Chapter 2: It's Goodbye

The week flew by, seemingly too fast for Journee's liking. And just as the week was coming to an end, the same black car that had caused Dorthy's panic appeared again, this time right in front of Journee's house. Stepping out of the car were the members of her soon-to-be family.

"Come here, my dear. Our previous meeting was far too brief. Let me take a closer look at you," the silver-haired grandmother beckoned.

In a robotic state of mind, Journee mustered a smile and the grandmother, offering a false greeting. "It's good to see you again, ma'am," she lied.

"Now, don't you think it's time for you to call me granny?" the grandmother insisted.

Inhaling sharply, Journee obediently replied, "Yes, granny."

"That's a good girl. Have you packed your things?"

"Yes, granny."

"Very well then. Robert, fetch her things. Say your goodbyes, Journee dear." A man in a black suit and shades silently entered Journee's house, resembling a character from the movie 'Men in Black' with his attire and sombre expression.

Under different circumstances, Journee might have laughed at the thought. But now, she could only feign a smile, consumed by her inner turmoil. How would she live? Would Montgomery Lewis even like her? Was this the kind of marriage he truly desired—a union with a complete stranger he had never met?

More importantly, how would her father cope? Would he carry guilt for the rest of his life? She shuddered at the thought. What if he blamed himself? He nearly drank himself into a stupor when Mommy died. No! Journee couldn't let that happen again.

"Dorthy, can I talk to you in private?" Journee asked, and her best friend nodded, leading the way to the kitchen.

"What's up?"

"Doe, when I'm gone, could you please check on my father from time to time?"

"Of course! I was going to do that even if you didn't ask."

"Oh, Doe... you're the greatest friend anyone could ever ask for."

"Jo, you know we've shared one heart since we took our first steps. What kind of friend would I be if I didn't consider your father as my own?"

"Thank you... thank you so much."

"Now, just don't forget about me once you become a sickeningly wealthy Mrs. Lewis, okay? Throw some loose change to your dearest friend here." It was typical of Dorthy to make jokes even in such moments. She had been the light in Journee's life, albeit irritating at times. "Don't forget to call me when you arrive, Jo."

"As if you'd let me forget? Not a chance." They laughed, understanding that this parting needed to be filled with laughter, if only for her father's sake.

"Will I not get a hug, honey bunny?"

"Of course, Daddy." Journee rushed into her father's arms, cherishing what she believed would be the last embrace for a long while. "Don't worry about me. Once I'm married, I'll have all the money in the world to make your life comfortable. You can just watch TV and enjoy yourself."

"Oh, you little rascal. I love you, my precious daughter."

"I love you too, Daddy." With a smile as wide as she could muster, Journee reluctantly let go and headed toward the waiting black car. Mr. Man in Black was already holding the door, ready for her. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. Perhaps she would get used to it. After all, the family seemed quite nice, even if a bit formal.

They headed directly to the nearby airport to board the family's private plane. Along the way, Granny attempted to engage Journee in conversation to put her at ease, but Journee's nerves were too overwhelming to fully register Granny's word. Boarding the plane seemed normal until she stepped inside and was greeted by a luxurious interior adorned with leather finishes and opulent gold accents.

Seated inside, a young man was impeccably dressed, his back turned to her. He possessed an imposing figure, with midnight black hair and broad shoulders, making his tailored forest green suit look exceptionally dashing.

"You'll sit here, my dear. Take these two hours to get to know each other," Granny instructed, motioning toward a seat opposite the young man.

"Hi..." a most beautiful creature greeted Montgomery with a small smile, as she took her seat. He briefly looked up to find their eyes met, sending an electrifying pulse through the air.

There was a pause, a silence, before the beautiful man spoke, “If you can, be as quiet as possible. These need to be done before the wedding."

Journee had found his deep, endless black eyes had the power to captivate the attention of her very being. It was, however, the only thing she liked about him, since he only nodded and buried himself back into the piles of reports between them.

