One Last Chance

You Are Also My Bride

The house bustled with people chatting and drinking, two dogs ran around between legs with their tails wagging. Outside, the large poolside yard was filled with beauties chilling inside the cool water. Smoke hung in the air before dispersing by the evening wind, music played loudly on bluetooth speakers.

Engfa and Charlotte walked back and forth to entertain their guests. Though they were busy, they both had very happy smiles on their faces. Tonight was the 31st of December, they were hosting a new years eve party  at their own home.

Ever since their engagement was announced, Engfa and Charlotte felt like they were simply living in a blissful bubble of happiness. There was, of course, the usual hate and skepticism regarding their proposal. Some thought it was all for show, yet Englot has long grown numb from the drama. They only focused on love and happiness while being surrounded by their friends and family.

“Fa Fa, I need to pee.” A little boy with his lovable face tugged on Engfa’s pants.

“Oh Liam, let me take you there. Where’s your mom?” Engfa smiled as she held the little boy’s hand.

“With Lottie, Tina and Didi.” Liam pointed at the four ladies laughing at the grill, they were roasting marshmallows of all things while Tina was actually grilling the prawns and chicken wings.  Engfa shook her head with an easy smile and led her godson to the toilet.

After helping Liam wash his hands, Engfa led him back out to his mother. “Are you hungry, daeng?”

Liam nodded with an innocent grin and pointed at the food displayed on the long table.

“Char, Marima, Liam is hungry na.” Engfa called out while plating some finger food for the boy.

“Liam?” Charlotte and Marima looked around to where they left the boy and realized he was no longer there, but with Engfa. “When did he leave?”

Engfa chuckled as she put the food at the table. Charlotte came over with an apologetic face and said, “Sorry, Liam, Lottie was making sweets with your mom.”

“It’s okay, Fa Fa is here.” Liam replied with a shrug and took a big bite off the drumstick. Engfa stroked the top of his head affectionately, the rings on her left hand glinted beautifully.

“You two should pay more attention to him, what if he accidentally fall into the pool?” Engfa reprimanded Char who genuinely looked sorry.

“I know, I’ll be more careful, bee.” Char pouted and put the marshmallow to Engfa’s mouth as an apology. Engfa gave her a playful look and took a soft bite, at least the roasted marshmallow was really good.

“You two are so lovey dovey.” Heidi joined their table and teased.

“Where are Kun and Alex?” Char asked as she shared her marshmallow with her fiance.

“I saw them at the pool table.” Engfa said. They chatted a while, Char’s hand draped over her bare thigh possessively under the table. Afterwards, the older woman decided to go to her own friends and excused herself.

Char pushed her cheek out, indirectly asking for a cheek kiss. Engfa lightly slapped Char’s thigh underneath but met her stubborn gaze. Engfa glanced at Char’s friends sitting around them, shyly pressed her lips against her fiance’s cheeks and left the laughter and teasing behind quickly.

“How are you still so shy?” Tina laughed. “God, look how happy you are with just a cheek kiss, you simp.”

“Hehe, I'm not shy. It's been 7 years.” Charlotte grinned like a bunny, her eyes still looking ever so lovingly at Engfa talking to Nesa by the pool.