The Engagement Party

Heavenly Spring.

As soon as they reached their destination, Rose was completely floored with the way the venue was decorated. It was as if she had come to a beautiful paradise. The entrance filled with white and red roses and laced with strings of ribbons that tied into bows that made the place extra romantic. It made those who entered the venue to feel the love in the air. That was not all. The candles were lit alongside the pathway to the entrance with two large heart shape bowls filled with chocolates that wrapped with little hearts on each side on top of the stairs to the entrance.

She glanced at Jude, her heartbeat raced frantically that she began to feel dizzy. Her hands slightly shook. Deep within she could feel something was really amiss. Was Jude really going to propose to her tonight? With the way he behaved earlier and the dress with the make up she had for that night, it was not impossible.

"Jude… Uh… Is there something that I don't know?" with a quivered voice she asked Jude.

Jude smiled reassuring at her and lead her into the venue as he placed her hand into the crook of his arm. He could feel that she was trembling. He leaned over to her ear, "Relax honey… Everything is going to be okay,"

As they reached the top stair where the heart-shaped bowls with chocolates were, Tony with two other men came approached them with different goodies on hand. Tony brought a ninety-nine roses bouquet, another man brought heart-shaped chocolate that wrapped into a hamper and another brought a teddy bear with J&R wording engraved on the heart. The three of them bowed down and presented the gifts to her.

Rose was speechless. This was so overwhelmed that she couldn't find her voice to thank them.

"This… is so extravagant… I really don't know what should I say," she mumbled after she kept quiet for a while. Jude caressed her shoulder before saying, "Take them as a token of love, honey." Rose inhaled deeply before she took the rose bouquet from Tony.

The two of them walked through the entrance and once again, Rose was totally blown away with the extravagant decorations within the venue itself. The venue itself was full of red and pink roses petals on the ground. The running lights blinked softly, adding the romantic feel to the atmosphere. The background music was soft and romantic that made people wanted to dance romantically with their partners. To think of it, this kind of decoration indeed befitting the name: Heavenly Spring.

The guests were all chatted excitedly while the single males and females took the chance to get to know each other. While at the edge of the little stage in the middle of the venue, Mr and Mrs Smith together with Mr and Mrs Townshend were the happiest person. They couldn't wait to unite the two youngsters of their family that they were beaming happily.

"Finally, they are going to engage. Jude told me they will have their wedding next month," Mr Townshend said, all smiles.

"That will do. I have been constantly worrying about my Rose. It is our luck to have Jude as our son-in-law." Mr Smith replied to him. They all chatted happily when suddenly the crowd hushed down. Even the music changed to a more romantic tune as the party involved appeared at the entrance.

Rose was stunned when she saw everything in front of her eyes. Her parents, Mr and Mrs Townshend, friends and relatives, even the higher-ups and employees of both companies also presented. She glanced at the man next to her with a thousand thoughts.

Jude brought her to the mini-stage in the middle of the venue, which had been decorated with a flowery arch and the white ribbons. As soon as they stepped on the stage, Jude suddenly knelt on his one knee, held her left hand and this had taken her by surprise as her eyes widen in disbelief while her heart raced too fast that she short of breath. He took away the bouquet in her hand, passed it back Tony.

Her hand shook nervously as she cast her eyes everywhere. She saw everyone looked at them, a dreamy look on most of the ladies presented and the happy face on her parents as well as his. She turned her gaze at the man kneeling on one knee, biting her trembled lower lip.

"Rose, when I am asked about love, I do not have any answer to give. Honestly, I do not have any idea until I found you. You were the answer I am looking for. Love is being with the person you wanted to spend the rest of your life." He paused and took a deep breath to calm the turbulence within his heart.

"And I, Jude Townshend, wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?" he asked next. Rose gasped in surprise and covered her mouth with her free hand. The tears were brimming in her eyes because she couldn't believe that Jude was really going to propose her tonight. It was no wonder he had insisted to fetch her from the company, sent her for dress up and brought her to Heavenly Spring.

