🌟Chapter one 🌟

( Calls )

( Willow hotel )

John stood silently just lost in thoughts his eyes narrow at his girlfriend ( Tina ) who lay still asleep

His phone rang but still he ignore it had been the seventh time this morning which got him annoy

" Morning !! "

Tina greeted while sitting upright her lips form into a booming smile the moment her eyes landed on John

" Morning "

He replied simply watching her closely as she climbed off the bed , her braids fall softly on her shoulder highlighting the blue nightgown she was wearing

" What's the problem ?You seem lost "

She asked concerned while taking a step closer to John who simply nodded

" Dad wants me back home "

He said his voice clouded with emotions

" Really that good news "

Tiha cheer but soon paused while noticing his sour mood

" What's wrong ? "

She still asked the already confused man who simply shook his head

" Nothing ! It's already morning let's freshing up and head out "

He said while approaching the bathroom leaving Tina who smug her shoulder while grabbing her Samsung while humming

" 45 missed calls "

She was a bit startled before dialing the number

" Rita what's the problem , why so many missed calls ? "

She asked a bit worry it didn't long before a twisted expression was seen on her baby like face

" Don't worry I be there "

With that she hang up picking up her cloth while wearing within a minute or so

she was already dressed back from last night wear her hair to tighten into a ponytail as she walked out without even informing John

Her steps were fast and urgent as she slide into the elevator ignoring the already passerbys inside while applying her lipgloss

" Ring ! Ring ! "

He phone rang again but still time she didn't even check to know who it was

" John something important came up I don't think I will be able to go with you to visit Madison"

She explained truthfully before hanging once again

( Back to the hotel room )

John who was fully dressed frowned from her tone

Tina has always been a sweet talker never raising her voice in any situation and would always inform him when ever there was a sudden change of plans

To him both had a manual understanding with each other for Three years now but this time she sounded so impatient while talking to him

It was strange and something deep down knew something was wrong

Before he could redail again he suddenly heard a knock

" Room service "

He thought while taking few steps closer to the already half open door surprised to find a girl standing right outside

Her face was covered fully with a black mask and a cap on her head

" Who ? "

He wanted to asked only to be pushed aside while rushing in slamming the door shut

" Excuse me "

He called watching her breathing harden

" Sorry but can I stay here for an hour or two "

She pleaded her voice blocked by the mask which came out dry

" Why ? "

He asked not intending to help after all he wasn't a fool to just help every stranger he see

" Because !! "

She paused not wanting to say she silently unlock the door while rushing out leaving John speechless just standing

" What's wrong with her ? "

He asked himself while gazing at both ends of the hallway the lady gone

" Weird !! "

He mummer under his breath while slamming the door shut with irritation while checking the wall clock

" It's already 10:00 time to leave "

He reminded himself no longer waiting for the room service as he grabbed his car keys alongside with his bag heading out after adjusting his collar and shoetie

His step slow and steady eye's focused completely on his phone while waiting for the elevator

" John it's that you ? "

He heard a familiar voice which got his attention

" Stella!! "

He greeted a bit suprised since it been seven years they both seen each other

Weirdly enough both had dated by then for just six months before the relationship came to an end due to their various reasons and issues

However the main reason he had broke up was due to their different personalities and habit

" What a suprise "

He said with a polite smile noticing the boy besides her

" Maybe her boyfriend "

He thought judging how imitate they were

" Why are you here ? "

She asked curious

" Work ! "

He replied casually

" And you? "

He said softly with a knowing smile which made her Smile a bit shy

" Just got engaged "

She suddenly announced showing her simple engagement ring which came like a suprise but still he smile happily

" Well congratulations and him must be the lucky guy "

He said with a smile only for Stella to hit her head softly

" Look at me I even forgot to introduce you both "

Both men smile already used to such character

" John meet David my finance "

She introduced watching both shook hands

" Nice to finally meet you "

David said which made him raised an eyebrow maybe noticing his expression he smiles

" Stella used to mention you sometime back when we started dating "

" Oh ! Never expect that what did she use to say ? "

He asked curious

" Nothing much about how busy you are and how much you avoided her "

He said with a smug only to receive a hitting from Stella

" I never say that "

She defend herself

John withdraw his hands while smiling this was the main reason he had broke up with her back then and most he didn't regret

" It doesn't matter anymore I wish you both happiness "

He sincerely from his heart the beep sound soon caught his attention

Walking into the open elevator he had expected them both to walk in as well only to find her waving watching the door slide close he could only pressed the first button on the side

