Chapter 2 The Meeting

It was finally the day Rose was going to introduce Patrick to the family. She could not wait anymore.

There is a family dinner Louisa created as a tradition for the family, a chance to bond, more like a fake bonding just to prove to my father that she was being a good mother to Lily and Rose. Maybe she is a good mother to Lily but not to Rose obviously; she is definitely out to get her, but not for long now that she has a fiance and will be getting married soon.

"Are you sure this family dinner is the right place for us to announce our engagement? I mean, shouldn't you call your father and tell him first?" Rick stuttered. I could see he was worried and scared, but it is my job and my duty to ensure that he feels welcome and loved by my family.

Rose placed her hands on his shoulders with a smile plastered on her face. "Listen to me, Mister Patrick Smith. I know you are nervous and worried, but I assure you, you will be fine. If I can love you, then my father will. He might have terrible taste in people, but I'm sure he will understand why I fell in love with you when he meets you, and besides, he is a very busy person; he barely makes time. If we do not see him today, we might never get our chance," Rose said to him, after which she placed a gentle kiss on his soft and bold lips.

"Okay," he muttered.

They got into his car, and he drove to Rose's father's house, which was one of the biggest in California. As soon as they arrived, she clutched his hands and walked into the living room with Parick by her side.

"Are all the tables set?" Rose heard Louisa's voice as she descended the stairs with a maid walking side by side with her head nodding like a lizard.

"Yes, I was asked to add an extra table." The maid muttered. Louisa locked eyes on Rose, a disgusted look plastered on her face. She groaned, eyed Patrick, and looked away, turning to the maid.

Rose scoffed, her teeth gnashing as anger plastered on her face. She was pissed, so pissed that she was ready to deal with her. Messing with her is one thing, but she won't sit still and watch her mess with Patrick as well.

Just as Rose surged to attack her, Patrick held her hands tighter. She halted and turned to him. He smiled. "I'm fine," he mouthed.

"By who?" Louisa yelled from the dining room, "Who requested an extra table? Are we expecting an important guest?" Louisa grunted

"Miss Rose, Miss Rose requested it."The maid replied, and I turned to Patrick and walked towards Louisa in the dining room.

"I requested the extra chair, and yes, we have an important guest. You probably would have seen him by now if your eyes worked perfectly, but I guess they don't, which is why you wear glasses after all." I blurted and walked away.

It was finally time for dinner. Patrick and I were seated together; Louisa and Sandy also sat next to each other; Laura was on my right, then the last unoccupied chair for my father, who was yet to arrive.

"Who is the cheapskate?" Sandy blurted out, glaring at Patrick.

"Watch your mouth!" Rose thundered

"Or what?" she snarled with a smirk.

Rose clenched her fist once again, and Patrick held my hands. She took a deep breath, and finally, Mister June Dom arrived.

Rose got up from her seat as well as Patrick. Her father, June Dom, had an aura-one that sent shivers down my spine. His glare was enough to knock you off your feet. He was a scary man, and she admitted that she was scared of him.

Rose's father halted at the sight of Patrick. "Who is the young man?" he grumbled, his deep voice sending shivers down Rose's spine, causing the hair on her body to rise. My hands began to tremble, but I pulled myself together. She took a deep breath and plastered a smile.

"His name is Patrick, my fiance," Rose blurted.

"Good evening, sir. Nice to meet you." Patrick was greeted with a bow.

Mister June Dom, Rose's father, took a step back and glared at him, disgust evident on his face.

"Young man, what do you do for a living?" My father grumbled.

"Father," She tried to caution him.

"Rose," he snarled at her, but she held back.

Rose could see the excitement and joy on Louisa and Sandy's faces. Her downfall is their achievement; they live to see her fail; they live to watch her father constantly disappointed in her; they hated Rose, and it was obvious to everyone but her father.

"Young man, I asked a damn question!" My father yelled, making Patrick jump slightly in fear.

"I own a cafe," he answered.

"A cafe? You mean you own a company that produces cocoa for people that own cafes to make coffee?" my father muttered.

Patrick nodded. "No, sir, I work in the cafe; I own it," he explained.

"What do you have to provide a better life for my daughter? Don't tell me, love! Look around you, look at the life she has right now, and tell me, young man, can you provide this sort of life for my daughter? Or my grandchildren if you eventually have one?" Rose's father scolded.

"Sir, I am currently looking for a better job to provide a stable and suitable income to care for the family," Patrick muttered.

"You must be kidding me!" Her father exploded: "Young man, take that filthy ring off my daughter's finger and get the hell out of my house, and Rose, see me in my office this instant!" Her father yelled.

Rose followed him into his office. "Father! How could you speak to Patrick that way? He had feelings for me, which you can see; besides, I love him and want to marry him! Is that not enough reason for you to give us your blessing?" She blurted.

"No, I will not allow you to live a wretched life; I did not work hard, so you marry into a life that can barely afford a bag that you want!" he grumbled

"Do I look like I need a bag? Father, I have tons of expensive bags, but do I look happy to you? Do you think those luxury bags or expensive clothes make me happy? I just wanted what you and Mom had, my real mother! I wanted to feel the love that you shared with her and that I have, Father. But you wouldn't know that because ever since mom died, you've drawn an edge between us; you don't check on me anymore; you don't know if I am happy or not; I am not sure if you love me anymore, so if you want to know the truth, this is the truth; I am marrying him because I love him and because I'm tired of living in this house with you and everybody in it!" She yelled.

SMACK!

Rose's father hit her, and for the first time, he raised his hands on Rose.

"Father" Rose muffled.

He turned his back on her, walked to his desk, pulled out a file, and placed it on his desk.

"It's a blind date; date him for a month and get married to him; he will provide the kind of life I want for you; forget about that nuisance," he grumbled.

Rose's fist clenched as she glared at the file her father placed on the table. It seemed as though every word she had uttered didn't go through with her father.

"Do you know how much I hate you?" She blurted.

He turned to her and said, "Rose!" he yelled.

"I hate you! I hate you, and I wish you were not my father!" she lashed

"I will marry Patrick, and there is nothing you or anyone will do about it!" Rose grunted and turned to leave.

"If you leave the house, I will disown you, retract every one of your belongings, and remove you from my will!" he threatened.

"Rose, please, apologize to Father; don't do this!" Lilly cried

"That's right, Rose, settle down a bit and listen to your father; you know he only wants what's best for you," Louisa said. She was enjoying it; she wanted me gone more than anyone in the world.

I turned to my father and said, "I'm sorry." I muttered and left the house.

"Rose!"

"Rose!" I heard my name in the background, but I didn't turn; I left.