The Dreaded Proposal

Alyssa Algernon clenched her fist, her breath bursting in and out as the footsteps outside her dressing room drew closer. She wasn't prepared for who was about to visit her pink coloured room but there was nothing she could do than sit still and let the people performing wonders on her face and body finish what they already started.

The door burst open and to Alyssa's semi relief, it was just the head maid and two little maids that entered the room.

Head maid Linda cast a look of disdain over Alyssa's body and then she nodded in satisfaction. Judging from her rigid seating posture and her serene face, the three months extensive training wasn't a fluke

" Get up and turnaround " Linda ordered impatiently in a stern voice.

Alyssa pursed her lips. She had no choice but to oblige so she stood up slowly trying to cover the upper part of her body that was revealed by the low cut V neck gown that she wore. She turned around gently then adjusted her glasses that already slid down her face.

"Remove that glasses this instant! We don't need you looking like a nerd and causing embarrassment to Master " Linda ordered again. Have Alyssa have not any fashion sense with all of the training?

Alyssa nodded slowly. Although she hesitated, she still removed her glasses knowing it won't be a nice thing to anger the middle aged woman. She bit her lower lip softly, awaiting the next instruction.

Another maid quickly ran inside the dressing room and whispered something into Linda's ear. Linda nodded at the maid then glanced at Alyssa before whispering into the maid's ear and dismissing her.

"It's time to go. Follow me " Linda said as she turned to go.

"Umm...excuse me? " Alyssa called out in a small voice. The head maid turned to her with irritation marred over her face. Alyssa pursed her lips before speaking up. " Can I ask where I will be going to?''

She deserved to know where she was heading to and the reason she was made to dress like some sort of socialite. She wasn't a bit comfortable in the dress but there was nothing she could do.

" Miss Tina's birthday celebration. You will be attending it with your husband"

Her response caused Alyssa to involuntarily step backwards. She would be attending her husband's girlfriend party. Although her marriage with Quinn Winters was a contractual one and she hasn't set her eyes on him since three months ago when they got married, it still felt wrong attending it along with him. She had once had a chat with Tina and she couldn't help but feel bad for the sweet lady. She even advised her like an elder sister would do on the wedding ceremony.

"Do you have a problem with that?" Linda asked suspiciously scanning Alyssa's face for the answer to her question.

"Huh? No....no" Alyssa said confidently as she had been thought. She lowered her lashes and licked her red lips nervously.

Linda sneered. "Of course you won't mind it since you were the one who destroyed their relationship in the first place. If you hadn't climbed your way up through his bed they would still be together by now" She spat, hatefully glaring at Alyssa.

Alyssa clenched her fist to keep herself from breaking down. Nobody wanted to hear her own side of explanation. They just concluded she climbed his bed but never bothered to hear what she has to say. Yes, she also played a role in the little mistake but it takes two hands to clap. Even if she truly climbed his bed intentionally, she didn't just lay there and perform the act all by herself. She was the victim but no one believed her and she was already tired of trying to prove her innocence.

An ordinary girl like her couldn't stand against the Winters, the backbone of the country. They were the laws of the country. Highly respected and worshiped. A small fry like her standing against them would lead to her downfall and she would be wiped off the surface of the earth, existing only in history as a lesson to other generations as the eighteen year old girl that dared to challenge the Winters.

Followed by about five maids, she walked down the stairs behind Linda. She sighted a familiar figure at the far end of the stairs. It was blurry since she was without her glasses. After trying to decipher who the person was, she relented and decided to get close. As they got closer, she sure the person was a male and very tall with the height of about 190cm. She couldn't help but feel queasy at the thought of the person being *Quinn Winters*her legal husband.

" Sir..." Linda called out in a calm voice making Alyssa release a low snort . If only she knew horrible her voice sounded, she wouldn't bother to call him at all. Little wonder she always spoke in a loud voice. A low calm voice definitely wasn't her thing.

Quinn Winters nodded at her and shifted his gaze to the young girl beside her. He stared at her causing Alyssa press her lips together and shift her gaze to the piano at the far end of the living room. It seemed like he was peering at her soul with his sharp eyes. All of the training she had received already flew out of her head. Ranging from how she was supposed to greet him. She found herself tongue tied.

" Hello, you must be Alyssa" He blurted out and almost slapped himself at his foolish statement. He aimed to make Alyssa comfortable but it did the opposite. Her face was marred with uneasiness. His eyes moved to her hands that were balled into a fist.

*He doesn't even remember me at all and here I am hoping to hear something else from him*

He sighed and walked away towards the car waiting outside.

