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Roleplaying < Virtual Popstar

Arranged Marriage [Private RP]

Everlastinglove
National star

everlastinglove wrote:
"Woot woot!" Ayah shrieked. She was definitely tipsy! She stood up from her chair and felt all the effects of the alcohol hitting her. Ayah was thankful that he'd suggested a walk because that allowed her to get away from the alcohol. She knew she probably would've kept drinking if they would have continued to sit there and chat. After finding out that she'd have her own room, she felt much better about the situation. "A walk sounds nice." She followed behind Alexander. She tried her best to keep up with his pace but she was distracted by all of the beautiful pieces of art. Their home looked had so many expensive looking pieces of art that it resembled a museum. Ayah stopped once she spotted a picture on the wall of Alexander as a toddler. She giggled a bit, he still had the same babyface. "Nice picture. You still look the same." She couldn't help but wonder if they were required to have kids. Sure, she wanted children in the future but she didn't know how she felt about having them with him yet.

Charles looked into her eyes before taking a deep breath, "Well, pack your bags. We can go wherever you want." He was serious. He would love to travel with her, it would make things a lot easier between the two if they were able to bond over certain things. Charles hoped that he was not scaring her with his offer. He totally understood that it was a little early on to start planning trips together but he was still open to it. Her question caught Charles a little off guard so it took a few seconds for him to gather his thoughts. "Honestly, at first, I was upset about the entire situation. I don't believe that anyone's right to finding love should be taken away. But seeing that we didn't really have a choice, I'm choosing to try to embrace it. I would like to try things out. If it works, then it works. If it doesn't, it doesn't." He said honestly. Charles wasn't the type to stay mad about things for very long. Instead of getting upset he'd always find solutions to try to make a situation better.

InAllRetrospect
National star

InAllRetrospect wrote:
Alex tried to stifle a laugh at her outburst but it still escaped his lips, "You okay?" he asked her, a slight smile forming on his lips. The alcohol had loosened both of them up and it had seemed to do the trick to get the conversation flowing. He smiled when she agreed to a walk, he figured the fresh air would help clear his head a little because he didn't want to embarrass himself on the important day. He started to walk, allowing her to walk beside him. But he realised her pace was slowing slightly as she looked at all the paintings on the walls. They were everywhere in his parents but mixed within them there were baby photos too. He laughed as she spotted one on the wall of him a toddler in some frilly shorts which looked ridiculous. "Yeah and I still have those shorts," he joked back to her as they kept walking towards the back entrance. The idea of kids frightened him a little, he still felt too young. But he knew it was bound to happen one day. He opened the back door, revealing a large patio and beyond that the large gardens they owned. "So this is the back yard," he said, not being able to hold in his cringe jokes anymore. It was who he was, he couldn't help it. They slipped out when he was least expecting it.

Carmen blinked, looking at him for a minute to see if he would crack a smile and claim he was kidding. But he was staring intently into her eyes and he seemed to genuinely mean it. "Uh, I'd have to figure out where we were gonna go first," she said to him with a laugh. It was crazy to her that they could just pack a bag whenever and jet off to anywhere they wanted. It was something she just couldn't fathom. She watched as he composed himself a little before answering her next question and she realised she might've been a little blunt asking it, but she wanted to see how he really felt, away from the watchful eye of his parents. He had a positive outlook on life and that was something Carmen tried to have too. But she felt it quite difficult when everything she knew was being ripped away from her and she was having to go stay with someone she barely knew. "I'm just afraid of the unknown I think," she admitted to him quietly, looking down at the bar as she bit on her lip gently. She was debating on how much to tell him but she figured she might as well considering the marriage was going ahead regardless. "I don't want to lose who I am amongst everything if you get me? I don't want to have to give up the things that matter to me the most, like my job or my independence."

Everlastinglove
National star

everlastinglove wrote:
Ayah died of laughter. She was starting to appreciate his sense of humor. She figured that she'd need to laugh as much as possible during these inevitable times. Ayah's heart skipped a beat when she finally took in her surroundings. The garden was like a botanical wonderland. Behind the deck, there was a brick trail that was surrounded by the most vibrant flowers. The garden had scarlet, red roses that were paired with daises and baby breath flowers. Amongst the roses, there was also a hint of sunflowers. Ayah appreciated the well landscaped garden could see herself taking pictures there. The aisle would eventually divide into two separate pathways. Ayah couldn't see where the paths lead to from where she was standing, but she knew she could get lost back there if she really tried to. After what seemed like forever, Ayah finally spoke, "Wow. I can't believe this is your garden." She was amazed by scenery. She had always imagined her wedding being in an enchanting garden like this one.

