Chapter 2
De Martins
Ruby's Pov;
" What's it, Dad?" I asked during breakfast.
He forced a smile at me and shook his head. I know he's lying, but what can I do?
I let it slide as I served breakfast. Michael looked excited and already dressed up for summer class
I don't get why Dad had insisting on him going - I hate summer class like hell
I finished dishing theirs ,and dished mine before taking my seat
I watched Dad closely from the corner of my eyes.
I knew something's wrong - something's definitely amidst.
I started noticing it, from the day he told us there will be no vacation for us.
I had gotten so angry and furious and had locked myself up all day; but then I had a rethink - he's never done that before.
Dad loves spoiling us with gifts, and since I was a kid, we've always been going to vacations - term in, term out. We've never missed it; so it didn't make sense to get angry at him, just this once
I tried to make him tell me what was wrong, but he wouldn't; I know all isn't well.
He didn't even get Michael something on his way back from work, yesterday
If only he can just talk to me?Why can't he open up to me?
Does he still think of me as a kid?
For goodness sake, I'll be nineteen soon. Isn't that adult enough?
The breakfast was a quiet and quick one. He finished eating and picked up his briefcase, pecked us both before heading out
" You better hurry, and let me go drop you off" I told Michael angrily
He stuck his tongue out at me again
" It's like you're forgetting Dad isn't here " I snapped at him.
He rolled his eyes and went back to his meal.
*
*
We finished eating and I had to clean the table and take the dishes to the kitchen
I finished with that and went to get Michael from the sitting room, before heading out of the house, going to drop him off at summer school
This is actually the first time Michael is attending it.
We are supposed to be on vacation now - maybe in a faraway country or anywhere
I took my car keys on my way out.
We got to the garage and I helped Michael into the car.
I walked to the other part and got in also, igniting the car engine immediately
This car was my sixteenth birthday present from my Dad
That day is one of the most memorable days in my life.
" Aren't you gonna help me with my seatbelt?" Michael whined close to me
I glared at him, before moving closer to help him with it.
I don't know why kids don't understand body language.
Can't he tell am not in the mood for his dramas and plays and just quit already
I might scream at him next,or do something I wouldn't like; and that won't be pleasant
" All done.Lets go" I said, trying to be as cheerful and as calm as I can be
I don't know what's with my mood this morning?
Guess I woke up on the wrong side of the bed.
I did my seatbelt too, before handling the wheel again
*
*
The drive was a quick one as we got there in time.
I parked and went round, to get Michael out of the car
" You didn't buy me anything" he whined
I rolled my eyes and sighed
Seriously?
" I'll get you something on our way back home" I said, hoping am convincing enough
He pouted, folding his arms across each other
" You're gonna be late Michael" I said
I know it's all my fault. I actually forgot to get him something - it had slipped my mind
Courtesy of thinking too much
But why didn't he remind me when we were still on the road? Why now?
He's just trying to get on my nerves.
I don't even know what to say to him to appease him. I am so not in the mood
" I promise, okay" I said effortlessly
" Promise?" he asked, loosening up
" Yeah" I cooed, and played with his hair.
He giggled and hugged me, before running off into the building
I smiled at his display of childishness.
Just before he got in, he turned back once more and waved at me. I waved back with a smile on my face
I don't think I can ever stay angry at this soul?
I thought as I turned back, heading to the car.
*
*
I got home, really tired and exhausted
There's nothing to do at home.
Is this really how I'm gonna spend the holiday?
Oh, yeah! This is really how have been spending it
So far, so good; I've been surviving.
I'm supposed to be at the beach now or somewhere else - making friends and trying out new things.
What exactly happened? Why can't Dad just tell me? It's really bothering me alot.
There's nothing to do. I can't even watch movies anymore, because I'm tired of watching.
I leaned on the couch, thinking about it.
