Tobin was well dressed that morning. He had just two suits but he treated them nice, ironed them and kept them well.
Now, he was at the company where he had been invited for an interview. He was positive this time.
"Good morning, sir." He said to the man handling the interview. That man used to be friendly before but now, his face was squeezed into a frown.
Tobin quickly replied. "Good morning, sir." Even though the man looked younger than him, he still respected him.
"I'm sorry but we can't offer you the job anymore. Please leave now." He said bluntly.
Tobin couldn't believe his eyes. "Sir, please hold on. It's just that, I--"
"I will call the security now if you don't leave." The man said. Someone walked in and called him Mr. Ken.
"Mr. Ken, please hear me out." Tobin said but before he could continue, Ken had already called security to chase Tobin away...one would think he was a thief.
Robin's ego was suddenly crushed like a berry fruit under a car tire. With swollen eyes and sunken shoulders, he made his way back home.
His wife, Hailey, was already waiting for him. He didn't even need to open his mouth to share his experience before she knew that he didn't get the job.
Hailey was his beautiful wife and he sometimes wondered how such a woman like that would stay with him despite him being poor. Her long brown hair was wrapped in a ponytail and big baby eyes glared at him with pity.
"I'm so sorry, honey." She went forward to hug him and comfort him. He was glad for her in his life.
Hailey's family are rich and although they didn't approve of their love, Tobin loved and cherished her so dearly. As did Hailey.
"Hailey, for years now I've been searching for a job. Isn't it weird how every company I've gone for their interview always declines me? I have the potentials, but everything is just so annoying."
"I know, but I also know that everything will be fine. With time..." Hailey comforted.
He knew that. But he wanted to find a job soon and support his wife.
Countless times, his wife had mentioned that he should go and meet her family for help. Now, she brought it up again.
"I know you don't like hearing about this but maybe they can help. Please just do this for me, for us." Hailey ended her words with a smile.
Tobin could only stare with pain in his heart. He smiled back. "Thanks love."
He knew that Hailey's family threatened to marry her off to a dreadful old man just because he's rich. She didn't want that for herself! Or for their marriage. For years, his in-laws despised him as if he was an abomination that should not continue to walk the earth.
They adopted him when he was a young boy and have treated him poorly since then. He fell in love with their daughter and they secretly got married, causing more enmity between the household again.
He didn't let her see the heavy ache that rested in his heart now on his face. He smiled at her again.
Hailey excused herself telling Tobin she would be right back. Before she could come back outside, Tobin had left. She could still make do with his silhouette rushing outside, so she chased him down but before she could meet him, he had already left.
"Where are you running to, Tobin?"
****
As much as Tobin lied to himself that he was okay, he knew he wasn't! He had received an urgent call and thought it would be his lucky day now but as he reached outside to take a bus down the company, they had canceled the interview again and said they would get back to him. He knew they wouldn't.
He was walking down the streets now, trying to relax his mind. He just kept quiet then because he didn't want to hurt his wife. He had pleaded with his in-laws that they should provide a job for him, and what had they done in return? They mocked him and chased him away.
He felt something in his pocket vibrate and he checked to see it was his phone. Someone was calling him and suddenly, he wished it was a call from one company.
He picked it up immediately and heard a stranger's voice talk.
"Young master, can you hear me? Young master, hello?"
Tobin frowned. "Sorry, wrong number." He said then hung up.
***
His phone rang again and Tobin was wondering if it was the same wrong number calling again. Young master? What had he meant?
Bringing the phone to his face he saw this time that it was his sister-in-law, Rosa. For a brief while, he heaved in a deep breath, knowing that his in-laws would never call to say hi to him. They always came up with creative ways to speak bad of him.
"Hello, Rosa. Good evening." He said as politely as he could, although that would still not be enough for her.
"Good? What is good about the evening, Tobin?" Rosa said angrily from over the phone.
"I'm sorry." Tobin paused so she would not find something to fault her again.
"Sorry your ass," he could have sworn she had rolled her eyes. "I'm so nice, really. And that's why I've called you. If you know that you really love my big sis, then you will do well to listen to me."