Charles was serious about them traveling soon. He had needed a vacation with all the madness that his parents were trying to put him through regarding work and the arranged marriage. He figured he'd drop it for a while but he definitely planned to bring it up the next time he and Carmen met. Charles was intrigued by her mindset. He appreciated that she wanted to do her own thing and not just be known as someone's wife. He would never want her to lose herself in the midst of everything that they were being forced to endure. "I can definitely understand that." Charles cleared his throat a little before continuing to speak. "I don't want you to have to give up anything. I'm not going to be some controlling guy that wants to keep his mate on a leash. I respect your path and I'm going to always be supportive of it." Charles wanted her to know that he would always be in her corner, and that he would not force her into becoming something that she did not want to be.

InAllRetrospect
National star

InAllRetrospect wrote:
Alexander walked out with her to the railings and he leaned against them as he allowed her to take in the scenery. The gardens were somewhere he liked to come to clear his head. It was beautiful and peaceful. He allowed himself to glance over at her as she looked around. Her dark hair was pushed over her bare shoulders and there was a small smile playing on her lips. A smile that was infectious and he found himself attempting to hold in his own since he didn't want to seem weird. But she truly was a beautiful girl. There was a little attitude there and she had a tough exterior but he had all the time in the world to crack it. He looked back at the gardens as he took in a deep breath of fresh air. She looked like she'd never seen anything like it before and he had to admit, if there was one place in this house that he really liked it was out here. "Sometimes I can't either," he admitted with a smile. He opened the gate and started to walk down the steps, wanting to venture further into the gardens on the gravel path. "So, tell me about yourself Ayah," he said, internally cringing because it sounded like a typical first date question. But they were here to get to know each other after all.

Carmen felt like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders as she heard his words. The more he spoke, the more she thought that this marriage wouldn't be too bad after all. Even if they didn't fall in love with one another, she could definitely see herself having a platonic relationship. She smiled at him warmly, "Maybe marriage won't be so bad then?" she said to him wryly. From what she had seen of his personality, she really liked the type of person he was. Understanding, caring and supportive. Three things that she found important in someone so it made her feel good. A moment later there was a knock on the door and she looked over her shoulder to see one of the butlers standing in the doorway. "Sorry to interrupt but your parents are requesting your attendance in the dining hall Charles," he told him. Carmen stood up, straightening her dress out a little as the nerves came flooding back. Maybe it was the fact that her parents expected so much or her or maybe it was the fact she was terrified of his parents. Either way, her stomach was in knots again. "I guess we're being summoned," she said with a nervous laugh, letting him walk first because she didn't know where she was going.

Everlastinglove
National star

everlastinglove wrote:
It was evident by looking into Ayah's eyes that she was still amazed. Her eyes glittered at every flower they encountered. Ayah noticed Alexander's stare but she was so engulfed with her thoughts that she decided to ignore him for a few seconds. She found herself walking a little faster than he was and decided to spin around as if she was in a movie. She opened her eyes mid-spin and let out a giggle. She abruptly stopped once she heard Alex's voice. For a small second, she had forgotten that he was there. "Hmm... Ayah likes to cook.... and shop." She giggled as she referred to herself in third person. She hoped that Alex caught on that she was joking and not some narcissistic diva. She stopped walking for a moment, still trying to put into words what else she liked to do but she found herself stuck. She had been in a rut recently because she was beginning to realize that she didn't know who she was. Her lack of self discovery had made this arranged marriage situation a lot harder because she didn't want to lose anymore of herself by becoming someone's wife. "How about you, Mr. Alexander?" She said playfully.

Charles looked up at the butler and sighed, "Thanks, Walter." He didn't understand why his parents felt the need to chaperone every part of this process. It was already bad enough that he had to endure it anyway. He forced a smile as he stood up. "I guess we need supervision to make sure we're being well behaved, huh?" Charles tried to crack a joke to distract the way he really felt. He didn't want Carmen to think that he had a temper, he just couldn't stand how controlling his parents were trying to be. Charles began to lead Carmen throughout the house until they made it to the dinning room. When he saw their parents, he sensed that they wanted an update, which he believed was fairly inappropriate. "Yes, mother?" Charles said once he made eye contact with her.

