His consideration

Once he was standing out in the corridor, Noah said without any other introduction or warning, "As you know, you are a great employee and a valued member of our team. I would never want to see you go. You have shown yourself to be a good guy, a great mentor and a hardworking, talented person, over the period of time that you have worked for us. Now that you have mixed personal matters with business, I am forced to do the same. Because of that I will explain a few things to you from my perspective and express to you how I will look at things from here on out. That way you too will know what you are getting yourself into and know the consequences of your actions beforehand."

Again, Anthony swallowed loudly. Despite knowing that his feelings are genuine and despite knowing that he would do anything for Rebecca. He still felt extremely nervous with Noah's presence over the phone, and he felt glad that he didn't have to face it in person, as he imagined that was far worse. His eyes were so cold and felt like it could freeze over hell, let alone a small presence like himself. But even though he felt like this on the inside, on the outside he tried to stay strong for Rebecca's sake and their future together, as they were just inches away from being accepted by their bosses, leaving just his parents as a hurdle to cross. A hurdle that he imagined would be as flat as one can make them. For now, he needed to brace himself for the words to come.

Noah continued as he began stating his expectations and views on Rebecca's relationship with Anthony. "For one, I trust that you apply the same level of dedication for this relationship as you have done for your work over the years. I expect you to remain the kind guy I know and see today. Both outside and inside your marital home. That you treasure Rebecca and look out for her as you have done since she joined our company, and that you won't betray the trust she has in you. If I see any sign that you do not uphold these expectations I have for you, that you have broken my trust, and you hurt someone that I consider part of my family, I can tell you right now that I will disregard all these good things I have said about you and make sure you regret letting me down. You see, love can make people blind. So, it is on the people around us to always have that 20-20 vision and not let smokes and mirrors cloud our judgement and our perception of reality. So, even if she doesn't tell me, I will always be watching."

Anthony had been nervous for the talk with Noah, but when he heard what he had to say, he instinctively smiled as all of those things were things he already planned to do, and he expected nothing less from a person Rebecca considered an older brother. This reaction from Anthony, agreeing without a moment's hesitation and without a shred of doubt, made Noah see that Anthony was indeed for real and deserving of their trust and Rebecca's feelings. He too showed a trace of a smile and said, "Now that I have said all of this, I wish you both long-lasting happiness together. Make sure you always prioritise her if you want to be in a happy marriage and if you have any questions, concerns or are in need of advice, don't hesitate to come to me or Steve. I know he seems irresponsible and careless sometimes, but when it comes to these things, he is more knowledgeable than you might think. Well good night for now and I will see you in the office on Monday. Take these upcoming few days to get your affairs in order and enjoy this moment together."

Anthony was pleasantly surprised by these final few words and he felt very grateful towards Noah. He always seemed like an intimidating presence, even to someone as tall as himself. It was something about is aura and the sheer difference in skill between him and Steve, compared to the rest of the team. But despite this, he had always been someone willing to help others. He had just never realized how far he was willing to go. To not only offer him personal advice, but also give him and Rebecca additional days off without them asking, as a way to show his consideration for their changed relationship.

Anthony thanked Noah several times, before Noah repeated his good night and Anthony followed suit.