Page 197 of Dream On, Liar

“Congratulations.”

“Thanks, man.”

“Is that what your big news is?” I asked settling back into the sofa.

“That, and,” Raina lifted her hand then, a ring now present on her finger. “He proposed.”

“Where was that before?” I narrowed my eyes.

“I took it off when I heard you come in. We told everyone together, so I wanted to do it with Ollie here.”

“Well, I actually already knew before he did that.”

“You did?”

I gave her a nod. “I asked him about his plans before I left.”

I wasn’t sure if it was the fact that Oliver had somewhat involved me in his plans, or that it was just her hormones, but Raina was already crying.

“Gorgeous,” Oliver whispered, like it was a common thing before he pulled her into a careful hug.

“Oh, please don’t tell me you got his permission,” She paused in horror.

“No way. Told him they weren’t protective enough for that.”

Raina laughed, and something in Oliver calmed.

Finally, she looked at me with softened eyes as she asked. “Maeve aside, was the trip worth it?”

I nodded. “I think so. I feel a lot lighter in lots of aspects.”

“That’s good.”

“It is,” I replied. “And I think this party has one thing missing.”

“What’s that?”

“Our brothers.”

“The twins? Dev told me you asked them come over once they’re back from Vedant’s race week.”

“And Ishaan.”

Her eyes widened. “Really?”

“Really.”

My sister moved then, pulling me into a hug on her own.

“Proud of you.”

“Thanks, Rai.”

And just when I thought she was done, she whispered softly. “And I know Ma would’ve been too. Regardless of this decision. We do less to remind each of that.”

I nodded, my throat burning with a range of emotions as I hugged her tighter.

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