Anya smiled at her son, trying to remind him that they were in front of company. She could sense that he was upset but she hoped everyone else couldn't. She didn't want Charles to ruin this opportunity for the family. "Honey, we were all thinking that since the two of you are acquainted now, that we could sit and have dinner as a family." Charles blood began to boil. They didn't even know each other for longer than two hours, and their parents already wanted to intervene. He didn't understand the need for adult supervision. Charles faked a smile, and simply nodded. He knew that this meant that both parents were going to be asking them personal questions that they might have not been prepared for. Charles father, Charles Sr, grinned at the couple, "Shall we all sit?" Charles nodded and pulled out Carmen's chair for her. Once they were seated, one of their chefs came out and gave everyone a menu. Charles hated how formal his family could be in situations like this and hoped that it wasn't too overwhelming for Carmen.

InAllRetrospect
National star

InAllRetrospect wrote:
Alex couldn't help but to smile at her as she spun around in a circle, obviously in her own little world in this garden. It did have that kind of effect on others where it felt like you were in a different world out here. He could pretend that he didn't come from a stuck up family with too much money. He could pretend he was normal for just a little while. He walked behind her slowly, listening to her as she spoke about herself in the third person and he laughed along with her. The alcohol was definitely hitting her and he was liking what he saw. She was opening up and talking to him a lot more than previously which was good. That had been his fear - the girl he was betrothed to would have very little to say or was shy and timid. Alex was the complete opposite of that, always feeling the need to fill the room with his personality. "Alex likes to travel," he said before laughing at how stupid he sounded talking about himself in the third person. "But no I do have my pilots licence and I have managed a few trips without crashing ... you should let me take you out sometime, if you trust me enough," he said to her with a laugh. He continued walking with her before they got the fountain that was in the middle of the gardens. It was a beautiful, majestic fountain and if he'd had the chance of proposing himself then he'd have probably chosen to do it here. Although perhaps he still could .. although he wasn't even sure if there would be any need for a proposal.

Carmen gave a half-smile at his joke as she followed him through, thanking him as he pulled the chair out for her. He was a carbon copy of his father, they looked so alike it was scary except his father had a lot more grey hair than Charles. Although she could sense he was mad, he still had the decency to be a gentleman. A moment later they were handed menu's and Carmen let her eyes move over the words, not being able to believe they actually had menu's printed out. Her parents looked incredibly comfortable and she figured it was because they had friends that had this much money, whereas Carmen wasn't used to this at all. She didn't even know what half of the items on the menu were. A waiter came round and filled their glasses with some champagne before they were looking to take orders, "I'll take the poulet aux porto," she said, deciding to choose the item on the menu that seemed the easiest to pronounce. Yet his mother still corrected her which caused Carmen's cheeks to turn a little pink with embarrassment. "So Charles, your parents were telling us you don't actually live in this home," her father started off after they had all ordered the food they wanted. "You own your apartment?" he asked, listing the glass of water to his lips as he took a sip. "I'd assume that once you are married that is where you intend to stay?" he asked him with a raised eyebrow. Carmen kept her hands in her lap as she glanced to her mother who gave her a stern look, causing her to sit up a little straighter. God she felt like she was 12 years old, not 22, this was awful. She'd much rather be back at the bar with Charles having a casual conversation without four pairs of eyes watching them intently.

Everlastinglove
National star

everlastinglove wrote:
Ayah's eyes widened. "Wait, you're a pilot? No way!" She said in disbelief. Alex didn't seem like the type to actually have a career. She thought that he probably just lived off of his parents' money and had a non-profit organization that helped inner city children. Ayah was proud to know that he was ambitious. One of her biggest fears was that he wasn't going to be career-driven. Ayah smiled at his offer even though she felt like it was a little early on to be traveling with him. "I'd like that but I need proof that you actually know how to fly." She said jokingly. She didn't know if she fully trusted him flying but she'd give it a try. Ayah looked at their reflection in the fountain water. We look cute together. She chuckled at her thoughts and looked down at her nails. "I'm starting law school in the fall." She said more so to herself than him. "Hopefully this marriage won't prevent that from happening." She said somberly. She was so afraid that she wouldn't be able to pursue her career as a lawyer. She'd dreamt of becoming one of the best attorneys since she was child.

