MMBMGAP CH 33

Chapter 33: The Proposal

Since childhood, Sade had lived a life of luxury and naturally developed a refined taste in food. He didn’t believe ingredients had to be the most expensive—he thought even simple ones could become a gourmet meal when used at the right time, paired with the right seasonings, and cooked with skilled technique. Like today, with the weather on the cooler side, he skipped the refreshing but cold salad for a warm appetizer instead. A comforting starter soup paired with soft, warm bread and herbed butter was the perfect way to awaken the appetite. For the main course, he ordered a large T-bone steak and a seafood platter, perfect for the two of them to share.

Soon, the food they ordered arrived one after another. In addition to freshly baked bread that could be refilled endlessly, the first dish served was the hot appetizer—creamy sautéed mixed mushrooms. Early spring was the perfect season for mushrooms, and the rich aroma of butter made it even more appetizing. More importantly, Lin You loved mushrooms—something Sade had secretly discovered during their frequent meals together.

For soup, he ordered Lin You a creamy ham and corn chowder. The blend of sweetness and saltiness was well-balanced, made from sweet corn puree with savory ham and cultured cream—rich and slightly sweet, a flavor children typically loved, and one Lin You particularly enjoyed. For himself, Sade chose a lighter beet borscht. Its purplish-red color and refreshing taste, paired with tender, slow-cooked beef brisket, made it pleasantly sweet and sour, very appetizing.

Sade was in high spirits. Even while nibbling on appetizers and bread, he had already finished two glasses of red wine.

“Lin You, what do you think of this restaurant? I’ve always said I’d take you out for a meal, but it feels like we’ve never really had a proper date.”

Even as Sade said this, he felt a little guilty. Because their relationship had started so quickly and intensely, they had skipped over the usual romantic chase, and Lin You never got to experience the sweet, uncertain stage of budding love. Their relationship had always been strangely both formal and natural—though they’d interacted mostly on business terms at first, being with Lin You had always felt so comfortable and right that Sade had overlooked all the steps in between.

But every Alpha should pursue their Omega properly.

“It’s delicious. This is the best meal I’ve ever had,” Lin You said. “But I don’t think you need to go somewhere special for it to count as a date. As long as the two of us are together—whether we’re doing something together, or just quietly keeping each other company—that’s a date.”

He set down his fork and took a sip of red wine. “Sade, you’re the only one who’s ever taken the effort to treat me to a meal like this. I’m really happy. Thank you.”

Lin You looked into Sade’s eyes with a gentle smile.

He had already made up his mind—if he was going to love Sade, he’d do it properly, wholeheartedly. He’d been pulling Feng Qing to watch romantic movies with him recently, learning that expressing gratitude and speaking sweet words were essential parts of a relationship.

“Lin You… you’re too adorable.” Sade stared deeply into Lin You’s eyes. Lin You would never understand—just saying something like that was already a direct hit to his heart. He couldn’t resist it at all. If it weren’t for the fact that they were in the middle of a meal, he would have pulled Lin You into his arms and kissed him senseless.

“What are you saying…” It wasn’t the first time Sade had called him cute, but Lin You still got shy every time.

The two continued their meal in harmony. For dessert, they had a sakura berry tart dusted with edible gold leaf, paired with two cups of unsweetened milk tea, which Lin You specifically requested. When Sade saw the milk tea, he couldn’t help but laugh. He never really liked it that much, but thanks to Lin You, everyone now assumed he loved milk tea too.

By the time they finished eating, the drizzle outside had gradually stopped. The moisture in the air shimmered under the reflection of the neon city lights, making the entire city glow. Just then, the lights in the private dining room suddenly dimmed for some reason.

Lin You looked at Sade in confusion. Did the lights break? Or was it an accidental switch? Even such a high-end hotel had issues like this?

He was about to ask when Sade suddenly stood up and walked to his side. He took Lin You’s hand, looking slightly nervous, and suddenly dropped to one knee. With a flourish, he pulled out a red velvet box and opened it toward Lin You.

Inside was a ring. The centerpiece was a 10-carat blue diamond cut in an emerald shape, surrounded by a halo of tiny diamonds. Sade had specifically chosen it from the royal heirloom collection because its icy blue color matched Lin You’s eyes. He then asked Lady Resa to have it custom-made into a proposal ring. Sade had been satisfied with it before, but now that it was presented to Lin You, he couldn’t help but think—even this ring didn’t feel worthy of his beloved Lin You.

“Lin You… I don’t know how I got so lucky to meet you. Thinking back now, the day we were successfully matched was the luckiest day of my life. Everyone thinks I already have everything, but you’re the one who drives me forward, who gives me purpose. I adore you, I rely on you. Without you, I’d be restless and unable to do anything right. I want to have you, to love you, and I want every day in the future to be with you by my side. Marry me, Lin You!”

Sade blurted out the slightly cheesy proposal in one breath. Before Lin You could even respond, his face flushed red as he nervously and eagerly slipped the ring onto Lin You’s ring finger. Then, unable to contain himself, he pulled Lin You into a tight embrace.

Lin You returned the hug.

“Sade…” Lin You was surprised and moved. He never thought he’d be proposed to. From the very beginning, they had been matched. Then came the Queen’s marriage decree. One piece of paperwork after another had laid out the ending to their story. Marriage had always felt like just another formality—something inevitable on the calendar. He and Sade’s opinions had never seemed to matter.

But now, Sade was asking him. He was sincerely seeking his answer…

Lin You asked himself—if they weren’t an S-class Omega and Alpha, without the bond of matching or the royal decree… if everything was based purely on free will…If they had met under normal circumstances—would he still fall for such a strong and gentle Alpha like Sade?

The answer was yes. No matter what, he would fall for the sincerity in Sade’s heart.

“Sade…  I do…”

Lin You whispered, his voice trembling just like Sade’s body. Though it was barely audible, Sade felt as if it rang out like a thunderclap in his ears—like the most beautiful music in the world.

He lowered his head and kissed Lin You.

This kiss… felt like something he had waited a lifetime for.

(To be continued…)
T/L: Aww.. finally! They really deserved each other. (˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥ )づ♡