Jason Paul Decker was seated in front of a man that seemed just within his age bracket. He was the CEO of the company he had submitted his application and Jason was having a good feeling about this one.
"Your application was quite impressive," the man started and somehow Jason knew there was a 'but' coming. "...but I'm sorry to inform you that…"There it was.The rest of the lines grew inordinate to his ears. The subject matter was that his application was rejected. Again!He glanced up at the ceiling, his light brown eyes filling with tears. Frustration tightened his lungs, making it difficult for him to breath. His lips pursed, rage building up in his eyes.He went back home, with slouched shoulders and a head that didn't look up, not even once. He felt useless, a feeling that he was accustomed to. He lived a useless and pathetic life! He was such a disappointment.Lauren, his beautiful and ever supporting wife, she was blessed with all the features a successful woman had. She was intelligent, beautiful, generous and she was rich. But he? He was a failure, as a man and as a husband.He had tried on so many occasions to improve his situation but he was still as poor as being poor went. There was almost no company in New York that didn't know who he was. He had submitted his application in each and every one of them but, for some unfortunate reasons known to them, they had all declined him.When he got home, his wife attended to him with a warm smile on her beautiful face. "Hey darling."He was nowhere near a smiling mood though. "I didn't get the job, again." The pain in his voice was evident. He could feel his voice croaking as he choked on his tears. Lauren didn't say anything, instead she just pulled him close and hugged him tight.She was always telling him that it didn't matter if he was rich or poor, that as long as they loved each other, their relationship would never falter. Jason had never agreed with that logic.Money was very important as well, while it shouldn't be the foundation of a relationship or marriage, it was still an essential part of it. Since they got married, Lauren had been the one catering for their needs and he was grateful for her but, how long was he going to keep living shamelessly off his wife's money?"I love you, Jason Decker." She smiled at him and he couldn't help but to return the gesture."I love you too, honey."Lauren loved her husband, either he had a job or not but even she couldn't deny the fact that they would both be happier if he did have a job, a good job. She decided to offer a suggestion that might be the answer to their problems. But she knew he wasn't going to like it."Hey Jason," she paused to asses the look on her husband's face amd when she was able to conclude that he was calm, she went on. "I was thinking, maybe you could try talking to my mother about this."As soon as she said that, she noticed a slight frown that appeared on his face."Honey, I know you don't like her but don't you think it would be beneficial to us if you were to swallow your pride just this once?Mother is well connected and I'm sure she'll be able to fix you up somewhere. I've talked to her about it and I'm sure she's willing to help, I just think it would be more respectful if you asked her personally."Everything his wife said was utterly true, even he couldn't deny that, but it still didn't change the fact that asking his mother in law was a no-go area. He had already asked her for help, and the results were sad and hurtful, but he couldn't tell her that so he just smiled. "Okay, I'll go see her.""Thank you." She sighed in a breath of relief. "I promise, something good is going to come out of this." She didn't tell him about the part where her mother had promised to find her a rich suitor if Jason didn't get a job soon. Hopefully it wouldn't get to that.~•~><~•~It was late afternoon, and the sun had started to set, giving the sky an orange glow with tints of blue. The weather was cool, perfect for a walk and Jason decided to make use of the pleasant time of day.He needed some time to think, to clear his head, and so he left their apartment, treading into the streets that was just about free of people.He headed straight towards the park, a place that would be void of people at such hours. He needed a quiet place to think, a place where shops amd bars didn't dominate the vicinity. Where there wouldn't be any noise or disturbance.The cool evening breeze prickled his skin, carrying the fresh scent of the fragrance of nature.He was married to a wonderful woman, the only problem he had was his in laws.When Jason met Lauren, he had hoped he would get along well with her family but it was the complete opposite.They despised him for being poor, and the fact that he had a secret wedding with their daughter didn't make things better.Jason had swallowed his pride as Lauren suggested and asked his mother in law for a job, and her reply was still fresh in his mind.He could remember the way she laughed at him, along with her son, Marcus. They mocked him for being broke and called him pathetic."You have some nerves coming to me. Did you really think I would help you? After what you did?"Her son joined in as well, cursing him and calling him all sorts of names. When they were satisfied, they had asked the security to escort him out in a not-so friendly manner.The entire family despised him because of his financial status, making him feel more pathetic.He felt his phone vibrate and he retrieved it from his pants pocket to find it ringing. It was with a private number so he was unable to identify the caller. He let the phone ring for a while before returning it to