NuYing is in the bathroom looking at her pregnancy results earlier in the morning. NuYing stares at the result she received yesterday. NuYing knew that it was part of her agreement with Stephen to have a child, but she did not think it would be soon. A week ago, she went for a physical exam and birth control. Before receiving a prescription, the physician required NuYing to have a pregnancy test.
When the results came back positive, NuYing cried with the fear of motherhood. She wondered what would come of her and Stephen's plans to start a StarClass branch in China. NuYing was lost before being brought back to reality when Stephen walked into the bathroom. NuYing quickly scrambled to hide the pregnancy results.
"Hey love, how are you," Stephen replied as he started to get ready to start their day.
"I am good," NuYing replied as she started drying her eyes. Stephen takes notice of NuYing's somber emotions.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I am fine?"
"Yeah, I just miss my parents."
"You almost haven't seen them for eight months. Maybe we should go visit them."
"Yeah," NuYing replied with a faint voice.
"I tell you what, let's go to a resort for the weekend. We can due to having a proper honeymoon. We really have had a honeymoon since we got married."
NuYing takes a deep breath.
"Stephen, do you see us more than just business partners?"
"Yeah, I mean, I am starting to."
"Starting to?"
"Yeah! I mean, we have been married for almost a year. We have spent a lot of time together since then. Do you feel the same?"
"Stephen, I have to tell you something?"
"I am listening…."
Suddenly Stephen's phone rings. Stephen ends the call to give NuYing his attention. However, it rings again.
"Hold on, let me take this, and you have my full attention."
Stephen goes into the next room but returns briefly.
"I am sorry, I have to go. The board just called an emergency board meeting. Anyway, tell me what is on your mind."
"It can wait, honey. I tell you what, we can discuss it over dinner."
"That's fine. Where do you want to go?"
"Let's stay in. I'll cook something special. How do bao buns, steamed vegetables, and rice sound okay?"
"Never had Bao Buns!"
"You'll love them. Bao Buns are like pork buns, but they are stuffed with lamb or chicken."
"Sounds good, can't wait! I'll be home around 7pm.
*****
An hour later, Stephen arrives inside the board room. All the board members are gathered with a surprise guest, Cherine Mohammad.
"Mom, what are you doing here? What is the meaning of this?"
"Son, take a seat,' Cherine demanded.
'"Not until you tell me what is going on here?"
"Son, take a seat," Stephen takes a seat in his CEO chair.
"Now, can we discuss business?"
"Son, it is best that you hear it from me. Within the past months, you have made questionable decisions that have put the company's interest at risk."
"What do you mean?"
"You and this ridiculous idea of marrying a Chinese woman, just to open a branch in a country with hostile business relations with the U.S," the Vice President states.
"The board and I have decided that we think you should step down from the CEO position."
'What, you can't do this!"
"I hold 30 shares in the company, and the board holds 30, and you hold 40%. With the board and I combined shares, we can and have voted you out.
"Now that you will be stepping down, we can focus on establishing a few branches elsewhere."
"Like where?"
"Son, I told you we should build South African and Nigerian factories."
"Even so, it would take months of negotiations with the government."
"Negotiations have been made while frolicking around with your communist wife. Now that you and your ridiculous plan are out of the way, we can proceed in the company's best interest," Vice President states.
"You can't do this! I'll sue. I built this company from the ground up with my car and engine designs and other tech designs for this company."
"Son, we are generous. We are going to give you a 150 million dollar buy-out package. I suggest you take it."
The Vice President slides Stephen a folder.
"There is all the documentation that needs to be signed."
"And if I don't," Stephen asked snidely.
"We'll rescind our offer."
"Son, sign the documents."
"Mom, of all people, I would never have thought you would betray me. You are doing this because I refuse to marry Angelique."
"Son, this is not personal. I have assets invested in this company that I am unwilling to gamble away at you crazy ass ideas involving a chink!"
"Fine, you want me out of this company, mom. You got it. You are also out of my life."
Stephen grabs the papers and grudgingly signs them.
"Wise choice Stephen," the Vice President stated as he handed him a check with the promised amount.
Stephen grabs the check and storms out of the office.
*****
NuYing waits at an empty table for her husband to come home late at night. Dinner has been ready for an hour; however, it has gotten cold. NuYing started to worry since it was 11 pm, and she had not heard from him. NuYing was about to put the food away when she heard Stephen's car drive into the front easement. NuYing went to the vestibule to greet her husband. When Stephen walked through the door, NuYing could tell that there was something wrong.
"Where have you been? Dinner has been waiting for you."
"Sorry, I had a rough day at the office. I took a drive to Toledo, Ohio, to think."
"What is the matter?"
"We need to talk."
"Come sit," NuYing replied as she took Stephen and led him to the kitchen table.
"NuYing, what happened?"
"I am no longer the CEO of my company. I was forced out."
"Why!"
"They are not opening a branch in China."
"What! What about our plans."
"There is no more plan. Look, I am willing to pay you for trouble. You can go back to China."
Stephen replied as he got up from the table.
"I am pregnant," NuYing replied. Stephen looked at NuYing with utter shock.
"What… How!"
"We both know how. We should have been careful."
"What are you going to do? What about my family? How will they live?"
"NuYing, I can't continue to support your family. I am sorry."
Stephen paced for a minute.
"Stephen, I don't want a divorce. Not because I am pregnant."
"But I have nothing to offer you. I have a business anymore."
"So! Forget about that! Let's start over. We can build our own company and raise a family together."
"You want to stay married, even though I have no company or a position to offer you."
"What about your family? They will need you!"
"I have family members that are capable of working. They can get a job. All I want is you. Do you want me?"
"Of course, but…."
"It is settled. We'll build our own life together."
Stephen sighs, then smiles.
"I can do that. I mean, I have been working on a new engine theory dealing with dark matter technology."
"Enough business talk. Come sit. I'll warm up food for you. We'll eat and have a quiet evening together. Then tomorrow, our marriage will truly begin.
The end.