I took the gown from the rectangular box above my table and opened it.
It has a ribbon and the designer's signature.
It was designed by a well-known local designer. This is a dinner that Dad would definitely spend money on.
Without a doubt, this was too special for him.
I took out the gown, which was just below my knees. Cinder Rose is a beautiful color that complements my body and accentuates my curves.
It was a pretty dress with a thin strap around my shoulders. It had simple crystals on it, but they were so elegant that they would make me shine at the dinner, which is exactly what my father wanted.
I looked at the clock on the wall and saw that it was ten minutes past seven o'clock, which meant I needed to hurry because Louis would be here any minute.
A knock came again at my door.
"Allison, they've arrived. Hurry! Get moving!"
Ms. Merline said, and she was even more worried than I was.
"Got it! I will be there in a few minutes!" I shouted for her to hear my response.
"Minutes? Please, Allison, hurry up. This isn't a joke!"
"Yeah right."
I took off my jeans and shirt and changed into the gown.
I like it, but not for the reason why I'm wearing it.
Aside from the large package containing the gown, there was a smaller box containing a new pair of Christian Louboutin shoes that cost a fortune simply for a dinner.
I took the high-heeled shoe out of the box and put it on my feet right away.
It is extremely comfortable and matches my gown perfectly.
I'm not a big fan of wearing a lot of makeup. I smeared it on my face. I only applied a smear of lipstick to my lips to keep them from looking sallow. My soft black and healthy breast-length hair were just straight, with a subtle flush from my blush.
I felt that I was done so I decided to come out of my room and go to the dinner place.
When I opened the door I saw Ms. Merline was waiting for me.
"Thank God, you are done."
"The outfit you're wearing right now is far better compared to the one you wore before."
I didn't respond. Just let my steps continue on its way to the dinner.
"Has the Dawson arrived?" While we were walking, I inquired of Ms. Merline.
"Yes. Don't worry, Greg was there, and he's doing his best to keep our guests entertained tonight.
From a distance, as we approach the garden where we are about to have our dinner we can already see the elegance of the set up and it was so breathtaking. My father hired an organizer that will design the exclusive dinner.
The organizer used blush pink flowers to decorate the lovely yard. A white round dish with a gold spoon, fork, and knife sat on the table's top. The Valentine table napkin was ivory in color. The centerpiece was a long row of studded flowers with a tall vase in the middle filled with beautiful flowers as the table's focal point. On either side of the long table for the dinner, there are small candle lights to add to the ambiance.
It's no surprise that Ms. Merline was irritated when I dressed in a shirt and pants with a white sneaker for tonight.
Now that I think about it, it doesn't really fit the night. I used to be so obstinate.
They're all sitting in their seats, chatting with one another.
And yes, because I was late, all of their eyes were on me when I arrived.
Louis was dressed to the nines, and he exuded a manly and, yes, attractive demeanor.
His body proportion is perfect and too perfect for somebody else but how come I am not interested in marrying him?
Roman is the only man I want to spend time with. And I can't imagine myself being unable to be with him due to this arranged marriage.
I hope to have that desire myself someday.
He stood up from where he was sitting and approached me first and came to where I am standing.
"Hey, Allison, y You're absolutely stunning."
He also took my hands in his.
With my bare and unprepared face, how did I appear so lovely?
Too simple for such an upscale evening.
Come on, now. Stop acting like that. You're way too good in this role!
We both know how much we despise each other, and now you're showing your parents that you like me?
Why? You're worried about losing your heir?
What a cowardly individual.
As I walked with Louis, I took a deep breath.
"Hey, Allison, come on in and sit with us." Aurora Dawson, my fiancé's mother, spoke up.
Louis led me to my seat, which was beside my father and next to him.
Because I was late, I'm sure my father was disappointed in me.
My father spoke in a low tone in my ear after I took a seat.
"Greet them!"
He was enraged with me, as I had expected.
With a stretched smile, I took a deep breath and greeted them.
"Good evening, Mr. and Mr. Dawson."
Louis smiled as he looked at me, pleased to hear those words from me.
"Are you prepared for the wedding?" Roger Dawson expressed himself to us.
Something prevents me from speaking and responding. I'm unable to even nod.
I couldn't say yes because that one word was too much for me.
They were all staring at me, waiting for my response, so Louis gave them the answer.
"Yes, we do, we're almost finished."
"We chose all of the top and the best for this wedding, right, Allison?"
He looked at me once more, flattered that I would respond to him in front of his family.
At the very least, I thought of my father. I don't want him to embarrass in front of Dawson.
I gave him a friendly smile, nodded, and said yes to everyone at the table.
But in my mind, it was Roman. I am thinking about Roman.
He was too precious to let go. He knew what my dad wanted me to do and I promised him that I won't let him go but what am I going to do with this situation?
It is his life that was threaten.
I felt a tap on my shoulder and heard Louis's voice said, "Are you okay?"
I just looked at him without even a single respond. I am not in the mood but when my dad looked at me, automatically my face shifted to a good expression of face.
Well… the dinner was done with a secured final decision about my wedding and Louis.
I am under the the sharp eyes of my dad until the marriage contract was signed completely.
When the Dawson family was about to leave, they were not moving. All eyes were stared at me and Louis so I asked while my brows were raised, "W-why? Why are you staring at me and Louis?"
"Come on! Do it!" Ms. Dawson while her smile was so stretched and staring at us. Just like her the rest are all waiting for me and Louis's kiss.
"Seriously?!" I shouted and reacted uncontrollably which made my face looks embarrassed with what I heard.
Everybody became silent. Deafeningly silent.
Awkward.
And I saw my dad's face that couldn't be a model in painting due to his bad reaction because of my carelessness. I bit my lower lip and showed them good smile instantly, "Of course! You have to wait for it in our wedding! Right, Louis?" Then I grabbed Louis's arms.
"You are right, Allison." Then Louis wrapped his arm above my shoulder and added, "Let's wait for the big day and make things exciting!"
"Let's go." Mr. Dawson said firmly that brought me back to my senses.
I looked at my dad's face again and saw him noticed the reaction of Mr. Dawson. This is not a good goodbye for us tonight.
Louis gave me a hug.
"Bye, Allison." He looked into my eyes and whispered to my ears, "Good job." He left me with a smirk.
I controlled myself to show any discomfort in front of my dad. I know I am pissing him off too much.
When they were gone, I heard my dad's voice calling me, "Allison, let's talk."
Oh my god! This is not a good thing to happen.
The rib case of my chest was hammered by my heart.
My dad sat down on the living room's wide single couch while I, I sat in front of him on the other side.
"Allison," hearing that name coming from his mouth, I already know what he wants me to say.
"If you think that I am joking. You are wrong. Don't ever try to see if I am telling the truth, Allison. You will regret it." My dad said and he took his cigarette and puffed it.
Goosebumps instantly upon hearing it, "Yes, dad. I-I am sorry."
"Please, wait for the wedding to come. I won't fail you."
"Make sure because I am not playing with you. If you want Roman to stay alive, stay away from him. Put that in your mind." My dad said after he smashed off his cigarette on the tray and stood up and was about to leave me but he stopped, "I don't want to see you with Roman again, ever." Then he resumed in walking and left.
Yes, it was a threat and true.