“Are you certain she's the same person as shown in the photograph?” Ryan's mother speaks in the phone, her eyes diluting with an untold emotion.Ryan, on the other hand, was confused as he stared at her with his brows creased. He wondered who on earth his mother was speaking with, and what photograph was she referring to, is she hiding something he was not aware of? “Okay, I get it…" That was her undeniable reply before putting the phone away from her ear. As quietly as she had brought her phone out from her bag, she returned it in the same way, too.For seconds and without batting her eyelids, her intense gaze was on Ryan, who finds her stare uncomfortable.“What now, mom?” He muttered, suddenly looking elsewhere just to avoid his gaze being locked on hers. No matter how much he tries, he can't win against her —staring without breaking is one of the things she's in most cases good at her.He sighed heavily in defeat. “I know you are still staring at me, mom.” He informed her in a ca

“Let's elope…" Anne suggested with a glint in her eyes. “We can go somewhere far away and start a new life together, away from all the drama and stress.”Ryan was taken aback by the idea, but couldn't help but feel a wave of excitement wash over him. This could be their chance to start fresh and truly be happy together. He looked at Anne, her eyes were filled with hope and sincerity. It was if she had planned this for a while now.Ryan felt a smile growing on his lips and without hesitation, he took her hand and was tempted to say, “Let's do it. Let's abandon this present life and go very faraway…” But instead he stopped himself and simply smiled warmly.He can't leave his mother, though she nags a lot, but she's always worried about him. Additionally, there are still many things he can't let go off —mostly the companies.Where would he start from if he elopes? A once CEO turns out to be working under a new manager or worst still, a supervisor —that sounded like a good headlines news,

Ryan stood before the door, his heart pounding, his mind racing at a million miles an hour. In his hand was a folder containing legal documents filled with proof of his secret court wedding with Anne.He knew what was inside that folder could shatter his mother's expectations and was of the heartbreaking consequence if she goes through it. It might forever alter his relationship with his mother.He clenched it tightly, trying to gain strength from its firm, undeniable proof. Today, he was going to confess his secret to his mom —he had married Anne in a court, and was now a happily married wedded man.He wasn't sure how his mother would react; their relationship had always been tumultuous and strained. She had done everything in her power to govern him from a young age, moulding him into her version of ‘the perfect son’. Since he could recall, he had always been trying his best to be the dutiful son to her.However, Ryan had reached the end of his tether —and Anne had proven to be the

The shrill, drawn out sound of the doorbell echoed all through the lobby as Sheila, the secretary of Ms. Fellers, moved quickly to permit in the various important members of the company. As the assistant to their new boss, Sheila experienced enormous trepidation at the prospect of yet another close encounter with the new female superior. Little did she know the upcoming first board meeting would elicit such an exceptional range of emotions and perception into the enigmatic mind of Ms. Fellers. The furnishings within the prestigious boardroom bore an unspoken and undeniable elegance, a clear reflection of the many successful years and the company has basked under the comforting umbrella of stead fast growth and profitability. An immaculately polished teak table occupied the center of the room, a shining beacon of order and structure amidst an atmosphere cloaked in uncertainty and trepidation. Surrounding the table were plush, Navy-blue seats, each one occupied by a fellow staff memb

Earlier that same day, it was warm as the sunlight reflects brightly as it shines, adding more beauty to the streets of States. However, it did not last too long as the climate suddenly changed. Soon enough, the supposed warm weather was changed as it rained slightly, the atmosphere suddenly turning cold. On a cold, dreary Wednesday afternoon, heavy with the weight of an impending decision, Ryan sat in the conference room of his office alongside his diligent staff members. He fidgeted continuously, struggling to focus on the words bouncing around the room as his mind was besieged by the echoes of the conversation he had had with his wife, Anne, only a few hours before. Ryan and Anne had weathered many storms over the dozen years they had been together. Through tremendous hardship and joys, they had managed to remain steadfast in their love for each other. “…And, since we now share the same path in life, I believe it only fitting that we share the same name in all aspect including yo