“Make sure you pick out the weed like this, okay?” A young lady in colourful, floral dress instructed her students.
“Yes teacher!” They replied to her with a cheerful smile as they focused on the gardening.
Her multi-colored, mid length floral dress swayed a little in the direction of the wind. She smiled down at her lovely students and the corners of her eyes wrinkled to show she smiles a lot. Her crystal blue eyes sparkled as the sun reflected in it, highlighting the little tiny specks of joy in her eyes. Her Auburn hair was up in a neat bun so her hair wouldn't disturb her from weeding. Anyone could see that aside from teaching, being in the garden was something she loved to do.
It was a small garden outside the school compound. Sapphire had been working there for a couple of months; though her plan was to get a better job and possibly meet with an educated agriculturist to take care of her father's farm. Well, that has been her parent's prayer since her birth. To get married to an agriculturist in order to inherit her father's farm.
Lost in the thought of how she would meet with her next, arranged date who is also, an agriculturist. She heard the shilling noise of a fall. It sounded like it came from a distance around them, as the rustling sound of crumbling, dried leaves sounded again.
“What's that?” Sapphire jerked at the strange sound.
Her students glanced at her with curious faces. Nervous to know who and what it was, Sapphire stood up and took off the rubber hand gloves from her hands.
“Umm... I'll be right back. Everyone stays here, okay?” She said to them gently, trying to calm them down.
“Okay teacher.” They replied her and continue picking out the unwanted crops.
Like a wolf looking out for it's mate, Sapphire rushed to the woods which was right after school compound. Running faster, as fast as her legs could carry, tracing the voice as it whimpered. Her puzzled eyes searched where the noise was coming from, it felt as if she heard someone panting, closer. She looked around, through and over, then she saw a man roll over a slope and fell into another part of the woods.
Tensed about if he would make it, she ran after the stranger's weak body that finally settled on a big wood.
On getting there, she saw that he was an old man. He looked very old and wretched, with gray hair and wrinkled skin. His clothes were stained with blood and mud, and the clothes on his skinny body was torn. Everything about him spoke about poverty.
'This old man must be coming from the farm.' A voice rang in her mind as she rushed to him.
She observed him for a while before moving closer. His fingers were still moving but he couldn't mutter a word.
“Hello Mister! What happened to you? Are you alright?!” She questioned anxiously. Yet, there was no reply.
She tried to turn him over with the little strength left in her tiny body but with very touch she made, he moaned in pain.
As if he got slashed on his entire body, it was bruised. Just then, she noticed blood dripping from the collar of his shirt from the back of his head. It must have been from the fall.
"A...are you okay, sir?" Sapphire's voice trembled over his body as tears clouded her sky blue eyes.
The elderly man tried to speak though, no words came. It looked at if he was being chocked on his words. He looked so weak and out of breath that he couldn't speak. Despite the fact that he tried to say something, it came as a guttural cough.
The poor man gave it a rest as his dark eyes looked upwards to the sky. Although, his vision was way too blurry to recognize anything, he was able to get a clear look of Sapphire. Staring into her blue eyes, he noticed that it was the exact colour of the sky and that of the sea of dreams he'd always wanted. As if he saw an angel in her, a gentle smile spread across his chapped lips.
“Are you alive, sir? Say something, please!” She cried to him but slowly. Just then, he closed his eyes and passed out.
***
A sharp, shattering sound came from the CEO's office. Other workers outside wondered what was happening, but nobody could move closer.
"Our boss is mentally unstable, right? I wonder what kind of food he eats. Everyone in his family must be related to Hercules in order to cope with his attitude." Mr. Tim hissed.
"Yes dear! You can say that again. It's as if he fights with spirits as well. Thank goodness I'm not related with that devil of a boss in anyway. Ugh! I fear for whoever would end up with him." Miss Barbara rolled her eyes towards his transparent door.
