Three years later
It was 8 am; the sun's rays started hitting my face, and as we were at the beach, the heat was a little high. The sky was so clear, like Ralph's vibrant smile. I chuckled as I watched Ralph, who was playing with the kids, and I groaned when he was getting most of the females' attention on the beach. He is mine; I wanted to yell it to everyone's face, but my quota of acting ridiculous for the decade was over, so I endured. On the other hand, it's been three years, and I have gotten used to getting attention for him, so I don't let these things get to me.
Without a care in the world, Ralph was playing with children, and my eyes were glued to his every action. It's really awesome to watch him like this, but at the same time, I really don't want him to get any ideas. Nope, never ever. Ralph mimicked something, and the laughter got even higher. By crossing my hands over my chest, I couldn't help but share their happiness even when I didn't know the reason.
By bidding goodbye, Ralph started walking toward me with the same smile on his face. After a brief hug, we started walking on the shore. "Kids are great, right?" Here we go; like every time, my prayers were tossed aside. "Yeah, good and everything." Ralph chuckled at that. "In the future." I took a long sigh. Like always, there was an urge to check my bank balance to feel happy when I could because the way things are going, there was every chance of a digit getting decreased. I summoned all my courage and answered him. "Of course, in the near future. We will plan." Ralph huffed in return, and I rolled my eyes.
We continued walking in silence. The wind was blowing, and the sun was rising a little higher. I checked the watch, and it was 10 am. We walked toward the nearby restaurant. After taking our seats, each of us grabbed the menu. Ralph gave the order for both of us, and we faced the sea. The restaurant was an open hut; it feels really good eating something while watching the sea. Our order arrived, and we started digging.
"Your mom called." I almost choked but restrained myself when I remembered it's my mom, and that only added more ingredients to my choking. So, I gulp the water in one go. "And?" I prayed for more. "She wanted to know how we are doing and everything." I couldn't help but raise a questioning gaze at Ralph. "We?" I questioned with an air quote. Ralph rolled his eyes at that. "Of course. Well, she asked about me, and I answered, including you. " There it is. She doesn't fail to give me reasons to hate her even more. "That's it?" I couldn't help it; she is my mom, and I know her damn well. There is more. She doesn't call for no reason but to plot something. Oh god, I really hope she hasn't poured anything, and my input doesn't count when they team up.
"Well, that and this. You should call her more." "Please don't tell me she is missing me." "You are her son." "Ok." Just to give a full stop to the conversation. "She hasn't heard from you; it's been a month." I sighed. "Please have less conversation with her." Ralph was taken aback and scoffed. "Why?" The answer was simple: she was my mom, but could I just say that? "She is too much." The response was immediate. "No, she isn't, and I like talking to her. She is good at listening and also at giving guidance." I stopped my hand in midair, and anxiety started building a little. Oh god. Why am I feeling anxious all of a sudden? I know they were talking, but I didn't know it had developed so much. I took a long sigh. She has not poured any evil idea into his mind, right? These days, they were clinging too much over the phone, and she had visited too. What the hell was going on?
I cleared my throat a few times. I wanted to dig out things from Ralph, but my easygoing Ralph was long gone, replaced by a calculated one. "Ok, but if things are related to us, I guess we are the ones who should make the decision. She is not interfering in making any decision in our lives, are we clear?" He was nodding thoughtfully but not wholeheartedly. "Not in everything, but you know a few." I threw the napkin on the table to get the full attention of Ralph. "If it's related to us, we are deciding by discussing things." Ralph smiled cunningly, and I wanted to run from this place this second. I don't know why I gulped when I saw Ralph's face.
The waiter arrived, inquiring for anything else, which we declined. After paying the bill, we started walking, and I don't know how to poke at the issue more. There was more; I knew that, and I love my peace while it lasts. Ralph started walking aimlessly, and I was right behind him, like always.
