Martin King

"Mr Martin, your mother is requesting to see you." No sooner had the secretary finished her words before a woman who looked like one in her early sixties barged into the office.

She oozed of wealth and good life. One wouldn't need to spare her a second glance to know she was a wealthy woman.

Her bright yellow dress swept the floor as she walked. Her makeup was heavy. Her neck, ears and fingers were adorned with jewelry that would surely cost a fortune. The small bag she held was a limited edition. It had taken nothing out of her to purchase it.

"Martin King?" She called in her usual authoritative voice. Her son ignored her and faced his secretary. "You can leave," He told her. She bowed slightly and hurried out of the office. She was scared of Madam Scarlett King. Everyone feared the woman.

Martin's head rested on the chair he sat on. "What do you want, mother?" He asked the woman with his eyes shut while he rotated his chair.

"You know what I want, Martin!" The woman replied with a stern voice. Martin chuckled. He knew she would soon become soft.

She used a stern voice on him everytime she wanted him to fulfill her wishes when he was much younger. He had told her countless time that it doesn't work anymore, but she wouldn't listen.

"Martin. Son," She called softly, like he had expected. She drew the visitor's chair back and sat on it. "Why won't you listen to me, son?"

Martin sighed and opened his eyes. He faced her, his eyes looking directly into hers. "Mother, I am a grown man now. You need to understand that there are certain decisions I have to make on my own," He told her calmly.

"I know, son. Still, I am your mother. You're still a child to me. I know what's best for you. Look," She grabbed his hands. Martin sighed.

"Herald listened to me and has one for himself now."

"I am not Herald, mother. I would find one myself and bring her with me if I want to. Don't pressurize me. I'm begging you, mother. If you're afraid I won't attend, I'm making you a promise now, I will. However, I shall either come alone or with someone. The former has a higher possibility," He finished with a smile.

Ding!

A message alert sounded. Martin picked up his phone from the table. "2 PM, lawyer Bernard's law firm.," The message read.

He stood up. "I have a meeting to attend in thirty minutes. I have to leave now. Should I drop you off?" He asked, putting his coat on.

The woman gave him no reply. Instead, she stood up from the chair, casted him an angry look and walked away. Martin sighed as he watched her. He had expected this. As she got to the door, she paused.

"Martin King," She called and turned to face him. Martin feared what was coming. She calls him by his full name only when she is pissed at him. He scratched his neck nervously, avoiding her gaze.

"If you do not come with someone, I shall remove you."

"What? Mother!" He screamed. She opened the door and walked out. "Why's she taking it this far? Damn!" He cursed and banged the table with his right hand.

He bit his lips. He was vexed. His nose twitched involuntarily while his brows furrowed.

A loud tune busted from his phone. "Herald," The caller read. He ignored it till it stopped ringing. Seconds after, it began ringing again. He yanked the phone from the table and swiped right to answer the call. 

"What do you want?" He barked into the phone. "I'm sorry, brother. I tried to stop her from going over to your office, but she waved me off. You know how adamant mother can be. I'm sorry," The voice on the other end of the call apologized.

"It's fine," Martin told him in a low voice. The man could guess something was amiss.

"She threatened to remove you, didn't she? I'll talk to her. I promise, I won't make that happen," The man assured. Martin sighed. "Thanks, bro," He said casually and hung up.

He packed the necessary papers and put them in a file. Then, he picked up his car key and walked out of his office. His secretary followed him immediately he stepped out of his office while her assistant rushed over to her seat.

... 

It was some minutes past 2 PM when Martin arrived at where the meeting was to be held. It was a law firm. Every worker in the firm was a certified lawyer. Lawyer Bernard, the man Martin King would be meeting, was the CEO of the company. 

As Martin walked into the company, his eyes caught a familiar figure approaching him. "Oh, no!" He yelled inwardly as he recognized the person.