The candlelight flickered gently as the man stood frozen, disappointment shadowing his face. Around him, the staff whispered in nervous glances, unsure of what to say. It wasn't just the decorations they had worked on all morning., it was the hope in his eyes, now quietly sinking.
Anaya noticed it.
The violin rested against her chest, her fingers still trembling from the last note. She had watched it all. the way his hand hovered over his coat pocket, the way he kept glancing at the woman beside him, desperate to find light in the darkness.
She didn't think twice.
Anaya stepped forward and quietly called him over. "Sir," she said softly, "if you don't mind... you can propose to her on the terrace."
ZzzzZ,,
The man blinked, startled. "The terrace?"
"It's not as fancy," Anaya admitted with a small smile, "but it's not that bad either. Actually, tonight is a full moon. I think… maybe it's even better. In this situation, why not try something different?"
He stared at her, then nodded. "Okay…" There was no hesitation.
Anaya's smile grew. "Then you can lead her through the back steps. I'll go ahead and wait upstairs."
"Okay," he said again, this time with a little more hope in his voice.
Anaya turned and quietly climbed the stairs.
The terrace was empty, open to the sky. Darkness surrounded her like a soft blanket. But above, the moon glowed faintly, silver and round. The stars, usually hidden behind city lights, sparkled with unexpected clarity.
She could hear the quiet sound of footsteps behind her.
The man gently held the woman's hand as they stepped onto the terrace. "Why did you bring me up here all of a sudden?" she asked, a little confused, a little amused.
But before he could reply, soft lights flickered to life, tiny bulbs powered not by electricity, but by battery.
Anaya had prepared them weeks ago. For New Year's. For herself.
But tonight, she had let that dream go.
Small candles stood on a table set for two. A flower bouquet waited quietly, its petals dancing in the moonlight. Plates were neatly arranged. The softest breeze brushed past them.
Anaya stood to one side, her violin resting under her chin again.
She watched as the couple stepped forward in awe.
And in the quiet of that moment, she whispered to herself, "Yuchen… I'm sorry. I made this for us, but... I couldn't let him lose this moment. I just couldn't. So I sacrificed it. I hope you don't mind. Let's… let's just be part of their journey tonight, okay?"
She smiled faintly through her emotion.
Then, she began to play.
It was a tender melody from a film. the song called "My Love."
The music floated gently through the night, joining hands with the stars and wrapping around the couple like a warm memory. The man turned to the woman, his eyes suddenly shimmering.
He took a deep breath, then slowly got down on one knee.
The woman gasped, her hands flying to her mouth.
"I know you from our childhood," he began, voice trembling, "and I know we've been in love for a long time. Even when we were apart, you never lost hope in me. You stood by me—not just as a friend, not just as a lover... but something more."
The violin's soft notes wove between his words like light between shadows.
He continued, "Now I want to stand by you for the rest of my life. Not just as your partner, not as your boyfriend… but as your husband. Will you marry me?"
Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over as she nodded through a smile.
"Yes," she whispered,.
As soon as she said "yes," the sky lit up with fireworks.
A soft crack echoed in the distance, followed by a bloom of red light spreading gently across the night. Then came another, and another, gold, blue, silver like the stars had decided to come down and celebrate with them. The sky was alive with color, each spark painting their moment with quiet joy.
He looked at her, his eyes reflecting the light. She smiled, a little shy, a little overwhelmed. He reached for her hand, and she let him. In that soft, glowing moment, the world around them seemed to pause. Its long enough for their hearts to remember how it felt to belong.
Anaya mesmerized by those fireworks. Not only her, all the staff are in woah...
She reached out her hand. He gently slipped the ring onto her finger. Then he rose, pulling her into a quiet, heartfelt embrace.
The candles glowed. The moon shimmered her silver light down upon them. The stars held their breath.
The music reached its final note.
Anaya stood still, her cheeks blooming pink, her eyes shining with quiet emotion.
The staff, who had stood silently at the edge of the terrace, broke into soft applause. Someone whispered, "She really saved this night."
The dinner went on under the open sky.
Laughter floated through the air like wind chimes. They toasted quietly, the woman's eyes never leaving the ring on her finger. Every once in a while, she'd glance at the man beside her, as if she still couldn't believe it.
Then, as the power returned downstairs and the terrace lights flickered with city glow, it was time to leave.
The couple walked toward Anaya.
The woman smiled warmly and said, "Thank you. Really… today was so special. If you ever need any help.., anything at all. please just call me."
She hugged Anaya, gently and sincerely.
The man stepped forward and held out a card.
"I'm the CEO of a publishing house," he said. "I don't know how I can help you, but… if you ever need anything. anything at all. just call me. I really owe you."
He shook her hand with a firm, grateful grip.
And then, they walked down the steps, hand in hand, their laughter trailing behind them like perfume in the night.
Anaya stood on the terrace, alone now.
The moon still glowed.
She looked up at it, holding her violin to her chest.
"…Yuchen," she whispered again. "Someday, I hope we'll get our moment too."
But even as she said it, her heart felt light.
Because sometimes, giving away your light… only makes the stars shine brighter.