The Last Obstacle

Cole's POV

I was standing in the enormous meeting room with glass walls, looking at the city skyline for which I had created everything.  For the first time in years, I felt as l the entire world was pressing down on me, and I wasn't sure what to do next.

This was not intended to be a difficult decision.  I initially believed the arrangement was straightforward—a business decision, a chance for growth—when my father first offered it to me.  An essential move to bolster my authority.  Now, though, as I mentally recalculated the statistics, something seemed strange. 

I was no longer only using figures to play a game.  Profits were not the only consideration here. 

I took a quick look at the papers strewn across the table before me.  Aggressive was my father's suggestion to combine with DeVries International.  It promised new markets, new influence, and instant results.  But I was aware of the price.  I was fully aware of Aria's implications.

Aria.  I kept hearing the name.  She served as a continual reminder of all I had attempted to save and everything I was prepared to jeopardize.  And now, more than anything else, she was the reason this choice was difficult.

Years had gone into creating my enterprise, fame, and reputation.  I had given up everything, including some aspects of who I was.  But now I had Aria.  And I couldn't deny the way my insides twisted at the prospect of losing her and having to decide between her and my kingdom.

"Will you look at that for a long time?"  I was startled out of my reverie by a voice.

Startled by the sound, I spun around.  Maya watched me with a chuckle as she stood in the doorway with her arms folded.  I always felt like I was being read like a book because of the way she broke through the tension.

She entered the room and continued, "You're avoiding the conversation."

I said, "I'm not avoiding anything," but it sounded vacuous. 

Maya's eyebrow went up.  Will you truly allow your father to triumph once more?  Since this is what it is.  A power play.  He's forcing you to decide between continuing to play his game and going out on your own and making your own decisions.

I whispered, "I've been doing that for years."  "This is not the same.  It goes beyond business.  It's—

With a knowing expression on her face, she completed for me, "Aria?"  It's Aria, of course.  However, Cole, you're not the first person to fall in love while managing a company.  You're not alone in feeling conflicted.  You're not the first person to make it work, though.

My chest grew irritated as I shook my head.  "It's not that easy.  I'm not sure whether I can have both.  Aria might not even want to be a part of this world, this life.

Maya whispered, "You're not even giving her the chance to choose."  "And you're denying yourself the opportunity to determine whether your happiness or your business is more important."

I didn't answer.  The words were too final, too hefty to say.  I was unsure if I could afford to part with all that made me who I was and everything I had worked so hard to achieve.  However, I couldn't help but feel drawn to Aria when I thought about her.  The first thing that ever caused me to doubt everything I had assumed was her.

I had sacrificed, sweated, and shed blood to build this life.  The question of whether it was worthwhile now confronted me.

I looked up as the door creaked open once more, anticipating that one of the staff members might have further information about the DeVries agreement.  Aria, on the other hand, entered the room and instantly met my gaze.

Her presence calmed my frantic thoughts, but it also made the choice more difficult.  She had no idea how big of a thing I was about to create.  She had no idea how it would impact both her and us. 

Aria approached the table and looked down at the papers, but as she looked directly at me, I could see the doubt in her eyes.

"What's happening, Cole?"  Her voice was soft, almost timid, as she inquired.

I wanted to share everything with her.  I didn't want to involve her in the mess I had made, but I also wanted to relieve her of the burden of the choice.  That wasn't fair to her. 

"This deal could change everything," I finally stated in a quiet voice.  It might alter... us.

Although her brows were wrinkled, she remained silent.  Rather, she stepped forward and sat opposite me. 

"You know you can discuss anything with me, don't you?"  Her eyes softened as she spoke. 

I inhaled deeply while battling the opposing feelings inside of me.  I couldn't rely on her to fix my problems, but I also couldn't make this decision on my own.

With a catchy voice, I repeated, "It's not that simple."  Aria, it's my business.  And my dad...  For months, he has been pressuring me to sign this contract.  If I don't follow through, there will be consequences.  However, if I do, it might destroy us.

Aria did not recoil.  She put a hand on top of mine and leaned forward. 

"Cole, your business has always been your top priority.  However, you've also always been prepared to stand up for what's right. What seems appropriate?  This goes beyond the transaction.  It concerns your desires as well as our shared desires.

I felt a rush of thankfulness as I squeezed her hand.  She was correct.  I had neglected to battle for what truly mattered because I had been struggling so hard for control and power.

The walls seemed to close in on me as the space grew smaller.  I had to decide what to do. 

I had two options: I could follow in my father's footsteps and inherit all I had ever worked for, or I could decide to build a future with Aria that wasn't characterized by wealth, power, or legacy.  A future characterized by trust and affection.

However, something changed when the choice solidified in my thoughts.

On the table, the phone buzzed.

I glanced at the screen below.  My father had left me a message. 

I read out loud, "Cole."  "We must speak.  I'll have to reevaluate your future with the company if the sale doesn't close tomorrow.

With my heart racing, I glanced up at Aria.  "He isn't offering me an option."

Aria's hold on my hand became more firm.  "So perhaps you should give him one."

Now the room was colder.  The weight of my future moves weighed heavily on me as we sat in quiet.

I practically thought to myself, "I can't afford to make the wrong choice."  Aria, I'm not sure if I'll be able to lose everything I've worked for.  I'm not sure if I can let you go.

She had calm, unblinking eyes.  Cole, you will never lose me.  However, you must choose.  Additionally, it must be your decision.

The tension in the air was growing, and I could feel the future's uncertainty looming over us like a storm cloud.  When my phone buzzed once more, it was with an email from DeVries International verifying the merger's specifics.

I kept my finger over the "Accept" button while I gazed at the screen.

Just one click.

One choice.

And anything may happen.

The door slammed open before I could decide.  Anger burning on his face, Liam barged in. 

"Cole, there's a problem," he continued, his eyes wide with panic.

With my heart pounding, I glanced between him and Aria, braced for whatever may happen next.

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