It was 8:30 PM at Skyline Restaurant. Michael Quinn, a waiter, was seen before a simply decorated table in the regular dining area of the restaurant.
He looked so stressed and tired, with his uniform drenched in sweat. This was because the day's shift had been so hectic for him.
Despite how tired he was, he still took the time to decorate a table to celebrate his girlfriend's birthday.
He made this warm arrangement as a surprise for his girlfriend, Hannah Walmer.
Michael and Hannah had been dating since their last year at university. Since then, he had wished to celebrate her birthday elaborately. Unfortunately, his account balance had never allowed him to do so.
However, Michael had worked hard to make today different.
As one of the lowest-paid waiters at Skyline Restaurant, he was able to make this day exceptional by spending all his savings.
Michael rose to his feet, gazing at his beautiful handiwork. A soft smile appeared on his tired face, yet he felt fulfilled.
The table was covered with a white tablecloth, and a small bunch of pink roses was placed in the middle.
Three candles in pretty holders added warm light to the space. A tiny vase with green leaves was sitting at the centerpiece.
Above the table, a handmade "Happy Birthday" banner was hung.
Michael had ordered a cake from the patisserie, so it seemed all plans had been achieved.
He fished out his phone, checking the time. It was already 8:45 PM, and then he dialed Hannah's number.
He wanted to pull a prank on her so she would rush down to his workplace in a hurry. This would make the surprise even more exciting.
Hannah's line rang several times, but she was not picking up. Michael tried for the seventh time, but there was no difference.
"Maybe she isn't with her phone at the moment. I will try again in a few minutes," he assured himself.
Then, he decided to rush to the patisserie to check on the cake he ordered.
On his way, he saw Fiona, the Patisserie Chef, coming out of the elevator. As soon as the lady saw Michael, she waved her hands at him.
"The cake is not ready, Michael. I'm busy with so many orders. Austin Graham, the son of the billionaire of the city, is proposing to his girlfriend today."
"How does that have anything to do with what I ordered?" Michael frowned.
"All my colleagues are at the VIP lounge; I would have asked one of them to attend to you. If you don't mind, you can join us there too." Fiona's face widened with a grin while Michael was very angry.
Fiona retrieved some items and then returned to the VIP lounge. She didn't even listen to all the explanations Michael tried to give her.
Michael was very annoyed when he got to the patisserie and discovered none of the chefs were there, just as she said.
"What rubbish is this? Money is really powerful. If not, why would all the chefs leave their duties because of one spoiled brat?"
Then, he rushed to the VIP lounge to see if he could talk to any other baker. It was getting late already. Isn't it crazy that all the time, effort, and money he spent should go to waste?
Michael's frowning face gazed at the VIP lounge. It was beautifully decorated and looked more fascinating than usual.
There were pink and gold balloons everywhere in the lounge. The ceiling was adorned with tiny lights that twinkled like stars.
The smell of fresh flowers and delicious cake filled the air.
"Say yes!"
"Say yes!"
"Say yes!" This chant resonated throughout the room.
Michael was surprised to see the lounge filled. Almost all his colleagues were there.
He was looking closely, trying to find the chefs when he heard a voice that sounded so familiar.
"On this day, I, Hannah Walmer, agree to be your wife, Austin Graham," a beautiful young lady said happily, stretching her left hand forward to accept a ring that shone so brightly.
Michael's gaze shifted to the center of attention, and he froze immediately.
His mind went blank and his head spun. Blood stopped flowing in his veins as every part of him became numb and cold.
He was covered in sweat within a few seconds, and his heart began to race. He wiped his face with his palm to confirm that he wasn't dreaming.
Opening his eyes wide, he found that his eyes weren't lying to him.
"Congratulations!"
"This is nice!" the onlookers commented, clapping.
The young man offering Hannah a ring, Austin Graham, was about to slide the ring onto her finger when Michael roared.
"Enough!!"
A sudden shock took over the lounge, and there was complete silence.
However, the ring had already slid onto Hannah's finger as the thunderous voice trailed off.