Charles took a sip of water before answering her father's question. Her father seemed stern and he could sense that Carmen was afraid of him. "Yes sir. I have a penthouse downtown on the gold coast. We'll be living there unless Carmen would like to start the home building journey right away." He looked over at Carmen and gave her a faint smile. Charles thought it would be a good idea to eventually build their own house but he would've liked to stay in his penthouse for another year or so. When the waiter came over to Charles he looked down at menu and sighed. "I'd like the ragu alla napoletana." He didn't want any of the meals that were listed on the menu. He preferred to have something simple like a hamburger but he decided not to be difficult today. Charles noticed that Carmen's mother seemed to be coaching Carmen on what to do and he did not like that. Why cant she just allow her to be herself? He took another sip before his father started to talk. "So Carmen, what are your goals for the next five years? I'm hoping you're as ambitious at Charles." Charles rolled his eyes at his father. He sure knew how to be a snob. Charles made a mental note to apologize to Carmen for his parents' behavior after dinner.

InAllRetrospect
National star

InAllRetrospect wrote:
Alex laughed at her reaction to his career, rubbing the back of his neck a little as he nodded. "Yeah, I was really into it when I was younger and it was always something I wanted to do so I pursued it," he said with a nod of his head before adding, "I do help with my father's business too, some investment on the side." He couldn't fully get away from the family business but he was glad he could at least do something he enjoyed. "So I mostly split my time between those two things. I can be away from home for a week at a time if I have multiple flights though," he said with a slight smile on his face. That was the only downside of the job and he'd probably have to rethink it once they started to have a family. But that was further down the line. "But if hundreds of people trust me, I'm pretty sure you can," he teased her gently with a grin. At the sound of her words, he nodded his head rather impressed by her choice, "Wow, now that's impressive," he said. That was something she'd forgot to mention previously or maybe she'd been holding back about it. "I don't see why it would. It's your life and you get to choose what you do with it. If I can do what I want with mine then I'll make certain you can too," he told her, hoping to reassure her. If that was what she wanted to do then he would fully support her choice because thats what a husband did.

Carmen listened to Charles' answer and gave him a small smile in return, she liked the way he managed to smooth over her father's worries with as little words as possible. It was something she hadn't quite mastered in her life yet but she hoped it would come with time. Her ears perked up at the sound of his fathers voice and she glanced over at him from across the table, giving him a smile, "Maybe not quite as ambitious as Charles, sir," she said with a weak laugh. "I just recently graduated from college and I'm work as a nurse right now so I'm looking to hopefully progress in my career within the next few years. Maybe change departments and move to cardiology, I'm not quite sure yet," she told him with another smile on her face. She opened her mouth to continue speaking but her mother piped up instead causing her to reach for the flute of champagne instead. "Of course, there was the option of becoming a doctor but alas Carmen was not quite as interested in that pathway. Or perhaps she did not have as much concentration as we thought. She did however come out top in her class with the best marks along with so many other extracurricular activities," she said. Others would have thought she was beaming with pride for her daughter but Carmen knew they'd always been disappointed in her career path. Being a nurse was something they frowned upon because it wasn't a high skilled job in their eyes. If only they could see what she had to do day in and day out at the hospital, they'd probably change their opinions. "In the next five years I would expect there to be children too," her mother added, not giving Carmen a chance to even speak. Perhaps this marriage would be a good thing because it would mean she was able to be her own person without the interference or disappointment from her parents.

Everlastinglove
National star

everlastinglove wrote:
Ayah smiled at Alexander. The reassurance he provided was well needed. The last thing she wanted to be is a housewife at this young age. She believed that there was more to life than just being a man's wife. Ayah felt her phone vibrate in her clutch. "Excuse me." She said before answering her phone. It was her mother on the other end of the call. "Ayah, honey, where are you? We're all looking for the two of you. We're in the drawing room." Ayah explained that they were in the garden and would be there shortly. She hung up the phone and looked down at the ground before making eye contact with Alexander, "They would like for us to meet them in your favorite room of the house." She paused for a second, hoping that he'd catch on. When he didn't she giggled a little bit and blurted "The drawing room." She remembered him saying that he did not like to be in there. "Shall you lead the way?" She said, as she turned back in the direction of the huge house. She was upset that they wanted them to come back so early. They had barely made it through the garden. Ayah decided that she would ask Alexander to bring her back out there in the future.

