Friends To Foes

“Our friendship means more to me than silver and gold. It cannot be sold for any money.

More businesses will always emerge, but not right now.

Your son is only getting married once, and you expect me to miss this special occasion due to business?

You should know that I will choose to attend yours a million times,” MacLeish explained.

“I am honoured to have you as a friend.

It means I am not alone.” Antonio smiled.

“How is your family doing? Are they present with you?” He deviated from the main point of the conversation.

“They are right here with me. Do you want to speak with them? I could invite them here, if you'd like.” MacLeish responded.

He was about to invite his family over when Antonio stopped him. “No. This will not be necessary. Allow them to enjoy themselves,”

I would personally go speak with them. I would rather not worry you because you just got to the party," Antonio insisted.

“I would like to pose a question to you. As soon as I arrived, that was the first thing on my mind." MacLeish stressed out. He was hesitant to ask because he wasn't sure if Antonio would want to discuss it.

“Sure! Why not? What is wrong? When you were coming, were you harassed by anyone?” Antonio, who appeared agitated and eager to find out the purpose of the question

“Please talk to me. I will call some cops to go fetch them.” He pleaded for MacLeish to speak up. He was ready to do the unthinkable for his best friend.

“Not at all. You are overly anxious.”MacLeish calmed him down.

“Why are your guests not present?

A man like you shouldn't have signed up for a modest wedding like this.

We ought to have expanded it beyond this.” MacLeish suggested. He had already prepared his apology speech should Antonio decide to engage him in a heated argument.

“I know what you are saying, but believe me, I am the only one who knows that I chose a low-key wedding.

Hilton is probably pleased with my choice as well.” Antonio clarified.

He pretended to be pleased about the wedding by pretending to smile. But deep down, he wasn't pleased with how the question sounded to him. It felt more like a mockery than a suggestion.

“Do not try to fool me with those cheap lies of yours. You are too familiar with me. How long has our friendship lasted? Twenty, twenty-three, or twenty-five years? When you tell the truth, I can tell.”

To be honest with me while looking at me, MacLeish cradled Antonio's shoulder with more questions.

“Would you kindly do me a favour?” Calmly, Antonio asked. He was seeking means to discard MacLeish. He just couldn't wait for the conversation to be over.

“Of course. Anything for my best friend, please. You know that I cannot refuse.” MacLeish gave his approval.

Antonio yelled at MacLeish, saying, “Get the fuck out of here if you are not ready to celebrate with my family.”

His loud voice attracted the attention of some guests. They could not take their eyes off him as they wondered what was going on.

"Hello, everybody.

It is not anything. We are just enjoying ourselves."' To give the impression that nothing was happening, MacLeish put on a false smile.

“Please stop touching me. Avoid playing that clever game with me. You are aware that I am not suited for that.

I am a man of moral character.” Antonio groaned. He refused to make everyone believe that it was all a joke.

“I apologize for posing that query. It will not ever happen again, I promise. To hide the feud, MacLeish apologized after the tantrums.

“If someone else told me this, I would comprehend. However, you? Come on, I consider you to be a brother.

We have made great progress. Will you defend me in my absence like this?” Antonio sparked outrageously. He didn't show any sign of accepting the apology.

.

I was just worried about you because I am a friend who knows what you are capable of. I should be proud of you for doing that.

You heard the truth from me, something that not many people get to hear every day. It demonstrates my authenticity and my lack of emotionalism." MacLeish justified his behaviour.

“Is it possible for us to shift our conversation from your son's wedding to business?

The construction of a new oil refinery is something we have not discussed.” To avoid ruining the wedding, MacLeish tried to shift the subject.

“If only you had not asked pointless questions and had just started this conversation. Construction is still ongoing on the refinery.” Antonio smirked.

“ It will be resolved rapidly. All we need is everyone's dedication and focus on this project." He gave a quiet response.

That is fantastic. There is a reason you chose a low-key wedding, and I apologize for nearly ruining your day." MacLeish teased Antonio again after he made the latter believe that he wouldn't discuss the issue ever once more.

You ought to quit interfering in my personal affairs. Go live your life, friend. You are seemingly really bored and in need of someone to chat to. Your wife and kids are already here." Antonio clapped back. He threatened to kick MacLeish out of the wedding should the latter continue to speak about his family!

“Hey, buddy.

You don't have to do that.

Like I said before, it was all a joke.

Why are you taking it so personally?”

MacLeish narrated.

To him, it was a mere joke. He had no idea that Antonio would take the situation seriously.

“Like seriously?

Are you kidding me now?

How dare you joke with my family? Have I ever done this to you before?

If you can't respect my family, I don't see any reason I should be around you,” Antonio blasted MacLeish.

He sounded as though he wanted to end the friendship between him and MacLeish.

A friendship that has existed for two decades. He doesn't mind giving it up just to protect the interests of his family.

Antonio might not be the best father to his sons, nor is he on good terms with Hilton. However, he isn't going to fold his arms and watch anyone talk down on his family.