Chapter 2: Engagement

One month later

Cal stared down at the ring in his hand. It was beautiful, reflecting the rays of light, creating a rainbow spectrum of colour. He wasn't worried about whether or not she'd accept, as she already had. He had proposed to her before boarding the Titanic; however this no longer applied as the heart of the ocean had disappeared. Which was what sealed the engagement.

They were currently in the ballroom, which was adorned by a magnificent chandelier. This was the room he favoured above the rest; the grandness of the room could be matched by no other.

Cal enjoyed seeing the envious looks on his colleagues' faces. He had invited them along tonight, for appearances sake. He had instructed Rose to dress up, and she did look extremely striking, albeit discontented. Cal always asked her to dress in her finest when making significant announcements. She knew tonight was no different, yet she was unaware of his real incentive.

Cal raised his glass and gently tapped it with his spoon. Within seconds every eye in the room was focused on him.

"My darling, Rose," Cal spoke lovingly; extending his hand towards her. Her eyes, large and round, almost doe-like, stared questioningly up at him. He smiled at her although he didn't know whether it reassured her or frightened her further.

He surveyed the faces surrounding him a moment longer. His eyes came to rest on Rose's. Without breaking his gaze, he went down on one knee.

Rose gasped when she realised his intentions.

"Rose, I ask for your hand in marriage."

There was a smattering of pleased exclaims mainly emitted from the female population of the crowd and Rose nervously began to chew her lip, as everyone switched their focus to her.

He'd already asked her, and she had accepted, as her mother had ensured her that it would make her, and the family, very proud. Not wanting to disappoint, she had agreed, albeit reluctantly. Now, however, it was entirely her choice, no one was telling her how to reply. Except...every person in this room was definitely expecting her to accept, especially Cal.

What would happen if she said no?

Rose didn't think she wanted to find out. It wouldn't be pleasant, she knew that much.

"Rose?" Cal stared at her, and she blinked rapidly. Swallowing hard, she opened her mouth to reply, and then shut it again. The thing was, she didn't know how to reply.

Cal scared her. Sounds simple, right? Just say no; then he'll have no hold over you. But it wasn't that simple. From the expression on his face, it was clear he'd never accept any response with the exception of yes.

Rose felt her cheeks muscles becoming strained, due to the effort it was taking to keep her resolute smile pasted on. The crowd shuffled restlessly, impatient by the time it was taking her to respond. A great many throats were cleared, hinting unsubtly that she was expected to answer soon. Or, rather, immediately.

"Ah, I...I..." She faltered under Cal's gaze. His eyes, dark and stony, seemed to douse any flame which had kept hope alive in her. She felt a cold hand grip her heart.

"I...will marry you." The hand tightened its grip, and she felt as though she couldn't breathe.

A great surge of excitement exploded across the room, and a sigh was heaved; many had been worried about Rose's reaction. It was clear she was not at ease with life, even to an uninterested, unpractised eye.

Cal smiled tersely, and moved forward to place the ring upon her finger. It was undeniably beautiful, but Rose no longer cared for the materialistic possessions in life. Jack had altered her perspective on life. Jack.

Her heart froze over when she thought of him...alone, stuck in the deep abyss of the ocean. A lump developed in her throat. She hadn't allowed herself to think of Jack for a long time. Rose wanted to remember Jack as he was in life, not as that dark fingure, whom had given his life for her.

Her breathing became laboured, as she recalled the events of that night. She had been trying so hard to block it out, to forget. But every time the wound seemed to scab over, she always ripped it open again, creating a fresh wave of pain.

Jack. Oh, Jack...

Tears sprang to her eyes, and she dropped her gaze to the floor, her eyesight blurred by them. "Rose?" Cal spoke again, irritated by her dismal reaction. He wanted her to be joyous, pleased, anything but this. People were beginning to stare, and if there was one thing Cal hated, it was negative attention.

He smiled reassuringly at the questioning stares from their guests, "just all the excitement, you know how emotional these women get." He directed this at one of his closest acquaintances. People like Cal didn't really have friends. To his relief, the man's face broke into an understanding smile, "ah yes, of course, perhaps we ought to leave her to calm herself down?"

Cal threw a glance at Rose, checking that it was safe to leave her by herself, he really couldn't deal with tears. "I think you are right, I shall join you in a moment." The man nodded, and walked away.

Cal pulled Rose closer, hissing into her ear, "Pull yourself together, fiancé. We must keep appearances up." She shuddered when she said fiancé, and although she tried to hide it, Cal noticed.

"Not having second thoughts, are we?" His voice was dark, heavy and full of unspoken meaning.

Rose's eyes widened and for a moment she considered saying yes. She then realised what the implications of that would be, and shook her head.

Satisfied, Cal proceeded to walk away, following the direction his acquaintance had taken. He didn't look back.

Rose watched his retreating back disappear into the throng of bodies, before heading for the bathroom.

Another beautiful, glamorous, overly-expensive room. She barely glanced at anyone en route, avoiding eye-contact. Many a time, someone attempted to congratulate her, but she warned them off by a grimace, and a quick step.

Eventually, she reached her chosen destination. Barely had the door had time to shut, before she broke down.

The walls she had build in the past few weeks, had crumbled, in a matter of minutes. She had given into Cal. She had just made everything Jack had taught her meaningless.

Rose may have been surrounded by a countless number of people, many more than she was accustomed to.

But never had she felt so alone.