The Marriage Clause

Chapter 6

Julia

Wait, what? What did I just hear? Did Andrew just indirectly propose marriage to me?

I realized painstakingly that my heart was beating thunderously fast and not because of what he had asked me, nor at the possibility that he might like me, but at the fact that everything in me wants to scream ’Yes'.

It suddenly dawned on me. I love Andrew. I love him as more than a friend, more than I could let myself admit. I love him more than I could possibly imagine.

I could feel this with my eagerness to say yes, but more with the fact that I know I can't agree to this. This is not what is best for him and I absolutely want what is best for him, even if it means sacrificing my own happiness.

He might never ask me to come with him or marry him again, but I can live with that pain, as far as I know he gets the best in life and he is happy.

I stared at my hands in his. The way he held longingly, if not desperately, hoping I would say yes.

I am sorry, Andrew.

I slowly removed my hands from his. With ache in my heart, that has nothing to do with an illness. I have to lessen the blow as much as possible. Try not to break him.

“No.... I won't" My voice came out really slow and sad, because I am sad.

Sad, at what I know would never be again. Would I lost him?

I stared into his eyes for answers. Those beautiful shining eyes were wide with disbelief, disappointment, betrayal and something else I couldn't quite place. He stared at him.

“Why?" He finally asked after long silence.

My mouth parts, but nothing came out. I couldn't say anything.

“Is it because I may not be as well to do as I am now? I promise, I would work really hard for you. I wouldn't let you suffer or cry." He pleaded.

It feels like my heart was being pierced with a knife. My heart ache for him, for his utter vulnerability. The fact that he trusts me, as always trusted me enough to see this part of him, that no one else, not even his parent get to see.

I shook my head as a no. I would never reject him because he is poor. I never loved him for his money. To me, he has always been Andrew. Nothing more and everything.

“Is it because your Dad....have everything that was once mine? " He pressed further.

That would never be the reason. To hell with what my Dad now have. How would he think that low of me? When have I ever be driven by love for wealth or ambition?

“You know that's not the case." I snapped. The words came out more clipped than expected.

Maybe, I am mad at myself for not being able to be rebellious for once. Or, maybe I am mad at him for asking me to come with him and putting me in this awkward spot.

I could feel him , getting pissed up too.

“If not, then what is it? What exactly is the reason? I was hundred percent certain you would agree to this, because it's you, Julia. Because I know you care about me and wouldn't want me to suffer. "

Strangely, I didn't like the way he was exposing me. Saying out feelings I haven't even admitted to him yet. But, he is accurate.

“Because I don't want you to leave! Just like you said, I care about you too much to want you to drift down that path."

“If I don't go, what other options do I have? There's nothing here for me."

“That's what you think, but you are not really thinking this thoroughly."

“Oh,really?!" He asked, his voice laced with sarcasm.

“Why don't you want to stay? " I asked.

He looked away from me. I could see the anger in the way he held firm is jaws.

I love him, but he needs to hear the truth.

“Of course! Of course, you not have a tangible reason, except because staying would hurt your ego."

He bolted out of his seat.

“Julia!"

I did the same too.

“Am I wrong? Correct me if I am!" My voice came drastically down, as the anger in me fades out.

“Think about it carefully. You are a logical and analytical person, so I want you to please compartmentalize this very well. Why do you think your Dad gave you options pertaining the Will? If he really wanted to leave you with nothing, he would easily have just done so with only one Will."

He sneered scornfully, giving me that look that he wore whenever he finds something utterly ridiculous.

“And how would you know that? How do you know there most be a concrete reason behind his actions? "

“ Some answers can only be gotten only when you think them through with your heart, not only with your brain. This is not a business strategy or statics, where logic and facts have to be put into consideration. This is a father's love for his son. Your father loved you and I am sure everything he did, including willing his properties to my Dad and having you make a choice, are all expressions of his love and definitely for your own benefits. "Easy for you to say." He snapped.

I moved a step closer to him, he took a step backwards.

“It's not easy for me too, Andrew."

“Like it isn't. I thought you would support my decision, but I was wrong. I shouldn't have come to you."

He stared hard at me for a while, then turned away. I tried to reach out to him, but I find my hand hanging midair, unable to hold him back. I watched his retreating back, until he was out of sight. He didn't even turn to look back at me, not even once until he disappears out of sight.

Frustrated, I digged my hands into my hair and scattered it. I know he wouldn't listen to me. He is too stubborn for his own good.

***

The next day came fast, with beautiful blue sky and cool breeze. As early as eight am, the Lawyers arrived.

We all assembled in the breakfast room again.

“Mr Andrew James. Have you made up your mind?" Lawyer Philip asked. His eyes on my best friend as he sat at the head center of the table, avoiding my eyes like I am an eyesore to him.

Not that I can blame him. Last night still lingers on my mind too.

“Yes." He replied.

“Okay. Go ahead. We are all ears."

Andrew looked around the table, maintaining eye contact with everyone seated around the table. When he finally looked at me, I met his gaze and our stare locked longer than the others.

I held my breath. With the way he was looking into my soul, I wanted nothing more than to go to him, and pull him in a warm embrace, assuring him that everything would be alright.

I suddenly broke the look, at the same moment, he did the same, like he was feeling as overwhelmed as I was.

“I.... " Andrew hesitated.

I held my breath again. Please chose option A.

please. please. please.

“I... " Andrew started again. “I... chose option A."

What, wait?! What did I just hear? He really chose to stay.

“What did you say? Your statement now is final." Lawyer Philip reminded.

Andrew smiled. “ Yes. I have made my decision. I chose Option A and my decision stands. I accept Sir Frederick as the Chairman. I will stay and do whatever the Will and Sir Frederick asks me to do." He said and glanced briefly at my father, the new Chairman.

I glanced at Dad. I could immediately tell he was angry. That's when it dawned on me; Dad wants Andrew to leave completely. I can't let Dad get to Andrew. My best friend chose the right choice and I must let him know that.

I looked at Andrew and smiled brightly at him. I couldn't suppress the joy in me. He followed my advice after all. I brought up that joy to my face and let it shine in the smile I flashed him.

He stared at me for awhile, then looked away without returning the smile. That hurt deeper than I expected.

I looked around the table. Madam Virginia and Grandma Ann were looking triumphant, genuinely happy. Peculiar, Julian and my Mom were also happy and relieved.

Surprisingly, the only angry look in the room came from my father. Caleb remains unreadable.

“So... " Lawyer Felix started. “According to Will Two. Now, that Mr Andrew James has accepted to stay, he gets to retain his position as the CEO, but....."

“Let continue tomorrow! " My Dad said, using an authoritative voice I have only heard him use in our private quarters.

My Dad is exercising his power. He wouldn't let Andrew stay. I have to stop him. I must do everything I can to make sure Dad doesn't deprive Andrew of what belongs to him.