Chapter 2872

“Erm” Tia hesitated, turning to Stanley.

Stanley gave Tia’s hand a squeeze and said to Cindy,” There’s really no need for any gifts. You’re more than welcome to join our next gathering if you like.”

“Woah, really? Does that mean we’re friends too?” Cindy exclaimed, becoming even more excited as she had no friends here.

“Of course. Just come whenever you want,” Lulu chimed in.

“I would love to!” Cindy nodded. “Oh gosh. I’m so happy to be your friend.”

She had left her native country and traveled all the way to San Joto for Martin, but the prospect of being able to make more friends delighted her, nonetheless.

“I’ll remember to hit you up the next time we gather,” Lulu said.

She then turned to Martin and asked, “Will you join us next time?”

Everyone proceeded to stare at Martin, taking him aback.

Feeling awkward and uncomfortable, he answered, “I’ll see how things go.”

Martin would usually be indifferent to casual gatherings, but should the occasion be a special one, he would make it a point to show up.

After shooting him a meaningful glance, everyone looked away, not wanting to pressure him into coming along.

With a casual laugh, they turned their attention back to Cindy. “Although there’s no guarantee he is coming, you’ll have to.”

“Aw, you bet I’ll be there,” Cindy promised, looking forward to the next meet-up already.

As they chatted, Cindy took the opportunity to tell Tia that she would make up for her birthday gift once again, making everyone burst into laughter. They could tell how determined Cindy was, and they found her gesture to be rather cute.

Tia laughed along, having given up on the idea of declining Cindy’s offer. She knew that Cindy would just hand her the gift, no matter what she did to refuse.

After thanking everyone personally, Tia stood up and expressed her gratitude to the crowd. “Thank you everyone for coming to my birthday celebration.”

She knew everyone had kept her in the dark to throw her a surprise party, one with which she was absolutely happy.

“Don’t mention it, Tia. We’ll be family soon anyway.”

“That’s right. Hahaha.”

Tia could not help but blush at remarks directed at her, but that was not all there was to the evening.

It was then that Stanley stood up and wrapped his hand around hers. “Follow me.”

“Huh, where to?” Tia said, tilting her head in confusion.

Still, she stood up and followed Stanley away from the table.

They approached the small stage set up in the restaurant. As the two stood in position, the ambient lights in the restaurant dimmed. About a second later, a spotlight above shone upon them, its red beam making the couple the only highlight in the restaurant.

Not knowing what Stanley was going to do, Tia nervously asked, “Hey, Stanley…?”

All of a sudden, Stanley produced a bouquet of red roses from his back and gradually got down on one knee.

Then, he confessed, “Tia, it was my fault in the past for stalling and not giving us both a chance. Now, let me tell you that you’re the only woman I’ll marry and live the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”

Tia was completely dumbstruck, her eyes welling up with tears as she realized that Stanley was proposing to her. It was like a dream come true to Tia, one she could not even muster a response to.

“Tia, come on! Marry him!”

“Don’t hesitate, Tia!”

Everyone’s cheers and words of encouragement slowly reached Tia, gradually giving her the courage to collect herself and lock eyes with Stanley.

Meeting his affectionate gaze, Tia bit her lips, and after a few seconds, she finally nodded. “Yes!

Gladly!”