EPISODE 4
1023 Words
A costly mistake: Misplaced priorities.
Isabella and Sebastian sat on a bench watching the calm and peaceful lake, the sun was dull today, and the whole atmosphere was cozy, not too hot or too cold.
But the tension between the two couples was palpable. Isabella rushed down to her boyfriend, Sebastian, as soon as the detective left her father’s place.
After thinking the whole thing through, she decided to approach him and tell him all that was happening.
She had decided to get married after becoming a doctor, but now that her secret was out in the public, and her dreams of becoming a doctor shattered on the floor, she had to get married and at least find a place to call her home or the insults from Helene would only get worse.
She now had something tangible to use to her advantage and, knowing Helene, she would leave no stone unturned in ruining Isabella.
''Baby... are you okay? Ever since you got to my house you have been crying, we. We went out for fresh air, and you seemed so distant. Please tell me what is happening, my dear. Please tell your baby boo what’s happening, I do not like to see tears in your pretty eyes.'' Sebastian said, his voice soft and gentle as he caressed Isabella’s cheeks.
Isabella spoke, her voice breaking with tears. ''Sebastian, I have something to tell you. I've decided to drop out of medical school".
Sebastian’s expression changed to one of a concerned man. ''What? Why, Isabella? You're so close to finishing!"
Isabella sighed, defeated. ''It's because of my mom's past, Sebastian. The university is going to revoke my scholarship and...and I just can't do it anymore. I would rather quit humbly than face the humiliation from the school’s board and my peers. I have decided to accept my defeat on a golden platter rather than fight a lost cause. I cannot keep crying over spilled milk, what has been done has been done, there is no way to take back the damage.''
Sebastian kissed her cheeks in a supportive gesture. “Oh, Isabella, I'm so sorry. But we'll face this together, okay? I know you are a strong lady, and the love of my life will always come out victorious in the end. I am sure of the woman I love. I did not fall in love with a quitter, I fell in love with a completionist. I trust that you have thought about this before making this decision and whatever you do, I am always here by your side and rooting for you''.
Isabella sniffled" You're always so kind to me, Sebastian. I don't deserve you. Thank you for your one-word and supportive gestures, you are the best man. You deserve all the good things in the world''.
Sebastian’s face was all smiles. ''You deserve all the love in the world, Isabella. And I want to give it to you. Will you marry me?"
Isabella’s eyes widened in surprise, her eyes shining with unshed tears as she looked at him. She had expected this, she had made up her mind to get married hit his actions were unexpected and that, too, in such a way. She was shocked and happy at the same time, their minds were linked, and they had similar thoughts.
Isabella opened her mouth to speak, but no sound came out, her voice was caught in her throat, finally, she managed to force the words out, breathlessly. "Oh, Sebastian...yes! Yes, I'll marry you! I will marry you!''.
Sebastian slipped the ring onto her finger, cupping her small face with his palm, and he leaned forward, his lips capturing her in a slow kiss.
The moment their lips touched, it felt as if sparks were flying in the air. This was not their first kiss, but the circumstances surrounding the kiss were one of a kind.
After what seemed like an eternity, the two pulled apart, each gasping for air.
Sebastian spoke first, his voice barely alive a whisper. ''We'll build a new future together, Isabella. One where your mother’s or father’s past can define you, a life where the world revolves around the two of us.''
Isabella’s smile never ceased on her face. "I love you, Sebastian. I love you so much, thank the almighty for sending me such an angel.''
Sebastian smiled warmly at her. 'I love you too, my darling."
“Thank you, Sebastian, thank you for being by my side...even when the whole world rejected me you never left me even for one minute,” Isabella mumbled.
Sebastian’s voice was gentle. ''We will create a new world, our world where your flaws and imperfections are perfect, we will have our world where your past does not define you. With you by my side, we can conquer the world, this world filled with hate.”
Isabella spoke tearfully. ''You make me feel like I can do anything, Sebastian. Truly, home is not a place, home is a person, and you are my person.''
Sebastian smiled “You are home, Isabella. You are my joke, now and forever.''
Isabella kisses her ring, her heart fluttering with excitement.
''Congratulations Isabella, I am so happy for you. But I also have to warn you, marriage is not a child's game. You can get into it easily, but can you get out of it that easily? Getting married means you have to share your life with someone else. You have to be okay with getting criticized for things, even the little things that do not matter. You have to be okay being under someone, someone you must answer to, anytime, any day, any place.” The voice in her head warned her.
Sebastian spoke, excitedly. ''Let's start planning our wedding. A small but fun-filled'' summer ceremony by a lake... with only our friends and closest family members in attendance.''
Isabella giggles for the first time since her past was brought to light. ''It sounds perfect, Sebastian. Like a dream come true."
But what if this plan that sounds so perfect is not perfect... what if Sebastian is not who he claims to be?
- Writer
