Chapter 262 - Nang Foundation Charitable Event (5)

12 April, Palace Hotel, City K

Matthew turned around and quietly observed Paul for a few seconds.  It was obvious that he was planning to do something.  Matthew said, "I will."

Reaching up Lexi gave Matthew a kiss on the cheek before saying "When you have come and see me," before heading off in the direction where Sally and Andrew were standing.

Matthew turned and headed towards Paul and Steven, who were standing off to one side.  As he approached, he heard Paul say "There is no way I want to watch Sally make a fool over herself having married Andrew.  She deserves better than that."

Matthew moved quietly over and said "Andrew is Sally's choice Paul.  How many times have I said to you that you need to respect her choice.  The more you push, even if her marriage to Andrew ends up in a messy divorce, the more she will hate you."

"Better she hates me, than stays married…"

Steven said "Do not go there, Paul.  Yes, you are my boss, but you as much as Andrew and Sally are my friends.  You will not like the outcome as I will stay in my job, as I owe your father that much, but our friendship will be at an end.  This self-pity and planning to ruin someone's marriage, particularly in light of what happened with your parents is pathetic."

"You cannot talk to me that way," ground out Paul.  "Apologise now of forget about your job…"

Matthew, realising that this was quickly getting out of hand, with his head, motioned to Steven to leave, before grabbing Paul and dragging him out onto the balcony outside the ballroom where the function was being held.

"Damn it Paul, are you about to drive everyone away?  So, you lost the woman you love.  That happened to me, and I survived it.  I developed a career that is fulfilling, by my own means.  And before you say I still married her, yes that has happened but not without its problems.  However, if I had returned and Richard had not died and he was still married to Lexi, I would have respected that and simply been Lexi's friend.  In the end, all I want is for her to be safe and happy."

"As you said, you married her so you cannot comment."

"But I have been where you are.  Unlike you, you knew that they would marry when they announced their engagement, I simply found out after the fact.  I had no chance to be prepared for the fact that Lexi had married, had a child and was widowed in less than a year.  But I moved on with my life and was open to the possibility of finding someone else that I love as much as her.  While I did not, if it happened, I would have been fine with that."

"So, you were young…"

"And you are too.  I know you view that Sally's happiness will only be achieved married to you.  I do not think having that view is wrong.  However, can you answer me this question, what is more important for you, Sally's happiness or being your wife?"

"Her happiness, and you have it right that can only be achieved with me, not with your brother-in-law."

"Hey, do not think that because of that fact, I will side with him.  Of all our friends he was the most vicious to me when I joined the military.  While things are much better, it is still hard for me to deal with him because it damaged our closeness."

"But that means you will side with him?"

"No.  One thing he knows, is that if he hurts Sally, not only will John be coming after him, but I will not let him escape lightly.  Like you and Steven, Sally is a friend, and I will protect her as much as I can.  And speaking of protecting you, while you cannot have what you see as your heart's desire, I would not be your friend if I did not call your attitude."

"So, I am entitled to my opinion and nothing will change that."

"And did you hear me ask you to change that?  No.  All I have said to you is respect her choices."

"He is totally wrong for her, the right person for her is me."

"So, what.  While I was surprised when they announced their engagement, and even more so when I found out how John came to know about their relationship.  But leaving that aside, they are both a.d.u.l.ts and if we care for them, we have to respect their decisions regardless of our view of them."

"But…"

"No buts Paul.  Think about it, other than Lexi you all hated the decision that I made to join the military and expressed it very publicly.  How long has it taken all of us to repair our relationsh.i.p.s, nearly ten years?  You keep going, and Sally will reach her breaking point and refuse even to speak to you.  If things go the way you hope." With that Matthew held up his hands, before continuing "and I am not saying that it will, if you have forced Sally to cut you from her life you miss that opportunity.  And you risk losing most, if not all, your important friendsh.i.p.s.  I heard Steven, and he is right.  I though you would have learnt from what you went through with your parents."

"Those two selfish a*seholes.  They cared for no one other than themselves.  Their son was the least of their worries."

"And what are you being with your attitude.  Exactly like your parents."

"Do not compare me to them."

"It is hard not to, when you are displaying the same selfish attitude." Matthew took a deep breath, and calmly continued "You seriously need to consider what you want, stay in Sally's life and be there to pick up the pieces if things go wrong, or be cut out and potentially loose friendsh.i.p.s.  That no one can force on you, but I promise you this if you need to talk while you come to your decision or even after you make it, provided you are not hurting Sally my door will be open to you to talk."

With that Matthew turned and left Paul standing outside.

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