The morning was as usual but with a small change. She woke up on the sofa in a house that was definitely not her own.
'Wait… So this literally means that I am in Justin's apartment. But, how did I get here?'
The drawing room was enormous and had the most expensive furniture. She looked around and saw that the hall had centralized air-conditioner, the walls had majestic paintings, and the apartment looked brand new. There were unpacked suitcases on the floor which were empty and her belongings gone.
'Mom, she must have brought me back. Why did she even take the trouble? Why is she so determined to make me unhappy? How could I be so drunk that I cannot even know what happened and how I ended up being there, where ever I was?'
She looked around and saw no one. She got up and went round the house in which she was about to spend the rest of her life in or at least until she is still married. There were 5 bedrooms out of which one of them had an enormous closet which had all her clothes stacked in neatly. The room was pretty large, contained a king sized bed, a writing table and chair, a large wardrobe were a various branded shoes, purses, clutches and other accessories were stocked. The shelf next to the full sized Rifle's transparent glass Mito designer wall mirror contained all the various kinds of books she had packed with her before emptying her own apartment. She looked to her left and saw a dressing table standing there solitarily. Reflecting her makeup coated skin was Cassandra in her wedding dress. The smudged mascara in her eyes clearly indicated a lot of tears. Life had always held her back at all times. But this incident had proved wrong. It proved that it was cruel and had stabbed her back. There was an attached bathroom with all healthcare and skincare products stocked to every room and each of them was furnished in its own exotic way.
The house was good but she did not feel at home. There was an aura of coldness. Her dress felt heavy as she rapidly walked up and down the hallway trying to think what had happened the previous evening. Similar to her room was another room directly opposite to her own which was probably Justin's because its bathroom looked used and the bed looked like it had been slept in.
She then went to the kitchen where a plate had been laid for her which contained the breakfast cheese and corn sandwich. She filled a glass of water and carried the plate to the dining table of the dining hall and sat down to eat. Taking her bite she noticed that near the painting of a beautiful sunflower was a large wall clock that showed 9:30 on the dot.
Her phone beeped as a message popped up. It read, 'Hurry up lazy bones. Meeting at 11:00am. Love, Susan.'
'Will be there.' She texted back.
She quickly took three large bites of the sandwich and went to the bathroom. In an hour she had cleaned up her makeup, tied her into a bun and pulled in the jeans and a tank top. He grabbed her handbag, wore her wedges, booked her cab, locked the main door and was ready to go.
The cab arrived exactly at 10:35am and she was at her office at exactly 10:55AM. Lucky she was as it was just a 10 min drive from her house.
The moment she walked into the reception of her own software company, people stared at her. Susan holding an iPad ran to her and said, 'Cassy, there are these two things that I want to tell you.' Holding out her iPad, 'But first of all, you need to see this.'
The headlines read, 'Snowstar ownership changed overnight'
The article was on the most searched topic on the internet. There were a variety of articles about it. One of them said, 'The largest shareholding group of companies of New York city has changed hands as its ownership was handed over from former CEO and MD Cassandra Jadesmith to her now husband cum founder of Raisun group of companies Mr. Justin Peterson. 'When did this happen? Is this another way to expand business? Will the workers be able to tolerate this new change?' people are amazed at this sudden news. Answers will be presented after the press conference.'
Cassandra looked at Sarah, whose face seemed equally in horror. Sarah said, 'I didn't tell you on phone, but it is Justin who is having a press conference. He is in the green room. The press arrived an hour back and is eager to grab as much information as possible.'
'Wait. Sarah, tell me one thing. How did this happen?'
'Hey, that was my question. How dare you steal it? And I bet the press has the same question on the top of their list too. Look, Cassy, I understand that this was not something that was preplanned. But you must meet up with Justin and clear things up before you go public about this matter.'
'Ok, Wait let me think….. Get the press conference delayed. Move them to the cafeteria and delay it by half-an-hour.'
'Yes. I can do that. Use your wit babe, because your company's at stake.' Sarah said as she hurried of in the direction of the conference room.
The people around who had heard their conversation despite their trying their best to maintain least audibility were whispering. Within the reception hall which had been quite had become noisy. She looked around and saw that people were now staring at herewith a lot of power she held back her tear. 'No, this is mine. I made this prosper; I had created it with my hard work. It cannot become not-mine overnight.' She thought and sprinted toward her office in the first floor to avoid the press anywhere near the hallways. As she tried to unlock her office she noticed that it was already open. 'No, this cannot be happening. Did my keys get stolen?' She reached to locker which was open too. The main paper The Power of autonomy was gone.