Linda nudged Alyssa to move closer to the car which she did. Quinn opened the door for her and she slipped inside.

The car drove slowly in the stiff silence before Quinn decided to speak up.

" How have you been ?"

"Good. Thanks. " Alyssa answered politely and looked out of the window. It was already bad that she was in the same car with him. Talking to him would do her no good

"I'm sorry you need to attend Tina's birthday party with me. I know you feel uncomfortable but this is the best way to dispel rumours."

" Dispel rumours that you slept with me, rubbed me off my innocence and forced me to marry you in the name of saving your face. You even had me under go a very evil training for fear I would disgrace you in the public. Now I have to attend your girlfriend's party and pretend to friend's with her. What a joke" That was what Alyssa wanted to say. She forced herself to face him.

" it's okay Mr. Winters" She smiled politely and returned her gaze to the window.

Somehow the way she addressed him didn't sit down well with him but he decided not to comment on it.

The car came to a halt and the venue of the party came into view. Alyssa moved to open the door but was stopped by Quinn's large palm that covered her tiny ones. She shuddered at the sudden body contact.

" One minute" Quinn breathed close to her ear. His lips slightly brushing it as he spoke.

Alyssa shivered and quickly turned to him. Her eyes widened as her lips came in contact with his.

She quickly pushed him away from her and wiped her lips like it had just touched something disgusting. Her eyes running around everywhere but him.

Quinn's eyes darkened at her actions. The least she can do was to take responsibility for her actions. He took a deep breath and brought out a blue box. He opened it and brought out a necklace from it. It was a silver necklace with a blue pendant that resembled a tear drop.

Alyssa shook her head. "I can't accept this. I'm sorry. "

"If you want to fulfill your role as Mrs. Winters, you will have to wear it. It's my family heirloom " Quinn said leaving no room for objection.

" All the more reason why I can't wear this. Miss Tina would be hurt if she sees me with the necklace. "

Quinn looked at her for a while. She sure had changed. Something was different about her. She looked different from her three months ago self. He averted his gaze and stared ahead.

"Tina is a very reasonable girl. She would understand. " Quinn said and wore the necklace for her. " You grew out your hair?" He asked playing with the tip of her hair. The last time he saw her, her raven hair was just on her neck but now it was resting on her shoulders with soft curls at the tip.

Alyssa didn't seem to notice his actions. She nodded absentmindedly fondly caressing the pendant of the chain.

Quinn nodded and smiled. " You look stunning today"

Alyssa pressed her lips to thin line at his comment unsure of how to reply.

It seemed to her that Quinn was very easy going and not as cold as the world pictured him to be.

*If only Tina wasn't... * She shook her head at her silly thought. They was no way it was going to happen. Quinn already told her right from time that he was madly in love with Tina and she shouldn't try to fall in love with him since it would only hurt her in the end. If only she had known that a simple gesture would make her begin to have strange thoughts, she might have as well reconsidered the proposal but then again, she didn't have a choice than to agree under the imposing and suffocating atmosphere.

They got out of the car and went straight to meet Tina.

" Quinn! " Tina squealed excitedly as she sighted both of them. " Oh...you brought a company. You are welcome" She smiled at them. Then her eyes went down to Alyssa's neck and her face paled slightly but she brushed it off.

" You have a pretty necklace. It's so beautiful that I might just rob it off you" She said with a smile. And the rest of the people laughed. It was just a small gathering with only Tina's close friends. Most of them were also familiar with Quinn since they were in the same social circle.

Alyssa couldn't help but feel left out as she stated at them chatting happily. Although she was sitting beside Quinn, her existence was ignored. These rich people obviously won't waste any second on her. They didn't even spare a glance at her.

" So how is life, living as Mrs. Winters" Tina asked with keen interest. All eyes turned to her expecting an answer from her.

Yes she was upset that they all ignored her but this wasn't the type of attention she wanted. It seemed like they were all waiting for her to make mistake then put her in her place. She bit her lip unsure of what to say so as not to agitate them. " I think it's good" She finally replied, politely.

" Of course I know it will. After all Quinn is such a sweet gentleman isn't he?" Tina asked staring at Quinn with admiration evident in her eyes.

*Of course he is, in a very harmful way*

After joking around for a couple of times, they decided to play a game. While contemplating on the game to play, someone suggested in a loud voice.

" Truth or dare is cool"

They all agreed to play truth or dare including Quinn who just smiled when he was invited to join. One of the girls whom Alyssa identified to be Wendy pointed her jaw at me and asked if she was willing to play. Before Alyssa could answer, Tina replied, " Of course she will. She is already an adult" She giggled softly and whispered something to Quinn's ear which he also laughed in response.

