Chapter 2

Leon

The satisfying scratch of my pen across the final document was my only solace in an otherwise chaotic day. I leaned back in my chair, letting the sunlight, streaming through the high windows, cast a warm glow over my office. I handed the completed papers to my co-worker, who responded with a respectful nod and left without a word.

The brief silence was shattered when Mark, my assistant, entered with his usual brisk efficiency. "Sir, there’s someone here to see you," he said.

I sighed clearly annoyed as I finally spoke, frustration edging my voice. “Fine, send them in.”

The door swung open as I bit back a gasp, and my irritation grew as my mother, Regina Kane, walked in. Her presence was like a storm—imposing and unyielding. Her tailored suit and the calm, measured steps only heightened my tension.

“Leon,” she said, her voice smooth yet laced with authority.

I straightened in my chair, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. “Mother.”

She surveyed the room, her gaze finally settling on me. “How have you been?” she asked, deceptively casual.

“Busy, as always,” I replied, my voice strained as I tried to mask my irritation. “What brings you here?”

Regina approached, her movements deliberate. “I’ve been thinking about your future.”

Here we go again. “Is this about—”

She cut me off, her tone unyielding. “If you don’t find a suitable wife soon, I’m going to arrange a marriage for you with Seun.”

My patience snapped. “Mother, Seun is—”

Regina’s gaze remained firm. “Seun comes from a good family. This isn’t just about you; it’s about our family’s legacy.”

I stood, frustration bubbling over. “I told you, I can’t stand her. She’s spoiled and insufferable.”

Regina’s eyes were unrelenting. “Then find someone suitable. Prove you can balance both your career and your personal life.”

With that, she turned and left, her departure leaving me in the dimming golden light of my office, the weight of her expectations heavy on my shoulders. “That's why you came to see me, seriously?” She didn't say anything and just left.

After my mother’s departure, I felt a surge of determination mixed with frustration. I needed to redirect my focus. I grabbed my phone and dialed my top executives, setting up an urgent meeting to review our company’s expansion.

...----------------...

In the conference room, I laid out the latest performance metrics on the large screen, my mind shifting gears into professional mode. The team settled around the table, their faces a mix of anticipation and concern.

“Alright,” I began, my voice steady as I addressed the room, “we’ve got a new contract secured in Asia. The R&D department’s latest projects are progressing well, but we need to discuss some pressing issues.”

As the meeting progressed, I felt the weight of my frustrations lifting, replaced by a sharp focus on solving problems. I reviewed the integration process for our recent acquisition, providing clear instructions and actionable plans. Each update and discussion was a reminder of the stakes involved and the progress we were making.

By the end of the meeting, my mood had shifted. The intensity of our discussions and the strategic planning refocused my mind away from personal frustrations. I felt a renewed sense of purpose as the team began to filter out, their faces more resolved.

...----------------...

With the executive meeting concluded, Mark reappeared, updating me on my schedule. “Sir, there’s a client call in fifteen minutes. And your next meeting with the board is right after.”

“Alright,” I replied, my voice regaining its edge of determination. “Make sure the board has the latest reports. I want the client call prepped and ready.”

The client call was a whirlwind of negotiations and updates, demanding every ounce of my attention. As I spoke with the client, I navigated through their concerns and requirements with practiced ease, making strategic decisions on the fly. The call ended on a positive note, leaving me satisfied with the outcome.

I leaned back against the wall of my office, looking out the window. The vibrant lights of the city cast a shimmering reflection on my glasses. My gaze fixates on the calendar on my desk. I sigh. The day after tomorrow my mom's birthday. I love my mother, but I don't *like* her. Her presence itself feels like fucking prison. Her well-meaning intentions often masked in a veil of control and manipulation.

The thought of facing her sends a shiver down my spine, a pang of dread that I can’t ignore. Yet, the idea of skipping her birthday party feels like a betrayal, a choice that twists my insides with guilt.

The persistent buzz of my phone cut through the stillness of my office. I glanced at the screen and saw Jake’s name flashing. I let out a weary sigh and answered the call.

“Ethan,” I said, my voice dripping with annoyance.

“Hey,” Ethan voice was annoyingly upbeat. “I was just thinking about you.”

“Perfect timing,” I snapped, barely containing my frustration. “I’m drowning in work. What’s up?”

Ethan chuckled on the other end. “Oh, nothing much. Just figured I’d check in. You sounded like you were about to implode in your last email. What’s got you all riled up?”

I rolled my eyes and leaned back in my chair. “Just the usual. Work’s a mess, my mother’s birthday is coming up.”

“Ah, the birthday dilemma,” Jake teased. “I heard she’s throwing one of her ‘unforgettable’ parties again. Can’t wait to see how you’re going to weasel your way out of this one.”

My irritation flared. “Stop with your sarcastic bullshit, I’ve got enough on my plate without your commentary.”

He laughed, completely unfazed. “Well, if you need any help dodging it, just let me know,” He replied.

I clenched my jaw, trying to keep my temper in check. “Yeah, I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks for your ‘advice.’”

“No problem,” Ethan said, still laughing. “Just remember, no matter how bad it gets, at least you’re not stuck planning your own surprise party.”

I grumbled, “You’re a real piece of shit, you know that?”

Ethan's laughter continued as he replied, “I’ll take that as a compliment. Hang in there, Leon.” As I ended the call, I tossed my phone onto the desk with a huff. I'm fed up dealing with my mom's crap and that smartass.

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