6 - Surprise, Surprise

Rose's POV

Eugene took me to the seat next to Papa and drew the chair out, indicating I may be seated.

"Je vous remercie, Eugene."

"Don't mention it."

He gives me a forced smile before he walks to the seat opposite me. I know he is only putting on a show for his parents, but who am I kidding? I'm also putting on a show for my parents.

It didn't take long for everyone to be seated. As soon as everyone was at the table, the waitresses started serving the starters. I could see the waitresses eyeing Eugene, but he didn't look at them even if they wanted him to. Well, it was nothing less than what I expected it from the cold heir. I rolled my eyes in a small manner before I started to eat my starter. The starters were Smokey salmon tartare with lemon and capers. Honestly, it's one of my favourite dishes. Papa always knew I like seafood very much. I've always eaten seafood at least four times a week. It was good for my figure, and it's also good for my health. I still eat it, but not as much as I used to.

As I finished my dish, Melissa, who sat next to me, tapped my shoulder lightly. I took the last bite I had, wiped my mouth clean with the serviette placed next to my plate and looked at Melissa. Her eyes gleamed with mischieve, and I could instantly tell that she either had a big secret to spill, or she wanted to know something horrid. Oh, boy.

"Rose?"

"Yes, Melissa?"

"How did you get my brother to be so gentle with you? What did you do? Kiss him?"

I almost spit out the wine I was drinking, but I managed to refrain from doing it.

"Excuse me?"

Melissa almost started to laugh because of my confusion and disturbance. How could she think something like that? She knows very well that I don't like him at all.

"Relax, Rose. I was only joking. I know you don't like him, but I couldn't help but ask because he seems so at ease with everything right now."

I look at Eugene in front of me. He does look like he is at ease with everything, but I know it is only a facade he is using in front of his family to make them feel at ease. I have to say I'm amazed that he isn't an actor. He is very good at it. I didn't quite know I was awkwardly staring in his direction before he stopped talking to his father seated next to him. As soon as I saw him turning his head back in my direction, I took my glass of wine and took a few sips to look more natural in the state I found myself in. He luckily didn't notice anything strange about my behaviour, and that made me feel relieved. Gosh, that would have made things even more embarrassing if I didn't react at all.

After my almost embarrassing situation, the waitresses came and took away our starters and brought out the main dishes. Crab-Stuffed Lobster Tail. Yes, I know it is a lot of seafood, but at least we are eating healthy. The restaurants' seafood menu is the best of the best. Some of the world's most famous gourmet chefs work at this restaurant. I wait until everyone has received their plates before I start eating mine.

With small talk here and there, the main course slips away quickly, and desserts were next. A Mixed Berry Pavlova is the best dessert to end the evening. It has little sugar, and it is sort of healthy with all the mixed berries it has, yet, still satisfies my taste buds with its delicate taste.

Melissa and I talk about her life in Miami and that I should come and visit her some time to introduce me to all her friends. I think it is a splendid idea. Not because I want to see Eugene, but because I have never been to Miami and would like to go there some other time. Melissa also told me it was her first time in Paris and that she would love to meet all my friends. I don't see why not. I think it would be great if Melissa could become part of my friendship circle. She is much like me, and we get along well. Suddenly I get a grand idea. I watch Melissa with mischieve in my eyes, and she was curious as to what I was going to tell her next.

"Melissa, what type of boy do you have in mind?"

Melissa looks confused for a moment but answers anyway.

"Well, to be honest, the type of boy I like is quite simple. He must be friendly, well mannered, funny, caring, gentle and must at least have a little bit of fashion sense."

OH MY GOSH! That is like the exact description of Logan. It's going to be interesting if I introduce the two of them to each other.

I gave a sinister smile towards Melissa, but before I could give her an answer to what I was thinking of doing, Papa got everyone's attention to make a toast.

"I would like to thank my dear friend, Alistair Wright, for offering to help me with my new business plan for this year. Alistair, I wouldn't be able to get this far if it wasn't for your support through all the years. Thank you."

We all applaud, and Papa remains standing. He thanked everyone for the applause, and as we settled down, Alistair also stood up next to Papa. They talk silently about something before they both agree and turn to us. Mama also stands up and goes towards Papa, and so does Eugene's mother. OK, what is going on here?

As soon as our parents were at the front of the table overlooking me, Eugene and Melissa, Papa started to speak.

"With everything in agreement here at the dinner, we would like to announce, as part of the business deal to keep this business partnership flowing in our families, the engagement between my dear daughter, Rose, and Eugene Wright. Congratulations!"

Wait, WHAT!

Melissa looks at me in a way where I can't comprehend if she's happy, confused or feels sorry for me. I looked at Eugene, who looked just as shock as I did, but I could catch a glimpse of anger in his eyes about everything. I look back at Mama and Papa, who looks ecstatic about the new deal between the two families.

Papa, what have you done? How could you sell me out like that? Do my feelings mean nothing to you?

All these emotions came souring through me, and I could barely restrain myself from breaking down in front of everyone. Why does it have to be this way? Why does it have to be him?

I stood up from the table and saw Mama and Papa looking at me with confusion.

"Excuse me."

I take one last glimpse at my parents before I rush out of the restaurant and climb into one of the limos which brought us here.

"The Villa," was all I could manage to say before the tears started streaming down. As the limo pulled away, I could see Mama rushing out with hurt written on her face. I disappointed them this time. I'm sorry. I'm so very sorry.