his pocket.He didn't know who it was so there was no use answering it, and so he went on with his stroll.It was a bright Monday morning, the sky shone a clear, blue color. There wasn't much clouds, probably due to the sun's harsh rays. It was only nine Am, but the sun shone like it was late afternoon.Anyone who had a job was at work, either in an office or their personal business. Even Lauren had gone out, leaving Jason all alone in the house. Just like every other day. It was almost like he was the wife and she was the husband. He sipped his coffee, watching the morning news but his mind was elsewhere. He couldn't stop thinking about his wife's advice."Since you've tried a white-collar job severally and it didn't work out, why don't you go for other options?"Other options, meaning menial jobs. The fact the she could suggest such a thing annoyed Jason, but on the other hand, he could understand where she was coming from. It wasn't easy taking care of their every need all by herself.He wanted more than anything to be able to take care of his wife, and having a low-status job wasn't g
It had been two weeks since he started working at Ek's choice, a supermarket owned by Erika Anderson's parents. He could remember how unimpressed Lauren had been when he told her about his new job. He knew the job was demeaning but he was expecting a better reaction. After all, she was the one who suggested he explored other options.Ever since the day she locked him out, Lauren had been acting strange and she was almost never around but anytime he tried to bring it up, she would bombard him with her "I'm the only one working' speech. Jason and Lauren had been married for two years and she had never for once complained about being stressed, sure it was absolutely normal for her to feel overwhelmed but her suddenly acting out seemed highly suspicious.What was worse was that she hardly ever had her wedding ring on, a jewel that was meant to be a symbol of their love and commitment to each other.The bus came to a stop and Jason realized he had been buried in his thoughts again. He got
As Jason slowly made his way to work, one thing kept replaying in his mind; the dreadful kiss. When he walked in on his wife kissing another man, his heart was shattered. Not just because she cheated on him, but because she brought him to their home. Lauren was the one paying for the apartment, the electricity bills, water and basically everything else. The house was even rented on her name and her account, so he had no rights. Under the law, it meant he was a tenant and she was the landlord, meaning she could throw him out whenever she pleased.When he saw them, Jason was filled with anger. He marched angrily towards them but Lauren got between them. "What are you doing here?" He looked down at his wife, his frown growing deeper. What was he doing at their house? The house where they lived, their matrimonial home."Lauren, who is this?" The man eyed him like he was a thief who had just broken into her home. "I thought you lived alone.""I can explain." She replied with a forced sm
There was a bright shade of blue-green along with a set of furniture that was out of this world. It was like the perfect blend of old fashion and modern day design. The lavish set of sofas and cushions made the living room look like a modern day castle, while the light wood side table and the coffee table that tree stump for legs nailed down that hang-loosed aura. The perfect mixture of convenient but orderly.It had large glass windows, allowing more than enough room for sufficent sunlight and fresh air to flow in. The walls were perfectly built, standing tall as if it had been existing since the dawn of time.The whole area was sparkling clean and was as neat as a pin, it's vicinity brimming with the delightful essence of lavender. For a split second, a memory appeared in his mind and Jason remembered that he used to love lavender. He didn't remember clearly but it felt like it was the scent of someone he loved."You used to love lavender sire, that's why we made it the official sc
Jason still couldn't wrap his head around the events that had taken place in his life within the space of just two weeks. It still felt like it was a dream, or a movie…something he was watching from somewhere else, not what had actually happened to him.He had been thinking for almost two days, and something still didn't add up. He had been married to Lauren for over two years, and she had never for once complained about his financial status. She knew he was lacking financially and she was okay with him. They were actually happy together. So why the sudden request for a divorce?Then there was the issue with his 'kidnapping' the other day. Could they actually be saying the truth? He used to live a luxurious life, in that magnificent castle. He recalled that they had asked him to come back, "We have much to discuss." The old man had said. His phone vibrated to life and he turned it over to view the caller's identity. "Right." He hadn't been to work for the past two days. But what was
Jason was overjoyed as he returned back home.He felt like if he was a drop of water, he would be the wettest, most perfectly round drop ever. A feeling that resembled one like he was at the top of a mountain with large feathery wings and just on the verge of leaping off into the bright sky.As he sat on the bus on the way home, the words of his butler came playing back in his mind. He was a billionaire!He was overjoyed, thinking of all the good things that he could do now that he was rich. If only Lauren was still with him.All while they were together, he felt like she deserved way more than she was getting from him, he dedicated his life to repaying her for her kindness. He wanted to start a family with her, for them to raise their kids together. But now all that dream had been squashed. She took all his hopes and dreams and crushed it totally.Life had a funny way of working. Just when he felt like his life had hit rock bottom, he was gifted with the best gift a man could ever
