A Luxury Gift: Bussiness Building For Her
1047 Words
SEAN.
TWO WEEKS LATER.
"What about your relationship?"
In the middle of the dinner table, Amber, my mom, asks. I knew her question wasn't out of concern for my relationship with Calista. From the expression on Amber's face, there was an expectation that I would say something else-like: cancel the wedding with Calista.
However, I didn't change my mind one bit.
"Calista and I have already set the date and concept of our wedding," I said firmly.
The dining table, which had been bustling with conversation, was suddenly silent. Even the sound of a spoon hitting a plate sounded like a disturbance in the tense silence.
"You guys are really getting married?" my mom asked surprised.
Calista and I nodded our heads. Quietly, I clasped Calista's hand that was in her lap under the table-not visible to my parents' eyes. I knew Calista realized my mother was still trying to oppose our relationship.
"Sean, you know, marriage is not just about love," Mom said in a cold tone, her gaze directed at Calista sitting beside her.
"There are many things to consider. Tradition, family status, and of course, the partner's ability to... adjust to an environment like ours."
I put down the fork slowly, but my face showed a tension that I couldn't hide. I raised my head and looked at mom with a sharp look in my eyes.
"Mom," he said, his voice calm yet filled with firmness. "Enough."
Mom turned her head, her eyebrows raised high as if she couldn't believe what she had just heard.
"What do you mean, Sean? I'm just talking about reality."
"That's not reality, Mom," I replied, my tone getting firmer. "That's an insult, and I'm not going to let you talk that way about Calista."
The room felt like it was freezing. Dad looked up from his plate, exchanging glances with my mom, clearly confused by this sudden boldness. Calista, who was sitting next to me, looked down slightly.
"Sean," Mom started again, trying to sound calm despite the slight anger in her voice. "I just want to make sure you know what you're doing. Marriage is a big decision, and-"
"And I know what I'm doing," I cut in firmly. "I chose Calista because I love her, not because of her background or what you think is important. If that's not enough for you, then that's your problem, not mine."
Dad finally spoke up, his voice heavy and warning. "Sean, this is no way to talk to your mother."
I turned to his father, but his tone didn't soften.
"This is no way to treat my future wife, either, Dad. I've kept quiet long enough, letting Mom say whatever she wants. But I won't let this go on.
Calista is a part of my life, and if you can't respect her, then I have to question whether you truly respect me."
Silence fell over the room again. Everyone's gaze fell on me, who was now standing tall with a look of conviction.
Mom let out a long sigh, her face remaining cold. There was an implied disappointment in her gaze.
"All right, Sean," she said finally, her voice softer but still tense. "If that's what you want, I'll try to be more... careful."
I didn't answer, just nodded briefly. I sat back down and took Calista's hand under the table, giving her a small, comforting smile.
After all, I was going to give Calista a sense of warmth that she had never gotten before.
***
I stared at the document in front of me, studying each page carefully. Those black writings on white paper represented opportunity, risk, and trust. However, to me, what really mattered tonight was the woman sitting across the table.
Calista looked at me with an expectant gaze, but there was a hint of doubt in her eyes. She tried to hide it behind her professional demeanor, but I knew her better than anyone.
"So," I said finally, putting the pen down on the document. "You want me to be the main investor of your restaurant."
He nodded, his back straightening like he was preparing for an important presentation.
"Yes. With your experience in the business world, I believe you can provide more than just financial support. I need guidance, Sean. Someone who can help me make sure this restaurant goes according to plan."
I stared at him for a while longer, trying to understand what he was really thinking. I knew how big her dream was, and I didn't want her to feel burdened by the fact that I was a part of her life, not just as a potential investor, but as someone who loved her.
"Calista," I began in a quiet tone, "this isn't just about money or business for me. I want to make sure this decision is really good for you."
She smiled a little, though there was a hint of tension behind the smile.
"I know, Sean. But I'm not asking this because I doubt myself. I'm asking this because I believe in us," Calista said firmly but quietly.
"You know I can run this restaurant, and I know you can help me take it to the next level," Calista continued.
I sighed, sliding the document closer to her.
"All right," I said finally. "But I have one condition."
She raised an eyebrow, looking slightly confused. "What's that?"
"I want full disclosure. Nothing to hide, no decisions taken without discussing first. If I'm part of this, I want to make sure we do it together, like a team."
Her smile widened, and I could see the relief in her eyes. "Agreed. I want the same thing."
I took the pen and signed the prepared part of the document. As I handed her the pen, I felt like I was starting something much bigger than just a business relationship.
As she signed the document with a steady hand, I realized something. This wasn't just about a restaurant or an investment. This was about us-two people striving to build something that was not only strong, but also meaningful.
"Welcome to the team," I said, extending my hand.
He shook my hand with a confident smile. "Welcome to the restaurant world, Sean."
And with that, a new chapter in our lives began.
- Writer
