CHOICE

"That's very beautiful." The waitress told her as she served her the coffee she ordered. She returned her a genuine smile and went back to admiring the landscape of Paris from the Eiffel Tower. She's been sitting at 58 Tour Eiffel since afternoon all alone, all by herself. She was keen on finally finding success, she had to finish designing her wedding dress. Veronica Presley took a deep breath and took a final look at the artwork she accomplished. She couldn't be happier, it sure looked a masterpiece, since the day the wedding date has been fixed there this goofy smile that never for once went away, it kept playing on her lips. Everything was going so well, she would be marrying the man whom she had admired all her life, Mr. Perfectionist. He was really the perfect man, not that she was any lesser. Every now and then people tell her how good they look together. He was her best friend in childhood, but soon their friendship lost its magic. But she had always remembered him, hoping that one day everything will be the same. She was patient, in the end, her wish did come true. They'll finally be tying the knot.

Veronica took a picture and sent it to him, she wanted him to be the first to take look at it. She had no doubts that he wouldn't like it, the actual thing was to remind him of their wedding. The thought of it makes something churn inside her, she's still receiving messages, gifts and being congratulated since the wedding date has been announced. It was all over the news, Emir Abram Jr. and Veronica Presley to tie the knot on 3rd August. Only three months left for their wedding, Emir's Aunt Adele Crawford, a very well known jeweler, and Veronica's mother a famous designer met with the wedding planner and have been planning out everything for the wedding. The wedding is expected to be one of the grandest weddings of the year. Why wouldn't it be? The Abrams and the Presleys have a highly established reputation.

Soon she received a call she's been wishing all day long, there's hardly any time when he makes a call. "Chérie." She answered. "That's very beautiful, you designed it?" He asked calmly. "Yes, I knew you'll love it. I gave it all my heart and dedication. Can't wait to wear it, why is the wedding so far?" Veronica whined. Emir chuckled a little, pretending to be very interested in the conversation. However, he wished the wedding wasn't taking place. How much he wished it was in his hands to turn back everything. "When are you coming back?" Veronica asked him sounding impatient to see him, "Soon." He replied bored.

He did everything to prolong the wedding as much as possible, to no avail the wedding date was announced without even informing him. A few days back, he tried reasoning with Veronica for how there was a need to postpone the wedding. Giving her reason for work, really hectic and important projects coming up. But it was out of anyone's hands, it was his father who made the decision and never had ever Emir disrespected his decision. Also, now that he'll be getting married, he'll have to move back to Paris. The very last thing he wanted to do. *She's there.* He thought.

A few days later, Emir was on board their private jet to return to Paris. After much reluctance and contemplating he finally had to return. He's been here in Chicago for more than a year already, more like he escaped to here, a month later he was engaged to Veronica Presley, his childhood friend. He wasn't surprised, there's always been talking around of them to get married one day however, there was a time when he himself thought of clearing Veronica's misunderstanding. He didn't want to give her any hopes. But that didn't happen. As planned before, after the wedding he'll have to move back to Paris, but Veronica insisted he move back now. She wanted them to start a smooth wedding life, not transferring cardboard boxes.

The sun was still rising by the time he reached Paris, something came alive inside him, his whole body felt relaxed after a very long time. He knew what it was, but no, he's not going for that. He's not going to let her in. She will never know that he's here, back in Paris. Soon he was engulfed with the memories of that dreadful night, he knew very well that it'll keep coming back to him more often now. He looked around as he drives home, there were moments that kept coming back to him. he didn't want his mind to cloud and he brushed off everything and tried his very best to catch a little sleep. Otherwise, his state would only worry the people who care for him.

The Abrams lived right outside of Paris in a world of their own. A magnificent wooded estate, far from the citylights, equipped with all luxuries of life, absolutely a dream home. The gates automatically opened for the car to drive in, he felt homey. The staff greeted and smiled at him as he walked around to stop at the tennis court. There his father, the one and only Emir Abram was having a match with his personal trainer. "Who's winning?" Emir asked. The match came to a halt. "Your father, who else." Sir Emir said happily. They may not share a very vibrant father and son relationship, but Emir knows his father will always be by his side. Emir has always looked up to his father, he respects and loves him deeply. He is grateful and feels privileged to be the son of Emir Abram, for him he's the perfect father one would ever need, and he'll always make sure to be the perfect son.

After freshening himself up, both the father and son sat down to have breakfast. Any time went by the dining table is spent silently. One would question that's the only time they could spend with each other due to their busy lives. In fact, apart from their business empire, they don't really have much to communicate about. Not that they don't know what's happening in each other's life, nothing's hidden between them. One way or another they get to know about it in some way, they have their ways. These are the Abrams, they tend to keep each other happy without even bothering to take credit. Emir knew it was his father decision's to have him get married to Veronica, but his father also knew he didn't want Veronica and never for once did he push him. But like always, Emir played to be the obedient, selfless son he has always been.

As soon as Veronica came to know about Emir's return, she didn't waste another minute and hurried up to go and see him. For her Emir meant a lot, there's was no doubt of her love for Emir. She filled with joy once she saw him, Emir genuinely tried really hard to return the same feelings. He made sure to not let Veronica for once feel like he's not in for it. He liked her and did everything to not to suppress in loving her one day. Forcing himself every day, to put behind everything and move ahead. Many times he told himself to look ahead, be grateful for what he has. Veronica was the one made for him, who actually cares and understands him. Veronica brought him out of his trance and told him about the small gathering in the evening. She wanted to have a little celebration, a little fun together.

