When the Story Continues (Sequel to When the Script Changes)

Chapter 43: The Proposal of a Lifetime

Samanan Anantrakul didn't do things halfway.

If she was going to do something, she was going to do it right.

And proposing to Mon?

That wasn't just 'something.'

It was everything.

The moment she had gotten Freen and Becky's blessing, Sam had immediately gone into planning mode. She wanted it to be perfect—no, beyond perfect. Because Mon wasn't just anyone. She was the one. The love of Sam's life. The person she wanted to wake up next to every morning and fall asleep beside every night.

So, no pressure.

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Sam had always known Mon deserved something special, something memorable. A simple dinner proposal wouldn't do. A cliché sunset beach scene? Too predictable. No, Sam needed to do something that screamed them. Something that would make Mon's heart race, her eyes sparkle, and—if Sam was lucky—make her cry happy tears.

And then, suddenly, it hit her.

Mon had once told her that her dream proposal wasn't something grand or overly extravagant.

"I just want it to be meaningful," she had said, resting her head against Sam's shoulder. "Something that makes me feel like we're the only two people in the world. Something that reminds me of why I fell in love with you in the first place."

And so—

Sam planned a treasure hunt.

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It started with a simple note.

Left right by Mon's bedside the morning of what she thought was just another regular day.

Mon woke up, groggy and confused, rubbing her eyes as she grabbed the small envelope.

Her name was written on it in Sam's familiar, messy handwriting.

She opened it.

"Good morning, my love. I hope you slept well. Today, I have a little game for you. Follow the clues, and at the end, you'll find something very special. First clue: Where did we have our very first date?"

Mon blinked.

And then—she smiled.

Because she already knew where to go.

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The first stop was the small ramen shop near campus, where they had shared their first date—a place where Sam smiled, a real, genuine, soft smile only for her, and Mon melted, just like she did every time Sam looked at her and smiled—a smile reserved only for her.

The waiter greeted Mon with a knowing smile, handing her another note.

"Good job, baby. Next stop: The place where I first realized I was in love with you—not when I actually told you 'I love you,' but when I realized you were the one for me."

Mon's heart skipped a beat.

Because she knew exactly where that was.

It wasn't at a fancy event, or during a grand romantic moment.

It was at the bookstore.

The one Mon always dragged Sam to, where she could spend hours browsing through the shelves while Sam stood beside her, pretending to be annoyed but secretly loving every second of it.

Mon rushed there, her pulse quickening.

And sure enough—another note, tucked inside a copy of Mon's favorite book.

"Almost there, my love. The next stop? The place where you made me promise I would never leave you."

The final clue led Mon to the rooftop of their apartment building.

Her breath caught in her throat the moment she saw it.

Fairy lights twinkled in the night, casting a warm glow over the space.

Petals were scattered across the floor, a soft path leading to the center of the rooftop.

And there—

Sam stood, waiting.

Dressed in her usual sharp suit, but looking more nervous than Mon had ever seen her.

For once, Sam—the ever-confident, ever-fearless Samanan—looked like she might just pass out from nerves.

And that? That made Mon's heart ache with love.

Slowly, she walked toward her.

Sam swallowed hard.

And then—she dropped to one knee.

Mon's hands flew to her mouth.

Her eyes burned with unshed tears.

Sam took a deep breath, holding up a velvet box.

"Mon," she started, voice slightly shaky but full of love. "You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. From the moment I met you, my world stopped being just mine—it became ours. You are my home, my peace, my heart. And I can't imagine a single day without you in it."

Mon sniffled, tears slipping down her cheeks.

Sam smiled softly.

"I know I'm stubborn, reckless, and maybe a little bit too protective," she continued, making Mon laugh through her tears. "But one thing will always be true—I will love you, every single day, for the rest of my life."

She opened the box.

Inside was the most beautiful ring Mon had ever seen—simple, elegant, timeless.

A reflection of their love.

Sam looked up at her, eyes filled with hope, love, everything.

"Mon, will you marry me?"

Mon didn't hesitate.

Didn't even let Sam suffer for a second longer.

She dropped to her knees, wrapping her arms around Sam's neck, burying her face in her shoulder.

"Yes," she whispered, voice breaking. "A thousand times yes."

Sam laughed, holding her tightly, breathing her in.

She slipped the ring onto Mon's finger, kissing her hand softly before cupping her face.

"You have no idea how much I love you," Sam murmured.

Mon smiled through her tears. "I think I do."

And then—

Sam kissed her.

Soft, slow, full of everything words could never express.

And as the city lights sparkled around them, as the stars shined down upon them—

Mon knew.

This was the beginning of forever.