Charles cleared his throat to draw the attention back to him. He was disgusted with her mother's behavior. He was shocked to see her throw Carmen under bus like that. "I think nursing is an excellent occupation and I'm more than confident that she is as ambitious as I am, if not more." It was evident that their behavior was pissing him off. He wanted to scold them more than he had already done but he quickly decided against it. Charles took the flute of champagne and took a sip. He had wished that he had more gin and decided to call for the waiter. He whispered in the waiters ear, ordering a gin and tonic for Carmen and a glass of gin for himself. He didn't care that he was no longer being professional; they were stressing him the hell out and he needed a drink. In the midst of him ordering his drink, he heard his mother's nagging voice. "Charles, please, behave yourself." Charles scoffed and grabbed his phone, checking the time. "I can't wait to have grandchildren either." Anya said after she was finished glaring at Charles.

Charles Sr looked at the two mothers at the table in confusion. He did not understand why they were encouraging them to have children so soon, they had a company to expand. "Well son, I think it's best if you two wait until after all of your company projects are finished, and once I officially hand the company over to you. Theres no need to settle for children right now." Charles looked at his father as if he grew another head. He couldn't stand the demands that they all had and he honestly wanted to yell at them but he contained himself. "Well everyone, I understand your concerns but Carmen and I are fully capable of making our own life decisions. You've all decided enough for us." Charles clinched his jaw and gently grabbed his drink from the waiter. Just in time. Charles took a small sip from his drink and sighed. He knew that he probably had blew it with them but he was honestly so fed up. He didn't want to have to keep playing the good boy. He could see the anger in his parents eyes but he didn't care anymore. He was too grown to spend his life walking on eggshells.

InAllRetrospect
National star

InAllRetrospect wrote:
Alex watched as she answered the phone and he looked away, preoccupying himself with something else because he didn't want to listen in on a phone call. But it turned out they were expecting them in a certain room. He was a little confused by her words until she clarified and he gave a chuckle, "Oh so you think you're funny now huh," he said, nudging her gently with a smile. He began to walk up the steps, making sure he was going at a good pace for her to follow behind him. "You'll see how creepy it is when we get in, I promise you that," he told her with a shake of his head. The drawing room wasn't too far away from the gardens and it took them a few moments before he found both sets of parents lounging on the couches with some champagne in their hands. As they walked in both Alex and Ayah were given a flute of champagne each too.

"Alexander, there you are. We are wondering where you had got to," his mother said as she walked over to guide both of them closer into the room. "We were just discussing, before we move into the dining room for some dinner, about the ring," she told them both. Alex closed his eyes for a brief moment. They'd only just met and they were wanting to flaunt the engagement ring in their faces. Great. "It was the ring that's been passed down many generations of the family," his mother was explaining as she guided Ayah to sit down on the couch next to her mother. Alex stood just behind her, knowing exactly what was come, "Mother, please. Can we not just go eat?" he said to her with raised eyebrows. But she shushed him and pulled the box out, opening it up to reveal the ring. "Well go on, try it on Ayah," she encouraged her with a bright smile.

Carmen heard Charles clear his throat and she was glad he was there to stick up for her because she felt like she didn't have a voice at the best of times round her parents. Then when you added in Anya and his father she felt even smaller. Perhaps being around Charles would encourage her to find her voice and speak her mind, instead of being a timid mouse. Although he was quite a bit older than her so he had more experience in the department. She watched it all unfold as his mother scolded him, he pulled a waiter over and there was a discussion about grandchildren. Hell, Carmen certainly wasn't ready for babies and she was sure Charles wasn't either. A moment later a waiter came over and handed Charles a glass and put one in front of Carmen too. Gin and tonic, this was a piece of her compared to the champagne. She thanked the waiter and reached under the table to find Charles' hand, giving it a slight squeeze to say 'thank you'. Not just for the drink but also for speaking up for the both of them since she couldn't find her voice.

Lily, Carmen's mother, cleared her throat a little after all that had passed and spoke up, "Well evidently, whenever the time comes we will all look forward to having grandchildren," she beamed, ignoring the glares from Charles and the look Carmen was giving her. "So Charles, you work with your father. What else do you do with your time?" she asked him directly. Carmen had to give it to her mother, she wasn't put off by that big argument previous nor from the anger that she could see in Charles' eyes. Carmen wasn't surprised he had some problems with anger especially with his family. His mother and father seemed to have conflicting opinions on things and he was stuck in the middle trying to make his own decisions. Thankfully the food came out at the moment too and a plate was placed in front of Carmen. It looked nice but she was pretty sure that she had no idea what it was. She gave Charles a side glance, wishing she'd ordered the same as him because pasta was always a safe option, "I'm not sure what I ordered if I'm honest," she said to him quietly with a little laugh.