Tobin's eyes widened in excitement. Could this be the day he was waiting for? Maybe they would finally take him as their in law??
"Yes, Rosa? I do love Hailey and I'm listening!" He said.
"Then you must do well to divorce her." Rosa said and Tobin wished he had heard her wrong.
Suddenly, his happiness faded once again into shame and disappointment.
"Divorce? Why would you want me to prove my love to her by divorcing her?"
"Shut it, really. You sound so pathetic, how can a man like you love my sister! You can't even get yourself a job in this city. And you're so stupid because you don't think at all, if you did, maybe you'd have begin to suspect it is weird you can't get yourself a job here in L.A."
He frowned, angry at what she had just said. "Is this because you and your mother are involved in this?"
"Haha! You fool. Just older than me for nothing. No brains at all!" Rosa teased. "You'll never be employed unless you bow down to us and do what we say. Mother has paid all the firms in L.A to reject your CV at first sight. Notice why you get rejected every time even when you've got good grades? Ha!"
Tobin suddenly felt weak in the knees. Why...how can these people be so wicked like that! What had he done wrong that they couldn't forgive??
"If by tomorrow, you're still with my sister, she and her wretched baby for you will be disowned by the family, and for good this time." Rosa said.
"Or is that what you want? To destroy my sister's life so she will forever be stuck with you? You can't even prove your worth to us by getting a good job." Rosa laughed again before hanging up.
All Tobin could do was stand carefully by the road, thinking about his next step. What else could he do anyway? There was no hope for him again! He was also still trying to process the news of his wife being pregnant!
A Lincoln limousine pulls over just a few meters away from him. A few strong men stepped down the car and before Tobin could react, they pulled a black bag over his head, and dragged him into the car.
Tobin was a little shaken as he feared he had been kidnapped. Who would pay for his ransom fee? He had only his wife to worry and care about him. Now he began to think of his unborn child.
The car pulled over again. Tobin was being led into a house and upon taking down the bag, he saw an old man coming his way.
The old man was furious and yelled out, "how dare you treat our young master this way?"
Hello, Mr. Smith." The old man introduced himself to Tobin. He went ahead to lead him inside the mansion. Tobin was feeling a little scared even to enter such a big house, but he was interested in what the man had to say after referring to him as 'young master'. He sat down on the mighty chair and was offered what to drink. "No, I'm fine, please." Tobin said. He didn't even have the stomach to eat anything as fear and anxiety had paralyzed his insides. "My name is Federico Alonzo, your family's butler." The man was saying but Tobin cut him off. "Family butler? What are you saying please?" "When you were young and little, you were the young master of this whole household, sire. But your family was betrayed." There was a scowl on his face. "We lost them all, sadly to an unfortunate accident." "Wait, my parents?" Suddenly, his memory was blurred. How come he couldn't remember a damn thing? "The shock must have left you without these memories. That's why you can't remember anything
Hailey had received a call from her mother, Cami, and it seemed urgent. She picked up from her laptop and the video call connected through. Her mother was a little bit skinny despite her two surgeries and millions of money spent on beauty tips. Her full lips was in a pause as the call went through. She saw her daughter staring at her and her eyes widened. "Oh my goodness, Rosa, Justin! Come and look at your sister. See how thin and unkempt she is!"Hailey frowned at how dramatic her mother could be. Her siblings had popped their heads through the screen too, observing her. "Indeed she looks so thin." Rosa, Hailey's younger sister said. Justin was the last born and only boy. He was always so reserved and hated interfering with his family in general. He popped his head to stare at Hailey but with no comment, he went back to his business, leaving just Rosa and her mother."Of course she is. Since she's been married to such a poor man, what else do you think!" Cami said."Yes mother.
