Daisy Chapman looked up at him, asking in confusion, "Aren’t you going to eat?"
"I am." Young Mr. Quinn nodded.
Daisy Chapman finished eating quickly. She wiped her mouth and announced, "I’m done."
Hearing this, Young Mr. Quinn also put down his knife and fork, his expression turning serious as he gazed at her.
"What’s wrong?" she asked, blinking in confusion. "Is there something on my face?"
"No." Young Mr. Quinn shook his head, a smile touching his lips. "Daffy, you look very beautiful today."
"I’m beautiful every day, you know?" Daisy Chapman said dismissively.
A flash of surprise crossed Young Mr. Quinn’s eyes.
’She’s always so modest. Why has she suddenly become so proud?’
"Yes, you are beautiful every day." Young Mr. Quinn reached out and took her hand, a hint of laughter in his voice. "Actually, even if you hadn’t asked me out, I was planning to see you today anyway."
"Is that so?" she asked, staring at the hand holding hers, her eyes flickering with complex emotions. "You... needed to see me about something?"
"Mhm, I do." Young Mr. Quinn pulled a velvet box from his pants pocket, a gentle look appearing on his face. "Something very important."
Her pupils contracted sharply, and her heart skipped a beat.
’That box... is that the same one he used to propose to Anna?’
Young Mr. Quinn walked around the table to stand in front of Daisy Chapman and slowly knelt on one knee.
He held the young woman’s soft hand, gazing at her pretty face, his eyes filled with an overwhelming affection and adoration. "Daffy, you silly girl. Proposing is something the man should do."
Daisy Chapman pressed her lips together, her exquisitely made-up face showing no sign of joy.
Her lips moved as she asked, her voice devoid of emotion, "Didn’t you say before that you didn’t want to get married?"
"Silly girl," Young Mr. Quinn chuckled and explained, "Like I said, proposing is the man’s job. I rejected your proposal because I felt I should be the one to propose to you."
Listening to his sanctimonious words, Daisy Chapman found it all bitterly ironic and laughable.
’In his heart, I’m just a backup plan.’
’He failed to propose to Anna, so he turns right around and proposes to me?’
’How ridiculous.’
"Daffy." Young Mr. Quinn opened the velvet box, revealing a diamond ring. "I had this custom-made six months ago. I’ve been looking forward to the day I could finally put it on your hand."
"Custom-made six months ago?" Daisy Chapman smiled. "How thoughtful of you."
Young Mr. Quinn’s expression was solemn. "Daffy, anything related to you has always been more important to me than anything else."
"Really?" she asked, studying the man’s face, unable to detect the slightest hint of insincerity in his expression.
’He’s such a good actor.’
’He’s so disgusting.’
She glanced at her glass on the table. It was empty.
After a moment’s thought, she picked up the water pitcher and filled it to the brim.
Young Mr. Quinn watched her, assuming she was just nervous and thirsty.