His mum.
With all his wealth, power, and intimidating aura, Jude's main weakness is his mother.Madelyn Sebastian.
Madelyn Sebastian is in her late forties yet looks so young, like a woman in her prime. Madelyn is a divorcee; she is the daughter of a wealthy politician. Her husband divorced her years ago because he couldn't deal with her self-centeredness, selfish attitude, and hostility.
Madelyn is also controlling; she always wants to be in charge and wants things to go her way, or there will be war. Madelyn makes sure she controls everything going on in her son's life.
She is overly focused on herself and her own needs, desires, and ambitions, often at the expense of others.
She tends to prioritize herself even in situations where the needs or wishes of others are more important.
Madelyn loves constant attention, praise, and validation for her accomplishments or appearance without considering the impact of her actions on others.Her behavior tends to be manipulative, as she uses people for her own gain without showing genuine concern or appreciation for them in return.
Jude is frustrated by his mom's behavior; he has tried freeing himself from her grip, but Madelyn always seems to hold something on him whenever he tries to.
The Sebastians lived an extravagant life; they are far from humble and don't hesitate to show it.
In the Sebastian mansion, Madelyn is seen on the balcony, discussing with her confidantes.
Throughout the discussion, Mira, one of her friends, noticed Madelyn smiling unusually.
"Is everything okay? You have been beaming, Mira asked.
"Ooh, I'm so happy; I finally found a way to get rid of Maya," Madelyn answered, laughing.
"Really? Are you firing her?" Mira asked.
"No, I have something more than that; if I fire her, my son will always bring her back."
"Who is Maya?" Evelyn, another friend, asked.
"Maya is Jude's new secretary."
"Why do we need to get rid of her?" Evelyn questioned.
"Evie, that girl is a pain in my ass. She just came from nowhere to turn my son's heart against me.
Henry doesn't listen to me anymore. The most annoying part is that rude woman sleeping with my son. I don't know how she seduces him, but I want her out." Madelyn sipped from her juice before continuing.
"I need to act fast before my son turns that witch into his wife; who knows, maybe she will conceive him to kick me out."
"She won't dare! That thing? She is just a gold digger from the trenches," Mira said.
"Madelyn, what's the plan?" Evelyn asked.
Madelyn smiled. "You are curious, right? "Haha, I already arranged a contract marriage between my son and another woman.
"You did what? Will your son like the idea?"
"He has no choice, dear; besides, he is over 30; he should settle down. I want a woman who will distract him from Maya; when he gets married, he will be committed to his wife."
"Are you sure it's going to work?" Mira asked.
"Why not?"
"What about the bride? Who is she?"
"Mmm, she is just someone; her dad's business was crashing, and they need capital and investors to be stable, so it's like a 50-50 thing; I invest in their company while I get their daughter in return."
"Jeez, it's like selling their daughter out," Evelyn said, shaking her head.
"Haha, who cares? As much as I get what I want, I've studied the girl; she is gentle, kind hearted, and naive."
"That's great. She won't be giving you any problems," Evelyn stated.
"Yeah, she won't; she is more like a fool, so easy to take advantage of, my type of daughter-in-law." Madelyn laughed.
"You are so cunning." Mira said, joining her in laughter.
Evelyn wasn't too pleased with everything, especially with Madelyn using the innocent girl for her selfish gain.
Madelyn gabbed with her friends for about an hour before they left for their various houses.
Not quite long ago, Jude came home.
Madelyn embraced her son. "Welcome," she said, hugging him.
"Thanks, Mum,Jude said, pecking his mom's cheeks.
Madelyn smiled, but that smile turned into a frown when Maya came down from Jude's vehicle.
Madelyn looks at Maya with disgust.
"Good evening, ma," Maya said, bowing her head.
Madelyn hissed.
"Mum? What's that for?" Jude asked.
"Why is she here?" Madelyn asks her son.
"I already told you she'd be staying with us now."
"And why that? Doesn't she have a home? She is your secretary!"
"Her landlord chased her out because she couldn't pay her rent."
"Huh, and you believed that?" Madelyn said it with sarcasm.
"Yes, why not?" Jude went in; he was tired of his mom's behavior towards Maya.
Madelyn followed her son. "A billionaire secretary couldn't afford to pay rent? What's she using her salary for then?"
"She sends it home; Maya is the breadwinner of her family, so she has little to say to herself."
"You know so much about her, mmm. I won't be surprised if you know her family."
"Well, I do. Any problems with that?"
"Should I take the briefcase to your study room, sir?" Maya asked Jude.
"No, take it to my room," Jude answered, fixing himself a coffee.