******
DE MARTINS COMPANY
Mr Martins walked majestically to the board of directors officers
" What's the reason for this meeting?" he asked them, looking from one person to the other
They murmured and whispered to themselves, before one spoke up
" We heard the news about our associates In china, and we are worried" a middle aged man spoke up
Mr Martins stared at him with anger
" How do I keep repeating to myself that my son has gone to China to fix it. He's doing something about it already, so what's the fear?" he asked them
" But...he's talking too long already. What if they don't listen to him? I think it's better we start looking for another alternative now" another said
" Really? And what better ideas have you all come up with?" he asked
There was a short silence, before another cleared his throat
" Well...we are thinking of giving in to their request. Why don't we just give them a share in the company? After all, it's gonna do us more good than harm" a man said, and the others nodded supportively
Mr Martins looked at each of them
" And you think this is the best way to go about it? Have you thought about what will happen if they finally succeed in getting a share in this company - it will be like giving them access to our lives - to the company, the shares, the stocks - everything we own. Have you thought about that?" he asked sternly
None of them spoke up, so Mr Martins decided to go further
" You know very well how these people work and how they operate. This is a company - business enterprise. Giving them that leverage, will be like giving them our company,don't you know that?" he asked
Murmurings filled the hall
" What if Nathan is unable to talk to them? What if he's unable to negotiate with them and make them see reasons with him, what then do we do; that's the question?" another said
" Then we'll think of another way. Let's just wait for him to return first. Let's wait and see how it goes. There are many alternatives to this thing. We can't just rush into decisions like that. If we are gonna start doing this ,it's gonna ruin the company and bring it down" Mr Martins said
" And I know no one of you sitting here will like their sweat and hard work to go down the drain just like that, '' he said. They nodded
" Good; and if there's nothing more to discuss, I'll like to take my leave now," Mr Martins said and got up from his seat.
He shook hands with some of them close to him, before walking out with his bodyguards
*
*
Mr Martins arrived home after about one hour of driving
The car door was opened for him as he walked into the mansion
The first person he saw was his wife - Tracy - Nathan's stepmother.
" How was It" she asked, referring to the meeting
He had told her before he left, he was going to attend the board meeting which they had scheduled that morning
It wasn't his plan to go to the company that day, but he had to, because of the board meeting
" It was fine" he replied
" What was discussed?" she asked, helping him take off his suit
" Nothing of importance" Mr Martins said
Tracy smiled and walked to the wine bar. She brought out a bottle of wine and two glasses.
She opened the wine and poured it into the two glasses, then handed one over to her husband
" Perhaps, this might help relieve your stress" she said
Mr Martins took it and gulped it down at once
" Where's Ella?" Mr Martins asked her
Ella is his child with her and their only daughter
" She told me she's going out with some of her friends" Tracy replied
Mr Martins turned to look at her
" When did she leave?" he asked
" This morning; immediately you left" she replied
" And she didn't tell you where she was going to?" he asked again
" No" she replied
" Stop worrying. She'll be fine. This isn't the first time she's going out. You worry too much" she teased
He sighed
Chapter 3A FraudNathan's Pov;I came out of the bathroom to find my phone ringing.A towel tied round my waist, I walked to the bed and picked it up, then look into itDad!I picked it up hasteningly, placing it on my ear" Hey, Dad" I said casually" How are you son?" he asked" I'm fine; about to go meet a client" I said" Good.How's it going over there?" he asked again" It's going pretty well...but slow" I repliedThere was a short silence at the other end"Just wanted to check up on you and know how things are going over there. I had a meeting with the board of directors some days back" he informedI arched my brows, although he couldn't see me" W...why?" I asked lowly" They are worried, son. They think your reason of being there isn't yielding in any way - its not bringing any help.We haven't seen results" he cooedI itched my forehead with my index finger" I'm trying my best, Dad. I'm still meeting with them today. I believe there'll be progress when I get there. I've alre
Chapter 4Oh, no! Michael!Ruby's Pov;" Who's this crazy bitch?" One of her friends asked.I scoffed, pointing my index finger to myself.Did…did that psycho just called me a bitch?." What did you just say?" I let out with fury.They stared at me awkwardly." Come on girls, let's just leave her and go our way. I don't think she's okay" another said, and that angered the hell out of me.I walked to their car and towards the one that had said it." I sat you to repeat what you just said…to my face" I challenged, burning with anger and fury " I dare you"" Come girl, she's not worth it. We are rubbing late already" the first girl from earlier spoke up." Actually, she does. Can't you see this bitch…" I didn't ler her finish her statement before landing a very hot slap on her cheek.She held it immediately, as she winced in pain.The others rushed out of the car immediately, two held the one I had slapped, whiled the last one - the one driving, marched towards me.My angry gaze met her
Chapter 5Trouble in ParadiseRuby's Pov;I received a text message. I checked to see it was the address the teacher had sent. I hurriedly went back to my car and got in, before driving off in speed The place wasn't far from the school. It was a coffee shop closeby.I got there in less than ten minutes. I parked, came down from the car and rushed in.I got in and looked round for the teacher and Michael. I was glad when I saw them at the left hand side of the shop .I ran to them and engulfed Michael in a hug as soon as I got there.He beamed with smiles, hugging me back." Did you get me anything?" He asked , all smiles." No Michael. I was in a hurry, but I promise to get you something on our way home" I told him, playing with his hair as he stood up. He giggled happily." Thanks a lot ma'am" I said appreciatively to the teacher .She gave me a smile and a small nod." Just make sure to never repeat it. It's a good thing I was still there and I don't have anything doing" she said.
