Chapter 942 As Long As You Stand There, I Will Love You
Fireworks exploded across the sky, each one a dazzling burst that lit up half the night with its brilliance. The rooftop glowed under their light, casting a warm halo over the couple wrapped in each other's arms.
Penelope watched the scene unfold, her eyes misting with tears. Her best friend was finally finding her happiness. From now on, someone would truly understand her, be there for her, protect her, love her, and treat her like royalty.
"Hey, Penelope," Kelvin suddenly called out.
"Yeah, what's up?" she answered, but he hesitated before speaking again.
Intrigued, Penelope glanced up at him just as he leaned in and kissed her. Kelvin's lips were cool, yet familiar and comforting.
"Taking a cue from Timothy's fireworks and this romantic vibe, I just wanna say..." His voice was deep and sincere, "Penelope, I love you."
Penelope kissed him back, tears still in her eyes but a genuine smile on her face.
The fireworks show went on for a full half-hour, lighting up half of LA's sky. Even more impressive, every skyscraper in downtown LA flashed the words, "Monica, I love you."
Everyone passing by saw the message, and everyone envied the girl named Monica. What kind of guy would set off such a grand display of fireworks and have every skyscraper shout his love for Monica?
Monica nestled into Timothy's arms. Just moments ago, she had wondered what it would feel like to be held by him. Now, she knew.
The fireworks sparkled in her eyes, reflecting their brilliance. "Timothy."
"Yeah?"
"So you didn't just plan the rooftop... There are fireworks and a citywide declaration, too."
"Yep," Timothy replied. "I even wanted drones to write your name in the sky, but it didn't pan out 'cause it's nighttime."
Monica asked, "Didn't you think I might say no? Or were you just sure I'd say yes?"
Holding her close, he said, "I didn't think that far ahead. I just knew that no matter your answer, I wanted you to see what I had planned for you."
Even if he failed, the fireworks would still light up the sky, and the skyscrapers would still display "Monica, I love you." That was his love, and she needed to know it.
"Monica, I read something that really hit me," Timothy said. "It said, 'Love unexpressed is nonexistent.'"
How can someone know love if it's not spoken? Love should be declared, not hidden away.
"I used to think you'd see my feelings for you, even if I didn't say it, even if I denied it. Looking back," Timothy shook his head, "I was so naive."
"Luckily, Monica, you waited for me and gave me a chance."
"From now on, trust me to love you with all my heart and take on the responsibilities of being your boyfriend."
Timothy held Monica from behind as they watched the grand fireworks and the flashing declarations on the skyscrapers. This was the surprise he had prepared for the woman he loved.
Timothy used to believe grand gestures were too over-the-top, even swearing he'd never do something so cliché if he ever fell in love. But now, he realized that doing anything for the one he loved was pure joy, a thrilling expression of his feelings.
He didn't care what anyone else thought, as long as Monica was happy.
Monica turned to him, "I'll try to be a great girlfriend. Mr. Foster, this is my first relationship, my first time being a girlfriend, so please bear with me."
"You don't have to do anything special," Timothy replied. "Just being you is enough for me to love you."
Her heart felt sweet, like it was wrapped in honey, every part of her filled with a sugary warmth.
"Actually..." Monica said, "My answer was always yes. I never thought of turning you down. I was just avoiding it, scared. I was afraid of giving my heart and ending up with nothing."
"That won't happen, Monica. I'll love you with everything I've got."
If Kelvin could learn to love Penelope well, Timothy thought, surely he could do no less.
Monica gazed at the fireworks, speaking as if to herself, "I don't want to worry about the future. No matter what happens, at least I've loved, felt moved, and been happy. Isn't that enough? I used to focus too much on the outcome and ignored the journey."
"The outcome doesn't matter; it's the process of loving someone that counts. Like Penelope said, I can't let fear of the end stop me from starting."
Timothy rested his chin on her shoulder. "Monica, we'll definitely have a happy ending."
"I hope so."
He corrected her, "We will."
In the distance, Penelope turned away, feeling the beauty, romance, and sweetness of the moment, genuinely happy for Timothy and Monica. But seeing others' happiness often made her reflect on her own life.
Penelope bit her lip, feeling a vast emptiness after the joy, like a black hole threatening to swallow her.
She and Kelvin had shared such romantic moments. They had built a life together, with children and trust. Penelope believed their happiness would last forever, becoming eternal, with nothing able to separate them.
No parting in life, only in death.
But she realized she was naive, unaware of the world's challenges and hardships, so overwhelming and unexpected.
If Kelvin were to surprise her now, her first reaction wouldn't be excitement or joy, but fear.
Yes, fear.
She felt unworthy of him, like she was tainted.
She thought Kelvin's efforts on her were a waste.
Penelope kept telling herself not to think this way, that it was wrong, that she shouldn't feel inferior.
But the thought persisted, constantly reminding her, impossible to shake off.
"Penelope?" Kelvin noticed something was off. "What's wrong? Are you crying?"
As he spoke, he brushed his thumb across her cheek.
Dry.
No tears, she wasn't crying.
Then... what was she thinking?
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