Imperfect Desires

Darren had been silently watching the two very precious people in his life having a heart-to-heart for the first time since they met. It actually wasn't as surprising to him as one would think. After all, he was very clear about what Chen Xiu meant to Dylan and he was also very clear what Dylan meant to his Xiu.

The reason why he told Xiu about Dylan being her fanboy was that he really wanted her to understand that even as Chen Xiu, she was never alone. People like Dylan existed who believed in her unconditionally and even were willing to fight for her. It was just that in the storm of slanders those voices of righteousness were muffled leaving the wrong impression that Chen Xiu had really fallen from her throne. 

"You're the most beautiful person I have ever seen in my life. Inside and out," he heard Dylan speak and frowned.

"Really?" Xiu quirked her brows at Dylan.

"Yes, really. I didn't just respect you as Chen Xiu, you really mean a lot to me as you right now as well." Xiu was a bit surprised to hear him say that. "You love challenging me, unlike others who always try to act nice and respectful just because I'm their superior. You're not afraid to tell me that I'm wrong. And honestly, I really needed a person like you who would be honest with me." He glanced at Darren as he added, "Unlike a certain someone."

Taking a step forward, Darren pulled his Sweets back and said, "As much as I appreciate you both acting like long lost friends. I really don't want you to instigate my wife against me now."

Dylan's face twitched as he wiped his tears and breathed, "Wi-Wife?"

Xiu also looked up at Darren's face in surprise and smiled through her teary eyes. She felt a sudden gush of happiness and euphoria inside her heart. She really wanted to question him why and how could he say such a thing with such a calming tone? While her heart would turn into a mess, he'd still be standing as if nothing happened.

Darren held Xiu's waist tightly as he reckoned that, "Even if we are still not officially married, that doesn't mean I can't claim her as my wife. She is mine and that won't change."

Dylan smiled softly and sighed out, "Indeed, she's really yours now. I guess your tears and heartache managed to knock on the doors of heaven and brought her back to you. Just for you." He rubbed his jaw as he added, "Or perhaps, this was heaven's way of repaying your kindness. Mysterious and yet fascinating. Isn't it?"

Darren grinned at Xiu. "I don't know how you got back to me but..." he pinched her nose softly and continued, "This time, I'm not willing to let you go. I won't even let anyone steal you from me. This time, you'll be mine and only mine. I'll make sure of that."

Xiu nodded her head in response but didn't say anything from her mouth. She really didn't trust her voice at this time. She certainly knew that she was gonna bawl her eyes out if she even tried to speak up and that would be really unladylike! But she could also see his utmost sincerity in those words and that was enough for her. Because she was willing to let him feel her sincerity, after all, words were actually nothing between them.

Dylan rubbed his eyes as he suggested, "What are you waiting for then? Just ask and she'll be yours." He really didn't know why he asked that. But seeing them together, he felt like it had been ages since these two were meant to be together and yet they were not making it official?

"She's already mine," retorted Darren.

Dylan rolled his eyes at his best friend. "I mean, get on one knee and officially make her yours." He really didn't know what happened to his usually smart best friend. Tsk. Tsk. A certain goddess made his best friend drunk on love. 

Darren looked at Xiu who tilted her head to look back at him with questioning eyes. He knew what was running through her mind. Rubbing her head, he said, "Relax, I know you still have a lot of things to do. Don't worry, I'll only ask when you're willing to accept my proposal."

Xiu was really surprised that he understood her heartfelt thoughts. She really wasn't ready for that proposal. Don't get her wrong, if she could, she'd get married to him right this moment but she couldn't do so. Her heart won't allow her to do so. Her life was incomplete and shrouded in mysteries. She couldn't just ignore everything at this point.

Because her intuition told her that whatever Destiny was, had a lot to do with her.

Seeing her lost in thoughts, Darren pinched her cheeks making her yelp as he said, "But just because I'm willing to wait doesn't mean you can push me away. I'll stick with you through everything that you have to face." Xiu rubbed her cheeks that were now red from being pinched like that. "Also, I'll make this best friend of mine stand by your side as well. So don't you dare feel like you're alone."

Dylan shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, "You don't even have to say it now. I'll naturally stand beside my sister-in-law through thick and thin. That's a promise."

Xiu was quite amused at the way Dylan accepted her as 'sister-in-law' this time around. Usually, he would be making so much trouble but not this time.

She smirked as she reminded him, "Didi, this sister-in-law is still a bully. Don't forget that."

Dylan looked at her shook his head saying, "I don't mind." Xiu raised her brows at him in question and he went on, "As long as it's my sister-in-law, I'm willing to be bullied."

"Aww, when did you become such a cutie?" Xiu gushed.

Dylan scoffed, "I'm not a cutie." He raked his fingers through his hair and went on, "Call me handsome. This young master is overflowing with charms after all."

"Being cute is also a charm, you dumbo!" retorted Xiu making Dylan think about it for a while.