Everlastinglove
National star

everlastinglove wrote:
Ayah's eyes widened when she laid eyes on the ring. She'd never seen something so beautiful, nor did she imagine getting a ring this fancy and ostentatious. It was a huge, old fashioned, princess cut diamond ring. There were diamonds glistening down the sides of the band as well. Ayah knew the ring had to be worth a fortune. Ayah gently took the ring out of its box and placed it on her left ring finger. Miraculously, it fit her like a glove. She then held out her hand, showing them the ring. "Oh my, It's beautiful." She covered one hand over her mouth as she continued to look at the ring. Although Ayah liked the ring, she thought it would've been better if Alex was the one to give it to her. She hated that she couldn't have the proposal that she dreamed of. Ayah continued to look down at the ring, in disbelief. There was no way that this is my ring. Ayah felt everyone's eyes on her and she looked up. She felt a warm sensation around her cheeks and realized that she was blushing. She made eye contact with Alexander, who looked very uncomfortable. Did he not want to give her that ring? Was she not worthy of it? She shook her thoughts away and noticed their mothers were still looking at her. "Thank you so much." She wanted to give his mother a hug but she decided against it due to how awkward it would be. Her mother, Janice, was grinning from ear to ear. "Honey, it looks great on you." Her mother was so excited for Ayah. Mostly because she wanted to boast to all of her friends about Ayah's expensive ring and rich future husband. Ayah couldn't contain her excitement either. Maybe getting married to him wasn't so bad, after all. Ayah didn't really know what else to do or say, it was a happy moment but it was also very awkward due to the circumstances.

Charles took another gulp of gin before placing his glass down on the gold plated table coaster. He looked at Carmen's plate and chuckled. He leaned over and whispered into her ear, "It's roasted chicken and mushrooms." Charles glanced down at his plate before he directed his attention back at Lily. "I'm also an investor. I travel frequently and I'm in the process of starting my own non-profit organization to help the homeless community." He said humbly. He didn't want to boast about his accomplishments because he knew they'd find a way to guilt Carmen into believing that she was not good enough. "I'm also planning on helping Carmen with any future business ventures that she'd like to start." He fully intended on supporting his wife in whatever he did. He knew that a strong union between the two of them would be important down the line when it came to parenting and working on their businesses. Charles also felt the urge for them to have a strong union because he knew that many of the women in their society would try to test their Carmen. He was going to do whatever he could possibly do to prevent anyone from getting into her head-their parents included.

Charles Sr was shocked by his son's words. He wasn't aware that his son had planned on starting a non-profit organization. He wanted to ask him more about the organization but he figured it was best to do that in private. He was also surprised that he was sticking up for Carmen so early on. He was happy that Charles seemed to like Carmen; which caused him to not feel any remorse about arranging this marriage. Sometimes things are a blessing in disguise, eh? Besides, Charles Sr had an arranged marriage to his wife, Anya, and look how well they turned out. Deep down inside he knew that this was the best thing for his son and the family. Charles II just couldn't see it yet.
Anya was proud of her son for sticking up for Carmen. His behavior confirmed that she had raised him right, well at least his nannies did. Anya glanced at Carmen who was confused about what she ordered. Anya was shocked that Carmen did not have proper table etiquette. She made a mental note to set up a class for her before the wedding. She did not want guest at their wedding to think lowly of Carmen. "Carmen, do you plan on becoming a full time housewife? My son needs someone who's going to keep him grounded. Are you sure you're going to be able to do that and work?" Anya said as she took a sip of her champagne. Charles shot his mother a look but she didn't pay it any mind. She was the adult and she could ask whatever she wanted to.