It was quite awkward seeing how Quinn and Tina were flirting with one another. Not exactly flirting but she felt they should at least have some respect for her position as his wife.

" Let's get started" Wendy announced and others cheered.

Alyssa felt something drop on her thigh and looked at it only to see it was a man's palm. She felt sick in the stomach and swatted his hands away only for it to return back to my thigh again. She raised her head only to find him smirking at her.

Although her dress covered her thigh, she still felt disgusted at his touch. She helplessly turned to Quinn only to find him gazing lovingly at Tina. Who said that she needed to accompany him to prove to the public that cared to know about their relationship that they were indeed married? Here he was,flirting with his girlfriend in her presence. Her mouth twitched as the palm on her leg trailed up and moved under the silt of her gown. She jolted in surprise knocking off the wine on the table where she was seated, sending down to laps. She pressed her lips in thin line when the hand on her lap went away. Raising her head up, she felt all eyes on her. They surely thought she wanted to gain Quinn's attention. She quickly stood up and excused herself out of the room. As she made to move, she felt a warm hand on her wrist that sent waves of shock down her heart. She glaced at the hand then at the person who held her.

"Are you okay?" Quinn asked, concern evident in his husky voice.

" I....I'm fine" She replied prying his hand and ran out to the.

She took a deep Breath and washed her face lightly. She stared at a reflection in the mirror and heaved a sigh. Her eyes went to the necklace on her neck that seemed like a burden rather than beautifying her. All she wanted was to live a peaceful life but she got more than she bargained for. After cleaning the stain on her elegant dress, she walked out of restroom looking straight ahead with her shoulders squared just as she had been taught by the governess. To her surprise, a hand pulled her back into the restroom and closed the door behind her. She wanted to scream but stopped seeing the person's familiar face. A teary smile replaced her sad face as she was pulled into embrace.

"How? How did you find me?" She asked in a low voice taking in his scent. She missed him so much.

Mason laughed softly, his chest vibrating against her ear. " What do you think? I was drawn by your soft scent" He joked patting her hair lightly earning a jab from her.

" I saw someone that looked like you and followed. I must say, you've really changed Softy"

Alyssa glared at him. " I'm not a softy" She protested but her wobbly voice betrayed her. She looked away seeing his piercing gaze.

" Where have you been? You disappeared after the event that night and your phone has been switched off since then. Care to explain?" He asked in a serious tone. Alyssa looked at him and tugged his sleeves. She smiled at him showing the dimples on her right cheeks knowing it would make him relent.

He dragged his hand down his face and sighed.

"You've changed a whole lot " He commented. Alyssa stared at his amber coloured eyes and moved backwards a bit.

" How have I changed?"

" Your hair is longer than before, you're prettier too." He looked like he was contemplating on saying something to her. " Your clothes obviously cost millions and the necklace..." He trailed off like he remembered something. His jaw dropped as he stared at her in disbelief. " Is there something you're not telling me? Does it have anything to do with your disappearance and your appearance in this place?"

Alyssa gulped as she stared at the door that suddenly appeared more interesting than her conversation with Mason.

" That's... The thing is that....I..." She stopped hearing the excited voices of the ladies approaching the restroom. Her eyes widened, if they should meet her with Mason, the outcome won't be great. She returned her eyes back to Mason. " I will explain to you later. You need to go now." She opened the door and pushed him out of the restroom.

"Softy...." He held the knob stopping her from closing it. " If you encounter any problem, you must let me know. Okay? I will always be there for you" He moved closer to her and placed a wet lingering kiss on her forehead. He withdrew and smirked. " See you around." He walked away without looking back.

Alyssa bit her fingers as she walked towards Tina's private room where the party was going on. She couldn't stop thinking about Mason's last statement. Could he have come to this place because he knew she would be attending or was it just a coincidence? Again, it won't be a surprise if Mason already knew what happened on the night of the event that took place three months ago. The thought made her feel dirty.

She was still engrossed in her thoughts when she entered the room. The sight that welcomed her made her stand rooted at the entrance unable to move or breath. She was at loss and didn't know what to do. She made to turn back and run out of the room unnoticed but was stopped by a voice.

" Oh...you're back? Sorry you had to see that " Tina apologized blushing in embarrassment. She hurriedly stood up from Quinn's lap and returned to her seat.

Quinn turned to look at Alyssa and a look of guilt flashed past his eyes.