Tobin purposely played dumb but when he and his wife reached home, he explained the context of the bid at his firm, and promised to teach her how to place it and win. He would use his connection as the CEO to win the offer for her so she can become the family CEO.He told his wife to trust him and do as he has said, because he has inner information as he worked at that firm now.Hailey was certainly not sure but she trusted her husband and did just as he'd asked her to after lots of persuasion. She placed the bid for her family without noticing the others.It was Tobin's first day at work. He was well dressed and made sure he smelled nice. He had gone for a quick shopping the night before, getting his wife some new fancy attires too. He lied the company had provided a free bonus fee that allowed them to make quick shopping for a few expensive and quality outfits. He was at work now and people still stared at him with a surprising look, probably wondering who he was. His secretary, Ho
The day for announcement came, and even though the winner wouldn't be announced until six in the evening, the Blanco family were already around. Cami dressed like a queen, long gown and hair wrapped neatly in a bun. Her daughter, Rosa followed in her footstep, leaving only Justin in a casual wear. He had an headphone plugged to his ear so no one actually knew if he could hear anything or not."Look at this place even, such a garbage hole." Rosa said in disgust."Of course dear. They're so poor, what do you expect?" Her mother replied.Tobin and his wife could only stare as they continued to insult them. Suddenly, Rosa got up."Sister, where are you going to?" Hailey asked."Water. I need some water in the fridge, why are you acting like I've come to steal or something!" she scoffed."No, I'm just asking--""-let her take it, Hailey." Tobin said. He was already getting angry now. Why would they all come to his house like that?She took some water along with one of the best wines from
Soon enough, the news was tuned in and the whole family gathered before the TV's screen to hear winner's announcement. A lady was now talking in the TV. Immediately, Tobin could recognize her. She was the secretary at his firm. "Hello everyone, I'm Holly Reinfred, secretary from Smiths Automobiles, and I bring you news concerning the bidding of our contract." She began to say, and everyone tensed up, ears sharply pointed with attention. "I will be representing Mr Smith, our firm's CEO..." When she brought up his name, Tobin had to pause and stare around with an awkward expression on his face. His heart pounded loud and be was now wondering if anyone of them had somehow linked it to the fact that his name had just been called out.After a while, he realized thay none of them seemed to notice, even his wife. He gave a relief sigh.The lady continued to talk, as she thanked the names mentioned. She announced also that more names could be added, and from there, Tobin had began to reali
"You brat, what is a wretched man like you doing here?" Sandro said.Tobin rolled his eyes. He had to careful around men like him. Men like Sandro were pigs and he had to be careful, else he would drag him into the mud."Sandro, what a surprise, what's a man like you doing in this really important place?" Tobin said with an amused tone.Sandro frowned. "Listen to me, you have no idea who you're messing with.""I'm not messing with anyone. Mind your business, and I'll mind mine." Tobin said, not so smiley now."Ha! Look at you trying to talk to me like a man when you've been stripped off that right a long time ago. You're here for another pathetic interview, aren't you?" Sandro said mocking him.Tobin couldn't help but remember all the time when he had been searching for a job and was always getting declined. So, this fool knew about it too. They mocked him and were sure he would never find a job.He remembered what his mother in law had said the night before that she was waiting for h
Sando searched around for Lisa and saw she wasn't any where near. He was furious a bit, but he instantly jumped up to his feet, acting like nothing had even happened. He had meeting with Cami, and he knew she didn't like lateness."Sandro, lovely to see you here. I am glad you could make it." Cami welcomed him with a smile as soon as she stepped foot in the living room. Rosa was there too. "Thank you so much, sweet Cami." Sandro said."Go on, Rosa. Go fetch your brother in law a drink." Cami said to Rosa, then turned to Sandro. "Tell me, Sandro, how did it go? Do we have a shot?" Sandro had worked his lies on his way there. He gave a heavy sigh, showing concern. He could notice Cami was always frowning. He has to be a lot more dramatic!"Oh dear Cami, it just happened so fast!" He began. "Today was just so very funny actually, I got in. Even that useless Tobin was there looking for a job as usual, I even mocked him--""Tobin? He has a job now, at the same firm." Cami said.Tobin fro
