Imperfect Desires

"Surprise?" questioned Darren in shock.

Xiu held his hand and tiptoed to lean close to his ear as she said, "Happy Birthday, Mr. Salvay!"

"You remembered?" 

"I'm dense but not to that point," said Xiu. "Besides, it's my fiance's birthday, how can I not remember it? Just because you didn't talk about it last night, do you think I forgot as well? Not at all!" She hugged him tightly as she went on, "I was very confused about what gift to give you. But last night when you proposed, everything cleared up in my mind."

She pulled away slightly to look at his disbelieving expressions as she added, "So, my gift to Mr. Salvay is Mrs. Salvay. How's that?" She wiggled her brows at him. "My Mr. Salvay lacks nothing except for his Mrs. Salvay. But fear not! Here I am!"

"You're gifting yourself to me?" Darren's voice was soft but one could clearly see his excitement in his eyes that never left her face.

Xiu nodded her head, "Yes, yes! I'm gifting myself to you. Now, no need to thank me though."

Darren chuckled while rubbing her head affectionately. He looked at the 'Civil Affairs Bureau' and pursed his lips before asking, "But are you sure you want..." 

He hadn't even completed his words when Xiu placed her hand over his mouth saying, "Regan, my Baobei, stop doubting your Sweets."

"But I want to give you a grand wedding like a fairytale," said Darren.

"I won't say anything about that. Because we are just getting our wedding certificates today. You can organize the wedding however you like, I won't say anything about it." She held his hands in her own as she added, "But I do wish to get the wedding certificates today. I don't think there is any better day than today or any better time than now."

"You chose this day because it's my birthday?" asked Darren.

"Yes," answered Xiu.

"I am not very fond of this day," said Darren honestly. "This is the same day I was abandoned by my own..."

Xiu caressed the side of his face as she said, "Since this is the day she chose to leave this hand." Xiu intertwined her fingers with his as she went on, "I want to hold this hand on this very same day."

Darren had indescribable feelings whirling through his eyes as he looked at her face beaming. 

"Are you really hesitating?" Xiu felt anxious seeing him so quiet. "You really don't want to marry me."

"Silly! When did I say that?" He poked her head.

"Then why are you not walking ahead. Let's get the marriage certificates already. I can't wait any longer!"

"Are you really that excited?"

"Is there still some doubt?" questioned Xiu disapprovingly.

"No, I'm just not able to process this sudden happiness. Maybe I'm not able to contain it. Or I think I'm having some difficulty in believing it."

"Regan, just like you want to make me happy. I want to do the same as well. If you want the best for me, I also want the same for you or even better for you."

"Once we walk inside, there is no backing out," he reminded her.

Xiu rolled her eyes at him, "I know."

"My nationality is different, the process won't be easy."

Xiu was still calm as she said, "I have already arranged for it. You don't have to do anything, I promise this process will be a smooth sailing one."

For some reason, Darren didn't doubt her words even a little. He took a deep breath before saying, "Then are you ready, Mrs. Salvay?"

"Always for you, Mr. Salvay," replied Xiu naturally as if she was accustomed to that title. 

Just as Xiu had reassured, the marriage process was so smooth sailing that even it even baffled Darren. Within half an hour, they were sitting inside their car with the red marriage booklets in hands. Darren was still in disbelief at what just happened.

Meanwhile, Xiu was busy admiring their photo. "Aiyo! We look so good together. Even the employee inside said we look like a match made in heaven."

Darren looked at the side of her face and asked, "I really didn't think it was this easy to get married." Xiu didn't comment over this. One; she was busy admiring the marriage booklets that she finally got in her second life. Two; she didn't hear anything he said. "Who did you ask for help? How was the process so easy and fast? If we both had the same nationality, it was believable but..."

Xiu leaned over to kiss him. It was her way to shut him up. As she pulled away, she said, "Why so many questions? Do you not have any faith in your wife's capabilities?"

Darren just stared at her mouth in silence.

"Why aren't you saying anything? Do you really have no faith?"

 Darren shook his head saying, "No, I was just thinking how good it sounds when you say, 'Your wife'."

Xiu shook her head at him and was about to go back to her seat when he held her waist and said, "This day had never been special to me. But you just made it the most special one for me."

Xiu dropped another kiss at the side of his lips as she said, "But to me, this day has become double special." She finally receded to her seat and buckled up saying, "Now, we have two reasons to celebrate this day."

"I don't like..."

"I know, I know. You don't want a big party. Who is giving a big party? I'm just gonna have a meal with Mama. Are we not supposed to continue this tradition of having dinner together on your birthday?"

"You even know about that?"

Xiu winked at him. "Perks of being the most amazing daughter-in-law. And also perks of having a doting mother-in-law."

Darren smiled seeing how happy she looked and turned his eyes down to see the marriage booklet. His smile widened even more. Even though he was still in disbelief, this booklet was proof that it wasn't just a dream. He really married his Sweets!

He finally made his biggest dream come true. Bloody hell! Why was his heart bouncing around so strangely?!