Chapter 18

“What do you think, guys? Do we have a chance of winning?” Brook asked with apprehension.

“I hope we do. We have come so far. It would suck if we lost.” Aaron replied.

“Guys, it doesn’t matter if we win or lose. The important thing is that we have come so far. Yes, winning is important, but the best part is achieving what

we have and we deserved it. We don’t dance to win but to live, to enjoy.” Marissa told them.

“Yes, Marissa is right. You guys did an amazing job. No one will be disheartened if we lost. Everyone who performed today equally deserved the trophy.

It depends on the judges whom they liked the best. Be proud of what you achieved till now.” Ronny explained to them.

“Guys, judges will be announcing the result soon. Let’s go backstage.” Alex informed them. “Linda, John, and Jenny are already waiting there.

All of them went backstage and had their fingers crossed for the result.

“Okay, so the second place goes to.”

Everyone was delighted to hear their group name. They might have not won, but coming second place was not at all bad. When Marissa heard the name

of her institute, she hugged Alex tightly and kissed him. At that moment Alex got all his answers. He didn’t need to hear the words from Marissa’s mouth.

It was when John coughed, they distanced themselves from each other. “Well, we have got two reasons to celebrate today.

“Not two but three reasons, dad.” Brook came dragging Aaron with her.

“Oh, I see. We have got another couple here,” Jenny smirked.

“Actually, Aaron’s parents surprised him here, and now they support him with his decision. And if you allow, can he date me?” Brook gave her puppy dog

eyes.

“I am sorry, John. I wanted to ask you personally.” Aaron scratched his next nervously.

“Well then, we have four reasons to celebrate and I know how my daughter can be. Welcome to the family son.” John hugged Aaron, and they all went to

celebrate in the restaurant, including all other students and Aaron’s parents.

“Do you mind walking?” Alex asked Marissa after dinner.

“No.” She told him.

“Guys, you carry on. We will see you all tomorrow.” Alex told his sisters- and brothers-in-law.

“You better keep her safe.” Jenny warm him.

“Break her heart and I will break you.” Ronny threatens him.

“I am so happy for both of you,” John said to both of them.

“I can’t wait for you to be my sister-in-law again, Marissa.” Linda hugged her and went on separate ways from Alex and Marissa.

Alex and Marissa were walking hand in hand on the beach.

“This does feel strange.” This time it was Alex who made this statement to which Marissa just smiled. “I cannot believe that we are finally together.”

“How did you know what I wanted, Alex? I never said those words or agreed verbally to be with you?” She asked him for a smile.

“I know you, Marissa, at least I think I do. Your actions speak everything to me. Your eyes can never hide your genuine feelings.” Alex grabbed her waist

and pulled her closer.

“I love you,” she finally whispered those words to him.

“I love you too.” He kissed her and spun her around.

He removed the ring from his pocket.

“Wow, we haven’t even started dating and you are already proposing to me.” She asked him, surprised but in a teasing tone.

“This ring always belonged to you and you are forgetting that we were already married before and I don’t think there is any reason to wait longer unless

you want to. I don’t want to pressurize you or want you to feel any kind of burden.” He told her worriedly.

“This is perfect. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”