Alyssa squeezed a small smile at Tina and trailed her eyes to Tina's full lips that was slightly swollen and reddened due to kissing Quinn. They must have kissed for a long time, she thought.

She avoided Quinn's gaze and sat on her seat.

" You don't need to be sorry. It's no news that Quinn is a single married man" A guy said and the rest burst out laughing.

" What do you mean by single? He's in obviously in a serious relationship with Tina" Wendy said sending a glace in Alyssa's direction.

" That's right" Logan agreed nodding his head. " I was really hoping you guys get married this year. I guess it's not possible since something filthy caused an obstruction" He said sadly sipping his wine.

Alyssa sat rigidly on the chair, her fingers digging into her palms. She should have known there was no way she could get along with everyone at the party. It's okay if they can't accept her but it's not okay for them to continue talking about Quinn and Tina's relationship in her presence. She stole a glance at Quinn and saw him feeding Tina. She couldn't help but think he brought her to the party to show her her place in the society.

" I was also shocked after noticing the *rose tears* on her neck. I think it suits Tina better. She has the perfect neck for it" Lana said throwing a look of distain towards Alyssa.

" You guys are seriously... " Tina shook her head with a laugh. " You should really stop talking can't you see she isn't comfortable with your conversation " She scolded them in her pleasant voice and then turned to Alyssa " I'm sorry about that dear, they love speaking their minds. Don't take their words serious!"

Alyssa bit her lips and thought that they were indeed right. Tina indeed has a nicer neck than hers and she is obviously the prettiest among the both of them. Who would like an ordinary girl like her with nothing special about her looks.

" Tina is sooo kind. There's no need to apologise to her since we're only stating the facts. I really don't know what Quinn sees in her. The news could have easily being suppressed rather than getting married to her" Wendy whined glaring hatefully at Alyssa.

" After all she was the one that climbed on his bed. "But I must ask," she turned to Alyssa " You must feel very happy being Mrs. Winters right? I mean from grass to grace. You must feel accomplished now since the world is at your feet. " Wendy sighed and placed her hand on her chin.

" Wendy! You shouldn't talk like that. She is your sister in-law. Have some respect " Quinn said causing Wendy to pout.

" You don't need to get mad at me. I was only stating the facts. Isn't that right sister in-law"

Alyssa was surprised to hear that Wendy was her sister in-law. She didn't know that Quinn had a younger sister but then again, she knew almost nothing about him and his family since they were quite secretive.

" Sure sure you're right but next time, you shouldn't talk like that in public. It's very bad" Tina replied to Wendy rolling her eyes. She was used to Wendy calling her sister in-law at times like this. She offered an apologetic smile to Alyssa.

" Alright then" Wendy smiled happily but still glared at Alyssa. She was surely mad at Alyssa because her brother to scolded her.

" I wondered why you decided to just do a small party. Quinn won't mind paying for a big one"

Tina laughed softly and shook her head. " You talk as if I'm with Quinn for his money. I'm working and not penniless yunno?" She joked.

Alyssa couldn't help but feel her remark was aimed at her but looking at her innocent laughter, she thought otherwise. She was penniless and currently jobless. Not like Linda would allow her to work and she couldn't even speak to Quinn about it.

The rest of the party went smoothly without anyone taking bad about her although they ignored her throughout she didn't mind it was better than their nasty comments about her. She couldn't be more happier when the party ended and they were about to go home.

" It's nice seeing you today. Take care of Quinn or I might just steal him back from you" Tina said.

Alyssa raised her head to look at Tina since she was slightly taller than her. Tina giggled softly '' Don't tell me you believe that? Ah! I think my joking skills have become quite rusty." She frowned looking adorable. Alyssa couldn't help but smile too. She stared at Quinn that seemed to be talking to Logan. His face looked like he was upset about something which made her wonder what it could be.

" You....what do you think about Quinn?" Tina asked breaking Alyssa away from her thought. She stared at Tina awkwardly not knowing what to say. Her husband's girlfriend was asking about how she viewed Quinn.

" Uhm...I...think...he is nice?" Alyssa said carefully so as not to anger Tina.

" Nice? Only nice? I don't think you really know Quinn " Tina gazed lovingly at Quinn and then smiled returning her face back to Alyssa. " If you have a thought like this about him, you shouldn't dwell on it. Quinn isn't what he appears to be. Just a friendly warning, you should be careful around him" She saw Quinn approaching and walked towards him. She whispered something into his ear and walked away into her car.