"I still wonder how we manage to work with such an idiot.""And that chair too. I guess our hotel really buys quality stuff just because of his attitude. He breaks down anything his hand touches... I wonder how his phone even survives." Mr. George retorted in a whisper. Hoping not to be heard else, he's done for.
Just then, the CEO barged out of his office. Everyone jerked back to work with exaggerating heartbeats. Their eyes wasp back to their duties.
The CEO, on the other hand, had black suit, white long sleeve shirt and a golden tie on. He isn't exactly handsome but he was attractive enough to lure anyone. Not just with his face but with his pocket. Everything about him spelt, wealth while his face was painted, dangerous. No one dares to stare at him right in the face, else... you'll just get more tensed and barked at. Jade huffed out a deep breath that felt like that of a dragon.
"Aren't you guys supposed to prepare for the 4:00 p.m meeting with Mr Donald?!" He ranted, in his guttural voice which sent a feel of hysteria in the minds of others.
"Ummm... Y..yes sir!" Mr. Tim, his personal manager, stammered. "We're ready sir!"
He grabbed his jacket and the files on the table. Others did the same as they hurriedly followed Jade in the same, fearful manner.In the elevator, Jade watched the number read as he took glance at his golden, Patek Philippe wristwatch. Noticing others were looking at him with weird faces, he turned back at them.
Miss Barbara and Mr. George looked away immediately. As if they should suddenly grow wings and fly out of his sight. The heat dripping down their hair was almost unbearable.
As if he was confused, Jade rolled his eyes at them disgustingly and looked forward, letting out a deep sigh. A sigh should be of relieve but his, wasn't.
"They checked out our best, first class business room and still went ahead and had their agreement ceremony at another hotel? Should I consider this a challenge or should I blame this on the incompetency of the staff?" Jade questioned in disgust.
The three others stared at each other like confused jellies. Miss Barbara hugged the file she was holding, closer to her chest and swallowed hard on her tiny throat. Making it look like a girl sent back home for school fees on examination day.
"Ummm... sir, it's not like that. Ummm.. what I mean is, that hotel is also part of our chain so there's nothing to loose sir." Tim stammered. He's the only one that has the courage to.
Jade turned to him slightly.
"The next agreement ceremony from England must be held at this hotel. Got it?!""Ummm. Yes, sure, d.. definitely sir!" The three of them chorused incoherently after him.
***
Walking out of the hotel, Jade saw a young lady checking out the hotel's pamphlet. Confusion was all over her face, as if she was lost or something.
As he was talking to the lady, his employees weren't too surprised at the change in his personality. He was always polite and acted like the perfect gentleman in front of his customers and clients. But that was expected, seeing as they would be the source of more money added to the already pilling dollars in his bank accounts."Hello Esteemed guest. Can I help you?" He walked to her and greeted, as calmly as possible.
"Yes." The lady replied him.
"What are you looking for?" He asked, nicely.
"I'm not sure exactly." She said.
"The staffs over there at the desk would assist you with the check in." He assured, pointing to the rest behind the side of the room.
His employees couldn't help but wished he treated them like this or better. Knowing that they were the ones who also helped in accumulating all his wealth. Without them, he wouldn't be able to achieve all the wealth he has toady. The employees looked at each other and voiced out their opinions in whispers.....
"Omg! I hate guys like this... He's so two-faced." Miss Barbara rolled her eyes at him as he spoke nicely to the guest.
"And fake." Mr. Tim added, also in a whisper.
"Exactly..." Mr. George joined but Jade turned to the three of them. They faked a smile immediately he caught them, as they followed him out.
One thing with Jade, he treats his guests better, with so much love and attention because he believes they boost his hotel management and business, unlike the workers that just take from him.
* * *
At the Meeting With Mr. Donald.
"Mr. Donald. How would about having a meal in our hotel before leaving?" Jade proposed to Mr. Donald. One if his finest customer from Belgium.