Tobin sat in his office, large and bright as he was up on the top view, glaring at the world before him from the wide glass window.He was almost relieved his day had been settled, especially since that wretched Sandro was taken care of. Except now he just remember that his wife's bidding hadn't been accepted! He called for Holly immediately. "Hey, you and I have to talk, you know that right?"Holly sat down on the chair before him. "Sir, I have...I don't know how to say this--""Be blunt with me, Holly. Why was my early instructions about giving the bidding to my wife not carried through?." Tobin said."Okay, sir. This was simply because the needs of the company are far larger than your wife's bid can handle. So...I postponed it, hoping to discuss this matter with you first about how to proceed.""What?" Tobin fumed angrily. "What are you even saying, Holly?""Truth is, that's just bullshit sir. The main problem is because of your enemies here in the company! They don't like the fac
What nobody knew was that Tobin had already made a little research on these men, and Giovanni was the main target. Whatever he said, his men will follow.The room was empty now with only Tobin and the old man."How did you know that name? Who else have you told, huh!" Giovanni demanded.Tobin remained in his relaxed position. "Does it matter? What you have done all these years ago, I can bring it back to light." He said.Giovanni was impatient. Being in the navy for long, he struck an attack by jumping forward to stab Tobin. But he was faster. Tobin easily managed to lean, evading the knife, and he regained balance and struck the knife away from Giovanni."Are you mad, old man! You attack me? Why would you do something so stupid! There's camera everywhere." Tobin yelled out.Giovanni crept to his knees. "I--I'm sorry. I'm Sorry! I...please don't tell anyone about me!" he cried out.This made Tobin even more shocked. "Well listen to me, and listen good. If you try any funny attacks,
When they were already out in their car, Hailey stopped him from driving with an angry face."What was that all about? Why did you cut them off our business!"Tobin knew his wife didn't know what the Blancos have done to him. How they ruined his life. He could have been great in life since he was little. Who knows, maybe his parent would still be alive!"Hailey, I didn't do anything. They willingly accepted the terms, knowing that their plan to split us up would work." He said to her."What we should be focused on right now is to win this bet, so you won't have to abort our baby.""And how do you propose we do that, huh? We should have thought--no. You should have thought hard before making that stupid dare!" Hailey roared out. This was the first time Tobin was seeing her angry."Don't worry about that. I will make it up to us. You'll win, Hailey. You just have to trust me." Tobin promised. The drive home was silent. He went inside and called Holly."Hailey, my wife must win the bid
"Mother, we can't let this position go to Hailey!" Rosa yelled again. She had been talking to her mother nonstop.Cami rolled her eyes. "Oh come on, child. You and your brother have been nothing but disappointed to me all this while! Thank goodness he's back at the navy. But you, you're still with me here!""Let me be the CEO. I know I can do a better work than Hailey.""Ha! You can go get yourself a husband first. Then resume work immediately. And come back to tell me all of this again." Cami said. "Let's just call uncle Tommy!" Rosa blurted out. The mention of this name again made Cami to shiver in fear. "Shut up your loose mouth or I'll shut it for you!" Cami threatened. Rosa is wondering why her mother is always so tensed whenever that name pops up. But she said nothing."Fine. Then let's call them and remake this bet. Hailey cannot be the family CEO. Never!" Rosa said finally."Alright then. What is your plan for this? Even if we remake the bet, she might just win." Cami aske
Finally, they were inside when Sonia rushed forward to let them in."I am so sorry." she said, "I didn't know these arrogant fools were related to you!""How dare you!" Cami yelled out. This woman was not even up to her age!"Don't mind them." Tobin said. "They can be like this sometimes! And we're related only because they're my in laws."Sonia smiled, "Oh is that so?"Tobin heard Cami and her daughter muttering angrily behind as Tobin didn't take their side. But he said nothing and smiled again."Ms. Sonia, I'll leave you alone now." Tobin said and walked away from her.He had a reserved seat and Hailey was there already. Cami and her daughter saw that they've had their seat, so they hurried to join them."Well all this show offs can stop now." Cami said. "Let's get on with this, shall we?""Yes I couldn't agree more. You've promised that Hailey will take over the family business if I can manage to kick David out." Tobin began to say.The looks on his in laws faces were totally shoc
