking her back soothingly. "Sorry, babe. I didn't mean to worry you," she said softly. "I was hungry, so I got up to sort breakfast."
Yoko pulled back slightly, her brows furrowing in concern. "What? Hungry? I'm so sorry there's no food here." she said, her voice heavy with guilt. "I'll call room service right nowâ"
Faye chuckled, cutting her off. "Relax, love. I've already ordered breakfast. And I made coffee. Want some?"
Yoko pouted but nodded, resting her forehead against Faye's shoulder. "Don't scare me like that again. Waking up without you feels... empty."
Faye's heart melted at the honesty in Yoko's words. She kissed the top of Yoko's head. "I promise. Next time, I'll wake you, even if it's just for breakfast," she teased, earning a soft laugh from Yoko.
They stayed like that for a moment, wrapped in each other's arms, until a soft knock at the door interrupted their quiet moment.
"Breakfast," Faye said, smiling.
Faye opened the door, allowing two staff members to enter, each carrying trays laden with food. Yoko's eyes widened in surprise at the sheer amount of dishes laid before her. After the waiters carefully arranged the meal on the table, Faye and Yoko thanked them, and they quietly exited the room.
Faye approached the table with another tray in hand, her movements deliberate and her expression calm, though a flicker of excitement danced in her eyes. She set the tray down with care and ask Yoko to open it.
As Yoko lifted the silver cover off her plate, she froze mid-motion. Sitting delicately atop a stack of fluffy golden pancakes was a small, black velvet box, its understated elegance drawing her attention like a magnet. Her breath hitched, and her heart pounded wildly in her chest.
Faye leaned forward, her fingers steady but her lips curving into the smallest, most tender smile as she picked up the box. She turned it over in her hands for a brief moment before opening it to reveal its contents.
Nestled within the soft, dark fabric was a stunning diamond engagement ringâa Harry Winston classic, the iconic Oval Micropavé Diamond Ring. Its centerpiece, an extraordinary oval-cut diamond, gleamed with an almost otherworldly brilliance, refracting the sunlight into tiny rainbows that danced across the walls. The intricate micropavé band, encrusted with smaller diamonds, added an exquisite touch of sophistication, emphasizing the grandeur of the centerpiece.
Yoko's hands flew to her mouth, her eyes wide and shimmering with unshed tears. The sheer beauty of the ring stole her breath away, but it wasn't just the brilliance of the gem that overwhelmed herâit was the love, the thoughtfulness, and the profound intent behind the gesture. Her gaze shifted to Faye, her eyes filled with wonder, confusion, and a hint of vulnerability, her body trembling ever so slightly.
Faye smirked playfully. "What? Did you really think I'd only give you a sticker ring?" she teased, referencing the playful gesture she'd made before.
Yoko's lips quivered, her emotions teetering on the edge as she tried to form words. "Faye... this is..."
"Perfect for you," Faye interrupted softly, reaching across the table to take Yoko's trembling hand in hers. Her voice, though light, carried the weight of her sincerity. "You deserve nothing less than everything, and I want to give you everything I can. Starting with this."
Yoko blinked rapidly, trying to steady the tears that threatened to spill. Her hand trembled as she gazed at the ring shimmering in the morning light. "I don't even know what to say..." she whispered, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart.
Faye's smile widened, her playful charm never far from the surface. "Well, as I vividly recall, you've already said yes to my proposal. So, how about you just say yes to breakfast this time?"
Yoko let out a soft, tearful laugh, her emotions bubbling into joy. "You're impossible," she said, leaning forward to press a tender kiss to Faye's lips.
"Impossible to resist," Faye shot back cheekily, her grin mischievous.
Yoko rolled her eyes playfully but couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips. She pulled Faye toward her, and their lips met in a passionate kissâone that spoke volumes of everything Yoko couldn't quite put into words. The kiss conveyed the depth of her appreciation, the love she held for Faye, and the quiet yearning that had been building between them.
As the kiss deepened, Faye's hands slid around Yoko's waist, lifting her effortlessly and settling her on the kitchen countertop. A soft moan escaped Yoko's lips as Faye's hands began to wander and her lips trailed down Yoko's neck, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. Yoko's legs parted instinctively, pulling Faye closer, their breaths mingling as the moment grew more intense.
But just as the tension threatened to consume them, a knock echoed at the door.
Yoko with her mind still spinning, reluctantly pulled away, much to Faye's clear disappointment. With a dazzling, flushed expression, she slid off the countertop and smoothed her hair, offering Faye a quick, apologetic glance before heading to the door.
