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 going to help. But then again, half is better than none.He gulped down the rest of his coffee and went in to change his clothes. Low-status or not, he was going to get himself a job.~•~><~•~"Lauren my darling, it's good to see you again.""Good to see you too, Phil.""How long has it been? Two years?""I believe so." Phil was Lauren's course mate back in college. The two dated for a while Phil went overseas with his family. "So, are you back fully or just here to visit?""Oh I am back, one hundred percent back. I missed you Lauren.""Same, what are you doing here anyway?" Lauren had gone to pay her mother a visit and was surprised to find her ex boyfriend in her living room."Funny story, I ran into her at the airport a week ago and she invited me over. I would have stopped by sooner but I was a little busy.""Oh okay. Um where is my mother?""She stepped out not too long ago, but she said she wouldn't be long."Of course she did. She must have left the house intentionally, leaving the two of them together with the hope that something would happen."So, what do you do?" Phil asked, a glass of wine in his hands."Well, I work with mother at the company.""That's nice. I manage my father's business now. The old man retired, leaving me his multi-million dollars worth empire." The pride was unmasked in his voice and Lauren couldn't fight back the tinge of jealously she felt.She wished Jason was that rich."How's your love life?" He returned the emptied out glass to the table, turning so he could face Lauren directly."Uh…I'm…" she wanted to say it proudly that she was married to the man of her dreams. The man she had been with after Phil had left and the man she was going to spend the rest of her life with…but another part of her wanted to deny it all completely."Oh I see you're married." Phil pointed out, looking at her hand."What?" Apparently she had been fondling with her wedding ring, the ring that held a high sentimental value. The ring that had no monetary value. "No, I'm not." She replied, removing the ring. She took one last look at the little circle jewel before keeping it in her bag."That's great! I'm also unmarried." Phil commented excitedly."Oh okay." She felt bad for lying like that, but at the same time she didn't blame herself. She was the only one carrying the burden that was meant for two people, and having someone like Phil to help her out would be an advantage to both her and Jason.So in a way, she was doing him a favour.The two talked about varieties of things but somehow their conversations always made their way back to Phil and how successful he was.Lauren waited two whole hours but her mother was still a no show, so she decided to head back home.~•~><~•~"Honey, I'm home." She announced as she let herself in but there was no reply. "Jason?" She checked every room in the house but he wasn't there. "Where could he be? It's not like he has anywhere to go." She tried calling his number but it was switched off.Normally, she would have been worried about him but this time, she felt pissed.She marched straight to the door and locked it, then she turned off her cellphone.Not more than thirty minutes after, she heard movements at the door. Jason put his key in, trying to unlock the door but it wouldn't open. After a few tries, he began to knock but his wife ignored him."Lauren? Lauren it's me, Jason. Could you please open the door?" He called her a couple more times but she still refused to let him in.He knocked once again, then stopped and Lauren could hear his steps moving away from the door. She quickly made her way to the exit and unlocked the door, throwing it open. "Where do you think you're going?"Jason stared at her, looking somewhat confused. "I've been knocking for a while but it seemed like you were asleep so I was heading to the park for a while.""To do what?""I didn't want to bother you because I thought you might be tired, so I was just going to wait for a while at the park. Then maybe find a place to charge my phone.""Of course I was tired!. That's usually what happens when you work all day." She shot at him, her voice icy and harsh.Jason didn't understand the reason behind his wife's hostility towards him. Lauren was never the one to take out her anger on someone else. "Is everything okay?""Why wouldn't it be?""I don't know, you seem…frustrated."As if she noticed that she had been out of line, she cleared her throat and smiled. "I'm okay, it's just stress from work.""You sure?""Of course. I'm sorry I raised my voice. It's just that I was really stressed at work and then I came home and you weren't here, and I couldn't reach you on the phone, I…I'm sorry.""It's alright, I understand." Jason replied with a slight smile, even though he didn't understand. "I'm sorry I woke you.""What? Oh yes, right…I was sleeping. No, it's fine. I would never intentionally lock you out of the house." She kept waving her hands as she spoke and Jason's gaze fell on her left hand and he noticed she wasn't wearing her wedding ring. The first time he would see her without it."Of course, I know you wouldn't." As they entered the living room, Jason noticed a cup of tea that still has smoke emiting from it. Meaning she wasn't sleeping, she intentionally locked him out, made herself a cup of tea and listened to him knock and call out to her.What the hell was happening?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
"Sire, you said you wanted to I see me?""Yes Matthew. I need your help with something.""Anything Sire.""Okay. I have this friend, and her father was arrested over a crime he knows nothing about. So I was wondering, is there a way you could help with that?""Do you have this person's information?""Uh his name is James Anderson, he owns a store with his wife but he also works at some company that supposedly deals with drugs or so.""Hmm…I might not be able to do much with just his name, but if you're able to fetch any more information about him, it would aid greatly in investigating.""Right, you're absolutely right. I'll gather as much info as I can.""Very well sure. And Master Decker, when do you intend on taking over?""I thought we already discussed that.""We agreed that your identity would be kept hidden for the sake of your safety, but you still have to work."Matthew was right, he had to get familiar with the company and its staff. "okay, do I come see you or…?""There won'
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