InAllRetrospect
National star

InAllRetrospect wrote:
Alexander watched as the women admired the ring and his father wrapped an arm around his neck, giving him a grin as he clinked his glass against his own. He gave him a weak smile of his own as he watched everything unfold. It felt so wrong, so awkward. This wasn't how a proposal was supposed to go. Alex had a few ideas of his own but now he wouldn't even be able to execute them since his parents had ripped it away from him. Instead he stood behind her, a little uncomfortable as as looked behind him. He managed a half smile at her before his mother rose to her feet, "Okay, now if you'd all like to follow me to the dining hall we can get started with dinner," she said. She gave Alexander a look before walking past and he hung around at the end to catch Ayah before she walked through. He caught her hand that the ring was one, holding his fingers in her hand as he looked at gaudy ring on her delicate finger. It certainly wouldn't have been his first pick but if she was happy then so was he. "It suits you," he said with a nod of his head as he kept a hold of her hand. He paused for a moment before continuing, "I just wish that I could have presented it to you myself instead of the ring being shoved at you on our first meeting," he admitted quietly to her, his eyes lifting to meet her own. "Alexander!" his mother called and he blew out a sigh. Shaking his head, he formed a better smile on his face at her, "We'd better go before she starts screeching, you don't want to hear that," he informed her as he allowed her to walk first, letting go of her hand.

Carmen smiled thankfully at him when he told her what was on her plate. It looked beautiful, too good to eat but she lifted up her knife and fork, remembering to use the ones on the outside first like her mother had taught her. Although her family didn't have quite as much money as Charles', they had still tried their best with Carmen and their siblings, providing the best for the girls. She cut into the chicken, beginning to eat her dinner as the conversation stayed on Charles and what he did. Her earlier question had been answered and she found herself smiling as he spoke about the non-profit organisation. She made a mental note to tell him she was interested in that later and wanted to see if she could become a part of it. Hopefully he would allow her to be included because she was genuinely interested in what it would entail. Lily smiled at Charles' answer, happy with the information that she received. Both her and her husband had known this union would be a good one for their family as her husbands business would benefit but as would they as a family. She could not wait to boast about this at the next dinner party with her friends. Charles was such a handsome young man and she was hoping that he would help to advance her daughter in the socialite world a little more. Bart, her husband, was just interested in getting to talk to his father about the business arrangements but figured they could wait till after dinner.

Carmen looked up as his mother now asked her a question and she had a feeling something like this would be coming. "I wasn't planning on it, no," she said, glancing at Charles as though it would give her some kind of strength. "I fully believe that a marriage is a union and that Charles and I will share the responsibilities," she told his mother, with a small smile on her face. "I can multitask very well so I think we should be just fine," she told her, purposefully not looking at her mother. Lily had closed her eyes before glaring at Carmen. That wasn't the answer Anya was looking for and it wasn't the answer she was supposed to give but it was the truth all the same. Her father finally spoke up, "Our daughter is a tough girl and she can handle a lot." Her father was a man of few words but when he did speak it made Carmen smile. He was the only reason she hadn't gone crazy in her home. He had a threatening demeanour but he loved his daughter all the same.

Everlastinglove
National star

everlastinglove wrote:
Ayah semi-smiled at Alexander. She knew this was an awkward moment for him and she wanted to reassure him that although she was overwhelmed by the situation for her as well, she understood the way he felt. Ayah began to walk towards the dining room, when she started to feel uneasy. She was so terrified of ruining this moment for her family, even though she could care less if the companies actually merged. Ayah finally found the dinning room and was amazed at the beautiful china that was displayed on the grand dinning table. Her eyes went from the antique china to the butlers that were standing in the corner of the dinning hall, waiting for all the guest to sit. Ayah noticed that there were two empty chairs, one on each head of the table. Great. She thought. She looked over at her mother and tried her best to fix her posture, making sure not to look too casual. She felt super out of place and was dreading interacting with his parents.

Anya was so dissatisfied with Carmen's answer that she couldn't seem to swallow her champagne. After a few seconds, she finally gulped down the now flat champagne. "Hmm." Anya managed to plaster a mischievous smirk on her face. "We'll see." She then took her fork and began to cut her medium rare steak. She could feel Charles II eyes burning a hole in her face. She didn't understand why he wouldn't allow her to be herself. She was just trying to make sure that Carmen was the right one before they were officially married. Charles Sr II sighed and tried his best not to react. He began to eat his pasta and tried to block everyone out. He just wanted this dinner to over with. "I think we should focus on our dinner, eh? Our chefs have been preparing this meal for hours. We should not let it be in vain." Charles said trying cease the conversations. He did not want to hear them bickering back in forth. He looked over at Carmen and tried his best to smile. He nodded at her and took a sip of water. He didn't want to get too drunk now, even though it was fairly hard not to. Between the silence, Anya managed to let a few words slip from her mouth, "Charles, you can't just demand that everyone be quiet." Charles II chuckled at his mother before returning the same mischievous smirk she had previously given, "I just did." He took another sip of gin while keeping eye contact with his mother, proving that he would act an ass if he had to.

