Chapter Sixteen
Vincent was too heartbroken to think straight. The whole of next week he just stayed at his apartment and drank. It didn't mend his broken heart but at least he was able to forget in his inebriated state. When he didn't go to office his dad was concerned and went to see him at his apartment.
Vincent opened his door. He was in a very bad state. His hair was dishevelled, his clothes dirty. His eyes red from crying and drinking too much. He saw his dad and just went inside to the living room where he had been sitting on the floor with a bottle of Jack Daniels.
His dad came and sat down on the couch beside him. "I'm sorry I couldn't help you son," he said quietly.
Vincent looked up at him, "Why can't you make her understand?" He asked, not understanding why his dad couldn't make his mom see sense.
"I'm an orphan. I was living on the streets when your grandfather picked me and adopted me. He educated me and gave his only daughter Christina's hand in mine before his death. I promised to look after her and the company. I'm indebted to them Vincent. I can't go against her even if I wanted," his dad said, as a tear slipped down his face.
"I'm sorry dad. I didn't know, " said Vincent getting up and placing his head on his dad's lap.
"Don't do anything now, son. Just put up a show at your university with Sienna so that your mom is at peace. When you complete your studies, you do whatever you want. Pursue the girl you love, leave the company, anything. Are you understand what I'm saying?" His dad said earnestly.
"Yes dad. I will do exactly as you say," Vincent promised getting up.
"Good. I love you as well as your choice. So try to be normal, goto office and complete your degree. Put up a show for Steve else you know how your mom is," he said, getting up too.
He left and Vincent took a shower and ate some sandwiches and went to sleep.
The next day he went to the university and tried his best to behave like a fiancé towards Sienna. He was attentive towards her but didn't have any urge to touch her. He physically kept a respectable distance from her. He saw that Bronson's face fell but he couldn't help it. With his cousin Steve watching their every move, he didn't want to make life worse for his dad.
He went to his office too. He completed his work, his duties and came back home to face the emptiness in his life after Julianna left. He last hope was dashed when the cooking class receptionist called up. She informed him that Julianna had opted out and her fees had been deposited at his bank account.
He felt like the last chapter that he shared with her was closed forever. No, he wouldn't give up on her. He had to find a way to see her everyday else he would die. He went to her college the next day and waited. He kept himself well hidden from sight. He saw her walk out of the college gates with another girl. They both climbed into a car and sped away. He followed them in his Ford Explorer. They parked in front of a five storeyed building and went inside.
So this was where she lived with the other girl. He was thinking of leaving when they both came out wearing work outfits and climbed onto the car and sped away. So Julianna had found work.
He followed them to a ten storey commercial building where they disappeared into the underground parking lot. He understood that they must work here.
He went to his office but couldn't concentrate on his work. Julianna looked so gorgeous in her work outfit. What if some man liked her and married her? What would he do? He had to hire a bodyguard who would follow her around. If he saw a man near her he could inform Vincent. That way Vincent could deal with any unwanted admirer she might have and throw him out of his way.
Happy with his decision he called the security company who always provided him with reliable staff. That problem was dealt with. He found out that Julianna was staying at her friend Sarah Howard's apartment. They both worked as interns at Sarah's uncle's firm.
Vincent's dad came over to his apartment many times. They bonded over a glass of champagne or whiskey. Vincent realised how unhappy his dad really was. His mom had never loved him. She treated him as a slave all her life. He was a broken man. Vincent tried his level best to show his dad how much he loved him. He didn't go home after that. He didn't enquire about his mom.
A year passed by. Vincent saw his Julianna twice a week from afar, hiding himself well in front of her college. She still lived with Sarah. The two girls seemed to have bonded so well. She smiled with her and looked more lovely than ever.
Sienna was depressed as Bronson didn't talk to her anymore. He still put up a show at his university for Steve's eyes alone. His mom had left him at peace and he couldn't be happier. She however invited Sienna and him many times at parties but he didn't attend.
Julianna didn't meet her family after that dreadful night when she left home. They tried calling many times but when she didn't answer their calls they stopped bothering her. She heard from Sarah's neighbour, Katie who went to the same university that Vincent and Sienna were so in love and ready to get married.
She didn't know what to feel anymore. She gave up all hopes of Vincent. After her college degree she would shift to Minnesota with Jake.
Another year went by and both friends concentrated more on studying for their final exams. They would graduate and complete college. Sarah's uncle gave them leave to study and appear for their exams. The exams stretched for ten long days and finally got over.
Julianna and Sarah came home and slept like logs. They were exhausted. In the evening they ordered pizza to celebrate freedom from college.
However the next day she heard from Katie that Vincent and Sienna had announced their wedding date at the university. It was the 7th of next month. They were congratulated by all. Julianna's heart crumbled to dust. She now didn't feel like living anymore. She just waited for her degree and then she would leave Austin forever.
Her parents tried calling her many times. Maybe to invite her for the wedding but she didn't answer their call. She wouldn't attend the wedding. She couldn't stand and watch Vincent getting married to her sister.
