And life goes on...

Chapter 7

I was picked up in an old Mercedes the next day. He took me to Roche’s. It was the top class restaurant in the whole city. It had branches all over the country. He must have paid a fortune for it. I was being self-conscious since I was wearing a simple knee length white top and my brown hair fell in a simple waterfall braid. He noticed my uneasiness and stretched his arm around my shoulders. It felt very nice and tingly at the same time. The dinner was served in the private section of the restaurant with a patio.

“You shouldn’t have spent that much.” I told him.

“Trust me, I didn’t spend a dime.” He said confidently.

"Oh yeah? Is that because you're the owner of the restaurant or the president of America?" I passed a comment. He shot a look at me and said,

"It's because I am awesome." We laughed and joked around during the dinner.

“Eva! About you said before. I have been meaning to tell you something. Please don’t freak out by that.” He said seriously.

“As long as you’re not gay or married, I’m okay with it.” I smiled.

“My full name is Alexander Roche. The Roche restaurants, they sort of belong to my parents. Since I disagreed to marry someone they wanted me to, I left them and they disowned me. That’s why I have to do a lot of jobs to pay my college fee.” There he was joking again.

"And I am the president of the United States." I claimed sarcastically. His seriousness didn't change. Niether did he disconnect his gaze from mine. At first I thought I was joking. I looked at him suspiciously.

"I wasn't kidding when I said that I didn't pay a dime. The manager knows who I am. I'm not kidding, Eva." My mind started spinning.

“You’re... you're... the Alexander Roche?” I asked in surprise.

“Yes but since my parents disowned me, I’m only Alexander to you. I kept it a secret because then people start to treat me differently.” He said sadly. My stomach dropped at his frown. I knew I had to cheer him up.

“Oh, I don’t know, I can’t be with you if you don’t own any money.” I winked to lighten his mood. 

“Aren’t you mad at me?” Alex asked. I shrugged. Oh, I was mad alright. I didn't show it to him because then he would have a frown on his pretty face. Then I realized that I was stunned more than I was mad.

“Should I be? I’m happy that you finally trusted me for your huge secret.” I said choosing the words wisely. He curiously looked at me.

“Okay, one more thing.” He said smiling mischievously.

“You’re not gay, right? Or married?” I asked with fake concern.

“Nope. Straight as an arrow and not committed at all.” He said.

“Then shoot.” I said. He bent his knee before me, took out a box and said,

“My dear Evangeline! I don’t know how but I... I have fallen for you – badly. Your musical laugh gives color to my life. Seeing you makes my day brighter than the sun and I think if any girl would be perfect for me, it would be you. Though I can't say the same about myself. I have been begging myself to be a gentleman around you and I can’t handle not pressing my lips to yours. I want to take all your sorrows away and fill your life with wonder. Would you consider me good enough to marry?” I felt tears pouring down my cheeks. I never thought I would make so far. I never knew someone would want to marry me. Hell! I didn't even think someone would fall for a person who wasn't even loved by her parents. I felt the tears burning my cheeks. I bent down to his level and said,