A/N: Hey everyone, this is my second fanfic and it's basically an idea of how Cal might have proposed to Rose. If you read this please review and tell me how I can improve. I've also got another story on my profile if you want to check it out
Rose began to feel the familiar tightness around her stomach as Trudy helped her into a corset. It felt as though her lungs were being crushed and made breathing difficult now and again. Tonight was a special occasion, that is, to everyone else. To Rose, it just seemed as though she was losing more control over her life, and there was nothing she could do to stop it. Her mother's words form the previous night still echoed in her mind.
"I've heard that Cal intends to ask for your hand at the party tomorrow" Ruth said enthusiastically Where did she hear that from? She was smiling, clearly expecting Rose to be thrilled at the news. Although the truth was that she didn't care about Rose's happiness, just about the money that Cal would inherit through their marriage. "You have to think about our survival Rose"
It was just after 8:00 when Rose began to walk elegantly into the ridiculously large hall. All eyes seemed to be upon her. There were at least 200 people in the hall, all of them impeccably dressed, and most of whom Rose didn't know. Her mother stood with a small group of women, each of them were holding a glass of chardonnay each and exchanging mindless gossip about other women in the room.
The next few hours were a blur to Rose; it was another night of continuous dancing with men that she barely knew and would probably never speak to again after tonight, while engaging in small talk with other women about topics that Rose didn't particularly care about. Rose wished that she could just go to bed and escape this never-ending circus.
The music suddenly went quiet and Rose spotted Cal walking up to her and stopped at her side. He looked very handsome in his dark suit and his hair neatly combed back. Everyone gathered around them in anticipation as Cal called "I'd like to have your attention for a few moments" as is they knew what was about to happen in advance. Rose knew it was coming but still found herself breathing more quickly in panic. What am I going to do?
"Rose" Cal continued "We haven't known each other for long, but I felt a connection between us as soon as we met" Rose forced a smile despite the fact that she felt as though she was hyperventilating. "Rose I love you and I wish for us to spend the rest of our lives together" He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, leather box, and opened it to reveal a diamond so large that Rose was convinced would sink like a rock if she put it in water.
"Will you marry me?" This was met with a combination of gasps and sounds of "aww" along with tears from a few women. Rose glanced at her mother, who was giving her a look that dared her to decline, which would involve humiliation in front of all these people. Rose hesitated momentarily, thinking of the benefits that this marriage could bring. No more debts, Cal came from a wealthy family so he would be able to look after her. Do I love him? In a way, yes, he was a good man and he loved her.
Taking a deep breath, Rose answered "Yes, of course Cal" and was greeted with a round of applause. As Cal placed the ring on her finger, Rose hoped that she made the right decision.