Two Worlds Apart

Chapter 106

Courtney's POV•

I nervously keep checking my phone. I was already on my way and my heart pace picks up with every turn the driver made.

I grab the chain of my purse, trying to calm myself.

"You'll be fine, you'll be fine, you'll be....." I keep whispering to myself with my eyes closed, until I hear the drivers voice

"We're here, Miss Jones"

I gulp just staring at the gate. The memory from the first time I came here flashes and I take a deep breath before informing Gloria that I was outside.

The gates open up for us and we drive into the extremely packed compound of the Martinez.

"Jeez" I say just staring at the cars packed everywhere.

My eyes suddenly land on them....oh you have got to be kidding.

I thought I was only suppose to see Eric? What's Barbara and Theresa doing outside? Even Jane? Oh come on.

The driver stops not too far from them and my eyes suddenly land on Eric who was staring confusingly at the car.

I feel my heart pace pick up and my attempt to open the door was a fail as my hand slips off the handle, probably because I was sweating already. I take in a deep breath and wipe my hands on my handkerchief.

"Please, just wait here for me" I inform the driver and he nods.

I finally open up the door and step out of the car, slowly closing it behind me as all eyes where on me.

Theresa literally hid behind Barbara and Barbara on the other hand tried not to look surprised but failed effortlessly. Jane looked confused, while Eric.....

I try my best to be composed as I took slow hesitant steps towards him. I can't even explain the look on his face, same way I can't explain how I feel.

I was two steps away from him. I had a small smile on my face when I finally said "Hi, Eric"

He gulps a bit, closes his eyes then Opens it again like I was going to vanish.

"C..Courtney?"

Hearing his voice over the phone was nothing compared to hearing it in person.

My smile grows wider and I feel my eyes suddenly glossy a bit even though I tried to stay composed.

I nodded letting out a chuckle "Happy Birthday"

Almost immediately, he crosses the line between us, enveloping me in a hug. In as much as I've tried to hold my grounds and not to be weak in any situation with him....I just couldn't help it this time.

I hugged him back, not having any intentions of letting go....but I had to

He pulls away, staring at me with so much questions obvious in his eyes.

"When did you get back? Why did you come? I thought...."

"Can you calm down?" I chuckle "it's all Gloria, but that's a conversation for another day"

He just keeps staring at me "is this you?" His tone reduces "You looking very...." He stops just observing me

"Celebrity like?"

He chuckles "that's it"

"What is the meaning of this?"

We all turn to Barbara who starts walking towards us

"Do you have any idea that people are waiting for you, Eric?"

"Mum, calm down...."

"You have families of high importance and from different businesses in the world that can be beneficial to you as a CEO and you choose to waste time reuniting with this...."

"I would watch it if I were you" she stops and slowly turns to me

We stare at each other dead in the eyes, no talking, just shooting daggers at each other.

"I beg your pardon?" She finally speaks "Was that for me?"

"I assume you can tell when a message is directed at you." I tell her "I'm not trying to be rude, not trying to be disrespectful, but I'll be damned if I let you disrespect me, do you understand?"

5 mins into the meeting and problem's already brewing

She looks surprised staring me up and down before saying "I blame Morgan. When you help the poor, they begin to believe they're part of the rich and have the guts to speak in places they should be cleaning and to people they should be serving"

"Mum, that's enough"

My smile grows and I walk closer to her

"That's quite funny for you to say, don't you think?"

She raises a brow "what are you on about?"

"Now, I wasn't poor...I was only struggling, but the thing about helping the poor to become rich and then they speak In places they're suppose to be cleaning, that's crazy, isn't it?"

I see her brows raise in realization and her formally smug look turns to pure anger

Everyone was looking at us in pure confusion

"Courtney, please relax"

I hear Gloria's voice and I step back, walking past her and towards Gloria and Daniel"

"Talk about feisty" Daniel chuckles

I tilt my head with a smile "it's too early for a fight"

Gloria mouthed a thank you and I just smile before turning to Theresa and Jane.

None looked happy to see me and neither was I happy to see them.

I ignored them both, not forgetting to greet Gloria's husband before walking back to Eric

"Are you leaving?" He suddenly asks

I smile with a shrug "I have to, wasn't planning on staying"

I see his brows and shoulders drop a bit

"Would it be possible to see you again?"

"Eric" we all turn to Jane "what are you doing? I'm literally standing right here"

I turn my gaze to Eric who looks like he's just remembering he had her out here

He turns back to me, catching my gaze on him. He didn't say anything, just staring at me with that usual soft gaze he always had while looking at me.

"I have to go" I force myself to say, my shoulders dropping and my tone low

He just gives a small smile and a slight nod and with that, I proceed to entering the car.