The time was 4:15 AM
Junior Smith was awakened by the sound of his alarm going off. Sighing loudly, he got out of bed, after brushing his teeth, he changed and hurried out of his room
He immediately picked up his cleaning equipments and started cleaning the living room
After that, he went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Junior Smith wasn't the cleaner, neither was he the chef, he was married to Jasmine Banks
The Banks were a really popular and wealthy family in the city. Junior had attended the same college with Jasmine and even though he was really poor, she liked him
Few years after they graduated from college, they got married. Things between them were fine, but just for a little while. Jasmine changed and just like the rest of her family, she started treating Junior badly and mocked him constantly
Junior still had feelings for her, so he remained in the marriage. Apart from that, he was really poor, if he left her, he had nowhere else to go
At exactly 7:00 AM, Jasmine walked into the kitchen
"Good morning baby, how was your night?" Junior asked his wife
"Don't call me baby and why're some parts of the house still dusty? What have you been doing"? Jasmine screamed at him
"I'm sorry. I'll clean them later. I wanted to prepare breakfast for you first" Junior replied
Jasmine walked past him and headed to the dining where he had served the food
"Junior, what the hell is this?" Jasmine shouted
"It's your breakfast. You told me last night you wanted rice and fish stew for breakfast and that's what I made" Junior explained
"Apart from being lazy, you're also deaf. I said I wanted beef!" Jasmine said
"I could have sworn I heard you say fish, but I can prepare beef for you if that is what you want. I just need to hurry the market to get a few things, I'm really sorry" Junior apologized
"Sorry for yourself" Jasmine replied
Jasmine was about walking to her room when she noticed Junior had not moved from his standing position
"Why're you still standing there?" Jasmine asked
"I'll need some cash to go to the market with" Junior replied in a low voice
"Of course. You are so pathetic you can't even afford anything. Wait here" Jasmine said and left
Few minutes later, she returned to the kitchen and threw a 100 dollar bill at Junior
"You had better be fast, I have an important meeting at MacMatthew corporation and I do not want to be late" Jasmine said
Junior hurried to the market, on his way back, he decided to walk, he wasn't in a hurry to return back to the Banks mansion, if he had his way, he would never go back there
He was still thinking about his life when he noticed a blue Rolls Royce with tinted windows behind him
That's strange, Junior thought within himself. He could have sworn he saw that same car at the market, however, he decided not to worry too much about it
Junior was a few blocks away from the house when he noticed the car had gotten really close to where he was, he decided to increase his pace
The car overtook him and parked. A young, scary looking man dressed in black suit came out and started walking towards Junior
Junior kept his pace but when the man dipped his hand into his suit pocket, Junior got scared, he assumed the man was about to bring out a gun, so he crossed to the other side of the road and ran as fast as he could to the house
When Junior got home, he was running to the kitchen when he mistakenly bumped into Janet Banks, his mother in-law
"Are you blind Junior? Didn't you see me coming this way?" Janet yelled at Junior
"I'm sorry mother" Junior apologized
He proceeded to explain to her why he was running and afterwards, Janet burst out laughing
"You honestly believe someone driving a car that expensive was trailing you and might even want to hurt you?" Janet asked, still laughing
"Yes mother" Junior replied
"You're very stupid. You're worthless and no one can ever waste their time trying to hurt you. Even if you die, it does not matter, you're of no use to anyone, also, stop calling me mother, I can never be a mother to a good for nothing man like you" Janet said
Junior was deeply hurt by Janet's words, but he tried to reason with her, he knew it was going to be pointless, but he was getting really tired of her constant abuse
"I understand that we have had our differences in the past, but I'm trying to have a civil conversation with you" Junior said
"Civil? You don't know the meaning of the word. You're a lousy son-in-law, and you don't even deserve to be in my presence" Janet replied
"I'm sorry you feel that way. I've always tried my best to be respectful and considerate of you, but it seems like nothing I do is good enough" Junior said, his voice sounding croaked
"That's because you're lazy and irresponsible. You don't provide for my daughter the way you should" Janet said
"I do my best around here. This house is really big but I clean it all by myself and I've never asked for payment. I also do the job of a chef and driver. Do these little things not matter to you?" Junior asked weakly