I wasn't ready to enter into any relationship; the trauma of being in a relationship with Asher was the worst nightmare anyone could deal with. The betrayal and the heartbreak were like toppings, the final touch to destroy anyone. I wasn't ready to jump from one well to another, and I was sure that I would never be ready to open up again. I couldn't imagine being in a relationship anymore; it was kind of a closed chapter in my life. I almost gave a full stop to close everything and to never open the chapter again in my life. I was almost there when Reece stretched his hand. At first, I was hesitant because of our history; my subconscious screamed that this would be another disaster if I gave in, but Reece's persistence, his explanation of everything that happened, and his assurance were exactly what I needed, and it worked. I grabbed his hand, being wary of the future.
There was fear when I thought about what Reece was capable of. He was the guy with nothing who became successful, earned the power with his capability, and built a strong root over the top. He was not easy now; none can pluck him that easily. He was already rooted deeply, steadily building his own empire, and he can't be destroyed easily.
Asher's sensational news was floating everywhere by the time we returned from our small trip. It included so many things that even I wasn't aware of. Sex, drugs, his sadistic part, and whatnot. Asher's PR was successful in removing most of the videos, but one or another would start floating on the site, and I knew exactly who was behind everything. When things were going out of reach, Asher's parents stepped in. Soon, Asher's parents gave a statement that, for the stability of his mental health, Asher had taken a break from everything, and the videos were fake. Like, give me a bloody break. The videos were clear with HD quality. It didn't take much time for me to be dragged into the matter, and there was a discussion about how much I knew and how much I participated in his kinks. Asher's parent contacted me, begging me to speak in favor of Asher, and the media also started approaching me. My PR team handled everything just fine, but I was a bit worried. There was so much new information about Asher that disturbed me greatly, and the media, trying their best to capture my attention, was only making things worse for me. It's been just a week of my dating, and Reece has had to deal with lots of my foul moods, and he never complained.
Reece was worried in those days; he constantly checked on me and made sure that I was okay. He forced me to talk of everything that was going on; he contributed his peace of mind around the matter, and things about Asher didn't bother me or take a toll like they used to. To lean on felt good; the reassurance and the comforting actions pushed me to hope for more. I can still dream about the future that I was hoping for and trust someone unconditionally once again. The doubt that I had in the back of my mind faded away, constant worries melted by Reece's act, and finally, I started to heave a relief sigh.
Days went on, and we were busy when Asher contacted me, begging. I really pity the guy and his timing. When I attended the call, Reece was beside me. Reece sensed something and snatched my cell. After a few minutes, he handed it back to me without uttering anything, and the next thing I knew, there were a few other videos related to Asher all over the social site. Trust me, the guy was doomed.
My past didn't bother me so much; all the negative things won over and erased whatever I had with Asher. After watching his sensational videos, everything that was related to Asher vanished. In the back of my mind, I knew Asher was doing much worse behind my back, and I didn't do anything; in return, I caused pain for myself and more mental problems. I should have spoken up and done something about the issue, but I didn't. I always thought that things between us would work out some day in some way, as naïve as I was.
I learned one more lesson from everything, and that is never to poke a sleeping tiger. Asher made a grave mistake by poking the tiger, and he poked more than once; it took its own time, and at the right time, it struck back, and before anyone could notice, Asher was buried deep down. Now, even with money and power, he couldn't build his career back; nope, Reece had made sure of it.
After Asher's incident, my parents were totally lost and couldn't justify their actions. I didn't blame them, though, as I was equally responsible for everything. Whenever we would meet up, we tried to avoid discussing Asher's topic; at least they tried their best, but Mom would always try to dig a little to see how I was feeling about everything. I ignored anything related to Asher or trailed off the whole thing. They also pressured me about moving in with them, but Reece, who groaned and grunted in between the conversation, always made them back off. Eventually, they agreed to meet me now and then.
The guy has a serious issue with everyone who is related to me. My friends were once again banned, especially Edgar. It's been three years, and yet he has not considered forgiving them; it wasn't their mistake, and I wasn't a damn baby to take care of. I was beyond frustrated with his behavior. I started taking notes of his behavior and poured my thoughts into restructuring something in him. I had almost concluded my notes, and I thought of bringing up the matter. I concluded touching the matter or preaching on it was a waste of time when I came to know he loathes his mother to the core. I totally lost it.
