She glares at me, her lips curling in disdain. “A coffee shop owner? Seriously? That’s who you’re choosing?”
Shocked, I narrow my eyes at her, my jaw tightening. “How did you know?”
She lets out a bitter laugh. “You really thought you could keep this a secret from us? One of our family friends saw you at lunch with her. It didn’t take your father long to dig in and find out everything.”
I feel my chest tighten. “So now you’re spying on me?”
“Don’t be so dramatic. We weren’t spying. But you should’ve known better than to be so careless in public.”
“Careless?” I repeat, my voice rising. “I went to lunch with the woman I love. I wasn’t doing anything wrong!”
“You expect us to accept a woman who doesn’t even come close to our standards?” Her voice drips with scorn.
I feel the anger rise, hot and sharp. “Standards?” I snap. “You meanyourstandards, not mine.” I push off the wall, standing taller. “I don’t care about her bank balance or her status. I care about her.”
Mom’s eyes flare. “Do you even understand you’re risking everything for her! Your reputation, our family’s image.”
I throw my hands up in frustration. “Why does everything have to be about reputation with you and Dad? Why can’t you both just be happy that I found someone who makes me feel alive and happy? Why is that so hard for you to accept?”
Her expression softens for a fraction of a second before the sternness returns. “Because feelings aren’t enough. And right now, you’re thinking with your illogical heart, not your head, which is surprising, coming from the smart businessman you are.”
I shake my head, laughing bitterly. “Just because I’m a smart businessman doesn’t mean I’m heartless, Mom. And there’s nothing illogical about thinking for myself.”
“Thinking for yourself is one thing. Making a reckless choice with that woman is another,” she snaps. “You just can’t build a future with someone likeher.”
I step closer, my eyes blazing. “Someone likeher? You don’t even know her, Mom! All you see is her job. But she’s so much more than that. She’s passionate, loyal, and she sees me for who I am, not for my name or what I own.”
“Oh wow, what an angel she is,” she sneers, eyes rolling. “But son, I hate to burst your bubble — this ‘Little Miss Perfect’ you’ve picked is just playing with your emotions. Trust me, I’veseen the world enough to know women like her only know how to trap rich men for their own benefit.”
“You’re wrong, Mom. Sana is not the person you’re painting her to be. But I’m not wasting my breath arguing with you. I know you’re not ready to face the truth. Just know this. Choosing who I marry is my decision, not anyone else’s. This is my life, and I’m the one who decides.”
Mom’s face hardens, her eyes cold. “Your father and I won’t stand for this.”
“Well, that’s your choice, and I won’t force you,” I say, meeting her gaze, unflinching. “But I won’t let go of the woman I love just because you can’t deal with it.”
Her shoulders slump just slightly, the fire in her eyes dimming. “You’re going to break our hearts? Just like that, overher?”
I swallow hard, the weight of her words hitting me. But I stand my ground. “I’m not trying to hurt you, Mom. But I’m not backing down on Sana. I love her. And that’s not changing.”
Mom’s eyes narrow. “You’re being foolish by overlooking the bigger picture. How will she fit into our world? What will people say?”
“I don’t give a damn about what people say!” I snap, my voice echoing off the walls. “I’m not living my life for them, and I’m sure as hell not living it for you and Dad’s approval!”
Her face flushes with anger. “Watch your tone!” She stands, her posture rigid. “You owe us respect. We’ve given you everything, and this is how you repay us? By throwing our values and our love away for... for some girl who serves coffee?”
My fists clench. “Stop calling her ‘some girl.’ She’s more than that. She’s the woman who matters to me.”
“Matters to you?” She laughs, but it’s cold, mocking. “Trust me, son, this infatuation of yours won’t last. You’ll regret it.”
My eyes locked on hers. “I will never regret choosing Sana.”
She shakes her head, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Being with her is nothing but a straight road to disaster.”
“Then so be it,” I shoot back. “If it comes to that, I’ll face the fallout. You don’t have to worry about me.”
She looks at me, her eyes burning with anger and hurt. Then, without saying a word, she gets up and walks out, slamming the door shut behind her.
I stand there, staring at the door, my heart racing. I knew this wouldn’t be easy, but nothing prepared me for how much it would drain me. God, how do I make Mom understand that I’d burn down the whole damn world before letting anyone say Sana isn’t good enough for me.
