From Bitter to Blissful: An Arranged Tale of Love

Chapter 8

As Haoxuan settled into his usual spot at the restaurant, the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped him, mingling with the soft buzz of conversations. He ordered his coffee, his thoughts drifting back to the day he first laid eyes on Jiyang, the memory as vivid as if it had just unfolded.
The sunlight streaming through the windows painted patterns on the floor, reminiscent of Jiyang's smile—a smile that had the power to calm his restless heart. The bustling ambiance of the restaurant stirred memories of that fateful day, when their paths had crossed and their lives had changed forever.

**Flashback**

In a flash of memory, Haoxuan was transported back to the moment he first laid eyes on Jiyang. The cafe was brightly lit, accentuating the angelic quality of Jiyang's smile.His skin, smooth and flawless, seemed to glow with an inner light, casting a mesmerizing spell over all who beheld him captivating Haoxuan like an antique creation.
Yibo's emotions erupted like a volcano, a mix of anger and hurt contorting his features. The atmosphere grew tense as Yibo's voice rose above the din of other diners.
"Calm down, Yibo," Haoxuan urged, trying to diffuse the situation. "Let's talk this out."
But Yibo's eyes were fixed on Zhan and the young man beside him. His jealousy and rage threatened to consume everything.
"It's not what you think," Jiyang interjected, his voice trembling with fear. Fear was clear in his eyes but he gathered his strenght to speak for his friend.
Yibo's glare shifted to Jiyang. "You," he seethed, "you're the reason behind all this."
Haoxuan felt his heart ache as he watched Jiyang's fear. Despite the chaos, Jiyang remained composed, his concern for Zhan evident.
"Please, Mr. Wang, let's not make a scene," Jiyang implored, his voice wavering but determined.
Yibo moved closer to Zhan, his grip on Zhan's wrist firm. "You're leaving with me, now," he demanded.
Zhan tried to pull away, but Yibo's hold was strong. Jiyang stepped between them, a brave but futile attempt to diffuse the tension.
Yibo pushed him away, causing him to hit the table and bleed. "Enough!" Haoxuan intervened, grabbing Yibo's arm. "Let's leave, now."
As he guided Yibo out, Haoxuan felt a pang of pain in his heart as he took a glance back at the angel on the floor.. The emotions were confusing, but he knew one thing for certain – he wanted to take care of Jiyang.
Haoxuan took a sip of his coffee, lost in the memory. The sunlight seemed to dim, the bustling cafe fading into the background as he reminisced about the day that had changed his heart forever.
As Jiyang entered the restaurant, a wave of nervous excitement seized him. He scanned the room, his heart pounding in anticipation. And there he was, Haoxuan, sitting at their usual table by the window, bathed in soft candlelight. Their eyes met, and Jiyang felt his breath catch in his throat. Haoxuan's gaze held a mixture of love, adoration, and longing it was a look that made Jiyang's pulse quicken and his cheeks flush with a warm glow. Haoxuan rose from his chair as Jiyang approached, his eyes never leaving Jiyang's face.
"You're more beautiful than I remembered," Haoxuan said softly, his voice laced with affection.
Jiyang blushed, feeling a surge of happiness at the compliment. Haoxuan took Jiyang's hand in his, the touch sending shivers down Jiyang's spine.
"I'm sorry for making you wait here" Jiyang said while taking his seat
"I can wait for you" Hoaxuan replied with sea of emotion in his voice.
Jiyang looked at him his eyes deep and he can feel the flowing emotions in them as he was diving into an ocean
"Shall we eat, my love?" Haoxuan asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Throughout dinner, their conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and shared memories. Haoxuan's words were like music to Jiyang's ears, each sentence making his heart swell with love and gratitude.
As the meal came to an end, there came Jiyang's favorite desert, in the background a beautiful music starts to play making an environment of romance and intimacy a waiter came and handed Jiyang a beautiful bouquet of roses, Jiyang was surprised
Suddenly Haoxuan got up from his chair and knelt before Jiyang, pulling out a small velvet box from his pocket.
"Jiyang, my love" Haoxuan began, his voice filled with emotion.
"In a world of fleeting moments, I choose you, to walk by your side through all that life may bring."
"From the moment I met you, I knew you were the one I wanted to spend the rest of my days with. Will you do me the honor of being my partner, my companion, my everything? Will you marry me?" Tears welled up in Jiyang's eyes as he gazed down at the man he loved more than anything in the world.
Their eyes well up with tears of joy and love as Jiyang's gaze locked with Haoxuan
"Yes," Jiyang exclaimed, his voice filled with joy and love and extended his hand.
Haoxuan slid the ring onto Jiyang's finger, the metal cool against his skin.Haoxuan held Jiyang's trembling hands their eyes locked and the moment paused. The onlookers erupt into a heartfelt applause, acknowledging the profound love on display.
They embraced, sealing their love with a passionate kiss that spoke volumes more than words ever could.
"You are mine" Haoxuan said as they broke the kiss.
"I am" Jiyang replied blushing under his lover's desired gaze.
In that moment, surrounded by the soft glow of the restaurant and the murmurs of other diners, they knew that they were embarking on a new chapter of their lives together, bound by love that knew no bounds they left the restaurant with new thoughts and walking on the new path for a new journey, the journey of love.