Louis Newman frowned as he observed a mother with three kids guided by a flight attendant to the seats next to him. He complained loudly, «This can’t be happening! How can she sit here? This needs to be fixed!»
The flight attendant responded calmly, showing him the boarding passes, «I’m sorry, Mr. Newman, but Mrs. Debbie Brown and her children are assigned to these seats. I kindly ask for your cooperation.»
Louis retorted, «You don’t get it! I have a vital meeting with international investors. The kids will be disruptive, and I can’t risk losing this deal!»
As the attendant began to reply, Debbie interjected, «It’s fine. I’ll move if others are willing to switch seats with us. I don’t want to cause any inconvenience.»
«Certainly, ma’am!» the flight attendant firmly replied. «You’ve paid for these seats and absolutely deserve to sit here. It doesn’t matter if it displeases someone else.» Turning to Louis, she added, «Sir, I would appreciate your patience for the duration of the flight.»
Millionaire businessman Louis Newman was visibly upset that his request was denied. More so, he was irked to be seated next to a woman who, in his eyes, didn’t fit the usual business class profile, dressed in the most modest attire on the plane.
Louis put in his earphones to avoid any interaction and turned away as the woman settled in next to him, helping her children fasten their seatbelts.
Once everyone was aboard and seated, the plane took off. It was Debbie and her children’s first experience in business class, and their excitement was palpable as the plane ascended. «Mom!» exclaimed her daughter Stacey, «Look, we’re flying! Yay!» A few passengers glanced at Stacey and smiled at her excitement, but Louis looked annoyed. He turned to Debbie and said, «Please, can you keep your children quiet? I missed my last flight and now I have to conduct a meeting here. I can’t have any disturbances.»
Debbie nodded apologetically and signaled to her children to lower their voices. Throughout the flight, Louis was busy with his meeting, talking often about textiles. Debbie gleaned from his conversation that he was deeply involved in the fabric industry, observing his frequent mentions of materials and a handbook filled with patterns and swatches.
After the meeting concluded, Debbie approached him. «Excuse me, may I ask you something?»
Although initially reluctant, Louis’s successful meeting had put him in a better mood, and he softened a bit. «Uh, sure, go ahead.»
Debbie, curious, inquired, «I noticed you were discussing fabrics and have a handbook full of designs. Are you in the fashion industry?»
Uh, yes, I run a clothing line based in New York. We just sealed a big contract. I wasn’t sure it would go through, but it did,» Louis said, a hint of surprise in his voice.
«That’s wonderful, congratulations! I actually own a small boutique in Texas. It started as a venture by my in-laws in New York and we’ve expanded to Texas recently. Your designs caught my eye earlier,» Debbie replied warmly.
Louis scoffed, amused by the notion. «Thank you, but what we do is far from a small-scale boutique operation. We employ top-tier designers and just partnered with the leading design firm globally! A boutique, really?» His voice carried a mocking undertone.
Debbie, though stung by his disdain, remained poised. «I see. That must be very significant for you.»
«Significant?» Louis smirked, dismissing her understanding. «This was a multimillion-dollar deal. And let’s be honest,» he glanced at her, «you flying business class doesn’t quite fit the picture. Maybe stick to economy next time, where boutique owners belong?»
Debbie was reaching her limit. «I understand it’s my first time in business class, and it was confusing at check-in, but aren’t you being a bit presumptuous? My husband is also on this flight, and—»
Before she could finish, the pilot made an announcement. «Welcome to JFK, everyone.» Then, unexpectedly, he continued, «I’d like to give a special thanks to my wife, Debbie Brown, who’s also with us today. Debbie, your support is everything to me.»
Louis’s expression changed instantly as he realized the pilot was Debbie’s husband.
«This is my first time flying an Airbus, and I was nervous, but Debbie was by my side, reassuring me. Today marks my return to work after a long break and also the anniversary of when Debbie and I first met—she might have forgotten that part,» the pilot added with a chuckle. «So, Debbie, will you marry me again?»
As he stepped out with a ring, everyone watched, touched by the scene. Debbie tearfully said yes, and the passengers erupted in applause. Louis looked on, embarrassed.
Debbie approached him as they prepared to disembark. «You see, not everything valuable can be measured in money. We lead a simple life, but it’s rich with love.»