As Yoko swung it open, she was greeted by the familiar, energetic faces of Engfa and Lingling. Both were practically bouncing with excitement as they stepped inside, their chatter nonstop.
"Yoko, you're trending everywhere!" Engfa exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.
"Last night's live stream blew up! Your name is all over social media," Lingling added, grinning widely.
Faye leaned against the counter, her lips curling into an amused smile as she watched the scene unfold, the earlier moment still lingering between her and Yoko like a secret only they shared.
The two launched into animated descriptions of fan reactions and viral moments from the stream, their enthusiasm infectious as they recounted how Yoko's authenticity and charm had captivated millions.
Their words faltered mid-sentence as their eyes landed on Faye. A brief silence filled the room, charged with unspoken curiosity.
Faye, sensing the pause, broke it with a nervous smile. Her gaze flickered to Engfa, and a faint blush colored her cheeks. She cleared her throat before speaking, her voice tinged with both apology and awkwardness.
"Uh, hey. About last nightâsorry if I came off... weird."
Engfa exchanged a quick glance with Lingling, her expression softening into a teasing grin as the tension began to dissolve.
"No need to apologize, Faye. I get it. And just so we're clear, you have absolutely no reason to feel threatened by me. I only see Yoko as a little sister, I swear! Besides," she added with a teasing grin, "I've got enough drama on my plate right now. I can't even handle the woman I'm already tangled up withâlet alone adding a younger one again into the mix."
The comment made Lingling burst into laughter, nudging Engfa playfully. "She's not lying! Trust me, Charlotte alone is like dealing with a romantic hurricane."
The room erupted with laughter, lightening the mood completely.
As Engfa and Lingling finally moved toward the kitchen, their chatter slowed to a halt when their eyes landed on the lavish spread of food still gracing the table.
"Whoa, what's the occasion?" Engfa asked, eyebrows shooting up as she gestured dramatically at the feast before them. "Did someone win the lottery? Is it Christmas? Did the apocalypse come early and we're having one last meal?"
Yoko giggled, casting a playful glance at Faye. "Well, you know Faye. When she orders breakfast, she doesn't just feed two peopleâshe feeds the entire neighborhood. Join us, please. There's more food here than we could eat in a week."
Reaching over, Yoko cupped Faye's face affectionately, making Faye grin sheepishly. "It's not my fault you love variety!" Faye said with a playful shrug. "I just wanted to make sure we had options."
Their sweet moment was interrupted by the sudden clatter of a mug hitting the counter.
"Wait a minute," Engfa said, her voice rising as her eyes zeroed in on Yoko's hand. She pointed dramatically, her jaw dropping. "Oh my god. Is thatâTHE ring?!"
Lingling, just as stunned, nearly tripped over herself as she leaned in for a closer look at Yoko's hand. "Hold up. That ring is real? Like, real real? This isn't one of those pop-out toy things from a vending machine?"
Yoko's cheeks flushed crimson as she exchanged a glance with Faye, who was valiantly trying to hold back a smug grin. "Well... yeah," Yoko admitted shyly, holding up her hand to display the dazzling diamond. "It's real."
Engfa let out a dramatic whistle, "That was fast!!" clutching her chest and pretending to stagger back. "Bro, you didn't just proposeâyou flexed. That thing could blind someone in direct sunlight! Is this an engagement or a WWE championship belt?"
Lingling nodded vigorously, squinting exaggeratedly at the ring. "No joke, I think I need SPF 50 sunscreen just to look directly at it. Do I have to sign a waiver to be near you now?"
Faye chuckled, sliding an arm around Yoko and pulling her close. "It's Yoko. She deserves the best." She placed a tender kiss on Yoko's temple, her love for her fiancée practically glowing.
Engfa leaned against the counter, shaking her head with a grin. "Great. Now you've set the bar so high, anyone I propose to is going to laugh in my face. Thanks a lot, Faye."
Lingling clapped her hands together, bouncing slightly with excitement. "Okay, but seriouslyâwho saw this coming? Anyone? Because I did not have this on my 2024 bingo card."
Yoko laughed softly, her cheeks still flushed. "Honestly, neither did I," she admitted, turning to Faye with an expression so tender it could melt steel. "But I'm so glad she did."
Engfa groaned, clutching her heart theatrically. "Ugh, stop it, you two! I came here for breakfast, not to third-wheel the romance of the century!"
Faye grinned, reaching for a piece of toast. "Help yourself, Engfa. Let's have breakfastâI'm starving." She shot a playful look at Yoko, her gaze filled with a hint of meaning that made Yoko blush.