"Are you ready to leave " Quinn asked quietly and received a nod from Alyssa. He opened the car door and she sat in the shotgun seat. He got to the driver seat and started the car. Alyssa looked at his side profile and remembered Tina's words. She couldn't help but ponder on what she could have meant by that.

" Is there something on my face?" Quinn asked still looking ahead.

" Huh?" She lowered her lashes with her cheeks reddened in embarrassment. He must have felt her gawking at him.

" I'm very sorry about what happened today" He apologized with utmost sincerity. He glanced at her then focused back at the road.

Alyssa stared at his face and sighed." It's okay. You're Miss Tina's boyfriend after all. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have to be stuck with me. I'm sorry about that " She pursed her lips as the temperature seemed to have dropped a few degrees. The coldness seemed to be emanating from Quinn. He looked calm but his eyes was a raging fire. He swerved the car and parked it at the side of the road. He turned to her and leaned towards her.

" Sorry doesn't exist in the Winters' dictionary. Didn't Linda inform you about that? It seems I have to fire her then " He relaxed back on his seat and fiddled with his phone.

Alyssa licked her dry lips. As much as she wanted the old witch away from her life, she wasn't that heartless to let him fire the woman due to her own careless mistakes.

" I'm sorry I forgot " She quickly placed her hands over her mouth. It seemed the Head maid's time in Quinn's home was up. She had just apologized two times in a row.

Quinn smirked, Alyssa felt butterflies dancing happily in her stomach. He was just too stunning. " Looks like you want her fired badly."

Alyssa hurriedly shook her head " No...I'm sorry I just....err....She already thought me not to say sorry. It slipped my mind. Sorry about that" She said the last part barely a whisper.

Alyssa's eyes widened when she discovered she had actually said sorry more than five times. If he wants to fire the old witch then so be it. I'm it's not like the woman treated her well anyway.

Quinn started the car again without saying anything. He appeared to be mad about something which Alyssa couldn't point a finger on.

" Are you sure you're okay? If you're not okay with what happened today, you can tell me. I will try to adjust."

She was surprised hearing him. He was very thoughtful but there was no way she would admit that she wasn't okay with whatever happened between both if them.

" It's alright. She is your girlfriend... "

" And you're my wife " He said in a gruff voice. He seemed to be getting madder ever passing second. " You're Alyssa Winters, Quinn Winters' wife. I know this is a loveless marriage and we agreed to stay from each other's personal affairs. You really should tell me if you're okay with it."

Her reply could break someone else's relationship. To be frank, she wasn't okay with it at all. The images of them kissing kept on replaying in her head tightening the knot in her heart but then again, it's normal for lovers to behave like that. She shouldn't be too greedy. It was already nice enough that Tina doesn't hate her but instead, welcomed her with open hands and even advised hr to be careful with Quinn. Thinking about how sweet Tina is, she couldn't bring herself to say what she badly wanted to say.

" I'm really okay with your relationship with her Mr. Winters"

" It's Quinn. Call me Quinn" His husky voice sounded lower than usual sending tingles tingles down Alyssa's heart.

" I...I'm more comfortable with Mr. Winters "she said sincerely and looked out of the window.

The journey continued in silence while Alyssa slept off. Quinn had to slow down his speed to make her sleep comfortably till they got home.

Quinn refused to leave the car and even waved off Linda when she went to welcome him. He stared at her petite face that looked very cute with the freckles on either side of her cheeks. He took in every detail of her face. His darkened gaze lingered on her parted lips and he leaned forward capturing her tiny lips in his. The softness of her lips was so inviting that he couldn't stop himself from exploring further. He sucked on her bottom lips earning a low gasp from her, snaking his tongue out, he licked the seam of her lips causing it to part inviting him in but he was quick to stop just before he did something to her without her permission. He pecked her lips one last time before carrying her out of the car.

"Ahh!!" Linda exclaimed, her mouth wide open. " Sir, you shouldn't carry her, how dare she sleep and allow you to carry her. " She said dramatically.

Quinn casted cold a glance over her causing her to shut her mouth. He ignored her and led went up to his room.

Once again Linda moved to stop him from taking her inside but remembering his warning cold gaze, she stood rooted and could only watch him carry her into his room and closing the door behind him. Her face twisted into a frown.

" This little slut actually thinks she's smart. Wait until the Madam hears about how you seduce her beloved son. I wonder what Miss Tina was thinking when she allowed that slut into Young Master's life. Such a good girl with a big and compassionate heart" She commented before walking off to scold some maids to relieve her frustration.

Of course she didn't know that Alyssa just prevented Quinn from firing her if not, she wouldn't have referred to her as a slut seducing the Young Master of the Winters family!