Chapter 40: Chapter 40

Courtney was left alone inside the room crying from the balcony after she slapped Ben. 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. She was still pouring her heart out when she heard footsteps inside the room so she hurriedly wiped the tears.

"Courtney we've been looking for you after Ben left saying he's not feeling good and he have an early meeting.” Her mother informed her.

"I'm just getting some air Mamà." Courtney made sure her eyes are not fluffy.

"Tesoro is everything alright?" Mrs. Montini noticed something is off with her daughter.

"Yes Mamà don't worry about me, go mingle with Mrs. Venoso I'll join soon." Courtney convinced her to get in.

“I can tell it from here that you are crying and don’t lie to me, tell me what happened?” Her mothers’ tone made Courtney crumble.

“Mamà.” Courtney uttered.

“Did you have a fight with Ben?" Mrs. Montini question was spot on.

Courtney couldn't speak because as soon as she heard his name she broke down again. That's one of the things she love about her mother she can read her like an open book. She is now close in telling the truth but she forced herself not to say anything. If her mother knew the deal it will be more complicated and she might not get her understanding.

“Oh… tesoro, come here and tell me what's wrong.” Her mother is now worried.

“I— am sorry.” Courtney says in long pause while sobbing.

"Is this about the pregnancy?" Mrs. Montini wiped her tears.

"Ben and I had a fight." Courtney ignored her question and just broke the news.

"You want to tell me what the reason is?" Her mother’s face showed disappointment but her welfare is far more important than any engagement.

"I can't say it now Mamà but please don't tell this to Papà yet I beg you." Courtney pleaded.

"Whenever you're ready I'm here." Mrs. Montini soothes her.

"Thank you Mamà." Courtney hugged her and continues sobbing.

"Stop crying its bad for you and the baby." She placed a hand on her flat stomach.

Now Courtney felt guilty and it's eating her up because the situation gets more complicated. It’s now or never that she needs to tell her mother that she is not pregnant that it was all a misunderstanding. What happened tonight is just too much for her, the cancelled deal, Ben being inlove with someone; and lastly this baby issue. So she decided its’ better she let one of those issues go to move on.

"Mamà I'm not preg---" Courtney was cut off when the door opened revealing Mrs. Venoso.

"Finally I found you amica I have been looking for you and Courtney.” Liliana approached them.

“We are just about to go and join you guys.” Mrs. Montini answered.

“What are you doing here outside?” Mrs. Venoso asked.

“We are just having some heart to heart talk.” Mrs. Montini covered up.

“By the way I came to tell you that Ben bid us goodbye since he has a meeting to attend tomorrow morning. I hope you don’t mind amica that he had to left early.” Mrs. Venoso informed them.

“It’s okay Lily we understand how tough business can be.” Arianna nodded while responding.

“Is everything alright Courtney, it seems to me that you have been crying?” Mrs. Venoso looked at the pair.

"She and Ben had some misunderstanding amica." Arianna was the one who speaks.

“Oh that’s why my son left in sour mood, now I know why.” Mrs. Venoso muttered.

“Can I asked what did you fight about maybe I can give you some advice?” Liliana offered while showing concern to Courtney.

"She won’t tell me the reason.” Mrs. Montini switched gaze to her daughter.

“Let me assure you I will give him a very good lecture tonight and make sure that he will apologize to you.” Mrs. Venoso

“I will in time, I promise.” Courtney looked at her mother and Liliana.

“Alright we understand and respect that but if you need my help I’m just here after all he is my son." Liliana went beside her.

"I’d rather just keep it between me and Ben for now, but I really appreciate you for being concern about me.” Courtney refused since it's not their problem.

“It’s okay I don’t want him to think that I am asking for your help to fix our mess, but still thank you Liliana.” Courtney once again declined.

“I know how stubborn Ben can be, so let me handle him.” Mrs. insisted.

“I just don't want to be a burden to anyone." Courtney carefully chose the words she replied.

"Non ha senso (Nonsense) you’re not a burden to us and besides you will be my son's wife and the mother of his children in no time so you’re not just anybody else that he can just ignore.” Mrs. Venoso boldly announced.

Courtney knew whatever argument she had with Ben can never be fix and it’s only a matter of time before everyone finds out that everything was just a deal.

"Mamà, Liliana, I'm afraid there will be no wedding to plan." Courtney frankly told them.

"Oh hush my dear, you and Ben only had an argument I’m sure you will be able to settle it.” Mrs. Venoso dismissed her response.

“That’s what I think too amica. I mean it’s impossible that the wedding will be off because I know how much they love each other so I don’t see any reason why it will not happen.” Arianna adds up.

“I have witnessed just how Ben loves her too, so let’s just give them both the time they need. If all fails then we are going to intervene Ana.” Liliana prepare to do the last option but she respects Courtney’s plea.

“I'm sure you and Ben will fix whatever issue they have and before we know it it’s their engagement.” Mrs. Montini assumed to her daughter.

"I'm sure they will amica this is just part of the wedding jitters that happens to every couple right dear?” Liliana hoped that will be the case.

"I... uhmm... I don’t know to be honest." Courtney swallowed a lump in a throat.

“Oh we do know what, so don’t stress yourself too much okay?” Mrs. Venoso appears to be really concern about her.

“I just have one more request to ask.” Courtney had a pleaded look.

“Sure, tesoro.” Her mother waited patiently.

“What is it?” Mrs. Venoso said inquisitively.

“Can we just keep this for now between us? I don’t want Papà to know about this for now, please?” She bit her lip hoping they will approve it.

“Don’t’ worry about your father I will not say a word until you both were able to settle your issues and announce your wedding.” He mother says with conviction.

“You have my word too dear with not interfering with you and Ben.” Liliana promised as well.

“Thank you.” Courtney gave a warming smile.

“You better dry those tears dear I don't want to see you crying its unhealthy for the little bambino (baby)." Liliana is concern with a non-existent child just like her mother.

"Nice idea, let's head inside before your father frets and suspects that something was off." Her mother suggested.

They all head back inside the receiving area and Courtney was glad that his father didn’t notice anything. Soon Lilliana bid goodbye together with Eric after inviting them to her upcoming birthday. Courtney went to her bedroom immediately and took her phone to delete Ben's number on her registered list while doing that their conversation keeps rewinding on her mind. She wanted to forget about him so she also removed him from her social media account lists. Everything he said cuts her heart into pieces because she thought they had something special but it's all fake. She fell in love with the wrong guy who will not love her in return. She decided not to waste time mopping around and just move on.