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Chapter 40 - Chapter 25: The Big Question

They flew back to Oxford where Olivia, Mavis, and Pauline were clueless about what had happened in Romania and Beijing. Aiden narrated the whole incident to Olivia but demanded her not to tell anyone about it. Sarah announced an emergency meeting at her hotel.

Olivia came pounding on the door, along with Mavis and Pauline. As Sarah answered it, Olivia screamed, "How long do you have to live?" Pauline added, "Yeah, the text message said that this meeting was the last one we were going to have." With the chaos going on, Mavis yelled, "WAIT A MINUTE!!!! EVERYBODY SHUT UP!!!!" Moments later, an awkward silence filled the room. Mavis continued, "I think what Sarah is trying to say is that this will be the last emergency meeting that will concern Aiden. Am I right, Sarah?" Sarah nodded her head.

Olivia said, "Now what do you want us to do? Sarah, we're grown-ups! Act like one! We're not going to plan another scheme for you. Those days are long gone! Don't think I forgave you for what happened back then, okay? I am still--" Sarah interrupted, "I AM GOING TO PROPOSE TO AIDEN YOU SMARTYPANTS!!!" Olivia's angry expression falters, and her eyes soften. Mavis slowly blurted out, "Sarah, are you sure about this?" Sarah took a deep breath and said, "I really love him guys, and I want to spend the rest of my life being in his company. Look, I always waited for him to make a move, and I never did anything in return. Now it's my turn to go on to the next step. Guys, I know you're mad at me, and you have every right to be. But please just help me one last time, I mainly need you, Olivia, as you are the one who is the closest to him."

Olivia responded, "Okay, I'm in. But remember, I am not doing this for you, I am doing it for Aiden. I have seen his love for you, and I sincerely think that you should tie the knot." Mavis and Pauline cracked into a mischievous smile. Pauline said, "Am I thinking what you guys are thinking?" The four girls put their hands forward and screamed, "LET THE MISSION BEGIN!"

Sarah decided to do the big ask in the ancient Oxford castle. Olivia's task was to escort Aiden to the back room of the palace and cleverly ditch him there whereas Mavis and Pauline were supposed to work on the special effects. Sarah purchased the tickets and secretly handed them to Olivia before Aiden could find out. Sarah managed to escort the tourists out of the area, as she wanted Aiden and Olivia to be alone. As Olivia guided Aiden to the breathtaking interiors of the building, Aiden gave her a questioning look and asked, "Olivia, what are we doing here?" Olivia replied sarcastically, "What? Can't I just take out my famous supermodel/millionaire bro to an ancient castle for the most fascinating experience of his life?" Aiden raised an eyebrow and responded, "Something is wrong with you, are you okay?" As he said that, the lights started to flicker. The four girls knew him too well. They were aware of Aiden's weakness: HE WAS SCARED OF THE DARK!!! He reached out to grab Olivia's hand only to find out that she disappeared in thin air! Aiden screamed, "OLIVIA! DON'T PUNK ME!! I KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TRYING TO DO! THIS IS SOME STUPID PRANK!" The lights suddenly went out without a soul to witness Aiden's response to his fear. His words were met with silence.

Aiden gave in and said, "Okay, someone please come out! I can't take this anymore!" Immediately, the room was illuminated. But not with standard lights! With red Chinese lanterns! Aiden looked up at amazement, and he looked back down to see Sarah down at one knee! Aiden's eyes widened with shock and happiness. Time stopped. Only the lanterns were floating, Aiden was in tears, and Sarah was kneeling with a ring in her hand.

Sarah said, "If I get your smile, I don't need flowers; if I get your voice, I don't need music. If you speak to me, I don't need anybody; if you are my love, I don't need the world. What you've always said is the talk of your heart. My feelings for you were unspoken and unheard until today. I don't want to spend my life in conceal. I want to open up and spend the rest of my life with you by my side. Mr. Zhoufong Filbert Tenzing Zhou, will you be my other half and marry me?"

Aiden closed his eyes and took a deep breath, and answered, "YES! I will marry you!" Sarah stood up with tears in her eyes. Olivia, Mavis, and Pauline were at their electronic stations behind the pillars spectating the whole scene. The three of them whispered loudly, "DO IT!" Aiden pulled Sarah closer to him. The lanterns floated in the air, making the surroundings more beautiful than ever. It was just the two of them. The moment seemed right, and he presses his lips to hers. He runs his hands over her hair, and she circles her hands around his waist. Finally, they both were having the perfect moment, what they were waiting for their entire lives.

They pulled apart as they heard some unusual noises across the room. Aiden asked in curiosity, "Who's that?" Sarah looked at the area where the sound was coming from. It was something behind the pillar. She replied in fear, "I--I don't k-know." Aiden took her hand and led her to the post, only to find Olivia, Mavis, and Pauline shouting and dancing there! Sarah and Aiden sighed with relief and said, "Spying again, huh?" Pauline replied, "Yeah! Some things never change." Olivia's face turned serious as she looked at Sarah in the eye. She responded sternly, "Yeah, but some things have changed drastically. Anyways, congratulations, guys. I hope you two will be very happy together." As she said that, she walked away. Sarah turned to Mavis and Pauline and asked, "Do you guys forgive me?" They both exchanged a glance. Pauline answered, "Well, you certainly realize your mistake, but someone needs more convincing. And I think that you must make an effort to apologize for whatever happened."

Sarah turned towards Aiden and said, "You asked me what I am going to do about this situation, right?" He nodded. Sarah continued, "I have an idea, but you guys really need to help me." Mavis answered, "Hey! I would do everything to bring us back together." Pauline added, "Me too." Aiden asked in curiosity, "What are you thinking, Sarah?" Sarah responded, "Olivia asked you to teach her how to love again, right? So we will give her what she asked." Pauline inquired, "What are you saying?" Sarah cracked into a mischievous smile. Aiden said, "Oh no! I know that look!" Sarah replied, "Yes, guys! You got it! We are going to bring Olivia and Samar back together!"