Eight

Taking in my scenery as I got down from the car. I noticed how magnificent this place is in real life. Al Pacino restaurant. This is the type of restaurant only known to be dined by the biggest people, celebrities and famous people and to say I don't feel underdressed would be an understatement.

Sighing, I looked up and caught Alex's gaze on me and I saw a bit of curiosity and amusement in his eyes but it went as quickly as it came and was now replaced with his usual cold stance.

"Well the show starts now so give me your hand." he says and I comply falling in step as we enter the building. It was a beautiful sight, in fact, it was so beautiful that I had to control myself from dropping my jaw.

Then a waiter came and asked for a reservation so he mentioned his name and we were taken to a private area.

Alex pulled out a chair for me and asked me if I was okay but all I did was give him a small smile and nod. Damn is he a good actor.

After the waitress left, he changed back to his cold demeanor. Trying to start small talks. I asked, "So how many months is this thing going to last for?" And he replied curtly "3years"

What the hell?

"Uh excuse me, three years is too much for me. Why would I stay with you for three years? This is unbelievable" saying more to myself.

"Look, you're not the only one who doesn't like this decision but I suggest you keep quiet and smile a bit more for the paparazzi outside," he says shutting me up and with that, I look outside and he was correct. I'm used to them anyway so I just do what I do best. Fake smile.

We ate dinner in an uncomfortable silence because neither of us tried to bring up any sort of conversation. Getting fed up I said "If you really don't want to at least talk to me just propose on time, I don't think I can last here any longer"

"You are not the only one that doesn't want to be here. I for one need to be somewhere else but I'm here stuck with you. So please shut up and let me do my thing." pure irritation clouding his voice.

Oh, God. I can't handle him for a simple dinner, how am I supposed to be engaged to him for three years.

"You really complain a lot for your age. You'll grow uglier" I smirked triumphantly.

Ignoring me he looked onward as he got back into action. Some paparazzi still outside trying to get few shots when Alex bent on one knee and said like a perfectly written script he brought a perfectly sculpted diamond ring and said, "Lorraine Stuart, would you do me the honors of being my wife and life partner?"

Gee, that was the worst proposal I have ever seen.

Getting into my action mode, I acted surprised so much that I even let a tear fall from my eyes as I said "yes". He put the ring on and I did the most obvious thing I hugged his rigid body taking him by surprise, I mean what was he expecting?. But, damn does he smell nice. I also turned him to peck him because I am never going to kiss him.

Soon after, the paparazzi filled the whole place such that it was a struggle coming out but we did. Eventually.

Staring out of the car as we drove off I kept thinking how wonderful I acted. I mean I am so proud of me. Turning to face Alex, I said “You know you could have just hugged me back. You're so unbelievable gosh"

"Shut up you're pissing me off. For God's sake, I'm just trying to tolerate you, woman. Not everyone is as perfect as you are. I'm just trying to please my dearest father here so please Shut up okay?" he literally shouted and I lose my shit

"Don't you ever in your life call me perfect, I am not close to perfect. Not everyone is a shithole like you. Not everyone is so inconsiderate like you and next time you want to pick on somebody because of your low self-esteem, Pick another person. Goodbye". Seeing it as a good opportunity to leave the car due to the traffic light, I climb out and storm off in anger.

How dare he call me perfect, what the fuck is his problem. In fact what the fuck is my problem?. I just can't believe he let me walk home. Is this what I have to endure for three years?

I just kept on walking and luckily for me, I was close to my apartment building.

God, I just miss Leon. The one person I need, the one person that was capable of calming me down isn't here and I can't do anything about it.

It was until I got to the elevator of our building did I notice that I was crying. Quickly wiping my tears, I fake smiled to myself and entered the house.

"And Marie is the best hook up I've had in weeks" I heard Carter say before I shut the door behind me. So not what I wished to hear.

Hearing the door shut, all three of them looked up as I met their curious stares and almost immediately they said.

"How was it?"

"You know um well- " stuttering, trying to find words as I see them giving me a look.

"It was terrible. I hate him" I finally heaved out. Then I showed them the hand containing my so-called engagement ring and they all gushed like fools and ran to examine it, yes most especially Carter. He stays around ladies too much.

Noticing my rigid stance, they turned serious.

"Are you okay? do I need to commit murder?" Brooke said

"Yes I am and no. All I need is ice cream and a book to help me calm my nerves” I say walking towards my room.

"Weirdo" Melia mumbles shaking her head.

"You know I can tell you about my hook up two nights ago. Best hook up ever-" he exaggerates as we interrupt him saying "No we do not want to hear about your hookups"

God do I love my friends so much!