Chapter 1373
Jacob saw Belinda fall silent, and his brows furrowed, “What? You don’t wanna marry me? Think I’m just a plain worker and not good enough for you? If that’s the case, how can you say you’re serious about us?”
Belinda quickly shook her head. “No, I was just a bit taken aback by your sudden proposal. You spooked me.”
Jacob suddenly put down his fork and grabbed Belinda’s hand anxiously. “I really like you; that’s why I worry when you’re alone with other guys. I promise, I’ll work my tail off to give you a good life. I love you! Be my wife, will ya?”
Belinda was stunned; her feelings were all over the place. It wasn’t her heart beating like a drum, nor was it butterflies. She wasn’t even moved by her boyfriend’s confession.
At this moment, the colleagues nearby overheard Jacob’s proposal and started making a racket.
“Marry him!”
“Marry him! Marry him!”
Other colleagues also cast curious glances as they joined the chorus.
“Marry him! Marry him! Marry him!”
Jacob heard his colleagues’ support, grinned, and then got down on one knee, gazing at Belinda affectionately. “Let our colleagues bear witness to our happiness; marry me, will ya?”
Belinda blushed. “I…”
“What’s all the hullabaloo? What’s going on here?”
A smooth male voice suddenly interrupted the cafeteria’s lively atmosphere.
Recognizing Mr. Larios’ voice, the rowdy employees immediately quieted down and went back to their meals.
One employee stood up, smiling as he explained. “Mr. Larios, Jacob’s proposing to his girlfriend, and we’re all cheering him on.”
“Oh? A proposal, huh?” Chase walked over to Jacob and Belinda’s table, giving them a deep look.
Jacob was still on his knees as he awkwardly said, “Mr. Larios, I’m proposing to my girlfriend. It’s our lunch break. You don’t mind, do you?”
Chase smiled. “What if I say that I kinda do? What are you gonna do?”
Jacob frowned suspiciously. “I don’t get what you’re miffed about.”
Chase stared at him. “I’m miffed that you’re proposing like this; you’re making us guys look bad.”
Jacob was taken aback. “I really don’t get it. What’s so embarrassing about proposing like this?”
Chase laughed. “A 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 didn’t prep a meal for your girlfriend, let alone an engagement ring; isn’t that making us guys look bad?”
Jacob looked embarrassed. “I got carried away today and decided to propose to Belinda on the spur of the moment. I didn’t prepare it in advance. But I’ll buy the ring later, as a make-up gift for her.”
Chase raised an eyebrow, feeling intrigued. “Oh really? How many carats are you planning to buy?”
Jacob didn’t expect Chase to ask this. He pondered awkwardly before finally saying, “Mr. Larios, I can’t compare to your wealth; I can’t afford a big diamond ring, but I’ll buy Belinda the most expensive ring I can afford.”
Chase smirked. “Oh, I see, it’s the thought that counts, not the gift’s price tag, right? To show my support, I’ll give everyone in the company a day off today. You can go buy the ring now. Once you’ve got the ring, come back and continue your proposal. We’ll keep your girlfriend company here while we wait for you. Off you go.”
Jacob’s face stiffened, and he now spoke with some resentment, “Mr. Larios, this is between me and my girlfriend; even though you’re my boss, involving yourself like this isn’t really suitable, is it?”
Chase pulled out a chair and sat next to Belinda. “I’m friends with your girlfriend’s uncle and aunt. According to family ties, I’m somewhat of an elder to your girlfriend; I’m not an outsider. You want to propose without a ring today and want Belinda to marry you? That’s not gonna fly; even her uncle and aunt wouldn’t accept it, let alone me!”