"Well my schedule is too tight and... I'll he leaving first thing tomorrow morning."
"Oh no... That's a shame. But we just hired our main chef from England who's specialized in Mexican food." Jade persuaded Mr. Donald.
"Ugh! He's so desperate. It makes me sick!" Barbara muttered underneath her breath, with a beaming smile.
"Okay .. I'll rearrange my schedule then. I might be there tonight."
"That's good. I'll be expecting you Mr. Donald." Jade smiled as the business men shake hands before leaving.
* * *
As is it— Sapphire waited, pacing. She was normally very patient, but with that old man and the state she found him, she couldn't help but worry about him. She wanted to know what was going on. She wished she knew him or his family. Then she'll be able to get them there. He needs someone he knows by his side.
She sat on the chair and sighed. "Poor man, his family must be worried sick, not knowing where he was..." She sniffled, trying not to cry.
As she was waiting, she heard a nurse talk to the doctor about his condition.....
"Oh my! This old man is out of blood. He must be homeless, is it okay we take him in?" The nurse was asking a doctor just to confirm things.
"Let's just wait and see what happens. If no one comes for him, we can just transfer him else where." The doctor replied the nurse.
"Okay, fine then." She muttered and walked away.
Sapphire perked up, after hearing what the doctor said and walked up to them. She wanted to know what was going on, and she knows they wouldn't share any information unless she was family. So she quickly thought of a lie at the spot as she approached the nurse.
"Excuse me!"
"Yes?" The nurse replied, turning to Sapphire.
"I'm that man's grand-daughter." Sapphire mumbled.
"Okay, fine. You'll have to fill this form." The nurse instructed. "Just follow me."
Sapphire did as instructed. All she wanted was to save the poor old man.
In Sapphire's Room“Yes mum, Carlos has started chatting with me!” Sapphire's cute voice sounded over the phone.“That's good my dear.” Her mum praised.“Mum, what kind of agriculturist is he? Does he own a farm as well? What kinds of crops is he into?” She sounded so curious and impatient.“I'm not sure darling. I know he's hardworking and good-looking. Carlos would be a good husband for you, my dear.”“So he's also good-looking, huh? I can't wait to meet Carlos already.” Sapphire said, sarcastically.“Have you guys picked a date for the meeting?” her mum asked over the phone.“Yes mum. It's 2:00 p.m on Saturday. At Blue Bird Hotel.”“Wow! That's great! Who picked the venue?”“He did mum. I've al
In Lucas's Office."You're here CEO Jade!" Lucas walked to Jade for a handshake, but he ignored and jerked off.They took their seats on an executive table to discuss whatever it was."Awwwwn... I'm not your friend right now. I'm BB Company's legal Consultant." Lucas explained."What is this about that you even used the red call to contact me?""How-dare-you-use-the-red-call-to-call-us-when-he's-a-mere-attorney?" Lucas mimicked Jade's voice which was very funny. This time, Jade couldn't help but to fall for his trick as he blushed."Exactly." Jade replied him. "How dare some lawyers tell me, the CEO to come and go as he pleases.""The chairman changed his will." Lucas explained. He brought out a file from a brown envelope, handling Jade the documents to read.A frown appeared on Jade's face as he co
2 Hours Later and they were still on the talk.“Alright then, Let me go to the main point.” Lucas stated. “You've been given the fortune of the Alejandro's BB Company.”“Oh Lord! Did he pass away?” Sapphire asked as her eyes almost started draining holes.“No Miss teacher! Sorry to tell you this, but he is not dead! My grandpa is still agile and strong, got it?!” Jade warned as Lucas pinched Jade by the side again, but he flinched.“Ummm, no. That's not it. He just included you in his will--” Lucas continued, but Jade interrupted his words again with anger and deceit in his eyes.“In other words you are getting his entire fortune.”Thinking about it was unbelievable. Especially with the crappy guy that had a blabbed mouth. It's no doubt, but Sapphire already hated him. She tried to think
****In Sapphire's Room.She was sitting on a wooden, armless chair. In front of her was her old, laptop. Well, it still functioned well so,Sapphire was satisfied using it.On her body was a snow-white coloured cardigan and black jeans shorts that made her look like a Barbie character. On her nose bridge were two pairs of transparent, clean, reading glasses. She wears it every time she's on her laptop. Well, as if something caught her attention. Sapphire widened her eyes and moved closer to the screen. She peeled off her eyes to the new notification message she just received.From 'I love actor Gabby's' Facebook homepage.He's releasing his first music video ever. He and model Kylie Jenner, an upcoming fashion model sponsored by Coca-Cola."Well, I can't wait to watch this!" She jerked excitedly with an impatient smile on her face.
