[Hiatus] Flower Shop

Proposal

"Mr.Vaji, the Rose Family will arrive soon. Would you like to eat lunch before they arrive?" A maid announced from behind the door.

I had almost forgotten about Cecilia, after meeting Aurelio.

"Yes, I will eat lunch, please bring the food to my room." I informed the maid. The maid didn't respond but I could hear her walk away.

Good, eat in your room. They don't need to see your pitiful face while they're eating.

I went to freshen up in the bathroom, my father would be on my back if I were to look unsightly. My expression turned grim at the thought. I wish I could stop caring about what he thinks, but it's almost second nature to me now. Looking for his compliments, his approval. I wish I didn't actively seek something I couldn't get.

There was a knock on the door, "Mr.Vaji, your lunch has arrived." The maid told me. I left the bathroom to retrieve my lunch, it was something always simple. A salad with bits of chicken scattered throughout. It allowed me to have a good appearance but never enough energy. Nonetheless, energy is still energy, I'll continue to eat the food that is provided. One day I'll leave this hell.

The thought of leaving, always put a smile on my face. Leaving this place, leaving my name, leaving my status and starting over. If only wishes can be granted so easily.

Another knock was heard on my door, right after I finished my lunch. "The Rose family has arrived, please make your way to the waiting room Mr.Vaji." Another maid announced. "Alright." I said, but I still doubted that she stayed long enough to hear.

Attention seeker.

I made my way to the waiting room, and had encountered Bella along the way. I gave her a smile out of politeness, and she returned it.

When I first heard my father was getting another wife, I was afraid Bella would be like all the stepmothers in the fairytales I used to read. But I'm glad she isn't. She and her kids were the only few people that showed me warmth in this house. I am grateful for their presence in this house.

"Ah, I see you were helping Bella. I had thought you were lazing about." My father sarcastically said. Everyone else in the room gave a nervous laughter, but didn't say anything else. I didn't bother countering him, instead I just went to sit beside Cecilia.

I looked over to Cecilia, whom hadn't said anything at all. I know that we weren't the best of friends, but we did have a working relationship.

"Alright, since we are all here, let's talk about the wedding date." My father announced. Then the talk between adults started, and as usual both Cecilia stayed quiet. We are nothing but products of a contract, and this marriage wasn't any different. My mother fell hopelessly in love with my father, and gave everything to him after she died. Cecilia's parents were also from an arranged marriage that pursue wealth. And now Cecilia and I were in the same boat.

"Oh, why not let Castiel show the wedding ring to Cecilia. He went out last week to find the perfect ring for her." My father said, while redirecting everyone's attention to me. I nodded, pulled out the ring box from my pocket, and hand it to Cecilia. She was hesitant to open it, but when she finally did, I could tell she was surprised.

She must've expected a princess cut diamond, but instead I got her a marquise cut emerald.

"Look at the emerald, it matches Cecilia's eyes perfectly." Her mother fawned over the ring. "I wasn't sure if Cecilia liked the emerald ring, so I didn't get a jewelry set to match yet." I told her parents embarrassingly. They shrugged it off and said that there was no way Cecilia wouldn't like the gift. I looked over at Cecilia, who was still quiet.

"Oh, Cecilia also got you something, but she didn't show us. So it will be a surprise for all of us." Her father spoke up. Cecilia got me a gift? "Cecilia, why don't you show the gift to your future husband? No need to be shy." Her mother coaxed her.

Cecilia nodded, and went to grabbed something from her bag. "Ah, I'm so sorry, I don't know why Cecilia is unusually quiet, she's been like this since yesterday." Her mother rambled. Cecilia, quiet? Is she okay, I should talk to her after this meeting is over.

.

.

.

Why does my stomach feel wet? I look down to see a knife had been stabbed right there. I looked to who was holding the knife. An elegant hand, with the emerald ring on her finger. "Cecilia?" Was all I could utter from the shock.

As the pain started to spread all over my body, there were voices, talking all over each other. "I'm sorry!" A voice screamed in the distance. My vision was fading, but I knew it was Cecilia who said it. As I saw her get apprehended by the family's guard, I couldn't help but feel at peace.

I closed my eyes, and the darkness consumed me. The only warmth I could feel was from my own pool of blood.

It seems that this was my exit ticket to escape this hell.

Thank you, Cecilia.

word count: 900