The end of the day, Tobin invited his in laws as well as his wife to a very expensive restaurant."Wow, this isn't possible." Rosa said to her mother. She just received the message from Tobin."What is it?" Cami asked."Tobin invited us to Dinner House! It's this seven star rated restaurant and the biggest in town according to ratings." she exclaimed. Cami rolled her eyes. "Of course I know Dinner House." Cami said. "But is that even possible? How did he get a reservation?""Exactly! I'm as surprised as you, mom." Replied Rosa. "Well he said by 8pm. We better hurry up, it's past 6 now."Cami crunched her nose in detest. "Well we have to go late. Like thirty minutes late." this made her daughter to frown."But why?""Because dummy, we need to show him that we've still got some self respect! This is how we are. Just because he won doesn't mean we change our ways for him.""Yes you're right! Let's go, one hour late!"Cami hated how dumb her daughter can be. "No you moron. Thirty minutes
Tobin's brows furrowed as he frowned. "What are you talking about miss? Why did you hit me?""I'm going to hit you more! How can a low life like you embarrass my family this way?? Do you know who David is? And you think you can send him just like that!" the woman yelled out.Tobin's voice was still so calm it even surprised him. "Miss, calm down. We can discuss this like the mature people we are.""What nonsense! And you still have mouth to talk??" The woman grunted. "I've called my brother and he's coming right here! You'll sleep in jail. You and your faceless CEO!""You shouldn't talk to him like that. Watch your tongue, woman." Tobin was starting to get angry now."Or what will happen, huh?? This is absurd! This little act of yours will make you suffer! You'll pay for this!""Is this why you have decided to meet with me? To embarrass me?" Tobin asked.The woman rolled her eyes. "Ha! You think this is embarrassment? You haven't seen anything! I will sue Smiths automobiles. And make
The door barged open and about five hefty men walked in."You're coming with us, now!" in a thunderous voice, one of the men said. The rest bounced forward and held David by the arms before he could think straight.Realizing that his life was about to be ruined, he panicked and kicked one of the men on the foot. Waiting that the man would cry out in pain, it didn't happen. Instead, he looked at him and grunted."Wait, wait! What is this? Do you know who I am!" David began to panic."Take him out right now." The man who was like their leader commanded and before he knew it, David was already dragged outside."No. This isn't happening! Don't touch me! I'm calling the police!" he continued to yell but it didn't stop them from dragging him out.Rosa couldn't believe her eyes. "What? How can...wait, who is doing this?" she stared out in shock.Does this mean that that stupid Tobin has won the bet?? No way! She thought.Immediately, she took out her phone and started to record. "Oh mom, we'
David's laughter was a roar. "What nonsense are you saying, Tobin? How can you make such a foolish bet?""That's how he is." Rosa said, "he thinks he's somehow important so he goes around making silly bets."Hailey wanted to talk, but she trusted her husband. However, she was more suspicious now than ever. Tobin seems more confident nowadays, and she knew it was because he had a nice job now. But standing up against someone like David?"Now, Hailey will resume work and make the most of the company. Since this one here has proved to be bad at everything she does," Tobin said, not looking at Rosa even though he was talking about her.Rosa wanted to say something but was cut off by David."What is your plan, huh! Start talking now." David was starting to think Tobin was weird. How can such a low life speak to him like that? Maybe he was on drugs."You claim you know the CEO, but I'll prove you wrong. You'll be kicked out of work tomorrow like a trash. I'd like to see how this invisible
On getting home, Tobin could already hear the voice of his in-laws. He had stepped out with Holly for a quick shopping and now, back home when he heard the voice of Rosa.Rosa was a lousy lady, just like her mother, Cami. Hailey was the only one different and calm, as well as her brother."This is a great opportunity here, why are you so dumb sister!" Rosa yelled out. She was tall and slender with a pretty face, though she had undergone some facial surgeries.All she was obsessed about was meeting rich people and going to rich people parties. Their family used to be rich before, however business was dying down and they had lost so many business partners.Even making Hailey the family CEO was almost useless, as their family owned nothing but a few properties and a couple of million dollar assets."Calm down, don't make a scene sister." Hailey said. She sighted Tobin and smiled. "You're, back honey."Just as Tobin was about to ask, he saw someone he never imagined to see. "David???" he