"That is not enough. You need to be more successful and ambitious. You're a failure as a son-in-law, and you'll never be able to make my daughter truly happy" Janet spat at him
"I'm sorry you feel that way. I know I can't change your opinion of me, but I hope one day you'll realize my worth" Junior said
"Don't hold your breath. You'll never be good enough for my daughter" Janet said and walked away
Feeling downcasted, Junior walked to the kitchen, he still had to prepare his wife's breakfast. He was about getting into it when Jasmine walked into the kitchen
"You aren't done?" Jasmine asked
"No. I'm about to start, I'll be really quick though" Junior answered
"I don't have time. Get the car keys and come and drop me off" Jasmine said and left
Junior quickly got the keys and hurried to drop his wife off at MacMatthew corporation
MacMatthew corporation was a really big company and from what he was able to gather, The Banks were trying to close a deal with them
When they got into the parking lot of the firm, Junior hurriedly got out and opened the door for his wife, he wished her good luck, but she ignored him and went inside the building
Junior was about heading into the car and driving off when a conversation between a young lady and a man caught his attention
From their dressing, it was obvious they worked in the company
"Good day" Junior greeted them
"Hello, can we help you?" The man asked
"I overheard you say there's a vacancy here and I would really like to apply" Junior answered
The man looked at Junior from his head to his toes, it was clear the man didn't think Junior was qualified for the job
"I don't think you should apply, it isn't meant for someone like you" the man said
"Someone like me? What do you mean?" Junior asked. From the tone of his voice, it was clear he didn't like the man's response
"He doesn't mean any harm. If you want to apply, you're free to. All you have to do is submit your resumé and if you're lucky, you'll be called for an interview" the young lady standing with the man replied
"Thank you" Junior replied and was about walking away when the lady called his name
Turning around, Junior was surprised, he couldn't remember telling her his name
"Have we met before?" Junior asked her
"Don't you remember me? It's me, Elise, we were classmates in college" the lady responded
Junior remembered her, she was one of the few people who didn't look down on him
Junior and Elise chatted for a while. Junior told her about his situation and she decided to help in the little way she can
She asked him to quickly get his CV and write an application letter and give it to her the next day, she said she would help push it to her boss
Junior said he had it in his phone and hurriedly went to print it out and handed it to her, she told him she would have an answer for him by the end of the week
Junior's heart couldn't stop beating really fast. If he got a job here, maybe his wife would treat him better, maybe his mother in law wouldn't look down on him anymore, Junior couldn't wait for it to be friday
Junior could hardly contain his anticipation for friday, he was literally counting the days and his excitement didn't go unnoticed by his wifeJunior had just gotten to MacMatthew corporation to drop off Jasmine, as usual, he opened the door for her, wished her good luck and was expecting her to ignore him like she does always, but this time was different"What's wrong with you?" Jasmine asked"There's nothing wrong with me" Junior answered"You've been buzzing with excitement all week" Jasmine said"It's nothing, I've just got a good feeling and it's filling me with hope" Junior replied"Hope? Hope is the fool's ally" Jasmine said. Shaking her head, she continued"It looks like my mother is right after all, you're lousy and always will be" Jasmine said and walked awayJunior didn't allow her words to get to him. He didn't want to tell her about the resumé he submitted, it was going to be a surpriseWith a smile on his face, Junior drove home to complete his chores, he would return la
A week later, Junior was pacing back and forth in the parking lot, he couldn't wait for Micah to come out"Hello Junior" a voice called outTurning around, Junior saw it was Elise"Hi Elise, how're you doing?" Junior asked"I'm ok. You're here to pick up Jasmine right? She and our boss have been in an important meeting all day, hopefully, they'll be out soon" Elise said"I hope so too" Junior said"You seem anxious, are you ok?" Elise asked"Yes, I'm just waiting for a really important news" Junior answered"What's that?" Elise asked"It's a surprise, if all goes well, you'll find out about it on monday" Junior replied"A surprise? I can't wait. There's something I wanted to tell you, I heard that there'll be a vacant post soon, I think you should give me your resumé so I can help you submit it on time" Elise said"I don't think that will be necessary anymore" Junior answered"Why's that? Have you gotten a good job elsewhere?" Elise inquired"Not yet. It's going to be a surprise" Juni