'Justin might have got hold of my key, forged my sign and transformed the ownership to his name.' It was as simple as that right?
Unable to control her anger, she stormed to the room next to the conference room. The he stood the fraud tall, handsome, with a large chest and pale skinned. He was chatting with a young lady, his assistant as his company. He wore a suit and carried a file in his hand. When he saw her, his lips parted into a smile showing his pearl like teeth. His deep blue eyes moved from her head to toe analyzing her outfit.
'Baby, your outfit is not fitting for the occasion. There is not much time left to get ready for the big day.' He said with the softest and kindest tone that could melt any girl's heart. But not Cassy's. His voice burnt her skin like fire.
'What do you think you are doing Mr. Justin Peterson? How did this company become yours all of a sudden? Wait, what should I do now? Should I sue you for forgery or fraud?' she said with equal coldness in her words.
'Darling hold on a second' he said and gestured his assistant to leave.
The moment she was gone Cassandra shouted at the top of her voice at Justin, 'Justin you are dead now. Mind it, I am a girl who is not to be lightly taken for. My determination knows no bounds. Wait and see what I do to you and your company.'
She had said those words but did not know what to do. She turned to leave but to her surprise his cold palm held her hand firm.
She turned her head and saw that he had held out it mobile phone facing her.
He said, 'Take a look at this before you leave.' He glared at her making her spine chill. There was no warmth in his eyes. The glared at her was dead cold and filled with wickedness.
The screen started to play a video. There was Cassandra in her drunken state holding a beer bottle in the video. She paid a closer look and could clearly hear the words '…..Hey, Justin….. Why did you do this to me? Get lost you freak.... Wait for me…. I am going to kill you…. Hey, you I know what you want….. You want my company. Don't you? (She took out her office keys from her purse and threw it toward the person it front her holding the camera) Have it. It is all yours now. Take my company. TAKE MY COMPANY' she had repeatedly shouted this last line over 4 times.
The video ended.
She who was still in her wedding gown had yelled at him with tears in her eyes. It was not the video that had just ended but her life. She looked at him. He smiled the cruelest smile.
'Not only that. Take a look at this. I have the original, but you know you cannot have it. The picture of it makes more sense right?'
He held out a picture on his phone. The picture showed her signed letter stating the transfer of her company shares to Justin's name.
'No…. This is a fake. I know it. You are a fraud. This cannot happen.' Her voice started to crack. She could not believe anything thing. She was ruined once in for all. Tears tickled down her chubby cheeks. She turned to look at him in his eye. But he bluntly stared back with his cold gaze filled with absolute betrayal.
He then smiled and said, 'Baby you look pretty when you cry. Probably I should make you cry more often. You yourself gave away your company to me. So, you know, you cannot sue me now. I have clear evidence which can be produced in the court. And once it is released into the press you public image will be ruined. Do you have anything to say to me now?'
She could not think anymore. She looked up at him and asked, 'Why did you do this to me?'
'Sorry babe, no time for that!' he said with a face more casual and with no remorse for making a girl cry.
'Your plan to delay the meeting is a success now. But it cannot be delayed forever right?' He came very close to her face to say that she turned away with sheer disgust.
His assistant entered and said, 'Sir, It's about time.'
He moved away from her with the wickedest smile and said, 'Make her look fit for the occasion. Make her look gorgeous.' And he left the room without another glance or word.
Cassandra's legs felt weak. She collapsed into the chair nearby as the lady started to do her hair and makeup. She then changed into a knee length white dress. The dress was tight and she could barely breathe in it. She wore her shape wear to hide her extra flab around her belly. The shock had stopped her tears and her eyes felt dry. She was a strong girl and the one who would never let her weakness show but she could not focus on anything now. She could not lose to anyone especially a guy. An idea stuck and she opened her phone.
Unexpectedly, Justin appeared from nowhere and whispered into her ear, 'Thank you to some sleepy head that I met with the shareholders early this morning and gained their confidence. They have approved for me becoming the Managing Director and CEO of the company. My dear wife, times up. The company is mine. Stop pulling cheap tricks.'
He looked at his watch and said, 'Half-an-hour is over. It's show time. Make sure you act well.' He then looked at her face intensely and then took a quick glance at her ring and walked out.
She wore her shiny red peep toe heels and walked out of the green room. Outside the room she took a deep breath and tried to think about something good but found none of her memories comforting enough to compensate the loss. Forcefully she put on her proud face and entered into the conference room. The moment she stepped in a thousand flash lights set off at once with a shuttering sound of the expensive lens cameras of the press.
