My Struggle: The Love Story of a CEO

The relentless pursuit

Jay's POV

The undying scent of papers filled the air. The heat from the computers was annoying, even the air conditioners did their best to take it out. I'm completely soaked in loads of ideas. After I got rejected once again by the board and also after having that silly chat with Brian, it's high time I step up.

The darkness of the night engulfed my office, leaving me at the mercy of the small desk lamp. However, this did not deter me. I need to work on something good. I need to show that bastard that I'm good enough. I need to show Brian that I'm capable of leading BBK.

Everytime I try, I only get more pressure from Brian. He's so fucking annoying. Those harsh words of his keep ringing in my fucking ears. It has clouded my thoughts and made me a complete fool.

The thing is, deep down in me, I know I'm capable. I know I'm even better than what Brian wants. I feel this burning fire lit inside me, I just don't know how to wield this power in my favor.

I know I'm good. I'll not rest until I prove him wrong.

I flipped over the next pages of my work, writing and scraping proposals upon proposals, endlessly thinking of fresh ideas that'll improve the BBK's performance. Problem is, I may come up with all these now and they still say it ain't good enough.

Come-on, let's drop that negative energy for now. It's high time I believe in myself, even if they don't. I sat there, working tirelessly, analyzing new marketing trends, x-raying the numbers and endlessly stressing my mind.

The fatigue was slowly finding its way in. It crept into my mind and made me lazy. My eyes struggle with my eyelids, my body growing weaker as the hour goes by. But still, I fight it relentlessly. Like a soldier in battle, struggling to win a war.

You know, everytime I put in more energy. I remember the faces of those pricks at the board. Everytime I struggle, they'll come up with something, one stupid yardstick to waste my efforts.

Every idea I've thought of, every one I've thought of has been rejected by Brian. It cements my feelings that the man that claims to be my father doesn't believe in the abilities of the man he calls his son.

I know I need to prove myself. I really do.

After all, the last chat I had with Ana after this recent rejection from the board, she categorically stated that my proposal was good.

"Come-on man. This is fucking good. I mean it's dope. They're just too blind to see the potential in it. Fuck them. I love it." These were her words. She believes in me. She knows I'm trying hard. She knows I'm doing my best. If only the others could see it the same way.

I know I have great potential in me. Everytime I struggle, I feel that fire burning inside me. She feels it too. That's why she sees what I'm seeing too. Those pricks have gotten scales on those big eyes of theirs.

But what if it's true? What if I'm worthless? Was she just saying it to make me feel better or she actually meant it? I don't know if I'm actually cut out for being CEO or maybe Brian was right.

I don't know what to think anymore. I'm tired of their rejections! It's disheartening.

Lost in thoughts, I heard my phone ring. Immediately, I answered the call, as if I was expecting any good news or something.

"Yo, Jay what's up?" Josh greeted me.

"Well, I'm good." I replied weakly. "What's really important that you called me at this time of the night?"

"What do you mean what's so important?" He snapped. "Haven't seen what Brian just posted."

"No, I've not." I replied bluntly.

"Let me read it out for you. I'm planning to push Vanessa to the role of CEO since his son is not capable." He paused, allowing the arrows he had just shot to find a resting place. "I'm so sorry man. Just thought you should know."

"Yeah, sure. Thanks man. I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight." I struggled to hide my emotions there. It was part of the things Brian had taught me. Don't show your weak side to anyone.

"Night man."

I banged the phone on the table and angrily swept off the papers littered on my table. What the fuck is wrong with him? That's my fucking birthright he's joking around with?

Vanessa has been an enemy of mine. Ever since she started working at the BBK, she has become a thorn in my flesh. And Brian on the other hand suddenly liked her. I don't know if there are things I don't know, but I fucking hate her. She's! A! Motherfucking! Bitch!!

How could he? I've worked tirelessly for him. There's nothing I've not done to win him over. Why would he do this to me? Good Lord.

She's just a lovable character, but one that I hate passionately. She's come to steal what's mine. She also has my father's backing. Fuck. I know the board loves her, they always grant her proposals, Brian loves her undeniable charm, but I don't. I don't buy that shit. She's a fool.

She's just here to threaten my very being in this shitty place called the BBK.

If I want to ever be CEO, I must find a way to get her out. She must be removed!

I can't help but feel threatened by Vanessa's increasing presence. Everytime she enters a room, I always notice that all eyes are fixed on her. Celebrity of our time. It's clear now that despite all my hardwork, it may just not be enough to win Brian's approval, especially if he grooms her for a higher position.

I clenched my fist in frustration, my eyes burning red. I tore the whole place apart. The whole papers shattered everywhere, the picture frames on the whole, all brought down. I angrily kicked the table and that one hurt me badly.

"Fuck!!!!"

I hate myself right now, but it's not compared to what I have for Brian and Vanessa. I feel like strangling both of them. I have to struggle for everything I get, but she just seems to glide through, as if it is worth nothing.

I wonder why I'm even trying hard to reach a goal that seems so unreachable, most especially with Brian.

This is just too much. I need to call that Brian. He's just a pain in the ass.

I picked up my phone and called him directly.

He was delaying to pick up the fucking. Immediately he answered, I fired at him.

"What's the meaning of all these?" I cried. "I need you to tell me what the fuck is wrong with you?" I roared

"Hey! Don't speak to me that way boy!" He scolded, his voice sour as usual.

I was breathing heavily, my veins pumping heavily with blood, my heart throbbing inside my chest and my eyes burning red hot.

"You listen very carefully, old man. I need you to tell me what I'm doing wrong. Tell me where I'm not fucking getting right? Tell me what's the problem!" I screamed.

"As I said earlier, boy, you're not good enough." He said, his voice chilling and sent shivers down my spine and weakened that rage in me. It all disappeared and turned to pain.

"Just so you know. If you continue ranting like this, I'll just give it to Vanessa. Just try harder. Someday you'll be better." He scorned and dropped the call, leaving me to enjoy the beeping sounds of the call on my own end.

If only I could lay my hands on those two right now, I'll strangle both of them.

I hate to even call him father. He's just a good for nothing prick. Jeez!

So he's seriously considering her for this. It's so painful that I have to hear it first hand from him. It's high time I up my game. I've been playing this game like a pawn. I need to be the knight now. Very unpredictable. A knight that's gonna topple the kingdom of the good for nothing freaking king and queen. They might seem strong, but I'll show them I'm unpredictable. I'll prove to them that I'm more than Brian's son. If I'm gonna be CEO, I really need to outshine Vanessa and show that prick I'm capable of leading. He's fucking lost his damn mind.

Still boiling in anger, I heard my phone chime again. I reluctantly looked at it, it was one of my informants.

"Boss, Vanessa has just been made head of the marketing department and that deal we struggled to get that time has been given to her. Just thought you should know."

I was completely speechless, lost in confusion and staring blindly into my phone. She's fucking gaining grounds and I'm just here fighting to stay relevant.