"Sire, the apartment is ready. And you don't have to worry about your furnitures because it has been taken care of as well.""Okay, thanks a lot Matthew.""I am just pleased to be working with you again, Sire."Now that his apartment was ready, all that was left was for him to move out. Seeing as he didn't have to worry about moving anything, and his wardrobe wasn't that impressive, it wouldn't take more than one trip and a suitcase to move his things.He immediately began moving the little belongings he had. After his last encounter with Lauren, he wasn't sure he wanted her to see him again in her apartment.He finished packing in five minutes and without wasting any time, he left the apartment. He put his stuff into the taxi he had ordered earlier and soon, they were on their way to his new apartment.As they passed by Erika's Store, his mind reverted back to her and he realized he hadn't seen her since she was at the apartment. Since he kissed her.He thought about stopping and goi
"How are you handling things?" Erika's reply was a slight nod, meaning things weren't going well. When she told him her father was arrested on the allegations of a crime he was completely innocent of, Jason felt bad for her. That was the reason behind her depression, the reason she had visited his former apartment. "How's Mrs Anderson?""She's fine, barely.""What are the officers saying about the case?""They said we should get him a competent lawyer, because the chances that he'll end up going to court are on the high side.""I'm really sorry Erika, I wish I could help–" the moment he said that, he realized that he actually could. He was rich now, and he was sure that if he pleaded enough, he could get Matthew to help him."JP?" "Right, I'm not promising anything but I'll see what I can do to help.""Really?!" She perked up with excitement, a smile brightening up her face."Sure. But don't get your hopes too high.""Got it." Her smile lasted a few more seconds before it vanished, l
SOMEWHERE IN SWITZERLAND.MABEL'S NEW HOME."They think they've won, just like that. They think they can just toss me to the side and expect me to stay still. Me, Mabel Kings, a woman of high status, forced to live as measly as a beggar. I am not going to take it.""If you are not going to take it, then what will you do about it?" After the tables turned on them, Mabel and her husband relocated to a remote island far from New York where she was sure that she was a wanted person because of what she did to Jason as a child. What she didn't know was that Jason decided to bury the story, telling the media that he was sure the culprits would get what was coming to them. What made Mabel even more enraged was the fact that her son joined sides with her mortal enemy. She was expecting that much from Lauren who was blinded with love, but Marcus… she still couldn't believe it."That bastard son of mine is definitely on my list of enemies. How dare he double cross me? I have to make him pay fo
FRANCE.Meredith regained consciousness with a huge gasp for air like she had been drowning. She quickly surveyed her surroundings and saw that she was at a hospital. She tried to remember what happened but everything was fuzzy. "Ugh, my head." She tried to sit up but a all man eased her to lay back down. "Easy now, you shouldn't sit up just yet. Just lay there for at least thirty more minutes." He said, holding her down. "How.. how did I get here?""Your brother brought you here, he said he found you unconscious at the park.""The park? Wait my brother?""Yes. He'll be here soon, he just stepped out to use the bathroom. How are you feeling?" He placed a hand on her forehead to feel her temperature. "Like my head is about to explode. What happened to me?""You mean you don't remember?""Not really, everything is just so fuzzy.""Don't worry, it'll come back to you in a while. I'm doctor Brady by the way." He said with a warm smile. "Meredith.""Okay Meredith. Just take it easy ok
NEW YORK."Hey Steve,""Mr Decker! Is it weird to say I missed you?""Not at all. Because I missed you too." Steve was one of the reasons Jason was actually looking forward to resuming work. "Man, working without you has been really boring." He confessed, walking with Jason through the busy halls of the company. "Well, I'm back now.""Completely?""One hundred percent. My grandfather told me you helped greatly in planning for this ceremony, I'm really grateful.""When he said you needed my help, I was more than eager to assist. I'm just glad I could help.""You know, I am really happy I decided to make you my personal assistant." Jordan was very competent when it came to working, even more than Steve was, but there was one place she was lacking greatly… and that was her social aspect.Steve knew how to cheer a person up and being around him always made the room more lively. But Jordan believed in going straight to business. She believed that once she was at work, the only thing sh