Outside the building, Junior couldn't believe it, he wept bitterly. He was still trying to figure out what to do next when Elise walked up to him"Hey Junior, are you ok?" Elise asked, she sounded genuinely concernedJunior then proceeded to tell her everything that had happened"I'm really sorry that happened to you. I'm here if you need anything and I don't think you're a loser, you're very smart" Elise said comfortingly"Thanks Elise, you're really kind. But I need to hurry. The Banks wouldn't want to see me in their mansion when they return, I need to get my things from there" Junior said"Alright then. You have my number, if you need anything, do not hesitate to call me" Elise saidJunior thanked her once again and proceeded to walk back to the Banks mansion because he had no money with himWhen he got home, he felt exhausted, he couldn't hold it in anymore and started crying againHe knew Jasmine didn't love him but he didn't expect her to divorce him, she knew he didn't have an
Junior was lying on the bed, his eyes were closed and his breathing was steady, he had a contented expression on his faceIt had been very long since he was able to lay in bed without worrying if someone would barge in and demand that he gets up and run an errand or go do some choresJunior was still deep in thoughts about just how much his life had changed when the sound of his phone ringing jolted him out of itPicking up his phone, he saw it was Jasmine calling. He wondered what she wanted from him. Could it be that she missed him?The chances of that being the case was very slim but Junior still felt hopeful. A part of him was willing to forgive Jasmine if she begged for it, afterall, he could give her the kind of life she desired nowAfter a brief moment of hesitation, Junior picked the call"Hello Jasmine" Junior said"Hello" Jasmine replied from the other end of the phone"Hi, how are you?" Junior asked"Don't act like you care. I'm calling to remind you about our divorce. Just
"Fiance?" Junior asked. He was really perplexed"How can someone as nice as you be engaged to a man like that?" Junior asked EliseElise was about answering when a voice from behind stopped her"Well, well, look who we have here. Elise and the good for nothing son-in-law of the Banks family or should I say former son-in-law?" Xavier Harkin asked with a smirk on his faceJunior and Elise turned to look at him, he was standing alone"Hi Xavier. Junior and I bumped Into each other and we decided to hang out for a bit, we were just about to leave" Elise explained"For starters, I wasn't even aware that you, my fiance, are friends with this man. Secondly, this is a really expensive restaurant, the likes of Junior can never afford to dine here, which means you're the one paying for everything" Xavier said"You're wrong, Junior paid for everything and yes, we're friends, that's all. And what about the lady you walked in with? I don't see her" Elise said"Junior paid for what? Very funny, I'l
Junior stood in front of the floor length mirror in his room. He was dressed in a tuxedo and had an expensive Rolex wristwatch on his wristToday was the day his father would introduce him to the company as his heir, he needed to look the partAfter checking his reflection once more and he was satisfied, he dashed out of his roomHis parents were waiting for him when he got downstairs. After exchanging greetings and having a light breakfast, he and his dad hurried off to D'Miller brandUpon arrival, Junior and Mansion went to the company conference room where all the staffs were gathered, Mansion Miller stood in the middle of the room to address everyone"Dear colleagues, It is with mixed emotions that I stand before you today. After many years of serving as your CEO, I have decided that it is time for me to retire. This is a decision that I have been contemplating for some time now, and I am confident that it is the right one for me and for the companyAs I prepare to step down, I am
"It still feels like a dream" Elise Chapman said excitedly to her father. They were both seated in the living room of their modest home"I can't believe I no longer have to go to MacMatthew corporation and deal with Xavier anymore" Elise said "Congratulations once again dear, I'm proud of you" Charles Chapman said to his daughter"Thank you, Dad. I just want to be able to take care of you and mum" Elise said"I know and I'm really grateful to have a self sacrificing daughter like you. I'm really sorry about everything you had to go through with Xavier" Charles said, a look of remorse on his face"It's ok dad, you don't have to apologize. I was only doing my part, I love you and mum very much and I'll do anything to keep you both safe" Elise said"I also want you to be safe as well. Are you sure you're going to be safe working for such a big brand? We already have the Harkin family against us, we don't want to attract more enemies" Charles said, a concerned look on his face"You ha
