LET'S GET MARRIED

Chapter Three - Unravelling The Mystery

I returned to the documents, scanning the contents. Travel itineraries, accommodation details and a note:

"𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝘼𝙡𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙗𝙮 8𝙥.𝙢."

My mind raced. Was this a business meeting or something more?

Suddenly, my phone buzzed with a text from Dad.

"𝐻𝑒𝑦 ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑦, 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑝 𝑡𝑜 𝐻𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑖. 𝐶𝑎𝑛'𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑒𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑜𝑜𝑛".

I hesitated, unsure how to respond.

I stared at my phone, Dad's text still glowing on the screen.

"𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑦 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑝 𝑡𝑜 𝐻𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑖?" As I was lost in thoughts for a moment.

I hadn't even agreed to anything yet. Tho his persistence was both loving and infuriating.

"Rachel, can you get me dad's assistant on the phone?" I asked, trying to sound calm.

Rachel nodded and dialed the number. A few minutes later, she handed me the receiver.

"Hi, Karen. It's Britney. I need to know what's going on with this Hawaii trip," I said, trying to keep my tone light.

"Hi, Britney! Your dad just wants to spend some quality time with you. He's been worried about your work life balance," Karen replied.

"That's not all, is it?" I pressed.

Karen hesitated before speaking. "Well, he did mention something about wanting to introduce you to Alexander Thompson."

My mind raced. "What does that mean?"

"I'm not entirely sure, Britney. But I think your dad might be hoping you'll... well, you know."

I rolled my eyes. "Karen, you're not helping."

"Sorry, sweetie. I'm just trying to help your dad. He means well."

After the call. I couldn't shake off the possibilities that Dad was trying to manipulate me into meeting this Alexander Thomson with the intension of getting us into a relationship together.

I recalled the countless times he'd tried to set me up with someone, only to have it end in disaster.

"Rachel, do you think Dad's trying to play matchmaker again?" I asked, frustration creeping into my voice.

Rachel hesitated. "I don't know, Britney. But maybe you should give it a try. You perhaps have no idea what this vacation has in store for you?"

I raised an eyebrow. "You think I should just go along with Dad's plans?"

Rachel shrugged. "Perhaps it's worth considering. Your dad wants you to be happy."

I sighed, unsure if Rachel was right or just trying to appease me.

Later that evening, I stood alone in my sleek apartment, the city skyline glinting outside and poured myself a glass of Pinot Grigio and settled onto the couch.

My phone lay silent, no messages or calls from anyone who truly cared. The loneliness crept in, a chill I couldn't shake.

My gaze drifted to the photo on my mantle a photo of a baby in a womb, a painful reminder of what could have been, five years ago. The ultrasound image still haunted me, a bittersweet memory of lost hope.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, but I blinked them back. No weakness allowed.

With a deep breath, I raised my glass in a silent toast.

"To the armor that keeps me safe."

But as I sipped my wine, the silence seemed to grow louder, echoing the emptiness within.

Trying to distract myself, I found myself scrolling through Alexander's social media profiles again. His accomplishments and philanthropic efforts impressed me, but I remained skeptical.

I couldn't deny the flutter in my chest. His piercing blue eyes, chiseled features, and charming smile made my heart continually skip a beat.
He reminded me of Dustin.

"Maybe, just maybe, this trip wouldn't be so bad after all." I said to myself .

I took a deep breath, picked up my phone and dialed dad's number.

"Dad?" I said, trying to sound casual.

"Hey, honey! What's up?"

"I've been thinking... and I guess I could perhaps join you in Hawaii in two days time."

There was a pause, followed by a triumphant whoop. "That's my girl! I'll send over the itinerary. You'll love it in Hawaii this time, I promise."

I rolled my eyes, with a brief smile . "Dad, don't get too excited. I'm only doing this for you."

"Whatever you say, sweetie. See you soon!"he said as he hung up.

I stood in my apartment, the city lights twinkling outside, I felt a sudden rush of memories. I closed my eyes, and the scene unfolded like a movie in my mind.

I was sitting in a hospital room, a white coat clad doctor standing before me. "Miss Couper, the test results are positive. You're pregnant."

My eyes snapped open, and I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. The memories still hurt, even after all these years.

I poured myself another glass of wine, the liquid burning down my throat. I couldn't shake off the feeling of emptiness, of loss.

The doctor's words echoed in my mind: "Are you sure, Miss Couper? This is a big decision."

I had been so sure, so convinced that I wasn't ready to be a mother. But now, as I stood alone in my apartment, I wondered if I had made a mistake.

The wine glass slipped from my fingers, shattering on the floor. I didn't bother to clean it up. Instead, I walked away, leaving the broken glass and my shattered memories behind.

Couldn't shake off the feeling of trepidation. Tho a vacation to Hawaii could ease my broken soul as long as I don't bump into my ex.

"Well, it's time to pack your sunscreen girl," I said using my inner voice.