Just then, the door creaked opened, revealing his mother. Alex eyes widened in shock, staring at her. As his heart skipped at the sight of his mother, he couldn't help but wonder how much she has heard. That moment, he forgot his house was sound proofed and his mother would never had heard said those to Rosy.
“Has she been eavesdropping on me...?”Alex thought within himself, glued to the same spot he was as he stared at his mother blankly. His heart was racing like a kid whose parents were scolding. Alex hoped that she heard nothing, he will only appear as a weakling before his mother —and that's one of the things he dreaded the most. Mrs. Williams was surprised at how Alex was suddenly looking at her, her brows were furrowed with a look of displeasure on her face. "You don't stare at me in such a foolish manner." His mother sternly. Alex quickly composed himself and turned away from his mother. "Did you forget how to look at your mother respectfully? What's with that glaring eyes of yours?" "Uhm... Nothing." He uttered, stuttering lightly. Alex felt a pang of guilt and quickly apologized to his mother. "I'm sorry, I guess I was carried away by the call, I've absentmindedly stare at you against my own wish." He sighed inwardly and made a mental note to be more careful in the future. His mother nodded her head curtly and turned her attention away from him since she came back for something else. "Uhn, continue your thing." She waved him off, her eyes frantically searching the living; she still felt as though Alex eyes were watching her. "I forgot my keys but can't recall where I dropped them. Have you seen them?" Without giving a response either to the caller or his mother, Ryan went outside since he did not want his mother to know who was calling, he felt like at the moment, she was spying on him —if she ever gets to know then she won't allow him. "Are you still there, Alex?" Rosy, on the other end, asked as she noticed that Alex is not saying anything to her. "What's up with you, Alex? Is something wrong over there, can I come over?" "No, nothing is wrong, it's my mother. I'm listening now..." Alex said after he is certain that he is some miles away from his mother and there is no way she can hear whatever they are saying. "Why aren't you saying anything earlier?" questioned. "You allow me to continue saying almost everything without replying, why? You decide to go mute after dropping such suggestion, were you trying to pull my legs or something?" "I did what I think is best for you, Rosy." Ryan replied with a shoulder shrug —like she's present before him. "I told you my mother is around, I can't just say things before her without thinking it twice especially something like this. You might not know how she behaves but I do." Of course, Rosy knows the type of woman she can be. The few moments they had spent together, the numerous calls and messages she do send to Rosy was enough to define who Alex's mother is to her. Now, thinking about it might make it sound as though eloping with Alex is the best idea which deep down inside Rosy, she knew it's not. When Alex had suddenly suggested they leave States, Rosy couldn't deny the warmth she felt inside her; which gave her the reassurance that he truly cared for her than anyone else —the thought had made her smile unconsciously but she quickly composed herself. Rosy can't let him leave his mother simply because she nags a lot and strongly against their union, she might be because she care about him. Additionally, there are still much things he shouldn't let go off no matter the circumstances —mostly the company. Where would he start from if they elope? A once CEO turns out to be working under a new manager or worst still, a supervisor —that sounded like a good headlines news but she's not ready for such a life with him. "Look here, Alex..." She began in a calm yet firm voice. "I think this is a wonderful opportunity for us but then we can't. Do you expect we run and leave everything behind like a coward? What might become of us outside the world? I'm sorry but we can't." Alex's expression faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "I understand, Rosy." she said softly. "I just thought maybe we could have a new start somewhere, away from all the stress and chaos. But you're right, running away isn't the solution. We have to face our problems and find a way to overcome them." Rosy nodded in agreement even though they aren't seeing each other, feeling a sense of relief that Alex understood where she was coming from. "Exactly. We can't just abandon everything you've toil day and night, go through all sort of embarrassment for and start anew." She uttered, making sure to help him see reasons with her. "I don't think it's okay to lose the company yet, not after your hard work towards it." With a second thought, he realized she's right. There might not be any good profit yielding business out there —even if there's, he doubt if he'll be having enough capital to set one up for himself. That moment, the thought of leaving everything behind and starting anew scares him more than anything else. "Do you have any suggestions then?" Alex asked, hoping she could bring good idea that could beat his. "The only one I could think of at this moment is taking care of things carefully both physically and mentally." Though, Alex was sure they had less time to think things through with his mother still holding on to her threats to him. Rosy breathed in sharply, this was her only chance she could get Alex to do whatever she suggests, knowing how much he's desperate at the moment. "This is the only way out, Alex..." She stated. "Let's get married!" Without thinking it twice, he nodded absentmindedly. "Sure, let's do that." He uttered with a smile on his face. "Let's get officially together and face whatever comes out way hand-in-hand, Rosy..."The early morning sun peeped from the horizon, casting its warm yellow hues over the quiet courthouse in downtown States. The lovely couple, Alex and Rosy, could feel the butterflies in their stomachs unwinding as they slowly paced towards the entrance, hand in hand.Alex could hardly contain his excitement as today marked a momentous occasion in his life. Having fallen in love with Rosy during their university years and passing through different ordeal, he was eager to begin a new chapter with her as husband and wife.The icing on the cake was that they had decided to hold a secret wedding ceremony in a quaint courthouse, adding a touch of aura of mystery to their love adventure. The air felt electric, surging with the anticipation that enveloped the couple. As Alex gazed into Rosy's eyes that sparkled a wondrous azure blue, he was reminded of the infinite depth of their love.Rosy's eyes shone just as bright, reflecting the incredible happiness that filled her to the brim. As they e
