Hi everyone!

I wrote this about a year and a half ago and just found it on my laptop earlier today. After making some edits, I decided to post it.

Here is an imagining of Cal and Rose's engagement. Enjoy xx

Cal's touch is rough as he grips my hand tightly, his pleasant expression genuine, for once.

His brown eyes seem almost gentle as they drink in the scene in front before us: dozens of extravagantly clothed people huddling together in small groups, holding cigars in their fat fingers, carrying glasses of brandy and wine, their faces emotionless but their mouths chattering away. Cal takes the first step down the staircase and pulls me behind him, although I am reluctant to move.

I know what's happening tonight.

And I dread it more than anything in this world.

A friend of Mother's compliments my pearl-adorned pink dress as we reach the last step. I politely smile at her, my stomach twisting into painful knots. My lungs tighten and squeeze out what little oxygen is in them, making me feel light-headed as I trudge behind Cal. Still latched onto my hand, he greets each person, and I can feel the color slowly drain from my face with every passing minute.

I don't want this. But I have no choice.

He gives me a small smile before raising his voice to address the partygoers. "Hello, everyone! I'd like your attention, please!"

The quiet murmurings fall silent, and every head in the room turns to face us.

He drops my hand and takes a step away from me. My heart stops beating.

I don't want this.

Cal's hand dives into the pocket of his black coat as he lowers himself to one knee, his softened gaze locked on mine.

I don't want this.

His voice is loud and carries over the crowd, settling in their delighted ears and piercing my heart with each word.

"Rosalyn Dewitt-Bukater, it would be an honor if you would be my wife." He opens his closed hand, revealing an enormous diamond ring fit for a queen. "Will you marry me?"

I hear several women gasp in awe, their beady eyes staring at me as they await the inevitable "yes."

My throat closes up, boiling blood rushes through my veins—I want anything but this.

I could've sworn it was love at the beginning, but now I'm not so sure.

But even if this isn't love, I have to take it.

Somehow my lips part, and a feeble voice speaks for me. "Yes."

The crowd bursts into applause, and Cal grins at me as he slips on the glimmering ring. It slides down to my knuckle, too big for my finger. I shoot him an exasperated look.

"Don't worry, sweetheart."

He rises to a standing position, his hand finding my lower back and rubbing the fabric of my dress in an attempt to comfort me; he doesn't know that this is only making it worse.

"We can have the ring refitted in a few days. Not a problem."

I can already feel the walls of my world crashing down around me.