Finale 7

"I wish to speak with Clarisse... in private," Jay speaks. "Please..."

"What's going on?" Rob asks, looking at his son's cold expression.

"You lied to me!" Jay accuses his father.

"What?!" Rob flares. His wife immediately goes between them to prevent any humiliating things to happen.

Patricia overacting hyperventilates while her husband helps her. I smirk at her annoying display of displeasure. As the tension grows, the murmurs become louder.

I tell Jay and Clarisse to talk for a minute. And ask my brother and his wife to follow me at the gazebo.

"Merideth! What's going on?!" my sister- in- law panics.

"Sis, everything's gonna be fine! Trust your son's decision," I answer to comfort her.

"Did you use Sophia as a distraction? Did she tell him the truth?" Rob asks bitterly.

"Brother, all I did was giving him the truth. Just trust your son. If we don't do this now, who knows what he might do when he finds out later," I reply.

After an hour or so, Jay and Clarisse climb the stagehand in hand. He looks at her. She nods and smiles. Jay takes the microphone and speaks, "We have decided... to call off the engagement!"

"Noooooo!" Patricia screams hysterically. Clarisse approaches her mother and talks to her in a calm manner, something that I admire from her. She always stays levelheaded even in the most chaotic situation.

"Mother... this is not what I want. It's what YOU want. For once, please let me decide for my life," she says calmly.

"You dare humiliate us in front of them? You are a disgrace to our family!" Patricia yells as her chest rises and falls in anger.

"Hate me all you want, mother! But, I won't change my decision. I won't regret my decision!"

Particia becomes hysterical. And attempts to slap Clariss, but to her surprise, her submissive husband holds her hands tight.

"Touch her and you'll regret that you even married me! Enough of your pathetic games, Patricia!" he mutters while staring at her eyes.

They leave with Patricia still in shock. Meanwhile, Jay confronts his father, "Why didn't you tell me the truth?"

"Didn't tell you? We tried to tell you many times, but you were closed ears!" Rob yells.

"Jay, we don't have time for this. She's on her way to Kenya right now! Ben is piloting the plane," Jason states.

"What?!"

"They already left an hour ago!" Leo shouts.

"Why didn't you tell me?!" Jay shouts back. We watch as the lords stand up in unison and as they rumble in rage.

"You're stupid!" Mon yells before kicking Jay's shoulder.

"We've been telling you about it before. Did you listen?" Ron adds as he and Leo pin him on the ground.

The place is in a total mess. Every time they strike, glasses and silverware fall on the grass. Food is everywhere staining the chairs and tablecloths.

"Enough!" Jason thunders. The lords freeze. They help Jay stand up. His mother runs to him and slaps his shoulder lovingly and worriedly as she cleans his bleeding lips.

"Clean up! Everything you need is already set. That is... if you still want her back!" I exclaim, showing him the briefcase and small luggage.

Instead of rushing to the mansion, he takes the briefcase and luggage from my hands and runs to the parking area.

I exhale when he's finally made up his decision. The ladies cheer while my brothers get back to business, thanking, and apologizing to the guests.

I throw myself on the sofa as I kick my high heels on the floor. My sister-in-law does the same. We giggle st the shocked reaction of my brothers. Jason just shakes his head before sitting next to me.

We smile as we hear the cheer, the laughter coming from the veranda.

"Thank you," Rob utters.

"Na... I never liked the mother anyway! Poor, Clarisse. I hope she finds a better man for her," I reply. Jason laughs.

"How's Belle?" I ask. He glares at me as he stands up. And walks out, stomping heavily creating loud thumps. My brother and his wife look at me. I shrug my shoulders.

The next day, we receive an overseas video call from an overjoyed couple.

"Guys... they're here!" I call then I heard footsteps rushing towards me.

"Oooooh! Nice background!" Leo comments as we watch the crimson sky with the blazing sun, the savanna full of life despite the scorching temperature.

"Hi, guys!" Sophia greets, beaming with happiness.

"Stephanie and I are planning to go back there maybe next month. I'll keep you updated!" Mon says.

"Oh no! Stay there... she doesn't need any more company!" Jay warns. We chuckle.

"We will go there for work, not for pleasure!" Mon teases.

"Where's Ben?" Sophia asks.

Ron smiles and says, "He kidnapped Letizia upon landing here!"

The lords exchange a mischievous smile. We chat for a couple of minutes more before I end the call.

In a cottage far away, Letizia finally wakes up from her deep slumber.

"Good morning, sleeping beauty?" Ben greets warmly. Realizing what's going on, she impulsively jumps off the bed away from Ben.

"What are you planning to do to me?" she asks, cowering at the corner of the room. She looks around and furrows her forehead.

"Are we in~?"

"Yep. We are. I asked permission from aunt Merideth," he replies as he walks closer to her. She jumps on the bed and move to the other side. Ben smiles wickedly.

"How did you get me here? If my parents know~"

Ben waves his hands and speaks," I already took care of that. You know me, Letizia. I don't move without a plan!"

"What did you do to my parents?" she asks worriedly. He looks at her intently. He exhales.

"Are you really scared of me?" he asks. She remains quiet as she keeps her head low. Ben lets a heavy sigh then leaves the car keys on the bedside table.

"I am not forcing you. The decision is all yours," he says before leaving her. She stares at the keys and the open door for a long time.

Outside, Ben goes straight to the lake, where he set up a tent and a campfire. It's getting dark and the wind starts to blow colder and wilder. The crackling campfire and the rustling foliage sing in harmony with the night insects. Ben lies down on the portable lounge and gaze at the starry sky. Then, his hand gropes for a can of beer, instead, a warm familiar hand touches his. He turns with a smile on his face.

"Selfish! Why didn't you tell me how beautiful this is?" Letizia complains as she looks around. Ben moves and gestures her to lie next to him. She comfortably does.

"Just like the old days," he says.

"Just like the old days," she agrees, lying on his arm as they gaze at the magical night with happiness and peace of mind.