CHPATER 38 - THE RETRACTED DEAL
Finally when the pretend couple was left alone, Ben remained quiet and at the same time pissed. After what happened earlier, he wanted to discuss his decision with Courtney because that was the reason why they were in the contract in the first place.
“Ben, what are we going to do?” Courtney touched his elbow.
“We need to talk about the contract and this engagement.” Ben started as he walks to the balcony.
“I agree.” Courtney followed behind.
“Courtney, we both know we just made the deal because we thought that's the only way out of this arrange marriage, correct?” He asked.
"Uhmm... yeah." Courtney swallowed to afraid of what she was about to hear.
“Honestly speaking, I wasn't expecting this would happen but I'm backing out from the deal." Ben stepped forward to her direction.
"Wh---hat?" She stuttered.
Ben knew he was being a coward but he needs to do this because he is falling hard for her. He doesn't know if she feels the same way or what's on her mind so they need to stop the deal before one of them gets hurt.
"I want out of this whole engagement fiasco.” Ben declared with determination.
“You want what?” Courtney wanted to make sure she what she heard was correct.
“I'm not ready to get married so let's forget about the contract." Ben repeated with more specific explanation.
"Benj you know we can't do that! They were already convinced we are madly in love and planning the wedding. How are we going to explain that there is no wedding? Can you please be reasonable right now and think about this before making an impulsive move?" She went closer to him.
“Exactly that’s why we need to stop this whole fake dating and we both get on with my lives.” Ben gave an argument.
“But we will lose what we worked hard for and we both knew how important those are.” Courtney’s mind and heart are swirling with emotions.
“I promise your clinic will not be closed if I have to talk to your father about it then I would.” He offered.
“Are you backing out because of Sherina?” Courtney had to know this.
“Why did her name was even mentioned here?” He groaned as response.
“Just answer it because it matters.” She stated with determination.
“No… that’s not the reason.” Ben truthfully answered.
“Then tell me ne valid reason why we can’t just make this deal happen?” She bravely confronts him.
“I am not ready to be tied down because I am in love with someone else that’s why I want this deal to end okay?” He answered indirectly while looking at her.
“I see, now I understand.” Courtney felt she was stabbed a lot of times after hearing those words.
“For all its worth, you’re a good pretend girlfriend. Thank God I chose you because it’s so easy for us to end this deal without any fuss.” Ben can see her reaction.
"Yeah this was a deal anyway, so better end it once and for all.” Her voice is deathly calm.
"Imagine if it was from another woman, I bet this is going to be different story. At least with you it’s very convenient considering who your family is.” Ben put an indent on the last word.
"Why do I have this feeling you are disgusted with my family?" She stated with clarity.
"I heard you and your father's conversation." Ben gave her a hard stare.
“What exactly did you hear?” Courtney folded her arms.
"Enough for me to hear he wanted to use our family’s money for your family’s business.” Ben scoffed.
Ben wanted to say that he is willing to help them if only Courtney feels the same way. He can't allow himself to be rejected again from the woman he loves so the deal has to end since that's the easiest way out.
“I will not deny that my father said that but it doesn’t mean I am the same, you should know that by now.” Courtney tried to compose herself.
“You can’t blame me to think that way.” Ben moved backwards.
“I can’t believe I am hearing this right now after everything we’ve been through.” She tried to get the logical explanation but found no answers.
“Oh come on don't play me for a fool Courtney tell me is this part of your acting too? No one is around so you can finally relax.” Ben riled her up.
“Is that how low you think of me Ben huh?” She raised her eyebrow.
“You’re a good actress Court so how would I know? You’re able to convince my mother and for all I know you planned this with her.” He came up with another argument.
“Excused me?” Courtney is now fuming.
“Tell me; didn’t you purposely go to the café that day to make me believe you are actually desperate? If I think about it, the events are timely considering you came at the right time." Ben countered.
"How dare you accused me that I was part of your mother’s plan?!" She finally burst after hearing Ben’s statement.
"Who do you want me to blame for forcing me to be married?" Ben retorted.
"You don’t have to blame anybody because we are both on this mess! Don’t you get it we are both victims here?!” She argued back.
"I'd rather give my money to my family than share it to your father who is a money hunger person!" Ben spat.
"How dare you speak to my father like that?!” Courtney slapped him hard on his right cheek.
Ben sensed the hatred in her words and felt how hurt she is but he thought this is the only way for her to hate him. If only she loves him then he will marry her but without the deal and no arrangement.
"This makes it easier to say this… goodbye Ms. Montini." Ben touched his cheek.
“Goodbye Mr. Venoso.” Her words laced with venom.
Courtney knew that’s the end of their relationship or friendship but who cares? He doesn't want to be tied down and she rather loses the clinic than be with a jerk like him. It is painful to lose the man you love but if that will make you suffer then so be it, she rather save herself from getting hurt.
