CHAPTER 3: LEAVING EVERYTHING BEHIND
1494 Words
COURTNEY
The next morning, I go straight to my father's room. I've decided to apologize and tell him about Brian's proposal. It wouldn't be right to say yes to him without telling my parents about it first.
“Dad?” I call between knocks.
“Come in,” I hear his muffled voice say from inside the room.
I step in carefully. He's sitting on his white sofa, going through some papers.
Bracing myself, I begin slowly, “Dad, I'm really sorry.”
He doesn't look up from what he's doing. “Why? For humiliating your parents last night?”
“Come on Dad.”
He quickly gets up from his seat and walks over to me. “Mr. Statham was furious.”
“I know Dad. That's why I said I was sorry.”
Wordlessly, he turns back and walks back to his chair. “Courtney, I hope you know you're my only daughter. And it hurts when your only child goes against you like this.”
I shake my head. “I didn’t mean to go against you. You don't understand Dad, Brian-”
“What about him?” he yells at me, causing my heart to skip a beat. “It's all about that Brian! Courtney, you have to move on!”
This seems like the perfect time to tell him about the proposal. Carefully, I walk over to my Dad, who's currently staring out the window with a frown, and fiddle with my fingers before starting,
“Dad, I have to tell you something.”
When he doesn't respond, I continue, “It's about Brian.”
He shoots a cold look at me and a shiver runs through my spine.
I gulp and continue, “Dad, Brian proposed to me. He wants me to move to Washington with him.”
“Wow, Courtney wow.” He crosses his arms and stares at me. The last time he was like this was when I failed my Business School finals. “I can't believe it. You're running away because of that boy.”
He's getting this wrong. “No, I-”
“You what?” He raises a brow at me. “You know what, I've decided. It's either you marry Andrew and maintain our family's reputation or you go with that Brian and forfeit your inheritance to the business.”
My eyes widen in shock. “Dad! I can't decide that! It's my right.”
“And it's your duty to uphold our reputation, isn't it?”
This is unbelievable! How can he make me choose? This isn't fair!
“Dad, hear me out. This isn't fair.”
“I'll give you the day to make a decision.” He walks over to his door to leave but then as he's about to turn the doorknob, he glances at me and adds, “And step on it. They're coming again tonight for a do-over.”
I’m suddenly left alone with my thoughts in his room.
“Everyone is still mad at me because of what I did last night, Isa. Even Mum has refused to speak to me,” I say to Isabella through the phone.
“And you're sure Brian proposed? You're not hallucinating.”
I roll my eyes. “Yes, he said he's leaving tonight. The same deadline I have to make this stupid decision.”
The other line is silent for a while.
“Are you sure you love Brian?”
I plop on my bed. “How else do you want me to prove it to you? Brian is the love of my life! I can't let him go tonight.”
“So,” she drawls. “I want you to make a decision based on what your heart tells you. Don't think too much. Just do whatever your heart says.”
“But I don’t know what my heart wants—“
Immediately, Isabella hangs up.
“Hello? Hello?!” I heave a sigh of frustration. This is how she's always been; giving me a vague answer and leaving me to ponder on my thoughts. I get that she doesn't want to force her opinion on me, but right now, I really can't make my decision on my own; I need someone.
Still, maybe she's right though. This is my life and I've waited long enough for Brian. Besides, they do say that if someone comes back to you, then you two are meant to be.
With that, I make my decision.
Opening my closet, I drag out my travelling bag and open it on my bed. Then, I start to pack some clothes into it. I make sure not to pack anything too expensive since I would be leaving all this behind and I don't want Brian to think I'm way too extravagant. Clothes, shoes, even some of my books, I throw them all inside the bag. Then, I strap a duffel bag on my shoulder and turn around. But as I do so, I'm faced with my mother's surprised look.
“Courtney?”
I walk past her. “Mum, I'm going to Washington.”
She holds me by the arm, deterring me. “Darling, don't leave like this. What's so bad about Andrew? Darling, please you're going to regret this.”
I place my hand on her shoulder and say softly, “Mum, I'm going to live with Brian. If Dad says that I have to forfeit his business to stay with the love of my life, then I will.”
She shakes her head in disbelief. “You shouldn't pour your heart out to this guy, sweetie. He might take you for granted. But Andrew, he won't. Mr. Statham would make sure of it.”
“Mum, Brian is leaving tonight. I have to catch up with him.” I try to wriggle my arm out of her grip. I know I'm being stubborn but I also know Brian is worth it.
“Wait,” she calls and I stop in my tracks. She rushes over to me. “Andrew is a billionaire and who knows what this Brian does for a living. Would you be able to leave this lifestyle behind?”
I've already thought about that and I'm willing to. As long as Brian loves me just as much as I love him, we'll be able to survive anything.
I sigh. “You don't have to worry Mum, I'll figure it out.”
Leaving my lifestyle behind means I have to take a cab to the airport. When I get there, I dial Brian's number, hands freezing cold and heart pounding with fear. I hope he's not left yet. I can't go back and face my parents, not after forfeiting them for what seems like a guy I've only met once. If only they understood my point of view.
While waiting for Brian to answer the call, I look around, nervously tapping my foot against the floor. Suddenly, my eyes spot someone waving at me. It's Brian. Excited, I scurry towards him.
“Hi!”
He smiles back. “Hey. So you came.”
I nod, feeling the adrenaline pumping through me. I've never disobeyed my parents this way before but he doesn't need to know all the details.
“Yeah, turns out my parents agreed. They won't be coming to see you though. They're really busy.”
He raises his brow at me. Yes, my excuse makes no sense at all. Which parent wouldn't attend their child's wedding? Still, I hope he buys it.
“Really? I was looking forward to seeing them.” He then smiles playfully. “Was hoping I'd meet the one you got your looks from.”
“Oh stop,” I joke and we both laugh.
“Well,” he says, releasing a breath. “You're just in time. Flight leaves in five minutes.”
My eyes widen at a realization and I slap my forehead. How stupid! I look at him with panic and his expression turns worried.
“What?”
“I don't have a plane ticket.”
He rolls his eyes and smiles like I've said something stupid. “That's it?”
He then pulls out a first-class ticket from his pocket and hands it to me.
I stare at him skeptically. “We’re taking first class?”
He shakes his head. “You don't want to be comfortable?”
“No, it's just… you didn't have to.”
Clucking his tongue, he snakes his arm around my neck and leads me away from the entrance. “Just accept it.”
I look up at him and notice the proud grin on his face and somehow, that forces my lips to curve into a smile. The warmth of his body is enough to calm my nerves and reassure me that it's all going to be fine. But I still can't shake the nervous feeling pestering me deep down in my gut.
- Writer
