Chapter 37: Who Is Your Husband?
“Mum, if you hear whatever I have to say at the family meeting tonight and still insist I go apologize to Kathlyn… Sure, I will,” Kourtney was confident her upcoming big reveal would be a turning point.
She was going to drop a bombshell on them and could already imagine the looks of shock on their faces when she broke the news.
‘Let’s see if they’d keep on with the favoritism after that,’ she mocked inwardly.
Just then, Kourtney remembered how her father, Luke, had been so desperate over the years in his quest to increase their family’s status. It was no secret that Luke was a sucker for money and power. This news would probably make him squeal with joy.
She sneered in her heart, just thinking about how happy and satisfied he would be when he learned his eldest daughter married none other than Billionaire-CEO and elite Industry Titan Sebastian Woods, who also happens to be the eldest young master of the renowned Woods Family – the most powerful family in the city.
Brandon’s family, the Smiths, whom Luke has been leeching off for years, were ranked 6th in the hierarchy of the wealthiest and most powerful families in Melbourne. But they were still miles below the Woods, who ranked as number One. Kourtney marrying Sebastian would feel like a dream come true for Luke.
Meanwhile, Margaret observed Kourtney with a mix of surprise and skepticism. She was about to yell what excuses she’d made up to call for a family meeting. But then she remembered Kourtney had never once called a family meeting for whatever reason.
That was usually Kathlyn’s specialty, as she always had an announcement to make almost every other week.
Their family had a tradition where someone called a family meeting anytime they had something of great importance to confess, and everyone was expected to be present, including grandparents, cousins, uncles, aunties, and every other extended family member who lived in the Allen’s villa.
Margaret knew Kourtney hated having any kind of attention on her and would not be calling for a general family meeting if it truly wasn’t urgent and fundamental. It was so unlike her to do.
“Well then. It better be important, young lady!” Margaret conceded, finally letting go of Kourtney’s arm.
She then called Luke and everyone else in the family to get ready for the meeting tonight before running back to take care of Kathlyn at the hospital.
After Margaret left, Kourtney felt a mix of relief and nervousness. She had managed to avoid going to apologize to Kathlyn, her manipulative sister. The thought of facing her and pretending to be sorry in order to avoid their father’s wrath made her stomach churn.
She needed to clear her head, so she decided to give her best friend, Lilian Powell, a call.
Kourtney remembered Lilian saying she’d be back in town today just to see her after being away for a whole month. It was paramount that they met up.This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.
Lilian was always there for her, offering a listening ear and wise advice. As she dialed her friend’s number, Kourtney couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement.
“Hey, Lil. Can we meet up for coffee at 12?”
“I thought you weren’t gonna call me,” Lilian sounded angry. She’d been waiting for Kourtney’s call ever since she landed back in Melbourne with the sole aim of seeing her.
“Sorry, Bestie, I slept early last night and woke up late today. It’s been a busy week for me,” Kourtney explained.
“My goodness, Kourt. How can you still sleep so soundly when your bitchy-ass sister has snatched your fiance? And they’ve been flaunting their love for everyone to see on social media! Aren’t you going to do something about it?” Lilian practically screamed at her best friend on the phone.
Brandon Smith was Kourtney’s beloved fiance, but he easily got snatched by Kathlyn, her sister. He even got Kathlyn pregnant, and they are set to marry on Kourtney’s dream wedding date, using her dream venue, as well as hiring her dream wedding singer, Ed Sheeran. The news was everywhere, yet Kourtney was able to sleep!
Lilian wondered how Kourtney was handling the situation so calmly and not showing any signs of wanting to get her lick back. Rather, she seemed so unbothered and even slept like a baby.
Kourtney shrugged. “Those two are not worth my sleepless nights, to be honest. What? I’m I supposed to wail in self-pity because of a man?”
“Oh yeah, Kourt. Lest I forget, you’ve married someone else now. How awkward it would be crying over your ex,” Lilian sneered with sarcasm evident in her tone.
Kourtney had earlier confessed to getting hinged with someone else over the phone the other day, but Lilian had thought she was bluffing, hence the joke.
Kourtney knew her best friend so well. Lilian would never believe her except she saw the evidence right in front of her.
“You still don’t believe me, Uh? Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but I’m telling the truth.”
Lilian, sensing the weird seriousness in Kourtney’s tone, agreed to meet at their favorite coffee shop in town. As Kourtney made her way there, her mind was buzzing with thoughts and emotions. She knew that tonight’s family meeting would change everything. That was a fact! And also, she could use some tips from Lilian who was more experienced in handling family relations and matters.
When Kourtney arrived at the coffee shop, Lilian was already waiting for her at their usual table.
“OMG, Bestie. I miss you so much!” Lilian squeaked, jumping to give her a big hug.
They were so loud and happy while exchanging pleasantries that people in the coffee shop, especially the “Karens” started giving them death glares. They both acted like two teenagers as they made annoying giggly sounds. The barista raised an eyebrow and had to politely tell the girls to lower their excited chatter.
Soon, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as they finally settled into their seats. The two friends chatted animatedly, catching up on everything they loved to talk about including music, upcoming K-dramas, and entertainment gossip.
But soon enough, their conversation took a serious turn. Lilian, unable to contain her curiosity, dove straight in.
“So, spill it out, girl. What’s been happening? You sound so serious, are you really married?” she said, her eyes filled with curiosity.
Kourtney, with a glint of mischief in her eyes, slowly extended her hand, showcasing the exquisite diamond ring that Lilian had since failed to notice under the very long sleeve she had intentionally worn to conceal her hands.
Lilian gasped for air, taken aback by the sheer opulence of the ring.
“Girl, what the fuck? Did you marry a stinking rich Arab prince or something? Look at the size and face of that diamond, it doesn’t look like it’s from planet Earth at all!” she exclaimed, her eyes fixed on Kourtney’s ring finger.
However, despite seeing the ring, Lilian still wasn’t convinced her best friend could just marry a total stranger immediately after coming out of an almost 4-year relationship with a man she loved so dearly. It felt surreal. Freakish!
“Kourt, this is serious. Are you for real? I mean… I know you were hurt, but this seems… It’s hard to believe,” Lilian said, her tone a mix of concern and disbelief.
Kourtney took a deep breath, realizing the weight of her friend’s skepticism. “I know it’s a lot to take in, but it’s true, Lil. I married someone else on the same day I found out about Brandon and Kathlyn.”
Lilian studied Kourtney’s face, searching for any hint of doubt or uncertainty, but she found none. “OMG! Like seriously? Now your life is really starting to sound like those Billionaire books I enjoy reading – when the heroine marries a gorgeous and wealthy CEO right after being cheated on. You know what I mean?”
Kourtney fidgeted with the ring, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips as she thought about HIM….. Truly, her life sounded like a typical Billionaire romance novel! She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry about it.
“Okay, spill the tea, Kourt. You can’t just drop a bomb like that and expect me to carry on like everything’s normal. Who is this mystery man, and how did you end up married to him so suddenly? I mean, it definitely can’t be just a random guy because he gave you such a ring, right? So who is your husband?” Lilian was almost crazy with suspense.
Kourtney took a deep breath, gathered her thoughts, and made sure she sounded as serious as possible. “He truly isn’t just some random guy, Lil. His name is Sebastian. Sebastian Woods!!!”
Lilian’s eyes widened in great shock as if she had been electrocuted. “What???”