A/N: Please Read and Review! Enjoy!

A big hug to Amir Jan for proofreading. Let this be my early birthday present to you (his birthday is on the 13th). Thank you for your love, trust and patience. AN ADVANCED HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

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THE PROPOSAL

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"Kyouya…"

"Yes, Haruhi?"

"How long will we be staying here?"

"We'll probably be done in an hour."

"An hour?"

"Yes."

Haruhi exhaled noisily through her nose, trying to calm herself while sporting a smile to every guest in the room. She really was not looking forward to this event. Nope. Not at all.

"Haruhi, we're about to go on stage." Haruhi nodded while Kyouya's hand settled on the small of her back after giving her a soft peck on her forehead. When they heard Kyouya's name being called, they headed towards the stage all the while hearing the applause of many distinguished guests that have worked with the Ootori's businesses over the years.

The ballroom was filled with businessmen, doctors, politicians, military men, and even a few celebrities. They are, one way or another, connected to the Ootori's through the family's various business endeavors; important people who have been invited annually for this event to celebrate their partnerships and joint ventures.

Kyouya settled by the podium while Haruhi stood obediently behind him. Taking the microphone, Kyouya cleared his throat that made everyone hush and gaze intently at one of the most feared men in the business world.

"As you all know, we have made great businesses together and have created strong alliances over the decades. And I am proud…"

All Kyouya was saying seemed to be blocked out from Haruhi's hearing. She had been bugging Kyouya the whole day that she did not want to attend this event. She did not find a good reason why she should attend this event and agree to his schemes. But, after some persuasion and bit of bribing, she conceded later on seeing that it was hopeless to argue with a man like him. The Otoori's always get what they want.

"… However, this event is unlike our previous ones for I have prepared something for you to witness tonight."

Haruhi was cut short from her thoughts when she saw Kyouya look at Haruhi and reach out for her hand. She hesitantly accepted and placed her hand in his before she was led to the space beside him.

Kyouya stepped to the other side of Haruhi, away from the podium, for everyone to see. He slowly pulled out a box from his pocket and laid it on his palm, holding it in front of Haruhi. A few murmurs and 'oh's' were heard from the audience as everyone waited in bated breath for the woman to accept the young Ootori's proposal.

There seemed to be a few words exchanged between the two that could not be heard before they saw the man put the ring in her finger and then shared a short kiss.

The crowd roared in applause and joyous laughter while champagne glasses were filled and hoisted towards the newly engaged couple.

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A second after Kyouya took out the ring box from his pocket, Haruhi gave him a pointed look making sure that only the man before her could see her reaction. She rolled her eyes and gave him a smile that hinted that her conditions for coming in the event will be tripled and that she will be paid handsomely after tonight.

"You didn't tell me that you'll be doing this." Haruhi said in hushed tones while smiling convincingly.

"It wouldn't be a proposal, dear, if I ruined the surprise by telling you. And if I had, there is no doubt in my mind that you wouldn't have attended the party."

"True." Haruhi whispered, nodding to him. Kyouya smirked knowingly that she would abide by his wishes as he took the ring from the box and slid it through her left ring finger. Haruhi wanted nothing more than to wipe that devious smirk on his face but her thoughts were gone the instant the man brushed his lips on her soft ones.

Haruhi sighed blissfully and tiptoed towards her fiancée for a kiss after whispering. "You should be thankful this isn't your first proposal or I would've said NO."

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A/N: Te amo Roma!

And thank you to InTheShadowOfSignificance for telling me about the grammatical mistakes found in this chapter. Gotta love critics! ;)