Jacob saw Belinda fall silent, and his brows furrowed, âWhat? You donât wanna marry me? Think Iâm just a plain worker and not good enough for you? If thatâs the case, how can you say youâre serious about us?â
Belinda quickly shook her head. âNo, I was just a bit taken aback by your sudden proposal. You spooked me.â
Jacob suddenly put down his fork and grabbed Belindaâs hand anxiously. âI really like you; thatâs why I worry when youâre alone with other guys. I promise, Iâll work my tail off to give you a good life. I love you! Be my wife, will ya?â
Belinda was stunned; her feelings were all over the place. It wasnât her heart beating like a drum, nor was it butterflies. She wasnât even moved by her boyfriendâs confession.
At this moment, the colleagues nearby overheard Jacobâs proposal and started making a racket.
âMarry him!â
âMarry him! Marry him!â
Other colleagues also cast curious glances as they joined the chorus.
âMarry him! Marry him! Marry him!â
Jacob heard his colleaguesâ support, grinned, and then got down on one knee, gazing at Belinda affectionately. âLet our colleagues bear witness to our happiness; marry me, will ya?â
Belinda blushed. âIâ¦â
âWhatâs all the hullabaloo? Whatâs going on here?â
A smooth male voice suddenly interrupted the cafeteriaâs lively atmosphere.
Recognizing Mr. Lariosâ voice, the rowdy employees immediately quieted down and went back to their meals.
One employee stood up, smiling as he explained. âMr. Larios, Jacobâs proposing to his girlfriend, and weâre all cheering him on.â
âOh? A proposal, huh?â Chase walked over to Jacob and Belindaâs table, giving them a deep look.
Jacob was still on his knees as he awkwardly said, âMr. Larios, Iâm proposing to my girlfriend. Itâs our lunch break. You donât mind, do you?â
Chase smiled. âWhat if I say that I kinda do? What are you gonna do?â
Jacob frowned suspiciously. âI donât get what youâre miffed about.â
Chase stared at him. âIâm miffed that youâre proposing like this; youâre making us guys look bad.â
Jacob was taken aback. âI really donât get it. Whatâs so embarrassing about proposing like this?â
Chase laughed. âA proposal is a serious matter; it should be treated with respect. You chose to do it in the company cafeteria and only got your own lunch. You didnât prep a meal for your girlfriend, let alone an engagement ring; isnât that making us guys look bad?â
Jacob looked embarrassed. âI got carried away today and decided to propose to Belinda on the spur of the moment. I didnât prepare it in advance. But Iâll buy the ring later, as a make-up gift for her.â
Chase raised an eyebrow, feeling intrigued. âOh really? How many carats are you planning to buy?â
Jacob didnât expect Chase to ask this. He pondered awkwardly before finally saying, âMr. Larios, I canât compare to your wealth; I canât afford a big diamond ring, but Iâll buy Belinda the most expensive ring I can afford.â
Chase smirked. âOh, I see, itâs the thought that counts, not the giftâs price tag, right? To show my support, Iâll give everyone in the company a day off today. You can go buy the ring now. Once youâve got the ring, come back and continue your proposal. Weâll keep your girlfriend company here while we wait for you. Off you go.â
Jacobâs face stiffened, and he now spoke with some resentment, âMr. Larios, this is between me and my girlfriend; even though youâre my boss, involving yourself like this isnât really suitable, is it?â
Chase pulled out a chair and sat next to Belinda. âIâm friends with your girlfriendâs uncle and aunt.
According to family ties, Iâm somewhat of an elder to your girlfriend; Iâm not an outsider. You want to propose without a ring today and want Belinda to marry you? Thatâs not gonna fly; even her uncle and aunt wouldnât accept it, let alone me!â