The Merger

Chapter 8

(Elizabeth’s POV)

I walk up to the front of my house, my heart still pounding from the argument I had with Ben earlier this morning. The weight of our disagreement hung heavy in my mind as I fumbled for my keys, searching for the right one to unlock the door. Finally, I found it and turned the key, stepping into the familiar embrace of my home.

The air inside was cool and quiet, a stark contrast to the storm that had erupted in my ‘relationship’ just hours before.

My mind replayed the heated words we had exchanged, the hurt and anger that had consumed us both. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read the messages from Deriah in his phone. I don’t know what possessed me to check his messages. Maybe my own past insecurities pushed me to search. And I found exactly what I was looking for. The betrayal cut deep, and my insecurities flared up like an uncontrollable wildfire. Ben's reaction hadn't helped either. Instead of comforting me or reassuring me of his love, he had lashed out, punching the wall in frustration.

As I stepped into the living room, I found Jennifer, curled up on the couch, engrossed in some chemistry book. She looked up, concern etched on her face as she noticed my disheveled appearance and tear-stained cheeks.

"Elizabeth, what happened?" she asked, setting her book aside and making space for me on the couch. I sank down next to her, the weight of my emotions threatening to drown me.

"It's Ben," I replied, my voice laced with anger. "That Diarrhea b***h sent him explicit photos, and even messaged him saying how she couldn’t stop thinking about him since the other night. Then when I confronted him about it, he got angry, grabbed my arm violently and even punched the wall. I don't know what to do, Jen. I'm so lost. I did something stupid. I hooked up with him. And now I just feel like some floozy who threw myself at the first guy to make me feel anything more than worthless."

Sarah's eyes filled with empathy as she reached out to hold my trembling hand. "Elizabeth, you deserve someone who respects you and values you, and from what I’ve seen from Ben he seems like a good guy underneath the charming bachelor act. Now as far as his anger issues maybe he needs to go to anger management. You’re my bestfriend and maybe your parents can deal with you being with a douche bag but I will not tolerate any man acting crazy towards you or man handling you! I will kick his hot millionaire ass!"

Her words echoed in my mind, piercing through the confusion and pain. She was right—I couldn't continue down this path if it meant sacrificing my self-worth and happiness. I smile at Jen feeling a little better after talking things through with my best-friend. She smiles at me reassuringly and then suddenly I feel like the biggest b***h ever for how I spoke to her last night.

“Jen I am so sorry for how I snapped at you last night. I’ve just been under so much stress and scrutiny at the company and with my parents to make this merger thing work and then I’ve just been so confused about my feelings towards Ben that everything bubbled up and I took it out on you.” I say sincerely. She smirks at me.

“I’ll forgive you under one condition.” She says mischievously. I shake my head.

“What is it?”

“You gotta come on that business trip.” She smirks.

“How do you know about that?” I ask her curiously.

“Because Andy invited me to come along.” She says cheesing. I roll my eyes.

“I’ll have to think about that.” I tell her. I lean back on the couch and close my eyes for a second.

Just as I began to contemplate my next move, my phone buzzes with a message. It was my mother. She informs me that our annual family reunion was scheduled for tomorrow, and that I was expected to attend this year. Dread instantly filled my heart at the thought of facing Henry, my ex-boyfriend who had married my cousin.

Henry and I had parted ways on less than amicable terms, and the wounds were still fresh. Seeing him again would only bring back memories I had tried so hard to bury. But family obligations prevailed, and I knew I had to put on a brave face for the sake of appearances.

As the night descended, I sat alone in my room, contemplating the choices before me. The decision to walk away from the arranged merger my parents had set up between Ben and me seemed more crucial now than ever. If I couldn't trust Ben with something as simple as explicit photos, how could I trust him with the rest of my life?

My heart raced with nervousness and apprehension, both for the conversation that awaited me with Ben and the family reunion looming on the horizon. But amidst the uncertainty, a newfound sense of strength and determination blossomed within me. I would face these challenges head-on, refusing to let fear dictate my choices any longer.