Wow... That's quite cold. But then again, what did I expect? Warm embraces and charming smiles? No, not really. I observed him more intently, taking in his furrowed brows, tense posture, and overall appearance that many women might consider attractive. However, it just didn't click with me. I prefer my man to have a more relaxed demeanour. Perhaps he isn't enthusiastic about this marriage either... or maybe he's genuinely swamped with work. I can't really blame him, I suppose. After all, he's the future Chairman of Lewis Bank. It's undoubtedly a demanding position. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity for him. No one would willingly enter an arranged marriage in this day and age…would they? Journee thought to herself.

Glancing around, Journee considering asking to sit with Granny instead. She felt much more comfortable around the little old lady, instead of this beautiful, block of ice.

"Um... where's Granny?"

" She's not fond of flying, so she usually sleeps in the room," he answered in a gruff voice that sounded almost like a growl. His displeasure was evident from his expression.

"I see." He felt a pang in his heart as her face fell with disappointment. Her brown eyes gave away the obvious distaste she had developed in their short encounter.

Unbeknownst to her, Montgomery was deep in thought, racing through the whirlwind of emotions that had passed him in the last 12 hours. From a meeting in Kuala Lumpur, he had hurriedly made his way to the plane that afternoon. Light nodes of Jasmine and Ylang-ylang lingered in the air, catching my attention. She had taken his breath away. A vision of beauty, the epitome of his ideal woman, his heart pounded wildly against its cage.

No,no,no,no… he wouldn’t allow himself to get distracted. She is undeniably distracting... Montgomery fought his every urge to pounce on her and give in to his deepest desires. I can’t. This is inappropriate. Uncultured swine! He reprimanded himself. But...right through the next hour, all he could think of was Journee’s beautiful heart-shaped face, hair cascading down to her waist like the majestic waves of the sea...and her body. God...she will be the death of him. No, Monty. You mustn't. Work is all that matters right now. Romance can come later when I have become the Chairman. Tonight...tonight, I will show her just how she affects me. He promised.

Perhaps, if Journee had understood the deep attraction her future husband had, the anguish he was going through, she would have found his reasons and behaviour rational.

Then again, the only words that were running though his mind now were thoughts of work:

WHEREAS the parties intend that the Seller shall sell to the Buyer the Entity for the price, terms, and conditions described below, and pursuant to the attachments and exhibits, if any, annexed to this main document. 

NOW THEREFORE, for the reasons set forth, and in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises of the parties hereto, and intending to be legally bound, the Seller and the Buyer agree as follows: 

Sale of Business. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Seller agrees to sell, assign, transfer, convey, and deliver to the Buyer, and the Buyer agrees to purchase and acquire from the Seller all rights, title, and interest of the Seller in and to the Business, including: 

> The assets described in Exhibit A attached hereto. 

> ALL inventory, receivables, equipment, patents, trademarks, licenses, business records, goodwill, going concern, and other assets of the Business, whether tangible or intangible. 

> The following assets only... 

The following assets are only cash and cash equivalents of the Business on hand or in financial institutions, receivables...inventory... 

Only... Assets sold as per… Blast it!! The anxious groom repeatedly pored over the same line of the accursed business purchase agreement.

Yet, he couldn't help but steal glances at his bride-to-be, Journee - such a beautiful name. "Journee," he whispered softly, savouring the way her name rolled off his tongue, casting a soothing spell over his thoughts. His body however, seemed to wage a war against his mind, insisting with unwavering conviction that she belonged to him. His gaze wandered over her slumbering visage, fixating on those inviting lips that beckoned for a kiss. Perhaps he could continue this later. Would she permit him to taste her lips? Surely, she would welcome his advances.

Contemplating her lips and the delicate sounds that filled the silence as she shifted uncomfortably, he yearned to hold her in his arms.

Stop being so impulsive, Monty! You'll have ample time to fulfil your husbandly duties after the wedding.

With a reluctant sigh, Montgomery redirected his attention to the tedious business purchase agreement.

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The minutes passed swiftly until a series of lightning flashes shattered the stillness, jolting Journee awake. "Oh," She gazed through the window and marvelled at the breathtaking beauty of nature up close, as she almost felt the electrical charge it exuded. Following that, waves of turbulence rattled the plane. She glanced at Montgomery, pondering whether he might share her concerns about how close they had come to a mid-air disaster.

