Chapter 9 Regret

Don't make decisions when you're angry. Because you might regret it.

And when that happens, we only have one choice, to find a way out of the decisions we've made.

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Regret has haunted me since last night. How could such a crazy idea pop into my head? Now, where do I even start with this 27-day mission I've created?

It's truly challenging and a hassle to put myself in this situation.

Yes, I know. Regret ... is definitely pointless.

Besides, if this idea hadn't come up, Dad would have been too busy preparing for my wedding with Draco. And that would be a nightmare for me.

In my parents' eyes, Draco might be one of the many good men in the world. But ... he is definitely not the best in my view.

They believe Draco has matured and become a better person than before, which is why they have such high hopes for him. But that belief clearly doesn't apply to me.

I feel like Draco will never take this seriously. There's something he seems to be hiding from us.

Maybe you think this is just my disappointment talking, making me unconsciously distrust him. But I stand by my belief. I can't trust that guy.

"Daydreaming already, huh?"

Anthony's arrival rekindles my spirit, which had started to fade. I'm sure my only brother has a solution for my problem.

"When did you get here, Thony?" I ask with a smile.

"Just now. As soon as I arrived, I went straight to the dining room and saw someone daydreaming in front of her breakfast," Anthony teased, causing me to pout.

"Come on, Thony. I'm not in the mood for jokes right now," I say with a frown. It's not because I'm angry at his teasing, but because I simply don't feel like joking with all these piling problems.

"Oh, by the way, I heard you switched jobs?" Anthony takes a seat directly across from me. The dining table now acts as a barrier between us.

"Yeah," I reply, fiddling with my fingers on the plate.

"You're really reckless, you know? That's not your field. You could have declined and asked for more work in the field or requested to transfer to another branch office."

"I just wanted a new atmosphere."

"A new atmosphere or because of Brian?" Anthony asks, scrutinizing me.

"Why even ask? You must already know the reason," I retort, annoyed.

Anthony's instincts are always spot on when it comes to my problems. It's like he has spies that keep him updated on everything that happens when he's not around.

"You should think things through carefully before acting and making decisions. This is about your career, you know?" As usual, Anthony starts giving his advice.

"Yeah, I know. But what's wrong with trying? Aren't people who want to succeed supposed to be brave enough to face challenges and step out of their comfort zones? And ... this is a challenge for me. I'm sure I can do it."

"The problem is, you're not challenging yourself, you're running away."

I know exactly what my brother means, and a part of me agrees with him. I don't care, the main thing is I won't see Brian again.

"Enough, Thony. Let's not talk about that anymore," I say, annoyed. Discussing Brian has lost its appeal for me. "You didn't come all the way here this early just to talk about that, did you?" I add, almost able to guess my brother's real reason for visiting so early.

"Of course not. I wouldn't come here to entertain someone who hasn't moved on."

"Ugh, you're so annoying," I mutter, feeling quite offended by his words.

I can hear Anthony let out a long sigh, his warm gaze now focused on me. When he does this, it seems he'll scold me before giving any solutions.

"Mom told me everything. And honestly, you're crazy. Really crazy," Anthony says, shaking his head.

"Are you trying to insult me?"

"I'm not insulting you, I just can't believe you came up with such a crazy idea. You know the intentions of Mom and Dad are good, right?"

See? He's more interested in scolding me first.

"Yeah. I know. I don't want to go against Mom and Dad's wishes either. But this is about Draco. You know how much I hate him."

"Alli, I often tell you that there's no point in holding onto hatred for someone. Especially for years like you have. It only tires you out."

"Brother, you know what he did to me back then? I've told you everything. He was awful."

Once again, Anthony lets out a long sigh. "That incident was a long time ago. You were both too immature back then. Your feud was just a misunderstanding."

"But,-"

"I won't force you to accept the arranged marriage. But at least, learn to forgive someone who has tried hard to earn your forgiveness."

I fall silent. Anthony is indeed the best brother I could ask for. He always understands how I feel. And he's right, I shouldn't ignore Draco's apologies all this time.

"Okay. I will forgive Draco," I reply after a long silence. Anthony's smile broadens upon hearing my answer.

"But ...," I start again but suddenly stop when Anthony speaks up.

"But you still don't want to marry him," Anthony interjects, to which I quickly nod in agreement.

"Okay, as you said. I will never force you."

I smile at this. Finally, someone is willing to accept my decision.

"And regarding your crazy idea, I need an explanation. NOW."

Ugh ... finally, we're discussing it. I do need a solution, but if Anthony demands an explanation first like this, he'll definitely start lecturing me again.

"Where did that crazy idea come from?"

"Come on, brother. You know me better than anyone else. You know when I'm under pressure, I tend to make hasty decisions," I say, acknowledging my own weakness.

"But this is just too much, Allison," Anthony says with wide eyes. "You should have better control over your emotions so you don't get trapped by your own traps."

He is right, but it's all happened already. What can I do now, other than regret it? Of course.

"So where are you going to find a better man than Draco in 27 days? Where will you meet someone you love who loves you back in 27 days?"

"Are you sure you want to hear my answer?" I ask, staring blankly at the ceiling.

"Of course."

"I don't know," I reply flatly. It's quite surprising considering this idea originated from my own mind.

"I swear!! You're really crazy. You probably need a psychologist more than a husband."

"Anthony!!"

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