Marcus wiped the sweat from his palms and took a deep breath. He wasn’t sure what their reaction would be.
After another deep inhalation, he stepped into his father’s study where the parents had afternoon tea. He was in luck, as they were alone.
When Marcus closed the door behind him, both looked back at him. He did not doubt that tension radiated from him.
He cleared his throat and asked, “May I speak to you both?”
His father nodded and showed Marcus to take a chair, but he was too nervous about getting comfortable. He sat on the edge, clenching his hands in front of him.
“What is it, Marcus? Is something bothering you?” Anna asked as she put her cup back on the tray.
Marcus swallowed, “I don’t want to go to South America. Not now, anyway. I may go in a few years.”
“This was something you’ve spoken about, dreamed about for years. Why had you changed your mind now?” Marc senior demanded.
“When I made that decision, I hadn’t expected that it would be so difficult to say goodbye to…”
Marcus inhaled and exhaled before he admitted, “Annie and I are in love. I would like to stay here. And I would like to marry her.”
Both sets of eyes observing him widened. Judging by the scowl on his father’s face, Marcus doubted that the answer he was waiting for would be favourable. Anna, however, first reacted, “When do you want to get married?”
“As soon as possible,” Marcus admitted.
“It’s out of the question, Marcus. You are twenty-three and Annie only eighteen. You are way too young to get married. One of these days you’ll meet someone else, and then you’ll be sorry you got hitched so young. No. It will not happen,” Marc declared.
“Dad, I’ve only loved one woman ever in my life, and that is Annie. Time or distance will not change it.”
“So what’s the hurry? You can get married in five years when she’s finished her degree too. Don’t you think it’s selfish of you? You had enjoyed your university years and now you want to rob Annie of that opportunity.”
“No,” Marcus argued. “She can still go to university.”
“What about your dreams to go to South America, and Annie’s dreams to work for a big fashion magazine in New York or London?” Marc still argued.
“She can still do that. I won’t hold her back. I’ll go with her,” Marcus shot back.
Marc snorted, “And what would a wine farmer do in a big city? Have you thought about that?”
Marcus hadn’t figured that out yet, but he was so desperate to stay with Annie that he would do anything, even working as a waiter while she was living her dream. She deserved it.
He looked at Annie’s mother. She was an older version of her daughter, and in her fifties, still beautiful. Marcus pleaded with her, “The first time Annie smiled at me, I was not yet six. I’ve lost my heart then. Nothing has changed since that moment. I love Annie more than anything in the world. I’ll do anything to make her happy, even giving up on my dreams so she can fulfil hers.”
Anna asked, “And Annie? What does she say about your plans?”
Marcus swallowed, “She doesn’t know I’m here to talk to you. We’ve spoken about our plans for the future, and yes, it includes marriage but the closer it comes to the time for me to leave, the more I realise that I rather want to stay here.”
“Marcus, why are you in such a hurry?” Anna urged.
Marcus flushed, “Because I’m scared I’ll lose her.”
He read the sympathy in his stepmother’s eyes, but before she could respond, his father said quieter than earlier, “Marcus, I’m sorry, but I can’t give my permission.”
“Dad, we don’t need your permission anymore. Annie is eighteen. According to the law, she can now get married without your permission. I hoped it would not come to that, but if you don’t leave us any choice…”
Marc shook his head, “And risk the chance that in a few years when she realised what she has lost, she may hate you?”
Marcus frowned, “What do you mean?”
“You know that you all have trust funds that will pay out when you’re twenty-five?”
Marcus nodded.
“Well, if you get married before then, you will lose it all. It’s up to you if you want to make that choice for yourself. You have a degree. You can look after yourself, but what about Annie? What if she sits back in a few years when you struggle to make ends meet with a child or two and think about the money and the different life she could’ve had? Don’t you think she might hate you then? Because, Son, I beg you to reconsider. You’re the older, more mature of the two of you. If you love Annie as much as you claim to love her, let her spread her wings on her own. Let her fly. If it’s meant to be, she’ll come back to you.”
“And what if she never does?” Marcus asked pained. “What if she meets someone else while I’m away?”
“Then it was never meant to be,” Marc stated.
“Please, is there no other way?” Marcus pleaded. “I can’t bear to be without her.”
Marc shook his head, “No, I’m sorry. I’m trying to think about what is best for Annie.”
Anna added, “I’m also sorry, Marcus. I know you love her. I can see it in your eyes every time you look at her but try to think for Annie. She would do anything for you, because yes, I’ve seen the way she looks at you too. I’ve seen it coming, but I hope, because you love her, you’ll give her a chance. Go, take your chance to live your dream. Go to South America. Let Annie finish her degree. Then you can plan. But give her a chance to live her dreams. If she doesn’t, she might one day regret it and blame you.
Marcus felt as if he couldn’t breathe or speak. His chest and throat felt too choked to get a word out. Finally, he managed, “I guess I don’t have a choice then. I hope you never regret your decision.”
Without looking at them, Marcus walked out of the study. He couldn’t look at them, because he didn’t want them to see his pain.
He still didn’t know how he could say goodbye to Annie, because after this morning, he couldn’t imagine leaving her. They both were already dreading saying goodbye, and he knew Annie. If she would plead with him to stay, he would.
And if she pleaded with him to take her with him?
Marcus didn’t know how to say no to her. He’s scared he might give in, and then, as their parents predict, she might hate him in a few years.
