Cressida

My heart was beating so hard, I was scared it would tear my chest. I felt dizzy, scared, a bit nauseated too. His hand on the small of my back, holding me gently, in a very gentlemanly way. His other hand holding my hand, gracefully, while we drifted along with crowd of dancers. My feet moved on their own, my mind too distracted by his presence. His strong perfume filled my lungs, his aura intimidating me.

"I know you are among the shy types" he said, snapping me out of my horrified condition, "but you can at least look at me".

I, somehow managed to raise my head and look into his ice blue eyes. Why did he have to be so beautiful? He pulled me closer, my hand slipping from his shoulder to his chest. He rested my other hand on his chest too and held me close with both arms. He was so strong, I could feel his tense muscles beneath the clothes. Should I feel safe? Protected? Because all I did feel was fear. I blinked, breaking our eye contact and looked down again. I couldn't do this. Jasper has been my only male friend till date and I have known him since kindergarten. And who am I kidding. I have had only two friends. My social anxiety made human interaction difficult for me. Especially with people as intimidating as Declan.

"Cressida? " my name from his lips felt strange and scary. Most of the people who were close to me referred to me by nicknames. My complete name was only taken by teachers, or people of authority. Declan, here, had authority too.

"I'm sorry " my voice was weak and almost inaudible as I spoke.

"Its okay" he said, he walked to the table my friends were at and helped me sit on an empty chair. He took my hand and placed a gentle kiss on my knuckles, before turning to leave. Soon to be surrounded by girls who were dying for a dance with him, but he didn't pay heed and walked away.

"What did you do? " Lizzy asked me.

"Liz, I can't you know that" I said, taking a sip from the cocktail that was served to me.

"He lives here. You have to interact with him. This isn't college. Maybe he too would give up on you like all boys have but Cressy? How long? I know its difficult for you but its time. You need to get out and date" she started again.

"Maybe I should but it can't be him. Not him" I said.

"Why not? " she asked.

I opened my mouth to reply but was silenced by dad's clicking of the knife to his glass, trying to get attention. He was handed a microphone then.

"Attention please, ladies and gentleman " he said.

Oh crap!! I hope he doesn't call me on stage to introduce me.

"As you all know, we are here to celebrate the return of my beloved daughter to this estate. But, I am very pleased to announce that this isn't the only reason we are gathered today for" he said.

"Its not? " Jasper asked looking at me. I gave him a confused look. I was just as clueless.

"Cressida my love, can you please join me" he directed at us.

I hesitantly got up. Jasper did too. He gave me his arm and escorted me to the stage.

"Why does he look so pissed? "Jasper asked in a whisper.

"who? " I asked.

"Declan" Jasper replied.

Declan was pissed? I moved my head to find him and saw him frowning, his hand in a tight fist. He actually looked angry, but why?

We stopped by the stage and dad gave me his hand to help me up.

I saw Declan who sighed and walked towards the stage too. He stood by dad's other side.

"Ladies and gentleman , I am very pleased to announce that today, I am announcing the betrothal of my beloved daughter to the son of my best friend and my business partner Declan. Today, you shall all have the privilege to witness their engagement " My father's words rang in the hall .

I almost choked. Engagement?? My engagement? Marriage? To... To Declan? How can dad do this to me? He didn't even tell me, forget asking.

I couldn't say anything in front of so many guests. So I managed a fake smile, amd walked forward. Declan held his hand out for me, and dad took mine to place it in his.

He took a ring, probably the most magnificent ring I had ever seen. It was definitely platinum, with a large diamond in the middle and few diamonds surrounding it. It wasn't large to cause discomfort.
He carefully slid it on my left ring finger. Everybody clapped and cheered.

My heart was tired of beating so hard, but my breath was stuck. My dad put a hand on my shoulder and gestured towards the ring box that waited for me to take and slide on Declan's finger.

My hand trembled as I reached for it, and took it. I didn't touch his hand, as I slid the platinum band on his finger. We were engaged. I was engaged to the man I couldn't even face. From whom I was intimidated.

Everybody clapped and cheered, we could hear fireworks going off in the background and dad popped a champagne open. Declan's stood beside me and held my waist. For show, or to keep me from falling, I wasn't sure.

"Can I steal her for a moment please? " I heard Lizzy's desperate voice and turned to face her. My eyes watery.

"Of course" he said and removed his arm.

Lizzy grabbed my arm, and helped me get off the stage and led me out of the grand hall.

******
They are engaged
Yahooo