Karera | [ Stacey x OC (F) ]

C23 - Meeting

Third Person's POV

Louise and Stacey had spent one last relaxing day in Paris with their friends before returning to the Philippines. Now, back in the comfort of Louise's condo, they lounged on the couch, casually watching TV.

Stacey was nestled against Louise, a rare moment of peace shared between them. But their tranquility was interrupted when Louise's phone buzzed. She picked it up, recognizing her dad's number.

"Hello, Dad?" Louise answered, her tone slightly apprehensive.

"Louise, I need you and Stacey to come to the office." her dad's voice sounded formal. "We're having a meeting regarding the... arranged marriage situation."

Louise glanced at Stacey, both of their expressions shifting. "We'll be there soon, Dad." she replied, hanging up and exhaling deeply.

Louise looked over at Stacey, who met her gaze with a raised brow. "I guess we don't have a choice."

"Guess not." Stacey sighed, and they both moved to change into more formal attire.

Once ready, they made their way downstairs, using the elevator to exit the building. As they stepped out into the lobby, the guard greeted them politely. Several employees they passed also nodded or greeted them, with a hint of respect and admiration.

In the elevator heading up to her father's office, Louise and Stacey found themselves the center of attention. When employees noticed the two entering, they immediately stepped back, leaving the elevator just for them. Louise and Stacey exchanged slightly shy smiles but remained silent.

Upon reaching her father's floor, they exited the elevator and were greeted by her father's bodyguards, who respectfully nodded and opened the office doors for them. Louise and Stacey stepped into the conference room, instantly noticing the people waiting for them.

Louise's parents were seated at one end of the long table, with Stacey's parents sitting on the same side. Across the table sat Donny and his parents, their expressions cold and distant. Louise's dad gestured to the empty seats near him, and the two girls took their places, directly across from Donny.

Louise's face turned serious, her usual smile replaced by a guarded expression. Stacey mirrored her demeanor, her eyes sharp, her posture stiff. They both seemed unamused, and the tension in the room was palpable.

Louise's father cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Thank you for joining us. We're here to discuss the cancellation of the engagement between Stacey and Donny."

Donny's face twisted in displeasure. "Cancellation? Hindi ako papayag." he said, crossing his arms defiantly.

Louise's jaw tightened as she met his glare, but she held her tongue for now. Her father continued, unperturbed.

"This decision was made by all parties involved. We believe it's in everyone's best interests to move forward separately. Our family and your family have a long-standing partnership, Donny, and we don't want that to be jeopardized by forcing an outdated agreement."

Donny's father placed a hand on his son's shoulder, a subtle attempt to calm him down. "Son, this arrangement was set long ago, and we agreed to re-evaluate it if necessary. The Razons have been good partners to us, and we'd like to respect their wishes."

But Donny's face turned red with anger, and he shook his father's hand off. "What's this about a partnership? Ano? Hahayaan n'yo nalang ako basta basta para d'yan sa business partnership na 'yan?"

Louise's mother interjected, her voice calm yet firm. "Donny, this is not just a ‘business deal.’ It's about our families respecting each other. The engagement has outlived its purpose, and we believe it's best to let it go."

Donny looked back at Louise, his gaze sharp with resentment. "So, ikaw pala may pakana ng lahat ng 'to, huh?" he spat, his voice filled with bitterness.

Louise finally spoke, her voice cold. "Yes, I am. And it's about time. Stacey has made it clear that she's not interested in you, and I'm here to make sure she doesn't have to deal with this nonsense any longer."

Her words seemed to provoke Donny, who leaned forward, his fists clenched on the table. "You think you can just walk away and take what's mine?" he growled.

Louise narrowed her eyes, unfazed by his aggression. "Hindi s'ya sa 'yo, Donny. She never was. And you'd do well to remember that."

Before Donny could respond, his father spoke up, his tone stern. "Tama na 'yan, Donny. This isn't about possession. We're here to discuss the end of an engagement, not to pick fights."

Donny's mother nodded in agreement, her expression slightly pained. "We've discussed this, Donny. The Razons have a right to make this decision, and we've agreed with them. This partnership is important, and if it means canceling the engagement to maintain that relationship, then so be it."

Donny's eyes flickered with disbelief as he looked between his parents. "So you'd sacrifice me for a partnership?" he asked bitterly.

Stacey, who had been silent until now, spoke up. No one is sacrificing anyone, Donny. This is about what's best for everyone involved. I never wanted this engagement."

Louise's father nodded, addressing Donny directly. "This isn't a punishment, Donny. It's a chance for all of us to respect each other's wishes and to move forward without unnecessary tension. We still value our families connection, but we believe it can continue without an engagement that neither party wants."

Donny finally leaned back, his expression a mixture of anger and resignation. He glanced at Louise one last time, his gaze cold and accusatory. But Louise met his stare with indifference, her expression unchanged, as if he were nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

Realizing he was outnumbered, Donny looked away, exhaling sharply. "Fine. Gawin n'yo kung anong gusto n'yo." he muttered.

The tension in the room began to dissipate as Donny's parents relaxed, their expressions relieved. Louise's father nodded to everyone, signaling the end of the meeting. "Thank you all for being here. I trust we can put this matter behind us and move forward amicably."

Louise and Stacey rose, giving polite nods to their parents before turning to leave. Donny stayed seated, his eyes following them as they exited, resentment still lingering in his gaze.

Outside the conference room, Louise took Stacey's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. They exchanged a small smile, finally feeling the weight of the engagement lifted.

—————

Mga sakto lang yung habang ud haha

Anw! SORRY KUNG NA LATE YUNG UD

Na dapat nung Sunday morning pa

Naging busy tuloy eh 🥲

Baka mamaya ulit me mag ud or tomorrow na pag hindi pa me tapos.

Yun lang!

Enjoy Reading!