~Beauty is Vain~

The Proposal

A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones. Proverbs 12:4

I looked down to see a velvety white box...no not that kind of box, this box was far from a proposal of love, but a proposal of...disgust in my eyes, this was equal to a handshake in a sinister business deal than a vow in front of family and friends. There inside laid the most vile thing ever! He had the nerve to show me a disgustingly oval shaped vast diamond ring. I glared at him. I don't know what he thinks I'm supposed to do, cry with tears of happiness or fall in to his arms adoringly?

uh....no.

He analyzed my terrified facial expression and laughed.

"Oh, no...it's not like that- I'd never do that...no, it's a metaphor." he explained, trying to keep himself from falling over laughing. I rolled my eyes. "So, what does it really mean, literally, because it looks like you're trying to propose to me, make me Mrs. Lambert?" I asked questioningly, staring at the vast ring.

He laughed. "Okay, I admit...it's a fake proposal...look at it as you agreeing to a business deal." A business deal? "What business are you asking me to participate in?" I asked curiously.

He smiled brightly, showing all his teeth. He sat back in his chair and placed the box on the table. "Well, I am involved in a very secret business, and I am not going to divulge any information until I know you have agreed to accept my proposal of helping me in my endeavor." he stated.

I rolled my eyes, how did I always get caught up in the wrong crowd? " "What do you need me for, what role would I play?" I asked, crossing my arms in front of my chest.

He smiled while standing up and leaning against the wall. "I knew you would be the perfect girl, because you're not weak, you are a strong and very smart girl, who knows how to keep secrets, because you have some of your own...as for your role, well...it would be as my companion; hint the ring, but not as you think, just for a limited time to help me keep my cover." he said strictly.

As I looked up at him and noticed his stance and listened to his rugged tone, it amazed me how in seconds he turned from a boy into a man.

I looked up at his face, pondering over what he said. Why would I want to be a fake wife to him? Ew, I mean he isn't as horrible as Gary, but still...

"Why should I accept to be your fake wife...I don't even like you, let alone want to be married to you, what will you do if I denied?" I asked seriously. He gave me half a smile. He then sat back down in front of me. "Well, Nichole...I know you want to get rid of your scandalous past that could damage many relationships, we can do that for you; plus I know you want to get back in contact with your dad without your stepmother budding in your relationship, and we can make that happen as well, but if you choose to say no, then I will have to spread the news of your infamous secrets as a dancer-"

I couldn't bear to hear anymore of his bribing garbage. "Why me? Why make my life even more complicated?" I said standing up. He just looked at me not moved by my outburst. "Well, because you have what I'm looking for, if you do choose to accept then you will benefit as well, I'll give you till tomorrow to decide, but you must keep the ring." he stated. I rolled my eyes, grabbing my books and all. "I don't want it, you can keep the stupid ring, because I'm not-" I wasn't able to finish my sentence as he grabbed my arms and pulled me in to him forcibly, making all the books I had in my arms fall onto the floor.

He stared into my eyes with annoyance and said nothing, and what scared me most was that he wasn't even laughing or smiling like he normally did. He looked as if he was really focused on something, as if he was trying to figure me out, but didn't get to for long because I broke out of the short trance and pushed away from him, and slapped him hard across his face for grabbing me like that.