Pretend Perfect

Part 11 - The Resounding 'Yes'

Ella tightly held Zoey's hand and guided her towards the center of Times Square. As they reached the heart of the bustling square, Ella glanced at her watch, noticing that it was 8 o'clock. With excitement brimming in her eyes, Ella pointed towards a towering billboard and urged Zoey to take a look.

Zoey's gaze shifted to the billboard, and her heart skipped a beat. There, on the larger-than-life screen, a montage of beautiful memories and pictures of her and Peter began playing, each capturing a cherished moment from their college days up until the present. Zoey stood frozen, her eyes locked on the billboard, and she instinctively clasped her hands to her chest, feeling a surge of emotions welling up inside her.

"Aww, Pete," she whispered, her voice filled with a mixture of joy and tenderness.

Suddenly, the billboard displayed a video message from Peter himself. His familiar face appeared in the same place, and unbeknownst to Zoey, he was already standing right behind her. He addressed her directly, his voice brimming with love. "Zoey, I think it's time."

Zoey turned her gaze away from the billboard, and to her astonishment, there stood Peter, dressed in her favorite outfit—a grey silk shirt and black pants. Tears welled up in her eyes as she comprehended the significance of this magical moment. Peter smiled at her and whispered, "You look absolutely wonderful."

With the crowd surrounding them, Peter gracefully went down on one knee, retrieving a small ring box from his pocket. The onlookers grew increasingly excited, some capturing the heartwarming scene with their cameras. Unbeknownst to Zoey, Ella had even arranged for a professional photographer to capture this unforgettable moment for her dear friend.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Ella stood at a distance, Ella couldn't help but let out a soft sob, knowing that this moment would be etched in her memory forever. Her heart swelling with happiness and tears streaming down her cheeks. She had witnessed their love blossom and knew deep in her heart that Zoey and Peter were destined to be together. Zoey had experienced loss in her life, having lost both her parents and being raised by her grandmother, Ella had always been there for her, more than just a friend—a pillar of support and family.

As Peter took Zoey's trembling hand in his, he poured his heart out, expressing just how much she meant to him and how he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Zoey, tears streaming down her face, could hardly contain her emotions.

Peter opened the ring box opened, revealing a stunning diamond ring, and Peter's voice trembled as he asked the life-changing question, "Will you marry me?"

Overwhelmed with joy and love, Zoey threw herself into his arms, unable to form words but conveying her resounding "yes" through their embrace.

He got up, placed the ring on her finger, and kissed her passionately. Their kiss spoke volumes, sealing their commitment and the beginning of a new chapter. Applause erupted from the surrounding crowd, their cheers and well-wishes filling the air. Ella, unable to contain her elation, jumped up and down in excitement.

As Peter and Zoey pulled away, Zoey proudly displayed her ring to Ella, her face radiating pure happiness. She leaped into Ella's waiting arms, unable to contain her excitement. "Ella, I'm getting married!" she exclaimed, tears of joy streaming down both their faces. They shared a tight embrace, the depth of their bond evident in every touch.

She then turned to Peter, hugging him tightly, overcome with emotions. In that moment, it felt as if all the happiness in the world had converged in Times Square.