He couldn’t face her until he had clarity. He was grateful that he didn’t run into her. He went to find his refuge in the cellars, but he didn’t work.
He sank on a workbench with his head in his hands, trying to build up the courage to say goodbye to Annie. He would only leave in a few days, but the longer he postponed the inevitable, the more difficult it would be. Should he go without saying goodbye?
No, that was the way of a coward.
Marcus sighed. He was a coward. He didn’t think he would manage it.
One thing he knew was that he could not tell Annie about this afternoon’s conversation with their parents. Because he, even though he was more phlegmatic than Annie, was at this moment angry and upset with them. Annie wouldn’t have taken it so docilely. She would’ve fought and screamed and cried, fighting for them.
But he had fought for them, hadn’t he?
Maybe not enough, but what else could he do?
No, Marc could’ve permitted their marriage if he wanted to. He said he had Annie’s best interests at heart, but what about Marcus’ interests? Didn’t it count?
Or his father didn’t think he was good enough for Annie.
That might be closer to the truth, Marcus reckoned, as he and his father had not always agreed on everything. They were both hard-headed, and that was why they clashed so often.
He felt a presence next to him and heard Linda Malone, the intern and the cause of Annie’s jealousy, to ask, “What’s wrong, Marcus?”
He shook his head, not daring to reply.
She bumped his arm again and said, “Come on, we’re friends, aren’t we? Don’t you want to tell me what’s wrong?”
“They said no,” was all he could get out?
“Who said no, for what? Is it your visa?” she asked, confusion clear in her voice.
“No, not that. My parents. They said no,” he explained as he lifted his head. He didn’t look at her, though. He was still man enough to want to hide his pain.
“I still don’t understand,” she urged.
“I’ve asked their permission to marry Annie, but they refused. They had a lot of reasons, but I don’t buy it,” he grunted.
“What reasons?” Linda fished.
“That Annie is too young and that I’m selfish not to give her a chance to live her dreams. That they can’t permit it because of the trust fund’s restrictions and that Annie might hate me later. I think my Dad doesn’t think I’m good enough for her,” Marcus fumed.
“I’m sorry, Marcus,” Linda said. If he had looked at her though, he would’ve seen the glee on her face. She wanted to break up Marcus and Annie all along. Marcus hadn’t seen it.
She hated that since little Annie turned eighteen, Marcus noticed nothing or no one else. She’d seen them when they met in the gazebo at night. So far, she hadn’t been successful in breaking them up, but this might be her chance to get rid of the little bitch once and for all.
Since the first time she saw Marcus Walker, she wanted him. She’d do anything in her power to get him even if she had to play dirty.
And she was good at it.
Beware, Annie Sinclair. This man is mine, she warned, as she turned a saccharine-sweet face to Marcus and sympathised, “I’m sorry, Marcus. Is there anything I can do?”
He shook his head, “No, the only people who have the power to change anything are our parents. they could allow us to get married without us losing our trust funds.”
Hm, that was interesting, and something she might use in the future. If that was a bone of contention, it must be substantial. That little fact made Marcus Walker that little more desirable. Linda liked money and lots of it. And Marcus Walker with money was an excellent combination.
“What does the trust fund entail?” she asked.
“I don’t know. It was money that paid out from the insurance after the fire. I don’t even know what it’s worth, but it means we can’t marry before twenty-five. That’s bull.”
“It might be the truth. I’ve heard of many such instances. And your parents might be right. Annie is young. Give her a chance to grow up.”
“Annie is perfect. She doesn’t need to grow up more,” Marcus growled. He shook his head and groaned, “How am I going to say goodbye to her? How am I going to look her in the eyes and told her, sorry Baby, but our parents don’t want me to marry you? I can’t do it. I can’t. One look in her angel-eyes and I’m a goner. I can’t say no to her. I’ve always been a softie for her tears. I can’t tell her the truth, and I can’t lie to her. I’m doomed. If I tell her the truth, it might upset her more. I don’t want her upset with our parents.”
“Then, why don’t you do something which will make her angry with you. Then it might be easier to say goodbye,” Linda advised.
Marcus frowned, “Like what?”
“Like finding you in a compromising position with another woman, perhaps?” Linda suggested.
Marcus shook his head, “I can’t do that to Annie. She’ll hate me for that.”
“But who says she might not hate you for not fighting for you. Or risking everything and then she hates you as your parents suspect she might do in future?”
Marcus shook his head, “I’m a messed up. I can’t think straight.”
“Take tonight to think about it, Marcus. That may be your only choice.”
Marcus sighed, “I’ll think about it. All I need now is a bottle of whisky and solitude. Would you mind getting the key for the Hideout and drop me there? I’m in no state to drive.”
“That’s what friends are for,” Linda sympathised.
Lady Luck was on her side as Linda walked into the kitchen a few minutes later. Annie was sitting at the table, a frown marring her forehead as she typed something on her phone. She looked up at Linda as she walked straight to the keyholder and took the key of the Hideout out with an elaborate movement.
Before she left the kitchen to pick up the bottle of whisky, Annie asked, “Have you seen Marcus? He’s not answering his phone.”
She smirked and shook her head, “Why should I know?”
Annie frowned, but Linda didn’t allow her to respond. She planted the seed, and that was all she wanted. And might convince Marcus that her way was the best.