MY FAT NERD EX-CRUSH IS NOW MY CEO

THE PICNIC

EPISODE 11 — THE PICNIC

The next morning, Adam and I arrived at the office together.

We tried to act normal.

But Tia noticed immediately.

Her eyes widened.

"Wait."

I froze.

She looked at Adam.

Then at me.

Then back at Adam.

"Are you two together?"

I blushed.

Ava immediately understood.

She smiled.

"Finally."

Tia screamed.

"I knew it!"

She hugged me.

"We're so happy for you!"

I laughed.

"Please stop."

Ava smiled.

"You two took long enough."

Adam simply smiled.

Tia looked at him.

"You better treat her well."

Adam nodded.

"I will."

I looked at him.

Something about hearing him say that made me happy.

For the first time, I wasn't wondering what he felt.

I knew.

A few days later, Tia and Ava suggested a picnic.

We decided to go to the seaside with our partners.

The day was beautiful.

The sky was clear.

The ocean stretched endlessly before us.

We spent hours laughing and talking.

I ran along the beach.

Tia chased me.

Ava took pictures.

For the first time in my life, I experienced a happiness I had never known before.

It wasn't the kind of happiness that came from being admired.

It wasn't about popularity.

It wasn't about having the most handsome man in the room.

It was peaceful.

Real.

As the sun began to set, I stood near the water.

Adam walked toward me.

"You okay?"

I smiled.

"I'm perfect."

He stood beside me.

I looked at the sea.

Then I thought about my school days.

I remembered Ethan.

I remembered how badly I had wanted him to love me.

I remembered thinking that being chosen by the most handsome boy would make me happy.

But I had been wrong.

Ethan had taught me what rejection felt like.

Adam had taught me what unconditional love felt like.

I looked at him.

"The past feels so far away."

Adam smiled.

"It should."

"I treated you terribly."

"You were young."

"I still feel guilty."

He took my hand.

"Don't."

I looked into his eyes.

"Why?"

"Because you gave me something better."

"What?"

"A reason to become stronger."

My eyes filled with tears.

Before I could answer, Adam stepped back.

Then he slowly got down on one knee.

My eyes widened.

"Adam..."

He reached into his pocket.

He opened a small box.

Inside was a beautiful ring.

"Nora."

I covered my mouth.

"Will you marry me?"

Tears filled my eyes.

I laughed and cried at the same time.

"Yes."

Adam stood.

I threw my arms around him.

He hugged me tightly.

Behind us, Tia and Ava cheered.

The waves crashed against the shore.

The sun slowly disappeared over the horizon.

And in that moment, I felt completely at peace.