"Your room? Don't you dare go in there," Madelyn said, threatening her with a look.
"Mum, what's that?"
"I don't want her going there; give the briefcase to the maids."
"Mum, she is my secretary. I tell her what to do. Maya takes the briefcase to my room."
"Okay, sir," Maya bowed and left, giving Madelyn a contemptuous look.
"Son, I want to discuss some with you."
"what's that?"
"You remember the company I told you about, Loga's Food.?"
"Yes, what about it?"
"I signed a contract with them."
"I'm aware of that."
"Listen, they are giving their daughter out as stated in the contract."
"Do we need more maids?" Henry asked.
"Not a maid, my dear son, a wife," Madelyn said, smiling
"Wife? For who?"
"Who else? Do I need a wife? She is for you, my son."
"Mum If you are joking, stop."
"Joke? I already signed the paper with her parents".
"Mum, I don't need a wife." Jude said it firmly.
"I'm your mom, and I know what is good for you; you are not getting younger. I need to see my grandchildren before I leave."
"When it's time, I will find myself a wife."
"Now is the time."
"Is it because of Maya?" Jude asked.
"I never mentioned Maya's name; is it a crime to see my grandchildren? You are rich and famous, and you have all except a wife."
"I don't need a wife, not one chosen by you."
"That's outrageous! I'm your mother!"
"Mum, either you cancel the deal or you marry her for yourself."
"Cancel a deal made with our lawyers and our signature?"
"Then you wife her for your driver."
"You are getting married to Liya, and that's it, "Madelyn yelled, banging her hand on the table.
"Who is Liya?"
"Your wife"
"Oh, mom, please give me a break."
"You are. You should meet her tomorrow."
"I'm busy"
"Tomorrow is Sunday!"
"Mum, please, I'm not a kid; you don't have to force your will on me."
"I'm your backbone; I made you who you are today. I cover your shits; don't you dare say you are an adult; you should have thought about that before raping and killing Oliver!" Madelyn yelled.
Those words hit straight into Jude's heart."You don't have to say that?" Jude said, frowning.
"You couldn't control your prick, and you went on to rape a minor, and you even murdered her. I had to bribe the police and frame someone else to take the blame. Someone else went to jail for your recklessness."
"Mum, please!" Jude clenches his fist.
"Please what? Huh, tell me? You better follow me to your bride's place tomorrow and wife her up."
"But..."
"Shh, or you go to prison for your crime." Jude couldn't say anything anymore; he looked downcast.
Madelyn smiled and left.
She was glad she got her son to use his weak point. Jude was devastated; his mom knows a lot of his secrets, and she uses them to hold him down. He went to his room, and he saw Maya in her underwear lying on his bed.
Maya stood up seductively to Jude; she kissed him, which Jude didn't reciprocate.
"What's wrong?" Maya asked, worried.
"Nothing," Jude said, barely audible.
Maya kissed him again, placing his hands on her boobs.
Jude's mind was far away; he kept on thinking about what his mom said. He looks at Maya, his love.
He loved her; he cherished her; she is the queen of his heart. He promised to wed her.
He wants her to be the mother of his kids, but his mom despises her. How will he explain to her that he is about to get married to another woman? How will he bring himself to sleep with another woman apart from Maya? How will Maya take it? She is his secretary, but they love each other.
Will she leave him? Jude wouldn't bear that. He doesn't want to lose her, but his mom does!
He doesn't want to be tied down by marriage or raising kids, not now.
He wasn't ready. Now he will be forced to be committed to another woman.
Maya noticed Jude wasn't with her; she tried to gain his attention, but Jude tossed her to the bed.
"Jude?" Maya asked, shocked.
"I need space; I want to be alone," Jude said.
Maya went up to Jude, hugged him, and allowed him to feel her warmth.
"Is everything okay? You can tell me. Is it your mum?" Maya asked, looking into Jude's eyes.
Jude was irritated with Maya's attitude; he wants to be alone, and here she is being clingy.
"Get out?" He yelled, pushing her away.
Maya was surprised. "Baby?"
"It's sir, not baby. I'm your boss!"
"Now get dressed and take your filthy self out of my room; I want to be left alone!" he roared.
Maya couldn't believe her ears; nevertheless, she wore her clothes and left.
Madelyn, who was eavesdropping, laughed devilishly.
Maya came out to see Madelyn at the entrance, smiling.
Madelyn spat at Maya and left, hissing.
Maya knew Madelyn was behind Jude's recent behavior.
"Does he have another girl? Or did his mom poison his mind towards me?
I will just give him space and come back later; everything must go according to my plans." Maya smiled and left to fix dinner for herself.