Months flew by quickly Elise and her parents had expected the Harkins to try and hurt them in one way or the other, surprisingly, nothing had happened, so, they decided to carry on with their livesElise adjusted to working for Junior. With her pay, she was able to move her family into a befitting home in a secure area in town. She even wanted her parents to retire but her father said he wasn't readyEarlier, he had gone searching for a job at a renowned bakery and luckily, he was able to get the jobInfact, the bakery owner was really happy to have him work with them, due to his experienceHe was supposed to be resuming that monday, so, Elise decided to take a minute to call and ask him how it was going"Hey Dad" Elise said immediately he answered the phone"Hi dear. How're you doing?" Charles asked his daughter"I'm ok. I'm just calling to check in on you. How's your first day at the bakery going?" Elise asked. She had a smile on her face, even though she knew her father couldn'
The warehouse which Micah and the thieves were supposed to meet Vincent Vincenzo stood in silent neglect.The creaking doors, reluctantly swaying in the breeze, echoed with a ghostly memory of bustling activity. "This place looks empty." Micah commented."Don't worry, they'll be here soon." Alan said."Waiting for me?" A voice from asked said.The four of them turned, it was Vincent Vincenzo.He emerged, clad in a tailored charcoal suit that seemed to absorb the ambient light. The sharp angles of his attire mirrored the calculating expression etched across his face. As he stepped forward, the faintest smirk played on his lips, casting an ominous shadow over the encounter.Vincent Vincenzo's demeanor shifted imperceptibly as his eyes fell upon Micah. The steely resolve in his expression gave way to a flicker of recognition, quickly replaced by a thinly veiled disdain. "What is he doing here?" Vincent asked angrily."What is who doing here?" Alan asked."Are you stupid? What is MacMa
"Vincent Vincenzo?" Junior yelled.They were sitting inside Junior's car in the parking lot at D'premium branch.Micah had arrived at work earlier than normal and he had called Elise and Junior to fill them in as usual."I can't believe it! Elise exclaimed."It all makes sense now." Junior mused. His eyes widened, pupils dilating as the pieces of the puzzle finally clicked into place. His brows furrowed, and a slow, subtle grin tugged at the corners of his lips. It was the expression of revelation, a mix of surprise and understanding, etched across his face like the first light of dawn breaking through the darkness."You know what? Things just got better." Junior said after a while."Everything ends today." Elise said."Everything ends today." Junior repeated in a lower tone."Here," Elise said, handing over the bag which contained the remaining two wristwatches to Micah. "Take it to them and let them lead you to Vincent, text us the address immediately you can, okay?""Okay." Micah r
Alan froze, his hand still clutching a stolen item. Sam stumbled backward, knocking over a stack of boxes. Winner, caught in the act of stuffing his bag, looked like a deer caught in headlights.Time hung suspended as Micah's gaze bore into each of them. Alan's palms grew clammy, Winner stammered incoherently, and Sam's face paled. The air was thick with tension as guilt painted their expressions, a tableau of wrongdoing.Micah's voice sliced through the silence, demanding an explanation. The three of them exchanged furtive glances, unable to conjure a convincing response. The room felt smaller, the weight of their misdeeds pressing down on them.In that stolen moment of confrontation, fear etched lines on Alan, Winner, and Sam's faces, weaving an unforeseen twist into the story of their ill-fated heist."Why are you doing this, guys?" Micah asked.Panicking, Alan stammered, "Micah, it's not what it looks like! I was just rearranging the inventory for better organization. You see, I n
"Micah, that suggestion of yours in the meeting was brilliant," Alan commended when they got to where Micah, Kelly and Sam were standing.Sam concurred by nodding appreciatively and Winner chimed in with praises for Micah.Alan then said, "Well, I must say, our suggestions were good too. Mr Black just needs to think outside of the box to see it," a hint of mischief in his eyes.Ben was able to stiffle his laugh when he heard that statement, Kelly on the other hand couldn't help the smirk that formed on her face. Curiosity flickered in Alan's gaze as he turned to Kelly. "Got something to add?" he inquired. Kelly, however, simply brushed off the question, choosing to ignore him.Sensing a hint of tension, Ben interjected with a diplomatic suggestion. "How about we all put our creative minds together over lunch? We can continue brainstorming in a more relaxed setting.""Great idea." Kelly said walking away with the others behind her.…When they entered the cafeteria, Kelly opted for a
