CHPATER 34 - THE FATHER'S INTERROGATION
Courtney thanked the woman after they were guided to the hall. This time it was Courtney’s turned to be tense since this will be the first time she will face her father after their argument. Soon she heard footsteps and the familiar voice can be heard from a distance. Ben also took a deep breath in hope the dinner ends well and not the other way around.
“Is the table already ---" Mr. Montini stopped mid-way after seeing his daughter.
"Hi Papà." Her gaze switched to her father.
"Good to know you made it." His tone seems harsh.
"Sorry for coming in late.” Courtney’s voice came out rasped.
“It’s okay the guests hasn’t arrived yet… you must be my daughter’s boyfriend.” Mr. Montini noticed Ben.
“Si Signore.” Ben acknowledged.
“I want you to meet Ben, Ben this is Carlos my Papà." Courtney introduced them instead.
"It's my pleasure to meet you Signore Montini." Ben offered his hand.
"So your Mamà was correct, your boyfriend do exist after all." Mr. Montini eyed Ben from Ben from head to toe.
Courtney saw how intimidating her father can be and she said to herself that if her father is going to be rude to Ben she swears they will leave.
"So, he is the guy that you're obsessed with?" Her father mentioned the word again.
“He is the guy but for the record I am not obsessed, let’s be clear on that. It was you and Mamà’s idea in the first place." Courtney defended herself.
"Why are you all standing here?" Mrs. Montini suddenly appeared.
"Hi Mamà!" Courtney kissed her cheeks.
"Let's get to the dining area while waiting for the food to be served." Her mother suggested.
As they enter the dining hall, ten-seater chairs with a marble rectangle table can be seen with two flower vases placed on the center of the table. The mouth-watering dishes will definitely satisfy the hunger just by the aroma of the prepared food.
"Tell me where and how did you meet my daughter?" Mr. Montini speaks up first.
"I met her at the airport Signore through a good friend of mine Zac; he is your nephew I believe." Ben honestly replied.
“Yes he is.” Her mother confirmed while putting the Focacia bread on the table.
Italian bread made with yeast and olive oil and flavored with herbs. It can accompaniment to a bowl of soup or a salad. A sweet version of focaccia can be eaten for dessert or even for breakfast as a replacement for toast.
"My wife mentioned you own a Café?” Mr. Montini has a disbelieving tone with Ben’s information.
"Si Signore I also manage our family business." Ben confirmed.
"I supposed you’re aware about the purpose of this dinner." Her father raised the issue.
Ben felt how irritated Courtney is so he squeezed Courtney’s hand to let her know he can handle her father’s questioning. If he wanted to get his approval he need to keep it cool and don’t take each action or words too personal.
"That’s actually the reason we came here, to talk to you and Mamà." Courtney butted in seeing how her father treats Ben.
"What is it Tesoro?" Mrs. Montini placed her fork down.
"We wanted to talk about our plans of getting married." Ben grabbed Courtney’s hand.
"Didn't Courtney tell you about her engagement tonight?" Mr. Montini voiced out.
“Yes, our engagement.” Courtney can tell her father was rude and it was too much for her so she spoke pointing her hand between her and Ben.
"As Courtney's boyfriend I believe I am the rightful future husband for her Signore." Ben stood up for her.
"Courtney can I have a word with you at the study room, alone?" Her father stretched the last word.
"I'll be right back soon as possible, please excuse us." She told Ben.
Courtney stood up on her chair and gave a worried look to Ben while Ben gave her thumbs up and an assuring smile. She followed her father inside the office with a goal to convince him to cancel the said engagement.
"Any moment the guests will arrive, why do you have to bring him here?" Her father lighted his tobacco.
"I don't really plan to come if it wasn't for Mamà's invitation." Courtney kept a little distance from her father.
"Do you realize how embarrassing it will be once they turn up and saw him with you?” Mr. Montini puffed his cigar.
"How could you think about other people impressions? What about my opinion or my feelings as your daughter? Is that meaningless to you?!" Courtney balled her fist to the side.
“You began to disrespect us because of that guy you just met at the airport!?" Mr. Montini yelled.
"Don't you criticize Ben! He is a very good man and this is not his fault! It's you and Mamà's idea to have this arranged engagement. You didn't even consult me if I wanted that outrageous set up!" Courtney also riled up.
"Their family is well-known and they will be helpful to our company's expansion. Your mother is friends with your future mother-in-law. You are going to break up with Ben tonight." Her father demanded.
“I can't believe you right now. You are willing to sell me just to get what you wanted!” Courtney countered while breathing heavily.
“I am your father and I know what is best for you or not so don't you ever question my decision!” Her father didn’t back down either.
"I'm not going to marry someone I don't even know and love. For all I know he is some self-centered jerk like his family!" Courtney retorted angrily.
"Guarda il tuo language Courtney Amber! You are marrying the guy we chose for you and that's final! I will disown you as my daughter if you choose to defy me!" Her father threatened but she will not let it affect her decision.
"Do what you want because I don't care anymore. I'm marrying Ben because I love him." Courtney walked away after that.
She made sure that her father will hear the bang of the door after she closed it. At the back of her mind she knew the words she said to her father are true and even if her relationship with Ben is just a contract she'd rather be with him than some anonymous guy.
