CHAPTER 50 - THE BIRTHDAY GUEST
Today is already Courtney’s birthday and it’s been two weeks since Ben hired the Investigator. During those weeks, he talked to Mr. and Mrs. Montini and even helped him for his surprise party for their daughter. Ben even went to Courtney's clinic without her noticing it and talked to Nathalia. He convinced her to make some alibi for her Boss so he will have time to prepare his plan. She agreed on it and promised to Ben that she will not to say a word to her preggo friend but gave him a reminder not to put Courtney on too much stress. Ben felt something was not right that day but he didn't push it.
“Do you have the ring already?” Eric talked to his tensed brother.
“Yeah, I have it here.” Ben touched the pocket of his suit to make sure the box is there.
They are now at the venue and waiting for the celebrant to arrive. This is Ben’s only chance to talk to Courtney since she was avoiding him and he never saw her since his mother’s birthday. He is so nervous and doesn’t now what will happen but he will swallow his pride just to have a minute of her time.
"If you don’t stop walking round, soon enough you’ll flourish the floor with your shoes." Eric mocked his brother.
“Enrico stop taunting your brother.” His mother reprimanded him.
"What if she doesn't come?” Ben kept rambling with shaking hands.
“She will come don’t worry.” Arianna and Carlos assured him.
“What if she finds out I’m here?” He touched the bridge of his nose.
“She is not aware of it, so relax before you peed on your pants.” Mrs. Venoso commented making everyone laughed softly.
“What if she won't talk to me?" Ben ignored their comments.
"You act like a woman with you phasing around like a lunatic.” Eric chuckles.
“I’m not lunatic, just nervous!” Ben smacked his brother’s head.
“He is just nervous, keep it together figlio you‘re going to need it soon.” Liliana said in calm tone.
"I just got her message she's on her way." Arianna informed them while waving her phone.
"Now you can relax figlio." Carlos gave a glint of amusement to Ben.
"You better start hiding her car just came in the driveway." Eric tapped his shoulder.
Ben nodded and hides through the door so Courtney will not be able to see him automatically. His heart is beating like a drum and beads of sweat are forming on his forehead that he keeps wiping away. He was about to come out of his spot when he saw Nicolo is holding her back while Nathalie holds her other back like a support.
Ben felt jealousy takes over him seeing the woman he loves in the arms of another man. They seem to be happy since Ben can tell that Courtney is glowing even though she gained a little she is still gorgeous. He was brought out of his thoughts when Ben heard them talking.
"Nic-Nic! I swear I'll shave all your hairs out! Was this blindfold really necessary in our own house!?" Courtney complains while stomping her feet.
"My goodness Con-Con stop whining and just follow me inside." Nicolo scolded her in return.
A minute later Nicolo saw him not looking shocked or intimated instead he gestured his head and mouthed "hide there" with a smile. Ben got confused why the guy seems to be acting so cool after seeing him. He was watching the whole time while the blindfold was taken out of Courtney’s eyes. Once she as able to adjust with the brightness, everyone greeted her with pop up confetti.
"SURPRISE!” All the guests came in chorus.
"Oh my God!! Courtney’s first reaction.
“Felice Compleano (Happy Birthday)!!" The rest said in unison.
“Thank you so much!” She smiled at everyone.
“Happy birthday.” Nicolo and Nathalia greeted together.
“That's why you blindfolded me!!" She hits Nicolo on his arms after realizing the reason for her complaint.
"Ouch!! You're becoming more brutal ever since --" Nicolo touched his arms but stopped mid-sentence.
"I'm really surprised." Courtney is about to cry.
"Actually it's not us who planned it." Her father butted in.
"Don't look at me like that I'm just following orders." Nicolo shook his head and hands.
“Following orders? From who?” Courtney has a confused and clueless look.
"Me." Ben decides to go out of his hiding spot.
Ben swears his world stops when she turned her head in pure shocked. He only hoped Courtney won't avoid him or worse send him out of the house.
"Benj?" Courtney whispered his name.
“I... uhmm... Happy birthday." Ben handed a bouquet of her favorite flowers.
Ben doesn’t know if he should come closer to hug her or kiss her so he chose the safest way, he remain a few distance.
"I... thank you." Courtney accepted the fresh flower.
"You look great and glowing." Ben complimented and saw her blushed.
They were both staring at each other making them unaware that everyone was gone including Nicolo. Ben made a mental note to thank him for giving considerate and giving them the privacy to talk.
"Let's take a seat." Courtney walked to the couch and he followed.
"Do you like it? I mean the surprise?” He asked seeing how quiet she is.
"I love it and thanks again for doing all of this.” She answered softly.
“I hope I didn't run your mood to celebrate." He chose the best words to say to her.
“I really don’t have plans to celebrate but Nicolo and Nathalia insisted this." She is still avoiding looking at Ben.
"Courtney, I know you’ve been avoiding me for the past weeks and I know you probably don’t want to see me anymore after our last encounter.” Ben is waiting for any reaction from the woman sitting next to him.
“Probably.” Courtney briefly said.
“I also want to apologize, I know you heard this before but this time it’s different. I realized how jerk, asshole, and douche I am to you." Ben was cautious not to make her upset.
“Good for you.” Courtney absorbing what he was saying.
“I also want to tell you that I'm just not attracted to you---" Ben was cut off when Courtney suddenly speaks.
"I get it; you don't have to say it out loud." She faced Ben looking annoyed.
"Let me finish... I'm not attracted because I am in love with you.” He emphasized the words.
“You--re wha--t?” Courtney was taken aback by that.
“I am in love with you from the day we had our first night; I just didn’t know it because I thought its only lust that I am feeling but I was strong.” Ben continued.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” She asked full of anxiousness.
“I got scared; I thought you don't feel the same way so instead of telling you I pushed you away and call off our deal.” He justified his action.
“Do you even know how much you hurt me?” Courtney is now gazing at him.
“I know that’s why when Mamà's birthday came up, I was determined to tell you how sorry I was and confessed to you but my plan went to drain because you’re already engaged to someone. I was mad to myself because I let you go and I was a coward." Ben didn't notice he is already crying.