To her surprise, he didn't even flinch! Was this man exceptionally brave, or was he so deeply engrossed in his work that he remained oblivious? Journee decided it was time to speak, even though he had expressly forbidden her from doing so earlier.

"Shall…Should we check on granny?" Journee asked, uncertainty lacing her voice.

"She won't notice. Sleeping pills," Montgomery said as casually as he could.  That sudden wave of turbulence had him worried, and at that moment, Journee turned to look at him. However, unwilling to get caught staring, he had quickly flipped the page of the agreement.

I think...I might be falling in love with her. Love...such a wretched curse for the living. Definitely not. It is a sorry excuse to be weak, my father had told me. I am not in love...no, no, no. I will not become a pitiful excuse of a son! There was so much Montgomery wanted to know about her, to speak to her. For the past few days, his family had reports coming in each month to notify him of her whereabouts, her character, likes, and dislikes…but what about her soul? The very essence that makes her – Journee?

"Sir...we need to make an emergency landing." A supermodel-type flight attendant interrupted Montgomery’s thoughts, pointedly ignoring Journee’s presence.

"Excuse me." The Lewis heir looked at Journee, but she didn't feel like acknowledging him after his previous offhanded response. With a sigh, Montgomery stretched before setting off to the cockpit, his lean and powerful muscles showed in his confident stride.

"Mr. Lewis, sir," Robert greeted me. "We need to land. Immediately, sir."

"If we make a stop now, we won't arrive home by midnight."

"Right...and if we continue, we may never reach home alive."

"Shush now, Robert," the flight attendant said in a shaky voice. "Sir, we might as well take a rest. It will be easier on your granny. You know she can't take the whole journey home."

Women...always thinking about spending money. Does she think I don't know? Of course, she wants to stay at The Datai. Every one of my staff only thinks about spending money. What about saving and planning something better?

Robert didn’t need to look at his boss to know how worried the man was. "Very well. Do what you need to do, Robert."

Robert had been granny's faithful man in arms. Bodyguard, pilot, chauffeur, secretary, emergency medic. There was much to be admired of this man. He has always been calm during a crisis. For him to voice a tinge of worry, it is something he cannot handle. But there were times when Montgomery thought of this man as a machine, to be able to manage it all and still look so calm during an oncoming storm like this.

Trusting our pilot, Montgomery made his way back to the slightly agitated bride-to-be. She looked worriedly at him with her dark brown eyes.

"We'll be landing shortly." He announced.

"Okay." She fastened her belt and stayed silent for the rest of the time.

The next time Journee spoke, they had landed safely on the island of Langkawi. They had not even left Malaysia at this point. Godforsaken barren land! Montgomery hated Langkawi for its unnecessary heat. Sure, it has beautiful hotels. But that was about it. He didn't like the overfriendliness of the locals, nor the fact that most of them are farmers and fishermen. But for today, he had no other choice. They must make this stop or be lost to mother nature's whims.

The aircraft door opened, and Granny ushered Journee towards it. She's going to burn under that sun! The Lewis heir quickly grabbed a hat and placed it on Journee's head.

"What the..." She turned to face the man behind her, surprised.

Without saying a word, her soon-to-be husband silently took a shawl from the cabinet and wrapping her in it.

"...Just what are you doing, Mr. Lewis?" She questioned him. Her eyes burned into his back. He knew from the tone of her voice that she didn't like what he had done. No matter. Once she starts walking in this blistering sun, she will thank me. He reasoned.

Still fuming, Journee took her time to alight the plane, taking in the hot, humid surroundings that was once her home.

With a click of his tongue, Montgomery quickly dragged her across the road base and half carried her into the limo that waited a short distance away. “I AM NOT A BABY!!” Her previous annoyance and worry were turning to a full-on rage. It made it worst that granny said nothing to defend her.

Once in the limo, she quickly removed the articles of clothing that he had placed on her and crossed her arms.

"Are you alright, my dear?" Granny asked kindly.

"The heat has gotten to her, granny," Montgomery answered.

Great! Just great! Now he answers for me. Do I not have a mouth of my own? Bloody bigot! Oh God...why am I trapped in such a fate? Why do you continue to allow people like this to walk the earth? Why?! Journee lamented her fate, unwilling to catch his watchful eyes.