Alex stood before the door, his heart throbbing hard against his rib cage, his mind racing at a million miles an hour. In his hand was a folder containing legal documents filled with proof of his secret court wedding with Rosy. He knew what was inside that folder could destroy his mother's expectations and worst of the heartbreaking consequence if she go through it. It might forever ruin his relationship with her.He clenched it tightly in his grip, trying to gain strength from it's firm, undeniable proof. Today, he was going to confess his secret to his mom —he had married Rosy in a court, and was now a happily married wedded man.He wasn't sure of how his mother would react; their relationship had always been noisy and strained. She had done everything in her power to govern him from a young age, moulding him into her version of ‘the perfect son’. Since he could recall, he had always try his best to be the dutiful son to her.However, Alex had reached the end of his limit —and Rosy
And now, standing at this crossroads in his life, he had never been more certain of what he believed in, and whom he loved. Alex had determined to let go off being her puppet even if it means rebelling against her; he wouldn't mind!Alex knew that he had to take charge of his own fate and make his own decisions, even if it meant defying the expectations of others. With newfound determination, he stepped forward into his future, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.His eyes never leaving his mother's, he replied quietly but with emphasis, "I don't care if you disown me or you did not, I love Rosy and she loves me. We're going to make a life together, irrespective of your opinion. Don't think of this as your failure that I married out of your choice. Instead, consider it as my first in reality independent decision as an adult, some thing to be proud of.""Who told you you can make choices for yourself, Alex?" She asked almost thundering, her eyes spitting invincible fire. "I spe
••TWO MONTHS LATER••It was a Tuesday morning, and the bright morning sun shone brightly through the streets of States. Alex, now ranking amongst the top five successful business men, was known for his precision, had make sure to spend extra ten minutes preparing for today's work and to look good than usual as well. He'd landed a contract as a new lead supplier of office material for a large trading firm and needed to make a good impression. As he cautiously straightened his black tie one more time, his right lingered on the reflection in the room mirror hung before him.The businessman admired himself, all smiles, and felt a jolt of excitement. Today would be a start of new chapter in his life, a day filled with larger budget and even loftier aspiration —the weather was unusually good that morning, so he could promise himself that. Within that same room of his, also beaming in anticipation was his wife, Rosy. A true vision of femininity, she bore an image that bought compassion to
Still that same day after Alex had left for work, it was warm as the sunlight reflects brightly as it shines, adding more beauty to the streets of States. However, it did not last too long as the climate suddenly changed. Soon enough, the supposed warm and fine weather was abruptly changed as it rain slightly, the atmosphere suddenly turning cold and fuzzy. On that cold, colorless Tuesday afternoon, heavy with the weight of imminent decision, Alex sat in the conference room of his office alongside with his diligent staff members. He fidgeted continuously, struggling to focus on the words bouncing around the room as his mind was filled with the echoes of the conversation he had had with his wife, Rosy only few hours earlier.Alex and Rosy had weathered many storms over the dozen months they had been together. Through tremendous hardship and joys, they had managed to remain steadfast in their love for each other; being each others source of strength. “...And, since we now share the sa
Lisa exited the conference room, her mind buzzing with the ideas that had been discussed during the meeting with her executives. As she exit the entrance of the conference room, she saw a familiar figure standing outside with his both hands buried in his pants pockets, his back to her. She was surprised to see Andy there, as she knew he had a surgery scheduled at the hospital."Andy?" Lisa called out in surprise, approaching him. "Is that you?"Startled, Andy turned around, his face lighting up at the sight of Lisa. "Hey, Lisa!" He uttered, a sly smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Do I look fake? Ever come across my doppelganger before?"Lisa scoffs, already used to his nonstop teasing. "Maybe your doppelganger would make a better person than you." She enunciated, barely smiling at him. "I can't wait to meet him."Andy held his chest dramatically, feigning a hurtful expression. "Ouch, that hurts a little, Lisa!" He frowned with a slight groan but Lisa only shrugged in reply. "H
In the sterile environment of the hospital waiting room, surrounded by hushed murmur and the faint scent of disinfectant, Andy sat beside Lisa, fearfully comforting his Cousin and fondling her palm as he awaits the doctor's assessment.A million question plagued his mind, each one darker and more troubling than the last. Has she suddenly developed a food allergy? Was it something more sinister? Those were his unsettled thoughts as he held Lisa's trembling hand, during his best to ease her worry while his head pounded with dread. Soon enough, a doctor emerged from an examination room, a small professional smile on his face —wide enough to ease the cousins at the moment. "It's nothing serious but just a simple case of pregnancy, Mr. Andy." He announced, relieving much of the anxiety that had gripped Andy.Well, his relieved anxiety only lasted few seconds as he rethinks the doctor's simple words. "What pregnancy...?" His eyes widened at the thought of his Cousin being pregnant. Why wou
It was barely an hour past noon and Alex was already preparing to leave his office, thereby closing for the day. He had Kiel cancel all of his schedule for that day, leaving most of his clients hanging —well for that day, he did not mind, his wife's happiness comes first as he already planned out the best surprise for her. He needed to prove to her and show her how much he loves her and was willing to do anything for her, believing she's also possessing the same mindset as his. Most definitely, she would since she's now his wife.With a dreamy smile on his face that doesn't seem like it would be fading away from his face anytime soon, he threw his blazer over his shoulders, humming some incoherent words understand his breath happily.As he wear his blazer, he couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to love and be loved in return. The warm sun that was reflecting and the gentle breeze in the air seemed to be a mirror of the warmth and joy he felt in his heart. Today was go