Besides the odds, our life was moving; it was calm and was on track. Our day doesn't end without a quarrel; most of our opinions don't always match, they always clash; our busy schedule was not helping us; and surprises from both of us were letting us catch our breath. Beyond everything, things were going pretty well; I mean, more than that, you know what I mean.
"You'd better pop the question soon, or else I am going to take things into my own hands." I heard an abrupt halt in the steps, and I rolled my eyes. I turned toward Reece, and trust me, his face is damn priceless. "My mother or not, I never trusted her; see, this is the damn reason." I knew, I knew something was up. I never thought she was poisoning Ralph this way. It's not like a bad thing, but sometimes you should mind your own damn business. Oh, how I wish to yell at her at the top of my lungs. My chest started rising and falling, and Ralph was watching every action without blinking. I swear I hate her.
"So." I couldn't believe he was provoking more. "I will be the one to pop the question in time. Please stop taking suggestions." "She is your mom." "And what more reason do you want? She is not user-friendly." "You mean for you." "Whatever, like I care. Ralph let me do some things accordingly. I want freedom on this matter." Ralph went silent. It took a few seconds to compose, and when he spoke, his voice was distraught. "Well, I am not getting why. If you have second thoughts, you can tell me. We can discuss. I don't mind." It took a second to sink in where this was going; without wasting any more seconds, I was in front of Ralph, pulling him to me fiercely. Our breathing was mixing with the close proximity, and I held Ralph even tighter, for assurance, for both of us. "There is no one who can replace you. Better stop thinking like that. I have not given you any reason, nor am I going to give any." Ralph pulled away abruptly. "It's been fucking three years." I pursed my lips in agitation.
"As I said, I want to do things on my own accord, especially this one. I have a few commitments, my start-ups, so I want to get things settled a bit." Ralph coughed at that. "I don't want it to be lavish, including our ring; simple is ok for me." "Not for me; if I am not wrong, that was your dream too." "I was a teenager." He grunted by saying that. "Well, I didn't let go of anything you said. I am fulfilling everything in my own course." "It's our thing we could share." I pondered for a second; it's not a bad idea, and I don't want him to think that I am doing everything. Sharing is also caring; to ease his mind, I agreed. "Yeah, of course, you can take care of minor things and the honeymoon too; all other things will be taken care of by me." He sighed at that, scratching his forehead in irritation. "How many fucking more years?" 'No idea' was my answer, which was on the tip of my tongue, and wisely, I bit back in time. "Another two, approximately." Ralph widened his eyes. Why is he exaggerating? This is not the reaction I expected, and at the same time, I thank every god; my actual answer would have opened a door to me digging my own grave. "You've got to be kidding me." By saying that, he harshly pushed me and started walking.
In the next beat, I was hugging him tightly from behind. "Let me enjoy my bank balance for a while." He groaned at that. "Nothing is going to change between us; being bonded by paper doesn't deepen things that I already have; rings on our fingers may imply that I am taken, but without that, I am already taken and always will be." I turned Ralph so he could face me. "These are all my opinions, and only mine. I want to fulfill your dream, Ralph, but in time. All I am asking is that you be patient for the time being. I am going to pop up, and you better say yes because I don't want to waste my energy on scheming and everything." Ralph chuckled at that and sighed. I hugged him tightly, and Ralph held me even tighter. "You better." I hummed in return in the crook of his neck. I really don't know what changes a simple ring could bring, but for Ralph, anything.
I pushed myself so hard after the conversation. I wasn't a lackey, but I don't want to delay any longer from taking us forward on paper, so be it, and also sealing our deal by wearing a ring on our finger. Let's think of it; that's not a bad idea. I can keep some asshole at bay from Ralph.
It took another 15 months from our conversation on the beach, and I achieved what I aimed for. I was baffled by the unexpected result. I never thought all my start-ups would be successful, and I eagerly welcomed every penny that I rightfully earned and belonged to us.
