Chapter 44: Chapter 44

Today is Mrs. Venoso’s birthday so Ben arrived a little early to help around. Ben is also praying that Courtney will show up tonight under the circumstances since this is his only chance to do it.

"Figlio (Son), can you please entertain the Montini downstairs? Your brother is supposed to be here but I can’t find him.” His mother entered his room.

"Sure I'll just get my tie and I’ll be out soon." Ben put the coat on.

“Thank you and please talk to Courtney she is great woman and practically our family so be nice okay Benjamin?" His mother used the full name card.

“Si Mamà I promise I’ll make it up to her by tonight.” Ben turned around facing his mother.

“Good, I’m looking forward on that.” Mrs. Venoso walked out of the room after that.

Ben followed his mother’s instruction and was able to see the guests inside the living room having some chat with his brother. He greeted Carlos and Arianna first since Courtney was nowhere in sight until he saw Courtney. His heartbeat was racing fast when he saw her in cream color floor length A-line dress making the waist line invisible. He was about to approached her direction to give compliment when suddenly a guy appeared from Courtney’s behind and he linked their hands. Ben excitement and smiled faded away that was seen by his brother and Arianna.

“Hi Ana, Carlos. Apologize for not joining so soon.” Mrs. Venoso also called their attention.

“That’s perfectly fine we just came in.” Arianna says while giving side kisses to her friend’s cheek.

“Hi Liliana, happy birthday.” Courtney greeted the celebrant handling over her gift.

“Thank you – oh, and who is this fine gentlemen?” Mrs. Venoso took the gift while eyeing the guy with her.

“Oh, this is Nicolo.” Courtney switched gaze from her to Nicolo.

“Her date, Signore.” Nicolo finished the introduction.

“Her date.” Ben repeated utterly making everyone heard it.

“Yeah, he is.” Courtney acknowledged his comment.

“It’s nice to meet you Nicolo and thank you for coming – by they these are my sons Enrico and Benjamin.” Mrs. Venono intervenes seeing how tense the scenario is for her son and Courtney.

“Your house is beautiful amica.” Mrs. Montini also joined in.

“Grazie amica, this house was from my mothers. Anyways let’s proceed to the buffet area so I can introduce you amica with others.” Liliana suggested.

Everyone followed except for Ben who is rooted on his spot feeling pissed and the interest to join the party. He rather goes to the club and hook up with other woman just like Courtney did with that guy. He can see Courtney has moved on so he doesn’t see any reason why he can’t do it.

“Benjamin don’t just stand there go join the Montini while I attend to my other guests.” His mother brought his mind back.

“Coming.” Ben answered nonchalantly.

He entered the patio and saw Montinis are already sitting on their designated table having a great time. He doesn’t have the appetite to eat and see Courtney at the same time happily spending time with that guy. Ben walks but didn’t notice he was already standing in front of the Montini because his mind is too clouded.

“Benjamin, can you show the Courtney the bathroom while Nicolo gets their food? I’m sure Nicolo doesn’t mind it.” Mr. Montini called him out.

“But –” Ben tried to talk but his mother appeared out of nowhere.

“Of course, as long as it's fine with Con-Con then it’s okay with me." Nicolo awaits Courtney's reaction.

“Is it okay with you Courtney, Ben?” All eyes are now on them making everyone wondered.

"It's fine with me; I'll be right back soon Nic don't worry. I'll find you in the crowd later." Courtney smiled at him.

"Okay. See you later gorgeous." Nicolo kissed her forehead as Courtney starts walking away.

Ben almost lost his temper when he heard their term of endearment but when he saw the kiss it was a different case. He thought nobody has the right to kiss his fiancé! No one has the right to give her that stupid nickname only him because he is the fiancé!

“Don’t just stand there like an idiot, follow her.” Eric nudges his arm.

“Right, excused me.” Ben immediately trailed Courtney’s direction.

“Where is the damn bathroom?” Courtney uttered in annoyance.

“First door to the left.” Ben speaks up from behind her.

“We are alone now so you don't have to play being nice anymore." She said without any emotions.

“I am not.” Ben defended.

“Whatever.” Courtney dismissed him and walked away until she found the right door.

