CAPTURED

Chapter 3

The cameras reeled to the side when the lights came back on. Stephanie needed a moment to catch her breath before walking off set. Since her boss told her about the interview with Rashed Kameel, her mind occasionally slipped into limbo.

Taking the job was a big deal, but the location would spark conflict with her folks. It had been a couple of days now, and she still hadn’t told Troy about it.

Although Stephanie hadn’t openly confirmed her stance, the entire office was whispering about it.

Right after work that evening, she took a short trip to her brother's. Like their father, Darius had always been in her corner, giving advice she could relate to. Good thing he lived just an hour away with an understanding wife who didn’t mind her crashing from time to time.

"There's nothing wrong with chasing new heights. Think of all the top guns you know in the industry. They’re where they are because they took risks. If my baby sister is going to make a decision that puts her on the map, no one gets to stop her," Darius said.

"You know Mum and how she gets about conflict-prone areas. And I can’t find it in me to tell Troy either, for similar reasons," Stephanie explained.

"Pfft! First of all, you're a grown woman," Darius argued.

"But..."

"No buts. If you're going to...what's it called again?"

"Karan."

"...Karan! If going there to talk to some character is something you can handle, then I’m with you. Forget about mother or some boyfriend who’s not even talking about settling down after two years of living together."

"Come on, don’t shade my man," Stephanie snickered. Darius had never been fond of Troy.

This was the first step to calling their parents. Her mother was squeamish, but her father was game.

Days later, Stephanie made up her mind to tell her sweetheart about the trip. When Troy suggested a fancy dinner, she jumped at the chance. This was her moment to break the news while he was in the best mood. Troy sorted out reservations, and in the evening they headed off together.

It was a lovely night: fine dining, a serenade, reminiscing about good times, and laughing at odd situations from Troy's workplace. All to get him relaxed.

"Troy, there’s something I have to tell you."

"Hold on, me first," Troy cut in. "Before that, let’s have dessert." He snapped his hand to signal the waiter. Stephanie didn’t push further since he was so excited. Troy beamed with smiles when dessert arrived. Stephanie was distracted for a second until she saw the square-shaped jewelry box on her plate instead of cake.

"What's going on?" Her brows were raised.

"Go on, open it."

"...No way." Stephanie’s jaw dropped at the crystal-like stone perched high on a gold-plated circle.

Troy pulled back his chair and dropped to one knee, drawing the attention of the whole room. "Stephanie, I’d be the happiest man in the world if you accepted this ring and agreed to marry me," he said, nervous but glowing with excitement.

Stephanie was shocked beyond words and wasted no time popping the ring from its box for Troy to slip onto her finger. The applause and cheers were like something straight from a movie. Soon they were back to real dessert and more champagne.

They were heading out of the restaurant, hand in hand, when they bumped into Jude, one of the editors from work. Pleasantries soured when Jude congratulated Stephanie on being selected. "You must be so proud of her, Dr. Campton."

Troy tilted his head at Stephanie while Jude carried on about how the future generation would look up to his woman. Troy was completely lost.

Stephanie was left to deal with the aftermath once Jude went her way. The rest of the trip home was spent in total silence. As soon as they shut the door, the argument sparked like wildfire. Learning the trip was in a week only made things worse.

"Remember when I got an offer from that big hospital in Houston? Better position, better paycheck, new environment. What did I do? I told you right away and discussed it with you," Troy reminded her. "What did you say about it, Steph?" he pressed.

"I said it was too far away," Stephanie shriveled.

"Exactly. And what did I do?"

"...You stayed." Her tone was glum.

"Right. So, Stephanie Door, I’m not forcing you to abandon your job, but if I ever mattered to you, I’m asking you to decline that offer. Let someone else take the interview. Better ones will come. Stay," Troy pleaded.

"But, Troy, it’s only for a week. You can’t compare a week to forever."

"Hah! I see... You can keep the ring as a souvenir. I’m done with us."

"What... Babe, you’re kidding, right? Don’t make a mountain out of this." Stephanie’s eyes swelled with tears.

"I’ll pack my stuff out of the apartment in a couple of days."

"Troy, this isn’t the way...," Stephanie chased him outside, to the parking lot. "Can’t we find a way around this? Troy!" The car door nearly caught her fingers. She stood in front of the vehicle, but Troy reversed and took off.

"Troy... *sniff*," her eyes brimmed in the dark night. She went back to the house, took off her shoes and wept in the comfort of the couch...