Flashback IV

• Freya •

Dad suddenly entered our television room where I was sitting, switching channels of the LCD, too zoned out to focus on the screen.

I had celebrated my moment in every way possible, but one problem kept bugging me and that was how I would convince Mom and Dad for Ben. Let alone tell them about me dating him. I had been hiding about him because I knew they would create a fuss if they found out he was nobody like he didn't own any business nor he was the inheritor of some massive patrimony. I knew they would never make it easy for me.

Ben didn't know about all this crap. He had no idea that my parents expectations about my husband were beyond his imagination. He would get hurt and I didn't want this. I couldn't let him feel low about himself.

"I've come to tell you something." Dad sat in front of me, giving me a brief smile.

I muted the TV and put down the remote. "Yeah?"

"I and Eastmond have signed a new, big joint venture today. The project is based in Seattle."

"That's nice." I simply said. I didn't know why he was telling me that. It wasn't anything new. Eastmond Builders was Dad's business partner for years.

Eastmond was Rafe's family name. He was the only heir of his parents. That's how I met with Rafe around five years ago because of our families' business association.

"I've signed the contract under your name, Freya." He added.

"What? Why? You didn't even ask me." Now this caught me. At the same moment Mom made her appearance too.

"I knew what you would say." She intervened, "I and your father decided it will be a good project for you to start the work."

I twisted my face in annoyance.

They will never let me live in peace, will they? I knew their ultimate goal was to imprison me in the office.

"What's with you both? You said that the project is big, why are you risking it with me? I'm not interested." I leaned back angrily on the sofa behind.

Dad stayed calm though. He stood up and walked to me, "I trust your skills. You're my daughter. Business is a part of you. And don't stress yourself. You have a lot of time almost six months till we need to start working on it. After six months you have to join the office and I won't be listening anymore excuses at that time."

Ah. Six months. That's a long time.

I would only remember that part of his speech.

He continued, "You should start acting like Howard now. In our world the family name is very important and the reputation that is attached to it."

Family name, my ass. Because of these same pressures I couldn't openly date Benjamin. I couldn't publicly wear my engagement ring. It was hiding in my room's drawer.

"She will never understand those things, Nicholas. I'm telling you." Mom started again. She loved talking about my flaws. It was her favourite topic, "All she knows is partying, her never-ending socializing, eating junk--"

"Mom, enough." I stood up, "You never miss a chance."

"And you never listen." She retorted, "Prepare for Kaysha's fete. It's next week. All renowned people from the construction industry will be there. We need to be at our best. I have already ordered a dress for you."

"Oh please, Mom. I'll be bored there." I said in a tired tone.

"Freya, you know that annual fete is important to make connections." Dad argued, "You can't miss it. Not even Mia. You both are coming." Mia was my fifteen year old sister who was also getting her training to join their prestigious business. Note the sarcasm.

"You're at the right age to build your own circle and still you know no one in the industry. You will be able to meet new people and maybe we can catch some new big investors there." Mom mused.

I grumbled, "Whatever." It was useless to talk with them. It seemed like they didn't listen to me at all. I left them alone there.

That Kaysha's fete was the regular posh event organized every year. Kaysha was a big name in the construction industry. She gathered large industrialists and business tycoons from all around the country at her house to give them the opportunity to meet and greet each other and expand their network.

Totally waste of money and time!

But who could knock sense into those elites who love to waste their money on unnecessary social events?

Sometimes they don't have any sane reason to arrange a party, still they will have one only because they are too bored inside their big, lone mansions.

Ugh. Their social gatherings were never-ending. I was forced to attend a party at least once every month and wear those designer gowns Mom bought for me.

I should take a break and go on a vacation somewhere far. I sighed and went straight to my room and locked myself there for the rest of the day.

...

I went to the art gallery the next afternoon where Benjamin had exhibited his latest collection. He wanted me to see them and I wanted to see him so I accepted his invitation.

The paintings and art were not my cup of tea. I respected his work only because he liked it and because it gave me different vibes. Learning and studying business my entire life had made everything around me drab and Benjamin somehow lessened it.

However I had an interest in pursuing some creative careers like fashion or architecture or animation in my early teens, but I couldn't because of Mom and Dad. They didn't let me choose any other discipline other than business administration. I eventually did my MBA and killed my interests.

"Sorry for making you wait. I was busy with this place's managers." Ben came from behind, pulled me out of my thoughts.

"No problem." I smiled. He took my hand in his. I squeezed it.

"Did you like my new collection?"

