Fiona resumed her normal routine, though she was still careful with her mother's health. She made sure everything was stable at home before stepping out. Fina stayed close to her, as always, helping her balance responsibilities and emotional stress.
Fiona had changed slightly after her mother's illness. She had become more responsible, more serious about life, and even more emotionally attached to the people she loved. She valued time differently now.
Jimmy also remained present in her life. After paying the hospital bills and standing by her during her mother's illness, Fiona's trust in him had grown even stronger.
To her, he was not just a boyfriend anymore — he was someone who had proven himself during her hardest moment.
One evening, Jimmy called Fiona with excitement in his voice.
"Fiona," he said, "come out tonight. I want to take you somewhere special."
Fiona smiled slightly. "Where this time?"
"You'll see," he replied.
Fiona hesitated for a moment, then agreed.
She informed Fina, who immediately became curious.
"Again?" Fina teased. "This guy always has surprises."
Fiona laughed softly. "Let's see what he has planned."
That evening, Fiona dressed simply, as usual. She never believed in overdoing things. She preferred natural beauty over attention.
When she stepped outside, Jimmy was already waiting.
But something felt different this time.
There was a crowd nearby.
People from her neighbourhood were gathering.
Some were smiling.
Some were whispering.
Fiona frowned slightly.
"What is going on?" she asked softly.
Jimmy only smiled.
"Just come with me," he said.
Jimmy led her slowly toward the center of the small gathering.
Fiona began to feel nervous.
Fina was also there, standing among the crowd, watching with curiosity and excitement.
"Fiona," Jimmy said gently, turning to face her.
The crowd slowly became quiet.
Fiona looked around, confused.
"Jimmy… what is happening?" she asked again.
But instead of answering, Jimmy slowly stepped closer.
He reached into his pocket.
And then, in front of everyone, he knelt down.
A sudden wave of surprise spread through the crowd.
Gasps were heard.
Fiona froze.
Her heart began to beat faster.
Jimmy opened a small box.
Inside was a ring.
"Fiona," he said clearly, "from the moment I met you, I knew you were different. You are kind, strong, and the woman I want to spend my life with."
Fiona covered her mouth slightly, shocked.
The crowd began to murmur excitedly.
Jimmy continued.
"I want to ask you something in front of everyone who knows you."
He looked up at her.
"Will you marry me?"
For a moment, everything felt silent in Fiona's mind.
Then reality came rushing back.
People around her started cheering.
"Say yes!" someone shouted.
"Congratulations!" another voice added.
Claps and joyful noises filled the air.
Fiona looked around, overwhelmed.
Her eyes met Fina's in the crowd.
Fina was smiling widely, her hands clasped together in excitement.
She looked genuinely happy for her best friend.
Fiona's heart was full of emotion.
This was the man she trusted.
The man who stood by her during her mother's illness.
The man who promised her a future.
She looked back at Jimmy.
He was still kneeling, waiting patiently.
And slowly, Fiona smiled.
"Yes…" she said softly. "Yes, I will marry you."
The moment she said yes, the crowd erupted into celebration.
People clapped, cheered, and congratulated her.
Fina rushed forward immediately and hugged Fiona tightly.
"I'm so happy for you!" Fina said excitedly.
Fiona laughed softly, still emotional. "Thank you…"
Jimmy stood up, smiling, and gently placed the ring on her finger.
It fit perfectly.
For the first time in a long while, Fiona felt like life was giving her something beautiful.
That night, Fiona could not stop smiling.
When she returned home, she showed her mother the ring.
Her mother, though still recovering, smiled warmly.
"My daughter…" she said softly. "You are growing into a woman now."
Fiona hugged her gently.
Fina stayed with her late into the night, talking and laughing about the proposal.
"It was so romantic!" Fina said excitedly.
Fiona smiled shyly.
"I didn't expect it… at all," she admitted.
But deep inside, she felt something new — a sense of commitment, responsibility, and future pressure beginning to form.