Ben waited outside the bathroom door while thinking of ways on how to talk to her since her date is just around the house. He needs to tell her about his feelings and he doesn’t care if it’s too late or not. He was still battling with questions when someone cleared a throat making him look up.

“Can you step to side you’re blocking my way.” Courtney was first to speak up after doing her business.

"Oh... sorry... I'm just... thinking." Ben stuttered.

“Yeah I can tell, I’m not stupid.” Courtney has a bored expression.

“Come on.” Ben took her hand with his.

Courtney felt shock all over her body from that interaction while Ben prayed she doesn’t pull away. Instead of guiding her back to the event, Ben pulled her to a more private area.

“This is not the direction to the event, where are we?” She asked a little annoyed.

“This was Nonna's garden.” Ben entered the green house.

“You can let go of my hands now.” Courtney stared at their entwined hands.

“Right, sorry.” He felt rejected but didn’t how it.

The greenhouse is special to him because all of his Nona’s favorite and rare flowers are placed for special care. Each plant has a stand and a short description of their name.

"Wow!" Courtney reacted in amazement.

“When she was still alive, she would take me here and ask me to plant those flowers. She tried teaching me to make it bloom but I guess my hands are not good at that.” Ben gave a little insight of his grandmother.

“That is called black thumb or numb thumb.” Courtney commented.

“Yeah, it is. I remember she told me once that I will not be able to get a wife if I don’t even know the meaning of each flower.” Ben smiled as they look at each plant.

Courtney gave her a timid nod so he guided her to a nearby bench but made sure to put some distance so he will not overwhelmed her.

"So… uhm… how are you doing?" Ben voice sounded nervous.

"I'm fine Mr. Venoso, I hope you are too.” She answered with disinterest tone.

"Courtney, I wanted us to talk about that night at the balcony.” Ben started.

"There's nothing to talk about Mr. Venoso it's over and done." She didn’t even look his direction.

“There is because I know we didn't part in a good ways and I hurt you. I admit it was a great mistake for me to insult you that's why when I realized it I tried calling you---" Ben was cut off when Courtney speaks.

“I don’t want to hear anymore from you Mr. Venoso.” She stood up.

"Stop being formal and look at me, please.” Ben pleaded

“You don’t tell me what to do.” Courtney gave her the best condensing look.

“I’m sorry for everything I said it was an honest mistake that I regret.” Ben tried reaching out for her hand.

“You really think that was easy? How do you expect me to forgive you when you disrespect and insulted my own family?” Her tone went a little high.

“I‘ll do anything for you to forgive me, we can still continue our wedding, start all over again.” Ben desperately wants her back.

“The hell with your apologies you're too late! And I am not going to marry you!" She spat.

"Is it because of that guy outside? Is he the reason why you don't want me... the wedding anymore?" Ben couldn’t help but asked that particularly.

"Leave Nicolo alone!! He doesn't have anything to do with my decision!! There's no engagement that's going to happen between us! Arranged or not with or without the deal, nothing okay?! " She stood on her grounds.

"Then give me a reason why you can’t marry me?" Ben countered.

"I'm engaged!" She announced with conviction.

“Please tell me you are lying… tell me that you’re just saying that to despise me." Ben saw her ring finger and there's the proof.

"I hope this will be the last time we will talk Mr. Venoso." She turned around and was about to open the door when Ben pulled her back.

Ben captured her lips and kissed her like his life is dependent on it. Courtney was struggling at first but eventually gave up and kissed him back with the same force.

“I miss you so fucking much.” Ben uttered while trailing kisses to Courtney’s neck.

“Ben —” Courtney is trying to control her emotions as well.

Ben stopped his sweet assault on her while he still can because he might take her right there and then but he has so much to make for and it was not the right place for him to do that.

“I will not let that Nicolo guy take you from me you're mine." Ben whispered to her ear.

“You… can’t.” She answered trying to catch her breath.

“Your action says otherwise wifey that kiss meant something to you too.” Ben saw her face became red.

“It’s because you took me off guard.” Courtney reasoned out but she knew better than that.

“I will make you marry me because I'll be damn to let you go.” Ben gave her a promising tone.

Ben took that as his parting words and finally let Courtney go. They head back to the crowd quietly but after few minutes Ben decided to leave to find his mother. Courtney on the contrary was confused because she doesn’t know what her feelings anymore.