Standing right next to her was Justin. He had a most gentle smile as he waved to the people gathered there. He then held out his hand to her and looked deeply into her eyes. Cassandra was astounded as she could find nothing but kindness and love in his eyes. The next moment her hand automatically moved and grabbed his. They walked to the stage and sat down. The silence spread in the hall and the only sound audible was the click of the camera.
Justin said, 'Good Morning, Welcome to the press conference of the Snowstar group of Companies Ltd. Before you bombard me with questions, there are two important announcements to be made. Let me officially introduce to you my wife and the daughter-in-law of the Peterson family Mrs. Cassandra Peterson. We humbly request the blessings and wishes of the people associated with Snowstar group and Raisun group on our marriage.' There was a wide round of applause from the people in the conference room.
'Thank you to everyone', he continued. 'A big decision following the marriage had been made on Cassandra's request that I take charge and become the MD and managing director of the Snowstar group. This decision had been taken after a very deep discussion and only because she wanted to take a break from work and concentrate on her marriage. So, I hereby announce that I will be in charge for both the companies and assure to the people that I will work hard to withhold the sovereign of both the companies. I assure that the new changes that occur in both the companies due to its collaboration with be positive. In the next conference that is 3 weeks from now, I will announce the new policies that have been taken after the intense analysis of the work process and management. My wife will assist me in leading both the companies into a huge success. Thank you, Questions are welcome.
The moment he said that there was a roar of questions. Suddenly everyone fell silent when one of the questions were loud and clear, 'Sir, it has been rumored that the change in ownership and marriage is forceful. Is it true?'
'Oh, just because everything was sudden it is being rumored like that I guess. But I cannot blame them for thinking like that. We fell into love all of a sudden and I am so joyful everything happened so fast. We are a couple who are happily married so I guess this is where the rumors end.'
Justin smiled and looked at Cassy. She had been trying to smile ever since she had entered into the hall but her lips had been reluctant to any sign of happiness but his look made her lips part into a beautiful smile. Justin then said, 'I love my wife. She loves me back. We are a happy couple. Forcefulness will only be shown in hard work and achieving success and nothing else.'
The crowd applauded at once. The curiousness in the eyes seemed to disappear in many. One of them stood up and said, 'Sir, Congratulations on your wedding and your earnestness for the company. But are the other shareholders in approval to this sudden change?'
'Yes, the others have been extremely cooperative and supportive on this decision. They have accepted the change and consider it to be the occasion when new reforms occur in the company. The collaboration of both the groups is highly welcome among the employee as well.'
'But sir, there have been no prior information about it. No rumors have circulated anywhere near this matter. Even though, the collaboration can be considered a savable aspect in the growth of both the companies. Why change the ownership? May I know the exact reason for this?'
Justin laughed and said, 'Love did not inform me in advance either before it entered me. Changes are natural when in love. It is also a well known fact that the Snowstar group had been going through some struggles of late. As we all know two minds are better than one. People can expect some positivity from this change. I request all to accept the change as natural as we did and have faith in our abilities in the elevation of the company.'
'Question to madam. We all know that you have worked hard and struggled a lot to bring the company to this top position single handedly. Women in the city have taken you as their inspiration and have ventured into entrepreneurship and have caused many revolutionary achievements. Mrs. Cassandra Peterson, do you have anything to say to the women out there? What is your take on the change?'
Cassy, who, had been watching the whole interview in silence had gone blank in her brain. The answers Justin gave were as swift as arrows in the wind. He had planned everything perfectly including the way he had to chat to impress people. She looked at the audience who were waiting eagerly for her answer. She stood up and holding the microphone. Her dress was tight; it squeezed the air out of her lungs. She fell short of breath and had started sweating inside.
She said, 'A great day to one and all.' Her voice shook. Holy crap I can't let the women down. I have to inspire them and make them strong. I can't let emotions rule me. I can't let my sadness show. I can do this. This will be my powerful speech for all those who believe in me.
She cleared her mind and said, 'Ladies, remember one thing. Hard work pays. We are strong. Women, who can endure labor pain while giving birth, can endure any kind of pain. Bear in mind that your thoughts and your ideas are valuable. They can change the world and inspire many others around you. Do your best ladies. Everyone has the potential to become successful and great and women are no less when compared to a man.'
'The changes in the company are temporary. I have not abandoned it and so don't worry. I will be back to take charge. This company is the result of my uphill struggle. This company and group is my all and disconnection from it means a death sentence (sob).' Tears started to roll down her eyes. People in front her began turn into bur images. Her consciousness started to fade out. The world began to swirl as the signs of betrayal and separation from her company became more realistic in her brain.
Everything blacked out as she collapsed into her chair unconscious.