Under the beauty of the blue sky the powerful Felius Castigado stroll around his late wife's huge garden. He is getting too old to be this influential. It is time he picks an heir amongst his grandsons.
"Mr. Andrews," Felius calls his butler. "Please schedule a meeting with my grandsons. It has been a while since I last saw them all together."
"Aye, sir. May I ask when and what time, sir?"
"Tell them tomorrow at 8 in the morning, sharp."
Yes, that time should be fine. It will allow him to see who takes time seriously between his three grandsons. After all, one of them is still a bit childish.
Charles in his office is reading reports when suddenly his secretary came in. His piercing marble eyes darted at the man he has considered a second father.
"Young Master, your grandfather has scheduled a meeting with the rest of your cousins tomorrow at 8 sharp," his secretary, Dimitri let Charles know.
"With the rest of my cousins?" Charles asked, putting down the papers from his hand. "Tell me, Dimitri, has the time come?"
"I suppose so, young master."
The left corner of Charles' mouth curved up. Finally, after years and years of hard work, his grandfather has assembled a meeting to choose an heir. There is no telling who would his grandfather choose but chances are higher with him.
"I should relax some more after tomorrow's meeting," Charles uttered with a smile on his face.
The next day, Charles wasn't too early nor late, he was just on time. He saw Jason was already there but his other cousin, Jenkins wasn't there yet. Their grandfather, they knew was going to be a little late but that old man has eyes everywhere.
"Charles! Long time no see!" Jason, his annoying cousin walked to him and gave him a manly hug. Charles never liked Jason's cologne. It's too strong.
"You're acting quite friendly," Charles muttered, fixing his damn suit while throwing a disgusted glare at Jason. "Where is Jenkins?"
"Who knows," Jason shrugged, "that kid has a long way to go. Why are you so grumpy early in this beautiful morning? Loosen up, Charles!"
Just by Jason's tone, Charles knows that the other man knew what the meeting is all about. Well, who would not know? Who would not be so happy as Jason when you know you could win more than a lottery.
"Yes, I'll loosen up when the meeting's over." Charles pulled his chair back and sit down, making himself comfortable before pulling his chair forward again. "I don't usually act all happy when I have not closed the deal yet."
"I see." Jason nodded, keeping that if-you-say-so look on his face as he takes his seat. "Good luck to us, bro."
I don't need luck, Charles thought as he keep a serious face. Being in the same room with Jason is irritating. It's not just because of Jason's attitude nor how he speaks, it's just him, entirely him, and how he is made.
Just some minutes after, the door opened and both Jason and Charles stood up. Their eyes widened to see Jenkins and their grandfather talking, smiling at each other as they enter. Jenkins is only ten that's why they never really give much attention to him.
"Oh, you guys are here already! How awesome!"
Charles doesn't hate the innocence of Jenkins so he smiled at the kid. Then he see eye to eye with his grandpa and lowered his head.
"Good morning, sir." Charles was always taught that once you are in a meeting, you don't see your families, you see your bosses.
"Goodmorning, gramps!" Jason casually greeted his grandpa. The kind of man that Jason is understands nothing. "Yo, Jenkins! I didn't know you'd be early."
"I wasn't. I happen to bump on grandpa on the way here," he answered. "So, why are we here, gramps?"
The old man Felius let out a sob of laughter. He looks at them and said, "Please take your seats. The meeting will begin."
When everyone had taken their respective seats, Felius smiled at his grandsons. One was very professional, the other is a confident sheep and the last is still a child. There was no one fit as of this moment to replace him yet.
"The time for me to step down is coming. I am choosing an heir for the Castigado."
"An heir?" Jenkins asked, his head tilted to one side.
"Yes, Jenkins. One of you will own all of the Castigado," Felius answered, sounding all-mighty like the person he is.
"Owning all of-- that's a headache!" Jenkins exclaimed. "I don't want that, gramps. No, thanks!"
Felius had expected that from Jenkins and so he softly let out a chuckle. "Yes, it is indeed a lot of headaches, Jenkins." Then Felius shifted his gaze at the two young men close to him. "I will announce such a decision on my birthday. That is all I can say for the time being."
