ISABEL'S POV

We went inside the building again hearing the chatter of people socializing, laughing and having fun.

I didn't know what I was thinking bringing Asher back in here. After all, I was the person who rudely kicked him out. I guess I felt kind of bad since he did come up to me concerned about if I was okay or not, but then again, this is the same guy who tormented me for years. Why should I feel bad?

The rest of the evening was carried out tortuously slow. I couldn't wait for this to be over so I could go home and bawl my eyes out about it then worry the next day.

The food was served and everyone started digging in. I sat next to Daniel and my mother while Asher sat next to his dad and my father. I didn't understand why my mother asked him to sit with us but I brushed it off, more focused on the delicious food in front of me, of course including my lovely prawns.

"So Asher," my dad started, "I hear you'll be taking over your dad's business soon."

Asher nodded, "Yes sir. It isn't going to be easy but I'll try my best."

"Good to hear," my dad replied nodding.

Soon everyone started their own little conversation at the table while I looked at my food and ate like it was the most important thing in the world, savouring the taste of it before it was gone.

"Isabel," someone said making me look up.

Shit it's Asher's dad. Yay me.

He wasn't known to be very polite and he's a very strict man.
Sometimes he scared me so I was bit taken aback that he had acknowledged my presence and actually wanted to speak with me.

"Um yes Mr. Cullen?"

"Please call me Warren," he smiled warmly, "I heard that you've made quite a life for yourself in Miami these past few years."

"Yes Mr. - I mean Warren," I said stopping myself before continuing, "I loved being there with my aunt and working on my own."

He nodded in understanding, "What do you plan on doing in the future, as a career I mean."

I pondered over his question a bit before replying, "I don't know but I guess I could go back to the fashion industry. My parents forced me to into it but I've come to love it actually. I got my associate's degree but I only have 2 months experience so I'm not sure."

"That's excellent."

He seemed very impressed with me. He looked at my parents, "Well done with this young woman."

"Thank you Warren." My mom blushed.

They chatted a bit more before my mom stood up looking at the time, glancing at my dad, "It's midnight."

He nodded and got up as well.
"Attention everyone!" My dad shouted across the room.

Everyone became silent watching them both intently.

"Isabel can I speak with you?" Asher asked me.

I didn't want to but I nodded anyway and followed him into the front. I was confused.

What the heck was going on?

It made me even more confused as everyone watched us as if waiting for something.

"Isabel Leanora Aldaine, I've known you practically since we were little children in kindergarten, throughout middle school and high school and during those years that I have known you I didn't realize how much I never wanted to let you go. I didn't want you to leave and I'm no photographer but I can picture you and me together. I wasn't the very best of a friend that I could be but you put up with my crap. Even when I was down just by seeing you it made me smile. I don't want to live my life without you by my side so I guess what I'm asking is...." He paused, getting down on one knee, "Will you marry me?"

No. Freaking. Way.

The Asher Cullen asked me to marry him. This has got to be a sick joke someone's playing on me. But then it all made sense. Why he couldn't leave.

I suddenly felt sick as I looked down at the man on his knee.

What the fuck was he talking about? We never got along. The only true part about that cringey speech was how long we've known each other.

I internally sighed.

I can't say no. There is no way out of this.

I prepared myself for what I was about to say now, knowing that I would regret it as soon as I said it, "Yes."

And with that reply everyone started clapping and cheering. Asher smiled at me and got up, slipping the diamond ring on my finger.

Family members of mine and his came to hug us and congratulate the newly engaged couple. Some came to eye the ring as well.

I'm engaged to Asher Cullen.

I shook my head, what have I got myself into?

I pulled Asher out of there and into an empty corner and simply glared at him. I wished I could yell at him but I couldn't. He was forced into this too. There was no way he could've possibly wanted this.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you but I thought it'd be a nice surprise," he said shrugging.

"Nothing about this damn thing is 'nice'." I spat, "I just want to go back to Miami and forget that this happened."

"I really am sorry Isabel."

I could see the sincerity in his eyes and sighed, "I know. I am too."

"By the way I love the ring," I said eyeing the engagement ring on my finger. It was a side stoned ring with a big diamond in the middle. Simple but cute.

"I knew you would, love." He said smirking.

Smug bastard.

I rolled my eyes and walked back to the crowd of people.

(A/N: Play the song in the media section.)

The music came on and the song 'Lights Down Low' by MAX Ft. Gnash started playing. This was one of my favourite songs. I smiled as MAX sung the first verse.

Asher seemed to notice cause he took my hand and led me in the middle of the room. He placed one of his hands on my hips and the other entwined with one of mine. I put my other hand on his shoulder.

On my heart, where you're resting your head.

"You didn't have to do this," I whispered. He looked down at me, "Of course I did love. I'd do anything for you."

I wasn't sure if he was kidding or not.

Can I stop the flow of time? Oh can I swim in your divine? Cause I don't think I'd ever leave this place.

As MAX sung the chorus Asher and I moved our feet accordingly and surprisingly never stepped on each other's foot. We glided across the room gracefully as we looked into each other's eyes.

His brown eyes.

I think I'm melting.

Cause baby we're just reckless kids, trying to find an island in the flood. Oh, turn the lights, turn the lights down low, oh.

Some people joined in and I was thankful that we weren't the center of attention so much anymore. I relaxed a bit and smiled at Asher.

"You know your proposal sucked ass." I teased.

He pouted, "But I tried so hard."

"Really? All that stuff you made up and you seriously had to put a pickup line in there?" I laughed.

"Okay, okay that one kinda sucked. Here's another one," he cleared his throat, "If God created anything more beautiful than you, I'm sure he'd keep it for himself."

I smiled shaking my head.

The thing is I don't think I could ever carry on hating him as much as I wanted to. All it took was a simple smile from him and I forgot why I ever hated this man.

Time seemed to stop when I was with him. I don't know if it was his looks or not but I never found Asher Cullen interesting at all. He was someone I've always tried to avoid now I was in this mess with him. Why me?

"Isabel, baby?" Someone called and I snapped out of my daze.

The song had ended and I quickly pulled myself apart from Asher. I thought I saw him frown but I shook it off. This marriage was simply business and that was all it was. No feelings involved.

____________________________________

So it finally happened. They're engaged! Next chapter's going to be a bit long.

Love y'all ❤

-C