Rose blinked her eyes numerous times to prevent the tears to flow down her cheek. She returned his grip on her hand and the smile on her face warmed his heart. He knew she agreed but he wanted to hear it from her mouth.

"Jude Townshend… If there's someone I cannot live without, that would be you. My heart belongs to you and yours to mine. I would die without you. Hence, I am more than willing to marry you! " Though her voice a little trembled, she expressed her deep feeling for the man that she loved so much.

Right at the moment, Jeremy came with a little red velvet box and gave it to Jude. Jude took the box and opened the box. There, a shiny glorious diamond ring was seen. He took the ring and slid it into her ring finger before he stood and pulled her into his embrace and kissed her passionately. The guests were all cheered for them except, Steve Mclare and Mike Willis who watched them enviously.

Jude turned to the crowd and took the microphone from Jeremy.

"Uh… My heart still racing frantically," he joked while gently patted his own chest to calm his nervous heart. He then turned to his love, grinning from ear to ear that is reflected in his eyes as well.

"Thank you, my dear, for accepting my proposal tonight. You don't know how long I have been planning to propose to you, in fear of rejection." He admitted while gazing deeply into her eyes. Rose smiled when she heard him. Squeezing his hand a bit.

The crowd laughed when they heard him. Who would have thought, a ruthless CEO would fear of rejection? This was indeed rare.

"My fiancée and I would like to thank everyone that came to our engagement party. Please help yourself with the banquet. And also, don't forget to redeem your goodies. Enjoy!"

"Welcome, sis!" It was Abigail. She gave one big hug to her sister-in-law and winked her eye at her brother who stood right next to Rose. Rose smiled.

"Welcome to Smith family, Jude. I am so proud that you are choosing my daughter as your love. Please take extra care of her. She is our precious darling," Mr Smith said to him while patting his back gently. At last, his baby girl taken away by a Townshend. Mrs Smith beaming with proud and hugged her precious daughter.

"You must live well with him," she murmured to her ear. Rose nodded her head.

"Don't worry mom, I will take care of her for the rest of my life. Please rest assured." Jude affirmed.

"Hahaha! My good son finally settled down! I can't wait to see the two of you walk down the aisle and give me tons of grandchildren," Mr Townshend exclaimed excitedly. A pink blush crept onto Rose's cheeks. Mrs Townshend burst out laugh upon hearing what her husband had said.

"That is given. Look at the two of them, their children must be adorable!" She chimed in.

"Bro, the reporters would like to take your pictures with sis! Go, let your love shine!" Abigail ushered the two of them back to the stage where the invited reporters were gathered.

As soon as they reached the stage, the reporters vigorously flashed their cameras towards them. Jude wrapped his hand around her waist in a protective manner. Rose instinctively wrapped hers around his too.

"Mr Jude, when are you two going to tie the knot?" a reporter asked while the rest nodded their heads in agreement.

"Next month. We will send the invitations to all," Jude answered them. Rose swiftly looked at him, speechless. Goodness! Next month? Uh, wasn't it too rush? But deep within, she trust him. Trust his judgement.

"Wow! Then congratulations in advance! We all wish you two abundant happiness and love forever!" Then, the reporters took some more of their pictures before left them for the crowd.

"Rose! Congratulations!" Leah was practically squealed at her before giving her one big hug.

"Thanks, dear. I guess I'll need your professional skills to plan my own wedding." She half-joked, half admitted.

"Gladly dear!" Leah squeezed her hand gently before adding, "I know you two will get married sooner or later." Rose blushed. Jude laughed as he heard her clear and sound.

"Sis! You look dazzling tonight! I wanted to tell you just now, but my brother won't let me," Abigail lamented at how Jude had stopped her from complimenting her sister-in-law. Jude was speechless. His sister was really crazy. It was not his fault anyway. Like he didn't know that she had something going on with Tony.

"Really? " Rose looked at her fiancé playfully. Jude gulped down his saliva as he knew that look. Oh, he wished to just take her home and fulfilled her wills.

"Anyway, I need to go the washroom," she whispered to Jude's ear. Jude nodded his head. Rose excused herself and went to the washroom, alone.