Chapter 88: Era of New Beginning

They talked as they walked toward where Dorah, Miranda, and Ronald were sitting. "Grandma," Dorah called out excitedly, rushing to hug her the moment she saw her. "Baby," Grandma cooed, rubbing her back softly. "You've grown even more beautiful." Dorah giggled, pulling away. "Grandma, meet Ronald and Miranda," she introduced, stepping aside. "Ronald?" Grandma raised an intrigued brow before her face lit up with recognition. "Oh! You mean the guy you've been crushing on for years?" She clasped her hands together dramatically. "Wow, he's really cute in person." Dorah gasped, her eyes widening in horror. "Haaa, Grandma, stop," she whined, already feeling her face heat up. Ronald chuckled, slightly amused, and gave a polite bow. "Good evening, ma'am. It's nice meeting you. I've heard a lot about you." Grandma beamed, clearly pleased. "Well, it's nice meeting you too. But trust me, I've heard way more about you," she teased. "This girl right here," she pointed at Dorah, "has been crushing on you for a good four years. Maybe you should consider dating her." Dorah groaned, covering her face with both hands. "Gosh, this is so embarrassing." "Busted," Miranda laughed, nudging her playfully. "Mum, let's go. Agnes is waiting," Joseph intervened, placing a protective arm around Dorah's shoulder before pressing a peck to her forehead. He then guided his mother away. "Awwwn, babe, you don't have to be shy," Jace teased, ruffling Dorah's hair. "At least you have him now." "We're not dating. Just friends," Ronald said, casually sliding his hands into his pockets. Miranda's jaw dropped. "Wait, what?" "You're kidding, right?" Jace asked, glancing between the two. "Ask her," Ronald shrugged. "Babe, we need to talk," Miranda said, grabbing Dorah's wrist and dragging her toward the entrance. "Babe, where are you going?" Jace called after them, but they were already out of sight. Minutes Later, Ronald stepped out of the party, his gaze scanning the area until he spotted Dorah and Miranda talking by the stairs. He sighed and walked toward them. "You shouldn't be doing this," Miranda was saying when she noticed Ronald approaching. She turned to Dorah and squeezed her shoulder lightly. "It's not just about you," she added before stepping past Ronald and disappearing into the hall. "Dorah," Ronald called as he reached her. She didn't look up, still processing Miranda's words. "Babe," he said gently, reaching for her hands. "What's wrong? Did Miranda say something that upset you?" He rubbed the back of her hands soothingly. Dorah hesitated before sighing. "I should've known this would happen," she muttered under her breath. Ronald frowned. "What do you mean?" "I love you," she blurted out suddenly. Ronald froze. "Wha....what?" "I said I love you," she repeated, this time looking up at him with worried eyes. "Do you still want me? Do you still want to date me?" Ronald blinked, trying to process her words. "Babe, what happened? What did Miranda tell you?" "Nothing," she whispered, looking away. Ronald sighed and released one of her hands, using his free hand to tilt her chin up. "Sweet, look at me and tell me what's wrong." Dorah exhaled deeply. "She said that if I don't accept you, other girls will. That one day, you'll get tired of waiting and move on." She bit her lip before continuing. "And she's right. It's not just about me. It involves both of us. I'm ready to accept you now... that is, if you still want me." Ronald's expression softened. "What the hell, babe? You shouldn't be thinking like that." Without another word, he pulled her into a hug. "You're enough for me. I won't go after anyone else," he murmured, stroking her hair gently. Dorah's body stiffened. "But......" "In as much as I should be happy, I'm not," Ronald interrupted, holding her closer. "I should be over the moon that you finally want to date me, but I don't want this to be forced." He pulled back slightly to look at her. "I still love you, but I'll wait as long as you need. So please, don't pressure yourself into a relationship just because you're scared of losing me, okay?" Dorah nodded slowly, relief washing over her. "Okay." Ronald smiled and pressed a quick kiss to her forehead. "Good girl." "Where are they?" Jace asked as Miranda returned and plopped down beside him. "They're probably not coming back for now," she said nonchalantly, sipping her juice. Jace glanced around the hall, taking in the scene. The grand ballroom was filled with formally dressed guests engaged in polite conversations, their voices blending into an indistinct hum. The golden chandeliers cast a warm glow over the crowd, but to him, the entire event felt stiff and predictable. His gaze returned to Miranda, who was swirling the ice in her drink, looking just as unimpressed as he felt. "Okay, how about we ditch this party and go somewhere fun? Just you and me." Miranda blinked, raising an eyebrow. "Dude, this party is literally for you." Jace smirked, leaning back in his chair. "And? It's just a business event. Don't you see how boring it is? Everyone's talking about stocks, investments, and 'the future.' Meanwhile, I'm sitting here questioning my life choices." Miranda let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "I mean... yeah, it's kind of boring. But still, sneaking out of your party? Isn't that, like, the ultimate act of rebellion?" Jace tilted his head. "Exactly. That's what makes it fun." His smirk widened. "Come on, let's go do something that actually makes sense." Miranda hesitated, her fingers tapping lightly against her glass. "Won't your dad get mad?" Jace waved off her concern. "He won't. Trust me." He leaned in slightly. "Besides, he's too busy talking business. He won't even notice we're gone." Miranda sighed dramatically, setting her glass down. "Well, when you put it like that..." She grinned, her eyes lighting up with mischief. "Okay, fine. Anywhere with you." "That's my girl," Jace chuckled, grabbing her hand as they slipped out of the party together. ? The End