Ryan's POV
I should have known better. It all started casually, as any normal family dinner: health-related topics and the usual work-related chit-chat. Of course, there was also that old reliable question, "when are you going to settle down?" Somehow, though, that dinner ended up being full-time interrogation about my relationship with Emily. The inquiry had been building months, it seemed, since we started spending time together. I guess I should have expected it; my family had never been subtle."You know, Ryan, you've been dating her for some months now," said my mother, her lips closing in on her salad, so much like an observation rather than an inquiry. "And you're still not serious?"I tried to laugh it away while pretending to be deeply engrossed in my plate. "Mom, we're just having a good time. No hurry.""You've been 'enjoying yourselves' long enough," she stated quite casually, a knowing smile waking up on her face. "Maybe it's time to consider taking things to the next level." Before I could respond to her, my elder sister Megan dismissed my thought: "Ryan, you know that you have always taken too long in matters of heart. What would you prefer? If you love the gal, do what is necessary, not even need to waste any time anymore; just put a ring on it." The words sounded like a tons of bricks. My hand stopped halfway to my mouth: I lifted my eyes to her, disconcerted. "What? I am not even certain that we are ready for such an advancement," I uttered."O come off it," Megan said dismissively. "You've dated long enough. Besides, it seems that whenever we meet Emily, you're already practically married. You have that whole vibe going. What are you really waiting for?" I glanced across the table at my father who seemed quite unusual in having remained silent throughout all this. He cleared his throat, a sure indicator that he was gearing to make a point. "Megan's right, son. You've been stringing this along. We all know how much Emily means to you." My heart pounded for it did not do to me anything even though I feel ready to accept those comments. I loved Emily. She mattered. But the thought of proposing to her-for sealing the deal as my people put it-did seem burdensome and unwanted at this stage. "I just don't think the time is quite right," I mumbled, trying to deflect the discussion. But not my mother. "Well, so I reckon perhaps you should throw a little show. We could stage something to make her feel secure about this. Just a little something to show that you're serious."My heart skipped a beat, not for I do not agree with the sentiment, but it was too personal and invasive. I loved Emily. I cared for her beyond everything else. But to think about proposing-her or sealing the deal, as my family put it-seemed to me a pressure for which I was entirely unprepared."I just don't think it's the right time yet," I murmured, trying to escape the whole argument.But Mother wasn't through. "Well, you know what? Maybe you need to put on a little show. We could stage something to make her feel more safe in your commitment. Just a little something that shows you are serious," she said. My head snapped up. "A show? What are you talking about?"She leaned in, eyes sparkling with that familiar mischievous glint. "You know, Ryan. A proposal. A fake one. Just for the family. Nothing too crazy, just enough to show you're taking things seriously." She glanced quickly at my dad for support, and he nodded, the expression on his face one of cautious approval. My mind raced. A fake proposal? Is that what this twisted prank was all about? "You're serious?" I asked, disbelief dripping from the edges of my voice. "Oh, absolutely," my father chimed in, now all in. "Sometimes you have to take these decisive steps to show you're really serious about someone. Like, 'Hey, I'm not getting any younger...'" I sat dumbfounded, unsure whether to laugh or cry. They were all in on it. The plan was set. A fake engagement, complete with a ring and a photoshoot, was about to unfold in front of Emily-my sweet, wonderful Emily-who had no idea what was coming. I definitely wanted to object. Tell them they are crazy. This is such a bad idea. Looking at the faces around the table, however, told me there was no going back. So, either follow the plan or face the fury of my entire family.The typical few days passed rather hazily with preparation. My mother, of course, took the charge, and it sounded like she was preparing for a wedding than just a charade. She would hire photographers and florists, not to mention select a ring - an extravagant one at that, almost like a giant diamond that would blind one in case it would catch the light the right way. Absurd. At the end of all that talking about it, I felt more and more like a person caught in a reality from which there was no escape.And at last, that day came. Of course, Emily had no clue what was going on. I had been acting like normal with her for the past few days and keeping things fairly lighthearted and carefree - you know, typical symptom-free. But underneath, I was a wreck. Just thinking about the photoshoot made my stomach want to turn itself inside out. I tried to collect myself as I took a deep breath and met Emily at the park, the appointed place where we'd "spend the afternoon". She looked brilliant as always, that smile throwing the entire world off-kilter around her."Ryan," she said, enveloping me in her arms. "I'm so glad we could do this today. It just feels nice to be somewhere outside and have some fun."I laughed lightly, although the sound inside me was rather empty. "Yeah, way too long without us just hanging out."That was the very moment she interlocked her arm with mine, leaning her head on my shoulder while we walked to our destination. Otherwise, my head was somewhere else, thinking about how I was going to get through this; it was a lot; all I needed to do was keep my cool and not blow everything.As we neared the site where my family awaited, Emily's eyes widened in shock. "What is all this about?" pointing to flowers, a photographer with a camera all set, and a crowd of family members standing at a distance. I could feel my heart thudding in my chest. This was it. Before I could speak, however, out came my mother, broad smile plastered on her face. "Surprise!" she hollered, and then she encircled Emily with her arms. "We thought we would try to make today extra special." "Extra special?" Emily's gaze quickly flicked between me and my family. "Ryan, what's going on?" I swallowed hard. "Emily... there's something I need to talk to you about." Her smile faltered as she perceived the tension. I felt guilty like a criminal about to confess. "Emily," I said, my voice barely a whisper, "I... I want to ask you something." Before she could respond, my mother stepped forward and gave me the ring--the ring--and the rehearsed words came tumbling out of my mouth. "Will you marry me?" I asked, voice quaking. Emily froze at that. Her eyes flitted back and forth from the ring to me. I could almost see the cogs turning in the confusion setting in. With a glance at my family, their all-too-wide smiles, something clicked. Something was off. And like that, the entire charade started to unravel.