Lingling noticed and burst out laughing. "Okay, lovers, let's keep it PG, alright?"
The room buzzed with laughter as everyone enjoyed their meal, but the lively chatter took a sudden turn when Lingling, in her excitement, accidentally let it slip to Orm who she had been chatting with about the ring, Orm immediately requested a videocall.
"Wait, what?!" Orm exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. "You've already shown someone the ring? Yoko, you have to show us now!"
Yoko groaned, her shoulders slumping in defeat as all eyes turned to her. "Lingling, seriously?!" she muttered, shooting her friend a mock glare.
Lingling shrugged innocently, barely suppressing a grin. "What? It slipped out!"
With no other choice and growing demands from everyone, Yoko sighed and picked up her phone. "Fine, fine! If everyone's going to gang up on me, I'll call everyone so you can all see the ring," she said dramatically, earning cheers and laughter from the group.
One by one, Yoko connected with her friends and family, holding up her hand for everyone to admire the ring. The room erupted into a mix of whistles, playful teasing, and delighted exclamations.
"Yoko, that's not just a ringâthat's a statement!" Orm teased, laughing as Lingling nodded vigorously in agreement.
Charlotte, on the other end of the video call, gasped loudly. "Oh my gosh, Yoko! Are you trying to blind us? That thing is sparkling like a disco ball!"
P'Chai, leaning into the camera view, added with a grin, "Honestly, Yoko, that rock is so big I thought you were carrying a chandelier on your hand."
Yoko flushed, holding up her hand reluctantly to display the ring as her friends and family erupted in cheers and teasing comments. "Okay, okay, look at it now because this is the last time I'm showing it!"
Nana's eyes lit up mischievously as she snapped a screenshot of the ring. "Wait a second," she said, grinning. "I'm going to reverse-image search this and find out how much it costs."
"Nana!" Yoko cried to stop her, but Nana only laughed and continue with her phone.
Yoko's dad joined the call, his face warm with affection. "Faye, I appreciate you talking to me earlier," he said. "But you didn't need my permission, especially since you got ambushed on that TikTok live."
Yoko groaned loudly, burying her face in her hands. "Dad, please not that story again!"
"What?" her dad teased. "It was a moment! You're practically everyone's topic now."
P'lookmhee jumped in, adding with a grin, "Yes, last night was historic! When you asked me if you could tell the truth, I didn't expect it would turn out like thatâwith a proposal and all! Now, every TV station and media outlet is asking for interviews. So, we're definitely throwing a celebration when you visit. But Yoko, make sure to bring Faye. We need all the details. Every single one!"
"And bring the ring!" Orm chimed in with a laugh. "We need to inspect it in person. Maybe even get sunglassesâit's that shiny!"
Yoko rolled her eyes, but her smile didn't falter. "You're all impossible. But fine, I'll bring Faye, and I'll bring the ring. Happy?"
As the call ended, Yoko leaned back against Faye, her cheeks flushed from all the teasing. Faye kissed her temple softly. "I think they approve," she murmured with a grin.
Yoko sighed dramatically but smiled. "They approve a little too much, if you ask me."
Faye chuckled, holding her close. "Well, it just means they love you. And now, they're stuck with me too."
Yoko couldn't help but laugh, feeling the warmth of the moment wash over her. Despite the playful chaos, it was a memory she would cherish forever.
---
Faye had invited them to a family dinner because ever since the news broke, Faye's phone had been ringing nonstop. Her mom had called several times, excited and eager to celebrate, while Namtan and Sonya had also been just as enthusiastic. The constant barrage of congratulatory messages was both overwhelming and heartwarming, but amidst it all, Yoko's nervousness only seemed to grow.
As she prepared for the family dinner, Yoko felt the weight of the upcoming evening settle on her shoulders. Faye had promised to pick them up after her emergency meeting, leaving Prof. Engfa and Dr. Lingling to witness Yoko's growing unease.
"I can't believe I'm doing this," Yoko muttered under her breath, pacing the room, her fingers anxiously tugging at her sleeve.
Engfa smirked from her relaxed position in a chair, her casual demeanor a stark contrast to Yoko's mounting anxiety. "Relax, Yoko. It's just dinner with your future in-laws. No big deal, right?"
"No big deal?!" Yoko exclaimed, her eyes wide with panic. "This is huge! What if they don't like me? What ifâ"
Dr. Lingling, who had been calmly sipping her drink, cut her off with a teasing tone. "What if they adore you, just like everyone else Faye's introduced you to? You're overthinking it."
Yoko groaned, flopping down onto the couch in frustration. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one meeting Faye's entire family tonight!"
