Chapter 55: After the Proposal

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Chapter 55: After the Proposal

After Lizze's heartfelt proposal, emotions ran high as friends and family gathered to celebrate Y/N's engagement. The backyard was filled with laughter, music, and the scent of burgers grilling on the patio. Gale and Rachel were toasting with sparkling drinks, while Mary-Kate and Ashley were talking excitedly about wedding plans. Even the dogs, Lucky and Oscar, seemed to sense the joy in the air, wagging their tails enthusiastically, running around between the guests.

River, bless his heart, was beaming from ear to ear. He was glued to Y/N's side, talking a mile a minute about all the things they were going to do now that Lizze was officially going to be part of their family. Y/N, overwhelmed with emotion, couldn't stop hugging him. The day felt like a dream-a beautiful, long-awaited dream coming true.

After a while, Lizze gently pulled Y/N aside, giving them a moment to breathe away from the crowd. They walked to a quieter part of the backyard, where the sea breeze softly touched their faces, and the sound of waves crashing in the distance brought a peaceful calm. Y/N was quiet for a moment, staring at the house, memories flooding her mind.

"Lizze," Y/N began, her voice catching slightly, "I can't believe you kept the house. After all these years..."

Lizze smiled softly, her eyes filled with love and a little sadness. "I could never let it go. This house-it was our dream, remember? We bought it in 2015, thinking we'd grow old here. When we... when our marriage ended, I told you I was selling it because I thought it would be too hard to hold on. But... I just couldn't do it."

Y/N's throat tightened as tears welled up in her eyes. "All this time, you kept it? I thought you'd moved on, that you'd let it go."

Lizze looked down for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "There was a buyer, yeah. But every time I tried to go through with it, something inside me just wouldn't let it happen. This was our house. I kept it, hoping that maybe... maybe one day, we'd find our way back to each other."

Y/N wiped a tear from her cheek, emotions swirling inside her. "But... then I married Dua. You must have felt like that was the end."

Lizze's face softened as she nodded. "I did, yeah. I thought I had to finally let go. But... it's funny how life works, right? River, Dua, and you-somehow you all brought us back together. And Dua... she understood. She's always been so supportive, and when she said you belonged with me... I couldn't believe it."

Y/N couldn't hold back anymore. She wrapped her arms around Lizze, hugging her tightly. "I never knew. This house means everything. It's like... we're picking up where we left off, but even better. I can't believe you kept it the same."

Lizze smiled, wiping away her own tears as she pulled back slightly to look Y/N in the eyes. "I didn't change a thing. Well... I might've added a little surprise. Wanna see?"

Y/N nodded, curiosity piqued. Lizze led her inside the house, down the familiar hallway, and stopped at one of the rooms. "River!" Lizze called out. "Come here, kiddo!"

River came bounding into the hallway, excited to see what Lizze had in store. "What's up, Lizze?"

Lizze grinned and opened the door to reveal a room decked out in Marvel gear. The walls were painted with scenes from River's favorite superhero movies, posters of Iron Man and Captain America covered the walls, and even the bedding was superhero-themed. But what really caught River's eye was the large mural of Hattie Harmony-a special touch for his love of the series.

River's eyes went wide with excitement. "No way!" He ran inside, spinning around to take it all in. "This is so cool! You made a room just for me?"

Lizze chuckled, watching him bounce around with joy. "Of course, buddy. This is your room, whenever you're here."

River stopped and looked at Lizze with a sincerity that caught her off guard. "Thank you, Lizze. Thank you for loving my Mama." His voice softened as he added, "I can't wait for you to be my step-mummy."

Lizze's heart melted. She knelt down to River's level, smiling through happy tears. "You're pretty amazing, you know that? I'm so lucky to have you in my life."

River grinned, full of excitement. "Can I be the ring bearer at the wedding? I heard it's super cool!"

Lizze laughed, ruffling his hair. "Of course you can, little man. In fact, I think you'll be the coolest ring bearer ever."

Y/N stood by the door, watching the two of them, her heart so full of love she thought it might burst. Lizze glanced up at her, and they shared a look-this was their family now. Complete.

That night, as the celebration continued, everyone gathered around the backyard firepit, sharing stories and laughter.

Y/n received a text for dua exchange between Dua and Y/N over text message, focusing on their feelings and support for each other after the proposal:

Dua: Hey! Just wanted to check in on you after today. How are you feeling? 💕

Y/N: Hey! Honestly, I'm still on cloud nine. I can't believe Lizze proposed! It feels surreal.

Dua: I'm so happy for you! You both deserve this happiness. It was such a beautiful moment.

Y/N: Thank you! I didn't expect it at all. She kept the house and everything-it was like a dream come true.

Dua: I knew she loved you, but wow! Keeping the house all this time is a big deal. It shows how much she's been holding onto hope.

Y/N: It really does. And River was so excited! I love how supportive he is. It makes everything feel so right.

Dua: He's going to be such an awesome ring bearer! I can already picture it. 😂

Y/N: Right?! I can't wait to see him in that little suit. I'll probably cry when I see him!

Dua: Same here! You know I'll be crying at the wedding, too. Just a heads-up! 😅

Y/N: Haha, I wouldn't expect anything less from you. But seriously, thank you for being so understanding through all of this. It means the world to me.

Dua: You don't have to thank me! I just want you to be happy. And if Lizze makes you happy, I'm all for it.

Y/N: I appreciate that so much. I know it's been a journey for both of us, but I'm grateful we've found happiness in different ways.

Dua: Absolutely. And remember, you can always count on me. No matter what.

Y/N: I know I can. I'm so glad we're in this together, even if it's apart.

Dua: Always. Now, let's plan a girls' night soon to celebrate! Just us!

Y/N: That sounds perfect! I can't wait. 🥳

Dua: Me neither! I'm so excited for what's next for you. Let's catch up soon!

Y/N: Definitely! Love you, Dua. ❤️

Dua: Love you too! Talk soon! 💖

THE END

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