InAllRetrospect
National star

InAllRetrospect wrote:
Alex walked in behind Ayah and internally groaned when he realised that both himself and Ayah were at the two opposite heads of the table. It meant that they would definitely have to talk to both sets of parents and answer any of their dreaded questions. He didn't even want to think about the questions his mother would think up. It wasn't that she was a snob, or well she was, but she was incredibly fussy too. Everything had to pristine and perfect. Alex could already see himself apologising to Ayah for his parents behaviour after dinner tonight. Once everyone was seated, he noticed there were name cards and everything at the seats, they were given menus and he flipped it open taking a look to see what there was. It was all the fancy dishes his mother made sure ti put on whenever they were entertaining guests. All he wanted was a burger and some wings but he knew if he asked for that he'd end up being given something else. Instead he decided to settle on the steak which was the closest to a burger. "So Ayah," his mother said, clearing her throat so the attention was on her. "Your mother told me about law school in fall, that should be exciting," she said to her, pausing to encourage her to continue and speak more about the topic. It looked like a friendly conversation starter but he knew his mother was just trying to pick her apart, to see if she had good intentions. He took the glass of scotch from the waiter, nodding his head at him as he took a sip from the glass, placing it on the table as everyone else got served their own drinks. He felt so far away from Ayah being at the opposite end of the long ass table.

Carmen knew it wasn't the answer Anya or her own mother wanted, but it was only truthful one. The smirk on her face scared Carmen a little but she pushed the thoughts aside and continued to eat her dinner. There was another mini showdown with Charles and his mother. It was similar to her relationship with her own mother. That meant she was going to have both a monster mother and a monster mother-in-law, juggling the both of them was certainly going to be a challenge. They finished their meals and Carmen dabbed at the corners of her mouth with her napkin. "If you'll excuse me, I need to use the restroom," she said, removing her napkin from her lap as she rose to her feet. One of the butlers showed her the way and she thanked him with a smile, happy to be out of that room. Once inside the bathroom she let out a breath as she looked at herself in the mirror. She technically didn't even need the toilet, she just had to get some air. The dinner had been intense and she felt like it was going to be like that for the rest of their lives. Although she was so glad that Charles had his own apartment and they wouldn't be staying here. At least in the penthouse she could be herself a little more. She quickly washed her hands and reapplied some lipstick before exiting the bathroom, jumping a little when she turned the corner as Charles was standing there, "Jeez, you scared me," she said, clutching her chest as she laughed. "So you got out too?" she said to him with a small smile on her lips.

Everlastinglove
National star

everlastinglove wrote:
Charles laughed a bit when he noticed that he had scared Carmen. He put his hand behind his neck and looked down at the ground before mustering up the courage to speak. "You wanna get out of here, or what? He looked up at Carmen and smiled, figuring the worst thing she could say was no. He didn't know what their families had planned but he didn't want the night to be over with just yet. "I could take you home. That would allow us to have a little more time together.." He mumbled the last few words, fearing that she'd reject his offer. Charles could hear his mother yelling for the two of them, "Charles, Carmen? Where are you?" Charles sighed and gently grabbed her hand, and the two of them ran to what looked like a closet, but was really an elevator. Charles lead her into the elevator and pressed the button to close the door. Before he pushed the button to the garage, he glanced over at Carmen. "Are you down?" He didn't want her to think he was forcing her to go but he desperately wanted to get away from their parents.

Ayah felt her blood pressure rising, she knew that this dinner probably wouldn't go as good as planned but she was going to try her best to please their families but still remain honest as well. Ayah sat at her assigned seat and smiled at all of the small details such as the name tags. It was a bit much, but she appreciated the cohesiveness of all of the decorations. She had a chance to glance at the drink menu before she heard his mother address her. Ayah looked up and smiled, she figured the question was innocent and a great way to start a dinner. Maybe this wasn't going to be that bad. "Yes, I'm really excited about classes starting. I've just finished my masters in Legal research so I'm sure law school won't be as difficult as it's caked up to be." She said with a small smile. She was hoping and praying that his mother would be friendly the entire dinner. Once she finished speaking, Ayah ordered a glass of sweet blend red wine. She looked down the long table at Alex and smirked a bit.

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