True to her words, it was a small gathering, just family and friends. It was held at the Presley's place, the Crawfords too joined them. Often someone would congratulate them, the atmosphere during the whole gathering was fine, people chit-chatting, glasses clinking, slow music being played in the back. "When will you let me in?" Veronica asked Emir. They were away from all the crowd, "Let you in?" Emir asked surprised. "You are happy?" She straightforwardly asked. Emir sighed, "I'm happy. What's that you find unusual?" He pretends to wonder. Veronica watched him, "Nothing." she finally said. She smiled at him, "Silly you." Emir remarked. Veronica felt she was just imagining stuff, Emir's always been like this, quiet, reserved. She'll just have to work her way to let him put down all the walls he has built around himself.

Early the next morning, Emir was wide awake. He was only able to attain a few hours of sleep. Not something surprising to him. Roaming around his room, he checked out his schedule for the day, Veronica told him last night to spare some time for them, they'll be meeting with the wedding planner, discussing over and finalizing one of the drafts. Emir was fine with whatever they decide on, it's not that he'll be able to escape it. But taking part in all the preparations, he rather just make himself busy with work. After breakfast, Sir Emir summoned his son to his study room wishing to talk something very important. "You'll always be accompanied by Hubert. He'll be right by your side as your bodyguard." Sir Emir explained. Having a bodyguard was the last thing Emir ever wished for. But Sir Emir had his concerns, "by no chance I want you to even pass those roads. It's all in the past. Forget everything." He clearly told his son. Whatever took place in the past was Emir's deepest regrets and his father's biggest concern, Emir nodded and left for work with Hubert right behind him. Sir Emir watched him leaving and signaled Hubert to be cautious.

It was nothing new at work, the same old working day for Emir. The people working at the Abram Co. were all mentioning about his return after a very sudden disappearance. He was least interested in all their gossiping, he made himself drown into work. The empire was well-known for its manufacturing and technology, yet there are other businesses too it has developed. Like father like son, Emir is very passionate about their work and make sure to give his best. It was lunch when he called Veronica and told her to have the wedding planner meet them now, otherwise, they won't be able to get another chance. He has a hectic day ahead.

They were sitting in one of the conference rooms of the building, Doreen, the wedding planner presented draft after draft. There was nothing in which he wished to take part, he agreed with everything Veronica and Doreen were blabbering on about. He remembered telling his Aunt Adele and Veronica to organize a rather simple wedding, but they hushed him by telling him about the importance of a grand wedding. They aren't ordinary people, a simple wedding is inappropriate for them. The media should be all in for it, their gain is in all that. "The wedding cake, all the food, catering will be finalized once you are available to come and taste most of the dishes." Doreen reminded them. *Oh crap* Emir thought to himself. "We'll let you know as soon as possible," Veronica informed her, and Doreen with her assistant left. "Well, that's finally done," Veronica said as she leaned back in her chair. Emir nodded. "Now what?" Veronica watched him, Emir was busy on his phone. She stood up and stopped right next to him, "let's go somewhere." "Fine, but not today, I am not free." Emir refused her. Veronica wanted Emir to feel a sense of belonging towards each other, and only by spending time together they were able to do that.

At seven in the evening with Hubert right behind him, he entered Théâtre du Palais-Royal. He was less bothered about being followed everywhere since his major concern was how was he going to face Leyla, she must be very upset with him. As they enter the auditorium, they find a rehearsal going on. Scripts, props, lighting, people rushing around. Emir looked around in search for Leyla, finally, his eyes landed on a familiar figure standing right in front of the stage giving instructions. "Leyla." He called out for her. An average height, graceful woman in her middle age swiftly turned around to the owner of the voice. Her lips turned into a huge smile as she saw Emir, even Emir was extremely happy to see her, she was a mother-like figure to him.

"When did you arrive?" Leyla asked they were now sitting on the top deck of the auditorium, the rehearsal was still going on downstairs. "Yesterday." "You didn't call me right then?" She complained. "I was scared thought you might be upset with me, to make it up I thought of surprising you," Emir responded. "Just upset?" Leyla questioned, "because of the wedding." Emir straightly told. Emir might think his calm composure was all in his hands, but Leyla could easily see through him, "So what's the play about?" Emir tried making a new conversation. "Nothing new, the same old story, boy meets girl, girl meets boy, and the rest is history." She quickly narrated. "What's the point then?" Emir asked confusedly. "I'm not able to decide on how long should the girl be kept unaware?" That got Emir to ponder, Leyla's words had two different meanings. Further discussing might not be a good idea, Leyla was someone who could easily get things her way, no matter how much he tries to avoid, she'll bring up the topic sooner or later. "Good luck with that, I'll leave now." Emir stood up abruptly, "Who's that?" Leyla looked at Hubert standing at the entrance of the auditorium all alert. "Hubert, bodyguard" "I see," Her lips thinned, and gave Emir a goodbye hug. Emir felt bad ignoring Leyla, Leyla understood things have changed.

After a long day, with sleeves rolled up, tie loosen Emir slumped into the sofa. "Sir Emir strictly gave orders to return back to the estate." Hubert reminded him. "Inform my father, I'll be staying here at the penthouse tonight." He gave instructions to Hubert. Hubert waited for Emir to just do as his father said, but instead, he walked up to the balcony and leaned on the balcony railing. Seeing the Eiffel Tower right in front of his eyes, the cold breeze soothing his tensed body, he closed his eyes and his mind walked down the memory lane.

TO BE CONTINUED