I met Nathan in secret and made an offer for the ranch. I wasn't confident that he would agree to sell his ranch to me because of his attachment, but I made a mouthwatering offer. "You can get married over here and make necessary arrangements. I will gladly agree to that but selling this place." He started scratching his white beard at the thought. While sipping drinks, Nathan continued. "I can give you some ideas too." Like, I don't already have something in my mind. "This ranch received too many offers, and I have rejected every one of them. I am not intending to sell this place, not anytime soon, at least." This guy seriously thought that I approached him without preparing myself, even if his answer is no, just as I predicted. "I can also suggest some other ranches if you are so eager to purchase one." I am going to love this; turning a 'no' into a 'yes' requires great skill, and I am damn good at it. I hummed in thought, making Nathan sure that I am really considering his thoughts.
"Do you want me to approach you after 10 or 20 years?" Nathan chuckled at that. "Why am I not surprised? There are many other ranches, and your offer is tempting." "For Ralph, he has loved this place from the day we stepped our foot in. This place is the perfect gift for him, and he deserves it. I will wait, but I need a promise from you that you will consider my offer while selling it; the offer may increase, but it won't go down." He nodded his head in acknowledgment. "So, you are going to wait like another, I don't know, how many years, to purchase this ranch. That's stupidity, don't you think? Besides, this property belongs to my children in the future, and I don't know what they planned to do." I lightly snorted at the statement; if only he knew I had done some digging and his children were waiting for his approval for selling this ranch as soon as possible because they are damn struggling.
"Please answer my few questions with a simple yes or no. Do you want this ranch to maintain the same charm that you have struggled to maintain all these years?" Nathan answered without wasting a second. "Yes." "Are your children capable of managing?" "No." "Do your children have the same connection with the land as you have?" He sighed in resignation, and sadness filled his face. That's it, my final touch.
"Look, Nathan, I promise you I will manage and maintain this ranch more than you have done so far. I am not purchasing this land to make a profit or wanting to turn this land into anything else. I want this ranch for Ralph, for his happiness, and he loves this place. Trust me, he will make sure this place is alive like it is today even after 20 or 30 years. Your name won't be erased as a past owner, including your wife's too; please think about it."
Nathan was satisfied but also conflicted. He was pondering, and that's all I needed to walk away with victory. I didn't bluff a word of what I said; Ralph is definitely going to love my present, and I know there will be a list of additions that he is going to make. I hope I didn't make a big mistake; I don't want him to drop everything and settle over here. It's nice and everything, but we are not old, and this place is not for us, at least not at this age.
Once the ranch was transferred, without wasting any more days, I proposed to Ralph; thank God he was surprised. There is no better place to get married than in the middle of wildlife, right? I arranged that too by sucking up everything.
Ralph was dumbfounded on the spot, shocked by my revelation, and was startled when he saw the addition in the horse department. I added his desired breed of horses and also dogs. I purchased this place, calculating thoughtfully too, and I am dumping all his pets over here for good. He wouldn't be against the idea if I coax a little, and I have also recruited trained people. So, he will definitely give in.
Today is the day I was eagerly waiting for, anticipated a lot of times, and dreamed about every once in a while. Whether we were in a relationship or not didn't matter. I was checking everything when the woman I loathed was tailing me. I tried my best to ignore her, but does this woman even take a break? Unless she is done, she won't.
I sucked in a long breath before facing my mom. "What do you want, woman?" She rolled her eyes at that. "All of a sudden, why have you become my shadow?" She scoffed at the audacity of her. "Do you really think I don't know what the hell you are doing?" She glared at me. "I am making sure." I really want to strangle her. "Make sure of what? Do you really think I am going to run from my wedding?" She shrugged at that. Oh God, this woman is getting on my nerves. "I don't know, it's a big thing, and if you have any wedding glitch." "You have got to be kidding me." "No, I am making sure everything went accordingly without any malfunction." She is testing me, and it's my damn wedding.