Engfa chuckled, shaking her head. "If you survive tonight, you'll survive anything. Besides, Faye's parents already like you, and you met them at your birthday. We've met them, Yokoâthey're good people. You've got this, trust me."
Despite their reassuring words, the knot in Yoko's stomach remained, though it had loosened slightly. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself before the evening ahead.
When Faye finally arrived, she greeted them with her usual warmth, ushering them into a sleek limousine. Yoko's nerves were momentarily replaced with awe as they were driven through the city toward an upscale, luxurious restaurant.
"This place is... extravagant," Yoko murmured in awe, her gaze taking in the stunning architecture as they entered the building. The interior was breathtakingâelegant chandeliers, marble floors, and a sense of exclusivity that made it feel as though they had stepped into another world.
As they walked further into the restaurant, Yoko noticed it was nearly empty, which became clear once they reached the reserved section. The reason for the quiet was immediately apparentâit was just Faye's parents, her brother, her sister-in-law, Namtan, and Sonya.
Faye leaned close to Yoko and whispered, "My mom rented the place for tonight."
Yoko's eyes widened. "She rented the entire restaurant?"
Faye simply shrugged and smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Yeah, she tends to go all out."
As they reached the table, Faye's mom stood up and immediately pulled Yoko into a warm hug. "Congratulations, dear. I'm so happy for both of you," she said, her voice full of sincerity.
"Thank you," Yoko replied, her nervousness beginning to ease slightly at the genuine kindness in her tone.
One by one, everyone greeted them. It was Yoko's first time meeting Faye's brother, a strikingly handsome man with an easygoing smile who radiated warmth. His wife, who bore a striking resemblance to Film, also pulled Yoko into a hug. "Congratulations," she whispered, her smile soft and genuine, and Yoko couldn't help but feel comforted by the gesture.
The dinner itself was lively, filled with teasing and laughter. The family couldn't resist recounting the viral TikTok proposal, with Namtan playfully mimicking Yoko's reaction, while Orm chimed in with her own funny commentary. Despite her earlier nerves, Yoko found herself laughing along, her tension slowly melting away as the warmth of the atmosphere wrapped around her. It was a night filled with joy and heartwarming moments.
As the evening progressed, the conversation shifted to the wedding. Faye's mom, her excitement palpable, asked eagerly, "So, when's the big day?"
Faye exchanged a brief glance with Yoko before answering with a polite smile, "We'll talk about it and let you know soon."
Her mom nodded eagerly, her enthusiasm undeterred. "Of course, darling. Yoko, remember, you can ask for anything you want for the wedding. We'll make sure it's perfect. And since it's going to be in Thailand, just give us a callâwe'll help with everything."
Yoko smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you so much. That means a lot to me."
As the night wore on and the dinner came to a close, Yoko realized how much her earlier worries had completely dissolved. She no longer felt the weight of her anxiety, having been embraced not just by Faye's love, but by the genuine acceptance and support of her family. The evening had been far more than just a mealâit was the beginning of their lives coming together, a beautiful first step toward their shared future.
The laughter, the warmth, and the heartfelt exchanges left Yoko with a sense of belonging she hadn't expected. In that moment, surrounded by Faye's family and the woman she loved, she knew with certainty that this was just the start of a new chapter, one they would write together, hand in hand.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
"Hey babes! I'm giving you this double update to keep you company as you prepare for Christmas Eve, hehe.
The last two chapters will be up tomorrow, and then we'll finally be done!
I'll share my speech tomorrow, but for today, I just want to thank you all for the incredible love and support. It's been overwhelming. This story isn't quite finished yet, but we've already hit almost 12k reads, which is amazing considering my hiatus and everything. I'm so grateful from the bottom of my heartâI truly love you all.
A special shout-out to those of you who have been consistently voting and interacting with me;
@LiJenKM@micarlene@Doryn25@kTDOTC@thirlwallslvr@zxcvb1234q@GrumpyOmega@BelindaRea8@bbookishbelle@smart2066@OhCrap6@Ahrundaty@Introvert_Vibes@MahakSingh962@meegraceee@Nobelito@smart2066@AzzaSwag@PujiRahayu712795@Khae88@Zak_thesin@KisMendes@Jazz040@Sam912215@Shifakon@dykkat@ReumYo@dezaal@Sandia7772104@Chumyoko2024@AmeliaGreen830@baklakaba21@irrvfltn661@juzdie2002@itsmeSimang@AbigailTrinidad2@ShirobokovaTanya
You mean the world to me, babes, and thank you for always inspiring me! ð