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I couldn't believe my luck. As I sat at the picnic table, surrounded by my family and JeJe, the world felt like it was conspiring in my favor.
The picnic was meant to be a casual day out, but it quickly spiraled into something entirely unexpected.
My mom had invited us to this gathering, claiming it would be a chance to catch up with relatives. I had known better than to underestimate her enthusiasm for family gatherings.
She was a master at turning simple outings into grand spectacles. JeJe, being the amazing person she was, agreed to come along, but I could sense her anxiety beneath her cheerful exterior.
As we sat down to eat, my relatives began firing questions at us like they were reporters on a mission. "So, when are you two getting married?" "Have you thought about kids yet?" My stomach sank with each inquiry. I shot JeJe a glance, and I could see the panic in her eyes, the way her smile faltered just a bit.
"Mom, can we not?" I interjected, but my mother was in full bragging mode. "Look at them! They're perfect for each other! I just know they'll be planning a wedding soon!" My heart raced as I watched JeJe's face pale. I could feel the weight of my family's expectations bearing down on her.
I quickly excused ourselves, trying to pull JeJe away from the table before the questions got any more invasive. "Come on," I said softly, leading her away from the gathering. "I'm so sorry about that. My family can be a bit much."
She let out a shaky breath, her shoulders dropping as we walked through the field, the distant sounds of laughter and chatter fading behind us. "It's fine, really. I just wasn't prepared for that. It felt... overwhelming," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly.
"Yeah, I get it. I promise I'll come clean about our fake relationship soon," I reassured her. "I just didn't think they'd bring that up today."
JeJe looked at me, her eyes softening. "Joe, I'm not worried. I support you, whatever you decide." Her calm demeanor was comforting, and I felt a surge of gratitude for her. She was the anchor I never knew I needed.
As we continued to walk, my mind was racing with thoughts about our situation. JeJe and I had been faking our relationship to appease my mother and keep the family happy, but with each passing day, it felt less like a ruse and more like something real. I wanted to be honest with her, but I also wanted to make sure I was doing it right.
Suddenly, something caught my eye on the ground—a glint of light that didn't belong. I crouched down, curiosity piqued, and as I reached for it, I realized it was a ring.
My heart raced for an entirely different reason now. It wasn't just any ring; it was beautiful, sparkling in the sunlight, and it felt like fate had intervened.
"Omg, someone lost their ring out here," JeJe exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise as I held it up for her to see.
"He's proposing!" Sunner shouted, and suddenly, a crowd began to gather around us. My heart pounded in my chest as I looked up at JeJe.
"Continue, Joe!" my mother urged, excitement bubbling in her voice. My face felt hot, and I glanced at the ring in my hand, my mind racing. This wasn't how I'd imagined proposing—yet here I was, caught in a whirlwind of unexpected emotions.
"JeJe," I started, the words spilling out before I had time to reconsider. "I know this might seem crazy, but... will you marry me?"
I looked at JeJe, searching her face for a sign. "So, what's your answer?" I asked, my voice steadier than I felt.
Her eyes were glistening with tears, and for a moment, I feared I'd misread the moment entirely. But then, she nodded, her expression shifting from shock to joy. "Yes! Yes, I will!" she exclaimed, her voice breaking with emotion.
I slipped the ring onto her finger, and it fit perfectly. It was surreal, like a dream come true. I was stunned, the weight of what had just happened settling in. JeJe's hands trembled as she looked at the ring, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"I can't believe this is happening," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. I felt a wave of relief washes over me, the enormity of the moment hitting me. I had just proposed to the woman I am in with love, even if it had all started as a facade.
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, but all I could focus on was JeJe. She was crying, yet her smile was radiant. "Joe, this is so unexpected, but it's... perfect," she said, her voice choked with emotion.
As we stood there, surrounded by my family, I pulled JeJe closer, wrapping my arms around her. She leaned into me, and I could feel the warmth radiating from her body, grounding me in this whirlwind of emotions.
"I promise I'll always be honest with you from now on," I whispered, and she nodded, her eyes sparkling.
"I believe you," she replied, her smile unwavering. "And I'll be here for all of it—whatever comes next."