****The environment was cool and welcoming. A couple of guests were seated in the in eatery and everyone was busy eating and chatting. By the corner of the eatery was Sapphire and Jade. He had taken her to lunch, and she was seated right in front of him, unable to say a word. An awkward silence lasted for a couple of minutes until Jade decided to speak."My grandpa wants us to marry.""How does that concern me?" Sapphire rolled her eyes at him.She was tired already. All she wanted was to go home, eat her own hand-cooked food and rest on her comfy bed. To Sapphire, Jade was just a big, disturbance."Yes, it does concern you! Because you're the one my grandfather wants me to marry. In our family, whatever the man says is law.""Then I suggest you and your grandpa should talk it over. Instead of disturbing others with your family problems!""You shouldn't be acting as if this isn't your problem since he wants us to get married. Y
****He took her to the garden outside the eatery to seat and talk. The environment was quite cool and colourful. There were wooden benches under a hatched hut like corridor.The both of them sat there, facing each other like to angry chickens, ready for a fight.“What's next, dude! I need to go home!” She spat and looked at the screen of her wristwatch. It was already 4:00 p.m.Sapphire huffed out at him, uncomfortably. “Like seriously, I'm going to call the cops if you don't stop stalking me like this!” she warned."I feel we need a heart-to-heart talk, bitch!" He retorted.“I told you I have nothing to say to you!” She fired. Some guests walking out of the eatery turned to look at her in an awkward way.Sapphire wore an apologetic face and looked away. Her eyes focused on Jade like an an angry vulture.Things were alre
"Do you want me to tell you how much BB Company makes every year?""You can tell that to your staffs, Mr. CEO! I'm not interested! It's no point talking to you, I wonder how your business partners deal with you. It seems you don't understand a word I've told you since we've met! The only money I'm concerned about is my monthly salary! I'm living a fulfilled life, I don't need you or anything from you!"Although, Jade was boiling inside, all he wanted was being able to convince Sapphire and end it all, but it seems difficult."Miss, you have the potential to inherit a huge fortune. Don't you care about it?" He asked, persuasively."If I'm really inheriting a huge fortune, I'm interested. But if I have to marry you to get that money, I'll have to refuse. It's not like I'm starving, or I don't have good clothes to wear! I don't really want to get married just to inherit someone's fortune. Either did I want to
Sapphire dashed out of the hotel, fuming with anger but Jade tried to stop her."Are you crazy?! Why would you say those things in front of a good respectable man?! We were just getting together and you spoilt everything! You must be out if your mind!""No, I'm not. Like I said, I want to start over." He made clear."Are you stupid?! Start over what? When did we ever start anything?" Sapphire felt bittered as an involuntary whimper escaped her lips."We can just start it now. Follow me." Jade grabbed her hand into his and dragged her into the hotel."Leave me alone! Jade!" Sapphire cried after him but his stringer wrist wouldn't free her.He took her back to where they were seated as they both sat down opposite each other.Sapphire's eyes felt like hot cheese the way she looked at him. Just then, her phone rang and it was her mother."Are you stupid! Damien came all the way from Florida to meet you and you disappointe