Meredith had trouble sleeping all night because of two reasons. The first one, Jason still hadn't replied to her offer and it was making her feel anxious. The second reason was because Josh had called her the night before and he said he wanted to see her. He said he realized how harsh he sounded and he wanted to apologize. He also said she didn't have to go to his place and if she was feeling unsafe in letting him visit her that they could just go to a cafe to talk. Joshua was her best friend and she didn't like fighting with him, but another part of her was feeling scared to see him. "Well since it's going to be a public place, I guess it's fine." She texted him and asked him to meet her at a cafe that wasn't too far from the mansion.When he arrived, he was smiling brightly, looking like the Josh she used to know. "Thank you for agreeing to see me." He said as he sat across her."It's okay.""I must admit, I lost my temper there for a while, and it made me go out of line. I'm sorr
"You're free to go.""What? Did someone settle my bail? Was it my daughter?" "Just get out already, or maybe you're already used to the lifestyle here? It's totally fine by me if you want to stay a while longer."Mabel's response was an irritated look, followed by a nod of disapproval. "Where do I get my things?" She asked. "At least get out of your cell first, then you get your things." The warder led her out of her cell and back to the reception, where she was asked to write her name down and some other information. Then another officer brought her purse, jewelry and her phone that were taken from her the day she was detained.She went outside, hoping to see Lauren or Marcus waiting with a car but neither of them were there. She took out her phone and was about to dial Lauren when she noticed her car pull up at the front of the station. "Mother?" She seemed surprised to see her mother out of prison already. "How did you get out? Did Marcus come here?""You mean, it wasn't you?"
Jason was feeling skeptical on whether it was okay to invite Marcus or not. Without his family involved, Marcus was a good person and Jason wanted to keep working with him and he didn't know why but he was getting the feeling that he had changed. But what if he hadn't? What if Marcus was still the same person? There were lots of what if questions that could hinder their friendship and even their work relationship. But Jason decided to trust him. He texted him and personally invited him to the ceremony, and to his surprise, Marcus replied almost immediately, saying he wouldn't miss it for the world.Jason texted him the venue and time and even told him the dress code as well. then just as he was done texting him, he received a call from his not so favorite cousin in France."What do you want Meredith?""What do you mean by that question? Didn't you see the video I posted?""So?""You know what it's about, right?""And if I do?""Then I'm also guessing that it would be bad if I were t
Marcus had been thinking about his family for a few days and the conclusion he was always arriving at was not a good one. All his life, he had always tried his best to be the good son, the best child he could be to his parents. He was quiet, obedient and he always made sure he came in top in his studies. He never did anything to get on his parent's bad side, neither did he ever taint their image. If anything, he was the perfect child.They say all teenagers always have a rebellious phase, but he never did, he was always properly behaved.His father never really had their time so he leaned to his mother's side, always wanting to please her, to make her happy, to make her proud of him, and eventually… he became his mother's pet.His childhood, his teenage years, and even some of this adult life was dedicated to making sure his mother was proud of him, making sure she loved him. He didn't think about anything else. Not the life he could live for himself, not the name he could make for h
For their date, Jason wanted to do something that would be memorable for both of them but he didn't know what. He tried long and hard to decide on where they could go, but nothing came to mind.Erika still insisted that they just went back to the mansion to prepare and look after his grandfather and the twins, but Jason knew that was because she was not having fun yet. So he had to fix that. At the moment, their car was currently parked at the gas station where Jason decided they stop for a refill, but it was just to give himself more time to think. He had never really think about it, but deep down, it felt like he had been anticipating the day that they would go on such a date. A day where they could do whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted to. A day where he didn't have to worry about work, and she didn't have to worry about looking after the store. A day where they could just be a couple, just two people enjoying all the sweetness life had to offer. Obviously it was impos
Jason was skeptical when his ex brother in law suddenly asked for his help, but he decided to trust him, of course he was not going to let his guard down though. "Need my help with what?" He asked."Like I said, we can't talk here. Let's find somewhere more private.""Can't we just go in?""You mean in the bakery? No thanks. I would rather keep my distance from baked food. I know how hard I had to work to get this body, I can't risk jeopardizing it again."Jason smiled at his statement, he remembered when he first met Lauren, then Marcus had just been her chubby, cake loving baby brother. She said he was obsessed with cake and that was the reason he gained much weight in such a short period. The reason Marcus stopped eating sweets was because other kids made fun of his size, and the girl he liked back then called him a fatso and said she could never be with a guy like him. "Right." He said simply. "So where do you want to go?""Personally I would prefer it if we just spoke in my car