It was almost lunch time, suddenly, the intercom crackled to life, its echo filling the bustling office."Attention, team members," a steady voice announced. "Please gather in the conference room for an important meeting. Your presence is requested promptly. Thank you." The hum of activity ceased as employees exchanged curious glances, abandoning their desks to follow the unspoken call.Micah, Kelly, and Ben huddled near the door, exchanging puzzled glances as the announcement echoed through the office, summoning all workers to the conference room. The hum of speculation buzzed in the air.Micah, with a raised eyebrow, asked, "Any idea what this meeting could be about?"Kelly, tapping her pen against her notebook, shrugged. "Could be anything. Maybe they're finally addressing the mystery of the disappearing office supplies."Micah kept mute, feigning innocence and for the second time in less than 30 minutes, he raised an eyebrow at Kelly's casual remark.Micah, maintaining his compose
It was way past closing hours and Micah was yet to see anything or be approached by anyone. He would have called it a day but he wasn't tired yet, also, he intended to fulfill his promise to Sam.To help him stay fully awake, he decided to get coffee. Thankfully, the building was empty, so he wasn't afraid of having a repeat of the incident which had happened the previous day.When he was getting closer to the storage room, Micah heard voices, he paused. The voices paused too.Micah simply shrugged and continued on his way, but then, he heard the voices again and decided to turn back.On tiptoes, Micah made his way to the door of the storage room. His hand trembled as it grasped the cold metal handle of the storage room door. The hinges creaked in protest as he slowly swung it open, revealing a scene that stole his breath. His eyes widened, pupils dilating in disbelief, as the stark fluorescent light spilled into the room, casting an eerie glow. A gasp escaped his lips, and for a mom
Micah strolled into the company. He was just about to enter his work area when he was stopped by Mr Black."Good morning Sir." Micah said. However, he got no response."I completed Janet's task yesterday. You can go and confirm if you'd like. Also, I know the incident yesterday must have painted me in a bad light, but I want to assure you, that is not who I am. It was an accident, I am not clumsy and what happened yesterday will never repeat itself again."Mr Black just kept on staring at him, so he asked "Can I go now?" He didn't feel comfortable under the manager's intense scrutinizing gaze."Micah, what are you really doing here?" Mr Black finally asked."I beg your pardon?" Micah replied."I said, what are you really doing here?" The manager asked again.Micah's palms grew clammy as his manager's piercing gaze bore into him. The air seemed to thicken as he fumbled for words, anxiety tightening his throat. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, betraying the composed facade he had
"I have and in the most unfortunate circumstances." Micah replied.Letting out a chuckle, Kelly said, "I doubt there's anyone in this company who met Janet in fortunate circumstances. However, I'd like to hear your own unfortunate encounter, tell me all about it."Micah proceeded to tell her what had truly happened and when he was done, Kelly scoffed."There was really no point trying to explain your side of the story to Mr Black." She said."Why? What do you mean?" Micah asked curiously."For one thing, it's a known secret that Janet and Mr Black are in a relationship." Kelly answered.Micah's eyes shot up as realization dawned on him. "No wonder." He mused."Mr Black will always take Janet's side. So I'll advise you to try and avoid further encounters with her. Also, it's best if you head to her table first. In Fact, go right now and should also go along with two cups of coffee, you're going to need them." Kelly advised."And why's that?" Micah asked."Knowing Janet, I can confident
Micah was tired. He never knew packaging wristwatches could be that stressful.Micah's eyes, which had been vibrant and full of life just that morning, now held the heavy burden of exhaustion. Deep, dark circles etched beneath them, telling a tale of his need to sleep and his restlessness. Shoulders slouched, as if carrying the weight of the world, Micah moved with a sluggish rhythm, each step echoing the struggle against the invisible forces pulling him down.He was thirsty and decided to get water. And coffee as well, to help him stay awake for the remaining one hour before his closing time for the day.He had gotten his drinks and was on his way back when the least thing he was expecting happened.His mind was consumed by the need to finish his packaging before closing hours, he rounded a corner only to collide with a lady adorned with vibrant red hair who had been walking too fast. The collision unfolded in an unfortunate symphony of mishap. The contents in Micah's hands, water