Tomorrow would be a new day, a chance to confront my past and shape my future. I decide to take a shower and then finish up some paper work from the office here at home. After showering I sit at my desk in my bedroom and open my laptop typing up reports and filling out the contracts for our next product launch. A buzzing from my phone disrupts my focus and I glance down at the screen. A message from Stephen. What could Stephen be texting me about? I think to myself. I sigh and unlock the phone and it’s a lengthy message that reads.

“Please, spare a moment to read this message with an open mind, for our future together hangs in the balance.

Since the day our paths intertwined, I have been captivated by your beauty, intellect, and unyielding ambition. You possess a unique blend of grace and strength that sets you apart. In your presence, time stands still, and the world fades away, leaving only your brilliance to light my way.

Yet, I fear for your happiness. The man you are bound to marry, he is not deserving of you. He is a womanizer, his reputation tarnished by broken hearts and shattered dreams. I cannot bear to see you ensnared by his charm, only to suffer heartache and betrayal. You deserve so much more.

Please, consider your own happiness above all else. Do not succumb to the expectations of others. Listen to your heart, for it knows the truth. We share a connection that defies societal norms—a love that is built on respect, trust, and unwavering devotion.

I stand before you, ready to fight for our love, to overcome any obstacle in our path. My resources, influence, and unwavering determination are at your disposal. Let us navigate this treacherous journey together, defying the odds and creating a destiny that is uniquely ours.

I understand the weight of your obligations, but I implore you to reflect upon the consequences of sacrificing your happiness for duty. Life is too short to settle for anything less than extraordinary love. Give us a chance, and I promise you a love that will move mountains and leave an indelible mark on our souls.”

I stared at Stephen's message, my heart sinking with each word. Was he being serious right now? Was he actually talking about our "love" as if it were some kind of grand, all-consuming force? It felt so far-fetched, so unreal. I let out a hollow, bitter laugh, the disbelief and confusion swirling inside me. Love. I didn’t love Stephen, I didn’t yearn for him, I hadn’t even thought about him since he and Ben fought at the banquet.

Tossing my phone aside, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that Stephen, like so many other men who pursued me, was simply delusional. It seemed like I couldn't catch a break with them. Today had been a relentless barrage of disappointments, and Stephen's message only added to the chaos in my mind.

Did he truly spend the entire day thinking about me? Did he genuinely have such strong feelings for me? The age difference between us only compounded my uncertainty. He was six years older than me, and the mere thought of being with someone older would undoubtedly reflect badly on my family. The weight of their expectations crushed me, suffocating any chance of finding my own path.

I let out a heavy sigh, my doubts and fears gnawing at me from within. The pressure to uphold the image of my family, to conform to their wishes and societal expectations, felt like an unbreakable chain around my neck. And yet, amidst the suffocating weight of it all, a tiny spark of curiosity flickered within me.

I couldn't even focus on work any more, I shut the laptop and climbed into bed.I slipped beneath the covers, seeking refuge in the darkness. Exhaustion claimed me, but my mind remained troubled, tangled in an indecisive web.

Tomorrow, a family reunion awaited me—an event filled with memories, uncertainties, and the lingering presence of my ex, Henry, who had betrayed me with my cousin. The prospect of facing him and her again filled me with nervous anticipation, stirring up emotions I thought I had buried. The reunion became a symbol of everything I couldn't escape, a reminder of the embarrassment they caused me. I laid back letting the comfort of my large bed embrace me as I started to feel tired the buzzing of my phone disrupted my deep thoughts once again. This time the message was from Ben.

“ Good night Eliza, I hope you're not too mad at me.” he writes with an apologetic emoji face. I roll my eyes and decide against responding to his text. I decide to close my eyes, my exhaustion finally overcoming me. Within minutes I am drifting off to sleep.