Feeling the weight moved under his feet as it move down towards his destination

His phone rang as he checked the caller with a frowned the word father written bodly on the screen

" What does this old man actually want ? "

He whispered not really buying the sudden urge of paternity love from his father something felt off in all possible direction

" Beep "

The mental door slide open letting him out as he walked passed other passerby heading straight towards the entrance and finally to the parking lot

His car wasn't grand in style but modest to his fitting

His drive was silent just himself with tons of missed calls from his assistant

" Speak ! "

He said the moment the call was contacted to his earphones

" Hmm speak to the artist why are you calling me ? "

He asked annoyed it was not a suprise to him anymore his assistant ( Joseph) was a bit stupid and clumsy

unfortunately he had hired his best friend into his small business due to pity after he lost his job

Knowing how hard it was for Joseph who was preparing for his wedding and was too ashamed to inform his in-laws and parents

He had hired him as his assistant with a high paying salary due he was hard working he was also slow in some area's

" What else is the matter ? "

He asked feeling his stomach protest in huger which made him turn the steering wheel towards a small local restaurant a mere distance away

" My mother "

He paused while nodding

" She wants to see me ? "

He sighed softly wondering why the sudden his family suddenly wish to meet him

" I be there within an hour or two before bi get there do get me something to eat as well "

With that he hang up driving pass the restaurant while focusing once more on the road

< Mike mansion \>

11:30

( Dinning hall )

The sound of folks hitting the plate attracted both parents attention as they focused on their third daughter mira who was no more than ( 15 ) and was spoiled by both her siblings and her parents

" What's wrong sweetie ? "

Her father ask

( Mr mike ) the founder of UB company and shareholder of the parker hospital

however due to some certain health issues he had taken an early retirement from the company leaving everything to his elder son ( Barnabas ) who now the acting CEO

" Why must I go I don't want to get under the knife what if something goes wrong and I die what then ? "

She exclaimed a bit fearful in thought of going into surgery

This was her very first transplant heart surgery which was understanding for her fearful attitude

However one couldn't deny they were also a bit worry about the surgery itself but sadly there was nothing they could do

" We talked about this "

Mike replied simply focusing once more on his plate of rice leaving mira who pound in defeat she could only grumpily eat her food in anger

" Mira you know how important this surgery is to you right ? After this surgery you'll be able to go to school like other kids and not be trapped within these walls anymore

besides your father had go through so much to get that heart for you instead of acting spoiled you should be thanking him instead "

Bella lecture her daughter who but her lips her spider like eyes narrow at her mom's words not uttering another word of complain

" Barnabas how's the company ? "

Mike asked his elder son who was dressed formerly his brown eyes fail on the old man who sat with a serious expression

" Everything is going as intended to be we just recently get a contract from some foreign company who seem to be interested in buying some of the new parts "

He informed his father who nodded in approval now focusing on his second son ( Abraham ) who was already standing wanting to leave

" You didn't even finish your food "

Bella point out with a worry tone.

" There's a eye surgery that's needs my attention I won't be back today I'll be heading straight to airport after "

He informed his father before hurrying out leaving the rest to dine silently

" Brother can I tag along with you I promise not to be bothersome "

Mira pleaded pitifully she was already tired just sitting around doing nothing

" But !! "

Barnabas not wanting to refuse but still worried about worries about her condition glanced at their father who wave his hands

" Alright but you have to be close to me do you understand ? "

He reminded mira who nodded like a chicken excitedly

" Let me quickly go and change "

She stood about to leave

" What's wrong with your clothes ? "

Barnabas asked a bit confused mira was clearly wearing a flowering dress pair with a white skirt which highlight her fair skin tone Her hair was tight in a bum

Over all she looks like someone who was about to step out for shopping

" Brother I can't go out looking like a bigger it's embarrassing "

Barnabas eyes narrow at her words if beggers were dressed like her with foreign expensive brands

Then he doubt if any beggers were willing to beg again in their lifetime

" Then go ahead "

He only gesture for her to go back to her room which she did

" Barnabas !! "

The moment he heard his father voice he already understand what next was going to spill from the old man mouth

" What do you think about miss Sonia ? "

He asked wanting details about the blind date

" It went very well she's agree to the marriage proposal "

He shared the good news which startled his mom

" But isn't it a bit quick you both just met and haven't even get to know each other "

She said with a hint of disapproval

Barnabas could understand his mom worries after all marriage was a lifetime commitment

But he wasn't that stupid he was just bound by duties as the first son his marriage has been planned since he started walking

That was why he had always stay away from any female companion that way it will be easy to accept who ever his father wanted him to. Marry