"Why are you doing this? You know how much Ralph means to me?" "I know, so here I am, making sure. If you ruin this, you are screwed for this lifetime. Damn right?" She chuckled after saying that. I really hate her so, so, much. "Please tell me, am I adopted? Are you even my mom?" She once again shrugged at that. "Of course, I am, dear, and also, I need to speak with you." "There is more, Mother." She rolled her eyes at that. She grabbed my face and made me face her. "When things go south, please don't run like you did with your father." I was taken aback at that. I cleared my throat a few times before attempting to speak. "That's different, and you know." She softens her eyes. "I know, he made you go through so much; you matured too soon and didn't enjoy it like normal kids would. So many things were snatched from you, and you know it's not your father's mistake. He loved with all of his heart till his last breath." Tears prickled without knowing. "He loved both of us, and he was sorry too." My mom started crying too. "I didn't want to tell on this auspicious day, but I couldn't muster courage before, and you were the in no means of listening to me. Please stop blaming your father; stop holding back by finding reasons. You have lost Ralph twice before; this is your chance. Please work this out. He is your lifeline. There is no life for you if you lose him; you will be screwed permanently, for the best, if you ask me." I glared at her, and she chuckled. She wiped my tears, and she hugged me tightly. "I shouldn't be crying; it's my wedding, damn woman, and also I shouldn't be feeling this awful; this is my damn wedding." She held me even tighter, and I mimicked her action. "I am not even sorry." Oh god. "Please leave me for good and move on, woman. Find someone who could bear you for life because I am so done with you." She hit my shoulder playfully. "Yeah, I am going to." I study her face for any clue of the statement, and her blushing made me anxious. "I am getting married in two months." I was baffled for a second and in shock. She is not joking, right? Oh, oh, her blush is turning a little deeper. Is that even possible at this age? "Should I fake my happiness?" She glared at that and scoffed. "Please, as if I care." I huffed at that. "This is too much in a day." She smirks at that. "Please walk straight to the aisle; don't take any turn." I glared at her, and she threatened with her own.
What is wrong with this woman?
Finally, it was the time. Ralph and I were facing each other. I couldn't groan when my mom was still beside me rather than taking her seat, which was quite annoying, actually, if you ask me. This knot will get rid of her, which is good. So many good things happening I can't be done with it and be in my honeymoon phase.
Ralph was looking radiant as ever. I couldn't believe he was going to be mine forever, sealing the final deal. He was wearing a purple tuxedo, which was complementing his look with a matching tie. On the other hand, mine was a little light compared to him, and it was matching.
There were a few close family members on the ranch who were present at the moment, but nothing stopped me from watching Ralph intensely. I watched his every action, every detail, and stored it in some part of my memory. Ralph's mouth was moving, saying something, and I just watched as everything felt numb for most of the moment. Is this even possible? I couldn't make out what he was saying but watched his lip move numbly.
"Your turn," the priest told me, and I was like, "For what?" The priest rolled his eyes and said, "Your vows, please." Oh God, did I miss his vows? It was like 3 to 4 min long. What had he written? I glanced at Ralph, who was glaring with expectation. He is not going to like it; I just made an open invitation for turning my honeymoon into a disaster.
Ralph crossed his hand over his chest when I didn't open my mouth for, like, a few minutes, and I could hear my mom sighing beside me.
Finally, I opened my mouth, holding Ralph's gaze like I meant whatever I was saying, and I was not saying it for the sake of saying it.
'We are stuck through the marriage, for which I am glad, and will work this out for the long run.'
I hummed in satisfaction when I felt those words lingering on my tongue, and I felt proud. I couldn't help but feel giddy too.
If looks could kill, and I am done reminding everyone it's my wedding day. Ralph's glare couldn't turn any harsher. "Come on, you know we will work this out; no going back, it's a lifelong deal." "Stop using business terminology. Are these really your vows?"
What is wrong with everyone?
"Of course, don't even doubt it. I am done being pathetic. I need a damn happy ending with you, and the word 'happiness' only makes sense when you are with me. We are in this for the long run, and don't worry, I am going to make sure of it."
"Why the hell did I even bother to correct you? It's not even a minute of our marriage, and we are already arguing." Ralph said with resignation.
What did I do wrong? I was utterly confused.
THE END.