Christie was taking care of a rich couple in business class who were really sweet to each other. The next day, she was shocked to find out that the same guy was engaged to her mum. Christie knew she had to do something, but she had no idea what was coming.
High above the clouds, in the business class cabin of a commercial aircraft, Christie, dressed in her flight attendant uniform, walked down the aisle with practical grace.
She stopped next to a couple sitting by the window, immersed in their own world. The man, dressed in a formal suit, handed the woman a small velvet box, her eyes lighting up like fireworks on the Fourth of July.
When he opened it, an elegant necklace sparkled around her neck, its stones scattering prismatic colours across the seats. Christie’s eyes widened, and she paused for a moment in her rounds.
‘May I, my magnificent Isabella?’ the man whispered to his companion, his voice tinged with excitement. The woman nodded, her cheeks flushing as she lifted her hair so he could fasten the necklace.
‘What a beautiful shade of lipstick,’ the woman said, turning her warm smile toward Christie.
Embarrassed and touched, Christie touched her lips. ‘Thank you, it’s my favourite,’ she replied, stammering from being caught peeking.
The man smiled at Christie and offered her a generous tip. ‘Thank you for making this flight special,’ he said sincerely.
‘With pleasure. Enjoy your trip together,’ replied Christy, and her heart fluttered as she walked away, mindful of the couple’s happiness.
The next day was her only day off, and Christie promised to visit her mother. When she arrived, the elderly woman grabbed her by the hand and introduced her to Edwin, her new fiancé.
Only he turned out to be none other than the man from the plane who had given another, younger woman a beautiful diamond necklace. Shocked, Christie froze in place, but tried to keep her expression neutral.
‘It’s very nice to meet you, Christie. Your mother has told me so much about you,’ Edwin said calmly, extending his hand as if they had never met before.
‘It’s nice to meet you too,’ she replied cautiously, playing along with her mother.
Then Edwin went into the kitchen and prepared the meal with the skill of an experienced chef. ‘It’s my way of showing I care,’ he explained, serving the dishes with ease.
While they ate, Edwin told them stories from his travels, but only gave vague answers to Christie’s questions about his past.
This only made things worse, but she didn’t know what to say to her mother. Could she be wrong about him?
After dinner, Christie decided to take her mother outside, hoping that the fresh air would clear her head.
The cool breeze from the terrace was just what she needed before asking some difficult questions. ‘Mum, what do you really know about Edwin?’ Christie asked cautiously.
‘He’s wonderful. A billionaire, the son of a diamond magnate. He showed me such a luxurious life,’ her mother replied, her eyes shining. ‘We’re getting married in just a few days!’
‘Mum, I know this is going to sound strange, but I swear I saw him on a recent flight with another woman, and now he’s suddenly with you and getting married,’ Christie pressed.
Her mother frowned. ‘Why are you lying? Can’t you be happy for me? Edwin loves me. You just don’t want me to be with another man after your father’s death.’
‘That’s not the point! Doesn’t his quick move seem strange?’ Christie objected.
‘Strange? No, it’s romantic. You’re too young to understand. Edwin is love,’ her mother shook her head.
Christie sighed. “Mum, please think about it. He could be a con man. That act in the … he’s like Casanova.”
‘A con artist? Christie, that’s ridiculous. Edwin is a good man!’ her mother defended him.
‘I just don’t want you to lose everything because of a man we barely know,’ Christie said, desperately trying to make her understand.
But at that moment, Edwin appeared with drinks in his hands. ‘Ladies, let’s celebrate,’ he said cheerfully, and Christie’s mother left for a second.
When they were alone, Christie, unable to hold back any longer, frowned and asked Edwin.
‘How can you manipulate my mother’s feelings?’ she demanded, laying out everything she had seen him do on the plane.
Edwin’s smile faded. ‘Christie, I only want happiness for your mother. There’s no need for hostility.’
She smiled mockingly and poured her drink over his head. ‘You think you’re clever, but I see right through you. I won’t let you hurt my mother,’ she said firmly. ‘You’re a fraud!’
Her mother appeared, her eyes widening at the sight of the orange slice still dripping from Edwin’s face. ‘Christie, how could you? Edwin, I’m so sorry…’
Edwin reassured her. ‘It’s okay. Let’s not let this ruin our evening.’
Christie frowned as she watched her mother fuss over the fraudster and realised that winning this evening was impossible. Nevertheless, she knew she had to prove Edwin’s true nature in order to protect her mother.