And besides Sonia seems to have a calm personality, She was a fashion designer of her brand and easy to talk to

Her father and his were also friends which was far enough

as for her dating life she had only dated an actor once and had been single for four years now though he was curious

why they had broken up he never crossed the line to ask

" What's the need knowing each other after marriage they are tons of chance after marriage "

Mike who was now smiling reply to his wife who roll her eyes but didn't say a word to reflect

" After this month we go to her father house to properly ask of her hands "

Mike said which was enough to understand his marriage was already seal as any signed contract

" Okay "

He smiled bitterly within only to spot his sister was dressed cutely with a bunny hat matched with a white gown and heels

" Brother you getting married ? "

She asked excitedly to receive a nod

" Congratulation brother "

She hop while chapping

" Alright let's go "

Barnabas stood walking forward leaving mira who hurry to follow him behind waving her mom as both strolled out leaving the old couple

Bella eyes narrow at her husband who simply ignore her moody personality after 30 years of marriage he knew what was going to come out of her mouth

" Isn't it a bit rushed? ".

She asked concerned about her son after he was in his twenties a age in her thinking that could still make bad choices

"Of course not Sonia is an angel a beauty among her peers and besides I watch her grow up my self she's perfect for Barnabas "

Mike sighed though Barnabas was a hardworking, honest and talented young man

He had never need to worry about this child of his but with all his perfection he was always awkward being around women

Barnabas was always surrounded by guys which earn him strange looks some rumors even started that he was gay

How can he th father tolerate such foul words but yet a seed of doubt still grow somewhere within that's why he planned this blind date

Surprised at such sudden development he was glad about the outcome and simply wanted to slap those who were spreading rumors

Mike still ignoring his wife quickly call his fake friends announcing the good news like he had won an award

His wife roll her eyes at such childish behavior but still felt glad her husband gloomy mood had brighten

< Better choice \>

Better choice was an established company which was build by John four years ago

Though it was not the most outstanding among the ten top best companies around

It had managed to make a standing among it's peers due it had been four years it was still know as a new company for it's standard .

Better choice wasn't like any other companies it was a place specially for writers , publishers and editors

Over the 159 books which had been market 18 writers had make a name for themselves boosting the company name greatly

And over those 18 books ( 3 ) had been directed and acted by famous celebrities which brought the the fame the company was know of

" You're late "

Joseph sood hands crossed a man who was neither stupid nor smart but yet hardworking and was easily to be mistaken at most times as a gangster due to his heavy build and muscles but deep down within those intimidating aura he was nothing but a loyal friend "

" Hmm "

John nodded ignoring Joseph as he walked through the glass door waving at the guard while focusing on Joseph

" Don't forget you have a meeting with the reporter Mrs Madison today at 2:34 "

Joseph reminded John as both approach the inner stairs leading upright to the seventh floor

" I know "

He replied simply his eyes narrow at the workers who were busy moving around with files

" Your mom left few minutes before your arrival "

Joseph reported studying John indifferent attitude made him sighed without realizing it

John could only shook his head in annoyance each time Joseph gaze at him in pity he could only grind his teeth and let the idiot think what ever he deemed fit

" Mr Moses the director of kB company had reached out for a contract deal with one of our writers "

Joseph continue as both further their pace while climbing

" KB company never heard about it "

John frowned at the name

" Oh it's a new entertainment company one of their upraising actress is interested in one of our writers work they wish to co -operate but they wish to meet you first "

Joseph earnestly replied which got him paused for mere seconds

" I want you to dig into the background of this company it's better we know everything before signing an deal with them "

He said softly watching Joseph who nod with a bold smile

" Apart from that Mrs precious had a minor accident last night due to druck driving though no body was hurt but some properties has been greatly damaged "

Joseph finally reported his expression twisted while reporting he knew how bad such news was going to affect the company image

" Sent someone to handle the situation as for the properties withdraw from the company account to pay for the damages

Apart from that Mrs precious had a minor accident last night due to druck driving though no body was hurt but some properties has been greatly damaged "

Joseph finally reported his expression twisted in anger

while reporting he knew how bad such news was going to affect the company image

" Sent someone to handle the situation as for the properties withdraw from the company account to pay for the damages

As for precious herself she was arrested but don't worry I already sent someone to bail her out "

He quickly added

" Good "

He nodded both climbed upward finally to the seventh floor leaving Joseph breathing heavily from the exhaustion

" Why don't you feel tired ?"

Joseph asked John who smug his shoulder as he further his step forward towards a dark brown door while he unlocked his knob