The Proposal

Chace said he'll come around ten. I craned my neck to look at the clock hanging on the wall in the lounge room, it's 8:05. Plenty of time to get ready, I thought to myself as I stood up from the stool I was sitting on by the kitchen counter. I took my plate with me and immediately washed it in the sink.

I decided to wear a short, royal blue, flare dress that hugs my waist tightly and hangs a few inches above my knees. I then paired it with a black stiletto heeled, ankle strap sandals. I put a simple make up on, got my hair up in a high, loose ponytail and curled my hair for additional volume. Put on a thin, dainty gold necklace with a small heart pendant coupled with a small heart stud earrings. I then finished the look with a small, black shoulder bag with gold chain strap.

I looked at myself in the mirror to give my ensemble a final check. "Ok, I think I'm good to go!" I told myself.

As if on cue, I heard my doorbell ring. I opened the door and saw a guy probably in his 40s, wearing black suit and tie. He greeted me with a smile then said, " Good morning, Ms. Curtis. I'm Trevor Atkins, Mr. Levesque's personal driver. I'll be taking you today to Mrs. Levesque's estate."

"Good morning, Trevor.Thank you for taking the time to drive me to Nan's today." I greeted him back with a smile.

We went downstairs and headed to the parking lot. There, a very luxurious Bentley car was waiting. Trevor opened the car door for me.

"Thank you." I said acknowledging him.

I peeked inside and was about to step in when I saw Chace was inside.

"Oh!"I exclaimed. I thought he changed his mind about going to my place and just asked Trevor to get me.

"Good morning,Samantha." he said as he peeled his attention away from the newspaper he's reading to look my way.

"Good morning!" I greeted back trying to hide my surprise as I stepped in.

He's wearing a button down shirt with two buttons unfastened revealing a peek of his chest. He's sitting crossed legs showing the outline of his toned muscles under his black slacks. This guy is sexy.

If only we'll marry under normal circumstances, I'll consider myself very lucky. I sighed to myself as I looked outside the window making sure to maintain the distance between us.

Trevor then started the car and we drove all the way there in silence. Chace seems to be comfortable with it as he was casually reading his paper while I occasionally check on my phone and try to look somewhere else other than him.

We finally reached Nan's place and Robert, the butler welcomed us and led us straight to the garden. There, Nan was sitting under the gazebo and on the table spreads all these scrumptious food of sandwiches, omelette, sweets, coffee, and tea.

As we approached, Nan turned to us and greeted us with a soft smile. I can see that she lost a bit of weight. I came closer first and greeted her with a hug. She then cupped my face with both her hands and looked at me with sad eyes. Chace followed close and put his arm over Nan's shoulder enclosing her in a hug.

"Let's sit." Nan said gently.

"How are you, Nan?" I asked while reaching for her hands resting on her lap.

She just gently tapped my hands back in reply.

"Lovely day today. It's good to see you outside." Chace started the conversation.

"Well Robert here prodded me to go out." Nan said half frowning.

"It really is a nice day today. It's worth seeing the flowers that are already in full bloom." Robert said smiling while pouring drinks in our cups.

"So... what brought you lovely people here?" Nan asked.

"Well, we just want to say the we love you and we appreciate you looking after all of us... And after some great thought, we decided to give it a try." Chace said.

Nan opened her mouth in surprise and full glee. She looked at me as if asking if it's true.

Well, the first part I agree wholeheartedly. I can't say the same for the second part.

I smiled and nodded at Nan in reply. Seeing her so happy makes me guilty. I'm not playing innocent here, I accepted the money. But I wish things were different and we're not in this type of situation.

"We'll try to have everything settled by the end of the month." Chace said.

"Do what you need to do. If you need help of any kind, you know I'm just here." Nan said tearfully with joy.

"Also,we would like to keep the wedding intimate. Just among us and a couple of close friends." he continued.

Nan was quiet for a few seconds then started speaking again. " Well I thought it'll be impossible for you to change your mind. If you want a small celebration, then so be it. I don't want you changing your mind again for something as insignificant as that."

We spent a few more hours at Nan's before deciding to go.

" We're going now. We'll see you again some time next week to give you details about the preparation." Chace said.

"Please take care of your health, Nan. Love you." I said while giving her a tight hug.

"Love you too." She said while rubbing my shoulder.

"And you. Even though you give me headaches." She turned to Chace and gave him a hug as well.

Chace laughed gently while returning the hug.

It's the first time I've seen him laugh. It looks better on him rather than that serious face he always sports.

I really can't blame Nan. As outdated as arranged marriages can be, I know she means well.

We drove back to my place and this time, Chace personally walked me to my apartment.

" Do you want anything? Perhaps a dri.." I turned towards him and saw him lift his hand holding a blue box.

He walked a bit more towards me and opened it. Then it revealed a big heart-shaped diamond ring with smaller diamonds around the ring itself. He took it out and placed it on my ring finger. It fits perfectly. How did he know my size?

"The wedding planner will see us tomorrow. So don't hesitate to tell her any preference or requests you have." Chace said looking at me.

"Okay." was all I managed to say.

He then leaned towards the table and placed the box there.

" Well then, I'll see you tomorrow." he said opening the door.

"See you tomorrow." I replied back walking after him.

I closed the door after he left and looked at my left hand where he put the ring on. It's very beautiful. Such a shame I can't enjoy it because none of this is real. I continued looking at it until my vision got blurry..