CHAPTER 33 - THE FIANCE'S RESIDENCE
Ben reached his Nona's casa (house) after thirty minutes’ drive from Courtney’s place. His plan was to change at Courtney's suite since he had few clothes there but his mother called him about something important. He bid goodbye in hasty manner with a promise to come to the dinner.
"Figlio I'm glad you came on short notice." Mrs. Venoso hugged him as soon as stepped on the front porch.
"Hi Mamà is everything okay?" Ben kissed her cheeks as a sign of respect.
“I am okay, don’t worry.” She assured his son who looks very worried.
“Did something happen to La vigna again?" Ben tried to guess what the commotion is.
“No, everything is in order at La vigna.” Mrs. Venoso calmly informed him.
“What do you want us to talk about it then?” Ben furrowed his brows as they got inside the house locking the door behind them.
"Do you remember the arranged marriage that I told you about?" She started after settling on the one seater chair.
"Mamà please don't tell me you are still on this idea.” Ben became apprehensive.
“No that’s contrary to what I planned.” His mother shook her head and took a pause of her words.
“Plan?” Ben repeated the last word just to be sure.
“Yes, I want to meet them personally with you tagging along.” Mrs. Venoso finishes her information.
“I can’t, I have plans with Courtney tonight.” Ben explained.
“Cancel it.” His mother did not accept his reasoning.
"I can't tonight can you just go with Eric?" Ben rejected since he really need to support Courtney tonight.
"He will come with us too so please come with us.” She requested.
“Just take Eric Mamà and tell them we will set up another dinner this week."
"They are very important people." His mother reasoned out but Ben can't disappoint Courtney, specially not tonight.
Ben is starting to hate the said family it seems they are after their wealth. That is the only logic he can think off why people like them would use their son/daughter in making such agreement without their consent. He is certain that the daughter is some gold digging spoiled whore.
"I don’t care who they are, Courtney is my priority she is my girlfriend so I won’t join you, I’m sorry.” Ben is now near the door.
“You need to come with me; we have to properly inform them that we are calling off the engagement, that’s the right thing to do Benjamin.” Her mother gave an authoritative tone.
“I promised Courtney that I'll meet her parents over dinner. In fact I'm running late so I need to go now.” Ben opens the door and run towards his car.
His mother followed him up to the front porch where Ben’s car was parked. Ben reeved the engine and purposely ignored his mother’s rant while Mrs. Venoso was disappointed when he son rushed out of the house but at the back of her mind she is proud because his son already has a priority. It was something that she was praying for; so she decided to cancel the arranged marriage hoping her amica (friend) will understand it when they meet tonight over dinner.
“Ti amo Mamà! Take care!" Ben stepped on the gas pedal of his car while leaving.
On his way to Ben connected his phone to the car’s speaker and asked Siri to call the number he is fondly familiar. He needs to tell him that he will be a little late considering how short the time is for him to get to his place and get ready.
(PHONE CONVERSATION)
Courtney: Hey Benj, give me five minutes then I’m ready. (She immediately answered in one ring)
Ben: Hey wifey, it’s okay I’m still on the way to my place. (He took a right turn on the road going to the City)
Courtney: Oh, alright care you...uhmm.. still coming? (She can’t anticipate what he will say)
Ben: Of course, I just called to tell you that I’ll be late since I’m half an hour away from my place. (He can hear Courtney‘s relief sigh)
Courtney: Alright, I’ll just notify my parents that we are arriving late. (She continued applying make-up)
Ben: I think it’s better they didn’t know that I’m coming with you. That way they will be really surprise since none of them are expecting me to come. (He suggested)
Courtney: You have a point (She nods absentmindedly)
Ben: I’ll probably be there half pass seven to pick you up. (He estimated the time)
Courtney: Don’t drive so fast I still need you in one piece and besides there not so much important, if it’s my decision I don’t plan to meet any of them at all. (She fixed her hair this time)
Ben: I know wifey but for now stop getting grumpy and tell me what you’re wearing. (He said teasingly)
Courtney: I can’t believe you just said that while driving. (She siftly giggles)
Ben: Just want to hear you laugh and don’t worry about tonight. (He seriously meant it)
Courtney: Thanks Benj, anyway I better get myself ready. Please drive safely. (She reminded him)
Ben: Will do, see yah wifey. (He ended the line)
(END OF CONVERSATION)
After the call, Ben sped up his driving speed for him to get to his pad in half an hour. At 6:58 tops, he was home and was able to get ready in ten minutes; he wore a white long sleeve with red steaking lines and paired it with black slacks. Ben wanted to pass Courtney’s father standards so they will accept him as her husband and not the anonymous guy they chose for her. The moment he was done putting on his shoes and styling his hair, he grabbed his car key and drove to Courtney’s flat. Meanwhile Courtney is already dressed up and wearing a red strapless cocktail gown with a white lining on the chest area and paired it with red stilettoes.
"You look beautiful." Ben complimented her.
His fiancé is breath-taking and he couldn’t help but capture her lips for sweet kiss. The thought and sound of being her man suddenly made him proud but at the same time nervous. Ben can only pray that he will get Courtney’s father blessing.
"Thanks Benj you're not bad either." She blushed.
"Shall we?" Ben opened his arm for her to hold.
"Yeah." Courtney linked her hand on his arm.
After half hour of travelling the road, they reached the secured gate wherein Courtney had to press the security code to open. Upon entering the driveway you will see a landscape shaped in big circles in between the driveway. Once you reached the front yard, you will be welcomed by a sprawling waterfront. The Montini’s residence is like almost the same size of Ben’s Nona's house that is approximately 20,000 square-foot mansion.
"If you don't want to do this I will understand." Courtney spoke first.
"No, we will do this I’m just a bit anxious.” He grabbed her hand.
"Just relax and stop being nervous." Her voiced soothes Ben.
As soon as the door opened, they were greeted by the house help who led them to the waiting area. By the looks of it, Ben can tell the woman is around her 50’s and she was happy to see Courtney.
"Signora I will just call your parents." The same woman who approached them said.
