LOVE, CONTRACT AND SECRETS

"Done"

That was the last design I had to pipe on before finally finishing with the cake I was decorating. I licked my icing stained finger before popping the cake in the show glass“

You done over there Lucy?”“

Yes” 

My best friend and business partner Lucia, rushes out with the tray of peanut butter cupcakes.

"Here you go” she handed it over to me and I placed it in the show glass before locking it up

“We should clean up before people start coming in” I took of my apron.

Owning and running a bakery was not easy. For some reason, after frosting a cake…I always end up with frosting all over my body looking like a birthday cake surprise. I headed to our wash room at the back as I dumped my apron in one of our baskets, getting ready to wash my hands and face off. We were opening in 15 mins and I was already wishing we were closing up…I was extremely tired but I guess it's normal when you're trying to balance your work life to keep your slowly failing business from falling and at the same time trying to raise enough money for your sick father.

That's more than enough reason if you asked me.

I turned off the tap and picked up the towel which was on the stand, wiping my face and hands with it. I looked myself in the mirror for a while

"Tori, you've lost so much sleep” I whispered, running my fingers through my hair, observing the dark circles under my eyes.

 I looked exhausted. I placed the towel back and pulled my hair into a bun before heading back to the store front.

“All cleaned up. Your turn” I take my position behind the counter.

She let out a sigh, taking off her apron “I forgot to ask earlier, how's your dad doing?”

I gave a slight shrug “He’s fine, I guess. I haven't been able to afford a full hospital rest for him”

“But him being home is risky though, just in case there's an attack” she pointed out and I nodded in agreement

“I know, I'm working on getting him fully admitted” our conversation was cut short as soon as we hear the bell tingle at the door, signaling that a customer had walked in.

Time to get to work.

~°~

The entire staff of Stones Industry fled from their offices, heading towards the direction of the board room upon hearing that the CEO himself, Steve Stones, had an important announcement to make. Everyone was seated in the boardroom, from the trainees, to the middle class staff, the receptionist and even Duncan Stones, the only son and heir to the Stones fortune.

 Immediately he walked into the boardroom, everyone fell silent. For some reason, everyone seemed to fear but admire Duncan Stones. He had an aura that just screamed danger, at the same time, he was just too handsome for the ladies to stay away from. He walked into the boardroom with his hands in his pocket, his broad shoulders held high, and his best friend Michael Gail beside him. They both made their way to the front as they occupied the first two seats in front, awaiting the arrival of the CEO.

The boardroom suddenly erupted with greetings as Steven walked in. Sitting in front, he faced the crowd.

“Good morning, Everyone” His deep voice echoed round the room.

Everyone greeted back and the meeting was set in motion. 

“I called for this bored meeting today to discuss something very important that has been pending for quite a while now” He paused then continued 

“First of all, I just wanted to let you know that it has been a real pleasure working with you, especially the senior staffs whom I've been with for years now, the middle staffs for a few years, the junior staffs for a year or two….it has been a really big pleasure, but at this point I'll have to announce that very soon I'll be stepping down as the CEO of Stones Industry.”

The boardroom erupted with chattering, everyone asking why even though they clearly understood that it was time for him to step down and hand over to a younger leader.

“Like I said, it has been a real pleasure, but me stepping down as CEO was something that was bound to happen. Stones Industry needs a younger, more capable and fit head in charge, someone that'll keep this ship afloat and prevent everything we've worked for from sinking and I'm afraid to say that I'm yet to find anyone with such capabilities yet ....”

And again, the chattering occurred. Eyes were turned to stare at Duncan Stones, assuming that his father would be calling his name as next in line for the company, but for some reason, he chose not to. 

Duncan stared at his father in complete confusion and shock. His eyes were fixed at the man before him, a vein throbbing on the side of his head—What did he mean by he hadn't found anyone capable yet?

Duncan was a man of very few words and refused to say anything while his father spoke, completely disregarding his presence.

“For now, I'll still be in charge of Stones Industry…but be expecting my absence very soon” and with that, the meeting came to an end.

Steve rose to his feet, making his way to his office as Duncan trailed behind him, patiently waiting for him to dismiss everyone following him. He immediately dismisses them upon arriving at his office, leaving him alone with his son.

“What was that?” Duncan remained calmly, his deep voice echoing round the office.

“What was what, Duncan?” Steven tilted his head, leaning backwards on his chair.

"What do you mean no one's capable enough?”

“I only spoke the truth Duncan….”

"I'm your son, Father” he cuts in harshly, his tone raising slightly “Why would you disregard me like that? I should be the one taking over”

Steven raised a brow “Really? What makes you next in line?”

Duncan stared at him, baffled. “Maybe because I'm your only child and I've been working here since I was 18—why train me all these years just to when you never had me in mind to run the company?”

Steven let out a sigh, straighten his back and slowly leaning forward with his arms resting on his desk, all this time never breaking eye contact with his son.

"Have you learnt to control it, Duncan?”

Duncan was silent. His fist gently folded in as veins began to appear on his clenched fist. He slowly broke eye contact with his father, trying his best not to show how he was slowly getting pissed off 

“Duncan, have you learnt to control it….”

“No” he spat, cutting him off as the words felt like poison on his tongue. He hated admitting to anything that made him appear incompetent—this did exactly that.

"And you want my company?"

Duncan shot his eyes tightly “But it's my right” he tried to remain calm.

"By what? birth?”

 He turned his cold grey eyes to his father. The grinding sound from his teeth could be heard loudly, accompanied with the vein pumping on his temple—Did he always have to play that card?

“Duncan” Steven called out “I want to give you the company, I really do—you're my son after all, but I don't want to take chances here”

“What do you want me to do then?” he questioned through grinded teeth and tightened fist.

 Steven pushed his chair backwards, standing up to his feet “Have you considered getting a wife, Duncan?”

Duncan unclenched his fist, confusion settling on his face “What?”

"In fact, you will get a wife”

“What do you mean get a wife? Dad, I can't….

“You will” he cut him off “Then I'll be sure you can be kept under control”