Chapter 6Long lost Friend.Ruby's Pov;Dad went to his room first to freshen up before coming down for dinner.We all had dinner- it was a lovely family moment.**" I wanna watch cartoons," Michael whined.We were all seated on the couch in the living room, watching a movie.The movie has ended and they were about to show another, but Michael kept insisting we allow him watch cartoon."Go to your room and watch it. There's no place for you here" I groaned angrily.He pouted angrily and made a sad face." Just let him, Ruby" Dad said in a soothing tone." But Dad, I don't wanna watch cartoon" I cried out." Then go to your room" Michael said.I glare at him in anger." He's your younger brother. You should give in to him. You should always let him have his way and make sacrifices because you're the eldest" Dad cautioned.I made an angry face, as I angrily changed the channel, looking for a cartoon channel.I was still looking for one, when I switched to a certain channel and stopped
Chapter 7A Merger.Mr Staffers couldn't believe his eyes, while Mr Martins got up slowly, with a huge grin on his face." Yes Staffers, it's me Martins" Mr Martins said to his friend who was looking lost and dumbfounded." Oh, my God" he ran to hug him. They engaged in a very tight hug as they exchanged manly pleasantries.**" Woah… it's been what now.. eighteen years?" Mr Staffers said happily.Both friends still couldn't believe they had found eachother." It's been so long," Mr Staffers said again." Yeah…I'm so glad we finally met again after so many years" Mr Martins said too, with excitement." Yeah…how were you able to locate me?" Mr Staffers asked in bewilderment." I saw you on the news. Actually, it was my wife that saw you and called me to come see . I was dumbfounded and thrown aback when I saw it was you. I couldn't believe my eyes at first" Mr Martins said happily." Yeah…I guess you know then" Mr Staffers said sadly." Speaking of wife, are you referring to Tracy?" H
Chapter 8Finally Back HomeNathan's Pov;I couldnt believe my ears. Is Dad for real?" What are you saying Dad?" I asked coldly, trying to stay cool and not get angry." Yes son, I think this will really…"" Cut the crap Dad" I cut him off in anger.I don't think I can hold it in any longer."Are you for real? Like I should get married. I've told you countless times that I don't want to ever get married. I don't wanna engage in that stupid union called marriage" I rasped in anger." I know son, but as it stands, I don't think you have a choice. It has already been decided and concluded". " What are you talking about?" I asked." I'm talking about the company. It's either you get married to her for the betterment of this company or you step down as the…."." What nonsense are you saying to me, Dad" I cut him off in anger again, my heart beat increasing.Is he really threatening me with that?.Hell no!!.Why do I have to get married for any reason? I hate the idea so much." It's your
In two weeks timeRuby's Pov;I wiped the tears from my eyes, and stood upright. Dad's eyes didn't leave my face and I had to bring it down to look at Michael, distracting myself in the process." Dad!?" Michael ran to hug him, leaving me standing there like a destitute.I sniffed for a while, fighting my tears hard.I had no idea he would be back so soon, I would have just stayed indoors still." How are you son?" he caressed Michael's hair as he asked the obvious question, while they took slow steps towards me.Michael was grinning from ear to ear, and I was surprised he didn't ask for anything.Is he that happy to see me get back on. my feet? Is he that happy to see my face again?.The only thing that made me feel lighter was his smile that looks more like the spring sunshine - it was radiating and pleasant to look at, and I thank God for giving me such a cute soul He's so adorable He fell to the couch behind with Dad, as they chatter about some things I didn't care to even list
The final straw.Nathan's Pov;I slammed the door angrily, walking to and fro in anger.I can't believe this man I call my father. What exactly does he take me for? Does he seriously still see me as that little boy of yesterday who had just lost his mother and was so vulnerable, fragile and gullible?.I thought he would have known better by now. I thought he would know alot about me now, but his current behavior just shows he doesn't know a single thing about me.I think it's time to let him know. I was so angry and mad and didn't think I would be able to stand him.I walked to my wardrobe to change my clothes to go out.I already had plans with Rex - my best friend, to hang out at our favourite bar later in the day.I didn't like the outfit I was putting on so I wanted to change before I heard a knock on the door.I knew who it was already and didn't even bother to go answer it or see who it was when the person walked in." I have no plans of discussing this with you any....""So i