CHAPTER 5: Reality check
John watched his sister Rachel leave the warehouse before driving back to Isabelle. He appreciated Isabelle's care and felt valued. As he drove, he pondered the mysterious text that led him to the warehouse. Despite uncertainties, he focused on reuniting with Isabelle, dreaming of starting anew with her. Returning to Isabelle at the beach mansion, he reassured her with affection, soothing her worries.
John expressed his desire to stay with Isabelle, emphasizing her importance. Together, they embraced a new chapter despite potential challenges. However, John couldn't shake the feeling that their peaceful settlement wouldn't last long before Rachel discovered their secret. Living in their own bubble, the couple dreamed of a future together but started to face the reality of their situation as they gazed out at the ocean one morning. The burden of his actions weighed heavily on John, and he knew he couldn't keep it to himself.
"Isabelle, we need to talk," John said, his voice laced with concern.
Isabelle was still in the ocean l swimming, enjoying the warm water. She quickly stopped, feeling worried about the sudden mood.
"What's wrong?" Isabelle asked, her eyes sparkling with worry.
"My family's company... if we just leave like this, it could put everything at risk. My father's legacy, our family's reputation... I can't just abandon it all without thinking it through." John said.
Isabelle's expression softened with concern. "I understand, John. I know how much your family's company means to you," she responded.
"And then there's your college," John added, turning to her. "You can't just drop out without finishing your degree. You have so much potential, Isabelle. I can't let you give up on your dreams."
"You're right John, I have been thinking the same too but I don't know how to tell you about it not to ruin our vacation but it's alright I think it's time to go back, back to our life's" Isabelle nodded, her eyes cast downward.
John took a deep breath, knowing what he had to do.
"I need to talk to my sisters about us. They need to understand where I'm coming from." John explained.
Isabelle's eyes widened slightly. "Are you sure that's a good idea?" She inquired.
"Yes, I'm sure. They need to know how I feel about you and maybe they can help us figure out a way to make this work." John nodded.
Isabelle smiled with her eyes filled with trust. "Okay, John. I trust you." She exclaimed.
John smiled back, feeling a sense of determination. "Let's do this." He screamed.
John and Isabelle went into the car and drove back to the city, and together, they planned to face what lies ahead.
"So where are we heading to?" Isabelle asked with determination.
"Home, I need to take you to see my sis," John responded.
"Don't you think we're taking it too fast?" Isabelle laminated.
"I know. But for now, let's just get back home and let me introduce you to my sister… believe me Isabelle" John nodded, his eyes fixed on the road.
As they drove, the scenery changed from quaint towns to familiar neighborhoods. John turned into his driveway, and Isabelle's eyes widened.
"Do you really think your sister would love me?" she asked with a hint of panic in her voice.
"They'll love you. And they're already worried about me, so it's best we face them together." John responded, smiling reassuringly.
John finally got to his biggest family mansion, Thomas mansion and he stopped by. As they stepped inside, John's sisters Rachel and Rebecca rushed to hug him with relief written across their faces.
"Where have you been?" Rachel demanded. "We've been calling you nonstop for days!"
"I'm sorry. I needed some time to clear my head." John responded, smiling sheepishly.
Isabelle's eyes curious about the mystery of the mansion and her interest caught more on John's sister, her eyes thought of their encounter but she couldn't remember where or how but she trusted that they'd met before.
"Well, well, well, look what we have here…. The lovesick couple." Rachel said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
John ignored his sister's jibe and approached them.
"Hey, guys. We need to talk." He said, his voice mixed with anger.
"What's going on, John?" Rebecca questioned, raising an eyebrow.
John took a deep breath wondering how much to reveal.
"I want to be with Isabelle. I know it may seem sudden, but I can't help how I feel. And I want your support." He explained.
"You're kidding, right? You're willing to risk the family business for some...some..." Rachel snorted.
Isabelle's eyes flashed with anger, but John intervened before she could respond.
"Rachel, that's enough. Isabelle is not just anyone. She's smart, talented, and kind. And I love her." John yielded.
"John, we just want what's best for you. And we're worried that you're getting in over your head." Rebecca responded with her expression softened.
John shook his head feeling uneasy.
"You don't understand. I've never felt this way about anyone before and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make this work." He altered.
Rachel and Rebecca exchanged a skeptical look, but John could see the faintest glimmer of understanding in their eyes.
"Okay, John, we'll listen but you have to promise us one thing. Promise us you'll think this through carefully and consider the consequences." Rebecca said finally.
"Yes, I have thought about it" John nodded with relief washing over him. "I promise. Thank you, guys." He added.
John called his sisters to his room and they sat down to discuss further about it, he knew that they wouldn't be so easy to convince so easily so he had to make his intentions clear. John began to explain his plans as he went to the room and his sisters listened intently.
"I know this may seem sudden, but I can't help how I feel. I want to be with her, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make this work." John explained.
Rachel raised an eyebrow.
"And what exactly does that mean?" She asked.
John took a deep breath and explained.
"I want to find a way to balance my family's business with my relationship with Isabelle. I know it won't be easy, but I'm willing to work hard to make it happen."
Rebecca leaned forward, her expression softening. "John, we just want what's best for you but we're worried about the consequences of your actions. Have you thought about how this will affect the company?" She inquired.
"Yes!" John nodded. "I've thought about it, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to protect the company's interests. But I can't help how I feel and I can't ignore this opportunity to be with someone who truly understands me."
Rachel and Rebecca looked at each other's face then Rachel spoke up, her voice a little softer. "Okay, we'll support you, John but you have to promise us one that you'll be careful, and you'll think about the consequences of your actions." Rachel altered.
John nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over him.
"I promise, Rachel. I'll be careful, and I'll make sure that our relationship doesn't hurt the company or our family's reputation." John responded.