"May I know the qualifications, gramps? Surely there's something like a standard or a thing we must do for you to--"
"I don't need anything, Jason." Felius interrupted. "What I need for you is to be yourself. I watched you three grow up and I'm watching you grow. I shall decide based on how you all live."
"So, I am still part of it even when I don't want it?" Jenkens asked, scratching the back of his head.
"Yes, my boy! Who knows, you might change your mind when you turn old enough." Felius glances at the ever quiet Charles. "How about you, Charles? Have you any questions regarding this?"
"No, sir. My concerns are already answered."
Felius gave a satisfied smile and looks at the others. He inhaled deeply. Jason is still the same wicked wise man as he is, Charles is serious and needs emotions while Jenkins is still enjoying the privilege of being young.
"I assume Jason and Charles have meetings to attend. I shall not take all of your time. You three are being dismissed. I thank you for your time."
"The pleasure was ours, sir."
While Jason and Jenkins came closer to Felius and gave the man a hug, Charles said that. Too much formality is what Felius does not need from his grandson. And so before leaving he once again faced Charles.
"My boy, enjoy your life a little," Felius said and went on his way out.
Now that the old man is gone, Charles' business there is done too. He was about to go when suddenly Jenkins grabbed his arm that made him look back.
"What?" he asked.
"Jason said there's a party and you heard gramps. Loosen up a little, bro!"
Charles was hesitating to take this invitation. He would have agreed if it was only Jenkins but with Jason, his mind is a big doubt. Enjoy life a little, he replayed what his grandfather told him. He looks at Jenkins and glared at Jason for a moment before getting back to the kid, nodding his head.
Just a little refreshment would be fine, he thought.
What Charles thought would be a quick hangout with his cousins turned into a whole day outing. It didn't end there, Jason brought them to a yacht party during the evening. Charles knew he should have refused but now he is caught up in the moment.After a few drinks, Charles escaped the crowded area and went to a quieter corner. He glance at his wristwatch and sighed after looking at the time. He could have done so many things if he didn't come with Jason and Jenkins. What's that kid even doing here?As he gazes at the surrounding, he noticed how calm the ocean was. The city lights that were reflected on the water were something he only sees in photos but now his naked eyes have seen them. Quite calming, he thought and stayed some more."A cold night, Mister Castigado!"Hearing that made Charles turn his head to one side. A lady wearing a glittery tight dress that has a slit to her hips is standing. He has been to this scene a couple of times and so he fac
The next morning, Charles woke up with a bright smile on his face. He had a damn one-of-a-kind good night and it is all thanks to Vanessa. With his eyes closed, he reached his hand for her body and pulled her closer.He heard her moan and felt her move, embracing him too. Maybe it's really a good idea to enjoy yourself once in a while. He had his best night so far.And when Charles opened his eyes to gaze at the sleeping face of Vanessa, his eyes widened. The woman he is hugging wasn't the Vanessa from last night! It's a different woman! He thought hard, recalling what the hell happened and if he is damn dreaming.Just as he was recalling everything, he heard a gasp. He lowered his gaze and met the stranger's wide eyes. It was at that moment, staring at her eyes that he realized the one he was fucking was this girl in his arms.Suddenly, the girl shrieked away from him, kicking him off the bed. He abruptly sit up but the girl sent a pillow flying th
Stella rode a taxi to her apartment. She was holding crying while she was in that taxi and as soon as she closes her apartment door behind her, she huddled against her door. Her tears just burst out."What did you do, Stella?" she asked herself, sobbing as tears continues to roll down her cheeks. Then she slapped herself. "Now you're dirty!"How did winning a stay in that hotel make her situation even worse?Days ago, Stella was just working her ass off, working two part-time to save up for her dream. Then suddenly her boyfriend of 3 years broke up with her and she felt half of her dreams shattered. She was coming to work with no more life. Her workmates saw that.All the life was sucked out of her and that's when she won the all-paid stay in that grand hotel. At first, she didn't want to take it and considered just selling the pass. Then she changed her mind when she crossed a street filled with thoughts and almost got hit by a