In a plain, white tee shirt he looked fairer. I found guys more attractive in casual-wear rather than suits. And thank God, Ben avoided suits. I grew up seeing men always in crispy tuxedos and chelsea boots. They didn't attract me. Suits make men look stiff, tough and unfriendly; completely contrary to my type.

"They are amazing." I answered.

My favourite dimples appeared on his cheeks. They lightened up my mood. "Let's go from here."

I nodded. We started walking towards the exit door while he kept holding my hand.

"I've talked with my Mom about you and she wants to see you."

"What?" I stopped in my tracks.

"Why are you so shocked? Didn't you like it? I thought now we should introduce each other to our families."

"Yeah. Of course." I forced a smile. I could never let my parents see him.

They would never welcome him. Oh dear God.

"I'll be sending you the time and day after talking with my Mom. She was glad to know about you." He came in front of me. I was unable to look into his eyes.

"Did you tell your parents about me? We should start planning a wedding."

I gulped, scratched my forehead with my thumbnail, "Not yet."

"Why?" He asked confusingly.

"I'll...I'll do it soon."

He sensed my nervous tone, "Are you hiding something from me? Is there any problem? I know your family is rich and all. They must have some expectations about your husband. Tell me if there is something I should know."

"There is nothing." I immediately answered, "You don't have to worry about anything. We'll have a great wedding."

My stomach fluttered in fear as I lied to him. I was too scared to even imagine what kind of theatrical drama my parents would show me if I would tell them that my boyfriend was far from their standards.

"It will be the happiest day, my love." Ben said with his breath-taking smile.

I became sentimental. If he would find out my problems, his dimples would disappear and I couldn't bear it.

"You're my love too, Ben."

His smile widened as he brought his face closer to mine and kissed me. I happily responded. I forgot about my worries and lost myself in the moment, hoping the entire problematic world just disappears and only this moment lasts. I won't give up on him. I wanted to marry him and I had every right to choose my own husband. It really didn't matter to me that he was not rich or that we were from different worlds.

...

Later in the evening I was playing with my silver ring while half-sitting on my bed. My stress level was only rising. I was out of ideas on how to handle this situation. I knew this problem was going to hit me soon, this Ben problem. Just imagine, only imagine if I tell my parents about Ben, how they'll react?

They will disown me.

They will degrade me, insult me in every damn possible way.

They will label me as a shame to the Howard family.

They will force me to break up with him.

All these reactions will only be because Ben was not from an affluent family, only because his name was not attached to some powerful, renowned enterprise. Ugh, these parents!

I felt a beep in my phone beside me. I glimpsed at the screen and caught Ben's text message there. I grabbed the phone and opened his text.

"My house at sharp 7 on Friday. Mom wants to see you. Hope you can make it. <3"

"That idiot. Can't he slow down a bit?" I reacted in annoyance.

I threw away my phone. What in the world should I do now? I couldn't meet his Mom when I wasn’t sure what would happen to me in the future.

I groaned aloud, frustrated. I screamed into my pillow, kicked my legs in the air and ruffled my hair.

My mind was about to explode.

Tension and fear bubbled up in me, tightening my chest.

"I will find out the way. There has to be some way." I said aloud to myself to calm down my nerves. I didn’t really have to deal with Mom and Dad right now. I would tell them when I would get some suitable opportunity.

"Yes, that's a good idea." So let’s forget this problem for now. Forget about Ben. And forget about Mom and Dad.

I grabbed my phone again and called Rafe. He picked up after a few rings.

"Hey, what's up?" I tried to push my thoughts about Ben somewhere at the corner of my mind and smiled while building up excitement in me.

"Just wrapping up in the office. You say, why did you call?"

"I...I'm in the mood for clubbing. Can you accompany me?" I rose from my bed and started looking for an outfit in the wardrobe.

"In the middle of the week?"

"I'm in a mood so I wanna go. Come with me, please."

He took a pause and said, "Your plan sounds nice. I can't say no. Text me the name of the place and address."

I laughed. I knew I could rely on him, "Okay, thanks."

Rafael Eastmond was the only person in my circle who genuinely was my buddy. Despite having typical businessman demeanour, he was nothing like them. He was easy peasy, smarty pants, workaholic and sometimes a jerk. He gave me a break from this tough world, understood me and did not look down on me or my lifestyle or opinions. He found me completely normal unlike my parents.

I hung up the call, put my ring back in its box and headed to the bathroom with my new clothes. I'll party. I'll dance. I'll eat and I'll forget. That was my plan.

I will think about Ben and my problems later. Right now a crowded, noisy place was what I needed.