It was during the Second World War that Alex eloped to Paris with Mary. Their parents kicked against the relationship due to family feud. Alex’s family were the biggest supplier of furniture in New York and Mary’s parents owned the biggest Real estate firm. They have had unresolved issues that led to the bitterness between the family for years. When Mary took Alex home, her father was very angry. He swore she would only marry him over his dead body and her mother took the same stand. Alex lost his mother when he was younger and his father had been so strict to him.
”How dare you bring that girl to my house? They are the most arrogant and corrupted family in this world. I forbid you to have any business with them.” Charles was furious, he walked out of the dinner table as his son watched with terror. He has never seen his father so angry over any issue.
He sat down at the table and remembered how he met the love of his life. He was 18 years old when he ran to join the war, he got injured months after and was brought home. His leg was severely injured and he could barely move, that was the saving grace when his father saw him. He would have screamed his head off. He had to stay inside for a while before he could move the leg and finally went to The Civilian Restaurant where he saw two girls chatting. The second girl struck him with her hair and beautiful face, it was Mary. As he made his way to the table, he almost tripped and Mary helped him. Her smile as he guided him to the chair melted his heart.
All these memories played in his head and it was at that moment he vowed to marry the girl no matter his father’s stand. Mary had the same thought and when they met, they drew a plan. They packed the little they could without their parents noticing and sailed to Paris, they lodged at the Hotél Meürice. She was a little worried when they got there but Adam was just too dear to her. They ate, drank and made love throughout the night. He made arrangement for them to stay at the hotel suite for two months before they could make another move. It was the best moments of her life until one evening when they went out and was back at the hotel front. Her parents stood in disgust as they watched the love birds held hand and smiled at each other. Mary looked up and saw them yet she didn’t stop holding Adam’s hands.
”Why did you do this to us? We have shown you all the love in this world and you betray us like this.” James, Mary’s father, lamented.
-“Can you please give us a moment with our daughter?” James pleaded scornfully with Adam. He stepped back and looked away.
”Please Dad and Mom, this is my decision. You either accept us or let me be. He is my life and the reason I am a woman.” She stood her ground and Adam was proud where he stood. She used to be shy and gentle and her parents were shocked to the marrow.
”We will be here for a week and hope you change your mind.” James said. He wrapped his hands around his wife, she was already in tears. They quickly left for their room in the hotel.
For a week, they tried all they could to change Mary’s mind but it didn’t work. A day before they travel back, Mary was summoned to their room very early in the morning. She came in and saw the bitterness on their faces but her mind was with Adam, he loved him too much to turn back at this point.
”Mary, take a look at your mother. You can see how pale she is, she has not slept since we got here. We have good plans for you. This boy will do you no good.” James appealed to his daughter. She couldn’t look at her mother, she knew how dramatic she can be.
”Parents, this is my decision and I am standing firm by it. Adam is my life and the reason I am still breathing. You either support or leave us alone.”
James suddenly became enraged at her confidence, his face was filled with so much anger. He looked like he wanted to smack her very hard.
”How dare you talk back to us? We have given you everything and you think this is what we deserve! If you stay back with him, I will disown you and remove you from my will.”
For a moment, that got to Mary. She knew her father never make empty promises, he could do and undo with his influence and wealth. She looked at her mother and Marielle kept on ranting, which meant she was behind her husband’s decision.
”You don’t have to be upset Mum and Dad.” She put up a fake smile and continued. ”I will sneak away from him in the morning and we can leave before he wakes. I don’t want his drama. Is that okay?”
Her parents were happy, James felt fulfilled for threatening her successfully. He kissed Marielle on her forehead to celebrate their victory over Adam. Mary left their room and ran to their suite to meet Adam who has been troubled since she left. Immediately she entered, he quickly went to meet her with only a question on his lips, ”How did it go?” She narrated everything that happened, it gave them a lot to think about and she didn’t want to waste time. She hugged him tight and the smell of his hair reminded her how much she love him.
”Let us get married and flee Paris today.” She sounded so confident. Without hesitation, they picked up some cash and left for the courthouse. Due to the war, it was quite easy to get married as long as you have the money. They got to the courthouse and paid for the full package which included a ring, an old suit, a wedding gown and other things they needed. They were pronounced husband and wife by an old priest, they signed and got their wedding certificate almost immediately. After taking some pictures, they left the court for a nearby restaurant. They ate, drank and planned for their next move.
They sneaked into the hotel to avoid Mary’s parents. They packed their bags, they have planned to sail to Spain despite the war brewing there. Adam had connection there, he had been part of the war and some of his friends were still stationed in the country. When they got to the front desk, Mary dropped an envelope with the receptionist to be delivered to her parent’s room. She was happy with her decision to spend forever with the love of her youth. Meanwhile, her parents have gotten her note and wedding picture. Marielle cried her eyes out, her heart was shattered as James read the letter loud. The next day, they travelled back to New York.
To Be Continued...........