Stella opened the door to face Charles with one eyebrow raised. He took his sunglasses off to see her better. Both of them with serious faces."What do you mean to be your girlfriend?" she asked her arms across her chest. "You don't mean you've fallen inlo--""Of course not!" He immediately cut her off. "As you see, I'm a Castigado and--""What's a Castigado? Spanish for kings and queens?"Charles couldn't help but look at her disapprovingly. Seriously, this girl still has no idea who he is? The last time they have spoken when he told her who he was, he thought she knew her mistake. But now look at this, this girl is frowning at him with a look of hatred."It's my last name," he answers. "Anyways, I am a billionaire and my image is very important. You and Vanessa stained it through that incident."As Charles expected. When Vanessa is part of the conversation, Stella would cower away."What's Vanessa to you?"Stella did not answ
"You are not going to last in this job," Stella, in an ill-mannered way told Charles. Both of them were congratulated by the store manager a while ago for getting hired."This is an easier job for me," he uttered. "A proper time off and a proper time in."Stella glared at Charles for a second and shakes her head lightly. She can't with this guy. Honestly, she thought it was just a baseless threat that he would apply for the job himself but he freakin' did. The salary was high. She could not let the opportunity go.Now that she gets the job, it's time to head home. Stella went her way to Emma first and said goodbye then she went out the door. Charles followed her."So, where are we headed next?" he asked which made her turn around."We?" She raises a brow. "You and I, we're not the same people. Go back to where you came from!""Now don't be a stereotyping. Wasn't it enough that we fucked each--""Shut up!" Stella yells, covering
Stella didn't think of how much damage Charles' words are but now she does. Two weeks had passed and she still can't find a job, not even online. Some other companies needed more qualifications so there were not that many choices for her.If this continues, she will have to withdraw money from her savings and that's not good at all. Even though Charles is nowhere to be seen, he is still causing her the biggest trouble.Those are not the only problem she has. Her period has not come yet. It should have started two days ago since it usually starts in the first week of each month. It makes her nervous.Lately, she's been feeling nauseous without needing to vomit. There's something wrong with her but she didn't want to think about being pregnant cause it'd be the worst scenario."I'm just stressed out! I'm just tired!" she tells herself. But the more she denies it, the more her mind is troubled.For her, it's embarrassing to buy a pregnancy test kit. B
At dinner, Stella kept looking around. She is not comfortable being surrounded by these beautiful people. In fact, earlier she told Charles she didn't want dinner but suddenly her "you can save" instinct kicked in and she said yes. Now, look at where she is. "If you're uncomfortable, let's have a private roo--" "No, I am fine. We'll just have to be quick," she cut him off, fixing her composure. Forget about how she can save, she wants to get out of there so bad. "Alright then," he uttered, looking straight at her. "What made you change your mind?" "You're making my life complicated. I'm simply trying to take my peace back with interest." "Fair enough." He shrugged. "I usually do business in the middle of dinner and sometimes after." "You're not doing business with someone important, mister Castigado. I daresay we discuss it now." She took a deep breath, just preparing herself for what she is about to say. "I need thirty thousand dollar
Early in the morning, Charles made his way to Stella's apartment, knocking on her door. Then he started fixing his hair, something he does not usually do.The door opened, revealing Stella who is still rubbing her eyes. Her hair was a mess and her eyes were still a little puffed. He has seen this before."Good morning," he greeted."Why are you so early?" she asked back, opening the door wider while frowning at him."There was no time stated and we should get started as soon as possible. You have much to learn.""Much to learn? What do you mean by that?""You didn't listen last night." He looked at her disapprovingly. "Let me remind you. I've got a list of the people you can never trust. It's an advantage to know what my family is all about.""Ah, so this is like a test?" She nodded. "Oh right, give me the contract and I'll read it. Then I'll sign it and you can go.""You don't quite get it, huh?" He stepped forward, shoving he