SEBASTIAN
I stood before my father. Although trying to look indifferent, inside me was a tempest of conflicting emotions. I fought to keep my emotions hidden behind a calm facade.
"Sebastian," Jordan said, his voice firm and authoritative. "As you know, our family's legacy is at stake. Without a male heir, the future of the company is uncertain."
My gaze remained steady, though inwardly a tempest stirred. The weight of my father's expectations bore down upon me, an unyielding burden, I had long sought to evade. Every fiber of my being rebelled against the notion of conforming to his archaic demands yet the specter of familial duty loomed over me like a relentless shadow.
"Father, I have no intention of entangling myself in the trappings of a conventional marriage, the pursuit of an heir is not a path I am willing to tread."
Jordan's steely gaze bore into me, unwavering in its intensity. "Then prepare yourself to forfeit your claim to the family fortune and the company," he pronounced with a finality that brooked no argument.
"Father, I've given my all to this company," I protested. "You can't take that away from me. I've earned the right to be part of its future."
"As the owner of the company, I have the authority to make decisions as I see fit," Jordan yelled out.
"My face reddened with anger" I stormed out of the room.
I sat in my sleek black Mercedes Benz, its glossy finish reflecting the afternoon sun. The latest model, with its smooth lines and powerful engine, was a testament to my success and status. I sat in the leather-trimmed interior.
"Why won't he leave me alone?" I muttered in anger, hitting the headrest of my car seat.
As my father's ultimatum weighed on me, I felt alone. A storm of emotions raged within me, bringing up memories of betrayal and heartbreak. I still felt the sting of past wounds, and I was wary of trusting anyone else with my heart.
With rebellion running through my veins, I sought shelter in the familiar comfort of my favorite bar. There, I could lose myself in a haze of alcohol and forget about the world. But could I really escape my troubles so easily?
"Meet me at the bar at 6 pm," I said, urgency in my voice. "There's something I need to discuss with you, Derrick it's really important." I hung up the phone.
"Get me out of here," I said my voice sharp with anger.
"Yes. sir," my driver said, turning the key in the ignition. The engine roared to life, and he sped off, his mind racing with thoughts of what was to come. On the other hand.
CHARLOTTE
I tidied my cozy little home, 3-year-old Julius by my side. Suddenly, there was a loud banging at the door. I opened it to find a man in a crisp blue suit and red tie.
'Hello,' he said. '"Are you Miss Charlotte?'"
"Yes I am," I said, with a weary smile.
"My name is Agent Stone," showing me his ID. "May I come in?"
"Sure, please come in," I said, as I stepped aside.
"Miss Charlotte, I'm sorry to inform you that your rent is overdue, and your electricity bill is also past due."
(looking worried) "But I thought I had more time to pay. I've been struggling with my finances lately."
"I understand, but the landlord has been lenient with the rent in the past, and he can't make any exceptions this time. As for the electricity, it's will soon be cut off."
"I'm at my wit's end," my voice tinged with exhaustion. "I don't know what to do next. I can't afford to pay for everything at once. I'm stretched to my limit."
"I'm sorry, Miss Charlotte, but you have just two weeks to pay the overdue rent, or you'll have to vacate the property."
"Please, I need more time," my voice breaking with emotion. "I have five children who need me, and I have nowhere else to go. I don't even have a job currently."
"I wish I could, but the landlord has been clear about the deadline. There's nothing I can do."
"Please, I just need a little more time to figure this out. I promise I'll find a way to come up with the money."
"I'll relay your concerns to the landlord," Agent Stone said, rising to his feet. "But I urge you to take action as soon as possible. I wish you the best of luck."
When Agent Stone had gone, I collapsed on the threadbare couch in my dimly lit living room. The weight of my troubles felt like a crushing burden and I could barely breathe. As I sat there in silence, a crushing sense of despair swept over me. The thought of having nowhere to go with my children filled me with terror.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I tried to hold back the overwhelming emotions that threatened to consume me. I felt a deep sense of failure as if I had let her children down.
"Mummy, why are you crying? Julius asked, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Is he going to throw us out of our home?"
"No, Mummy won't let that happen okay." I smug a smile on my face as I sniffed a bit of catarrh that tried to escape my nose. I wiped my nose with my hand and repeated my words, "I won't let him do that, okay?" I placed his head on my chest, hoping he wouldn't see the tears that were welling up in my eyes. I fought to keep my tears silent as I thought.
"What am I going to do now? I don't have a job, no parents, no husband. What am I going to do?"
I picked up my phone and dialed my friend's number, seeking solace in the company of someone I trusted.
As I waited for the call to connect, I moved to a secluded place. My heart raced with a mixture of anxiety and hope. When my friend answered, I poured out my worries and fears, my voice shaky with emotion.
"Hello, it's Charlotte," I don't know what to do or who else to call or ask for help. Agent Stone just left and I'm facing eviction and the loss of my utilities. I feel so lost and alone, and I don't know how I'll be able to provide for my children."
"I understand how overwhelming this must feel, but please calm down. You're a wonderful mother who's doing everything you can for your children." Mia said. "I'm here for you, and we'll find a way to get through this together. Just know that you're not alone in this."
"Thank you so much." I felt some ease. "It means so much to have someone to talk to. It's so scary to feel like I might lose everything. I feel like a failure."
"It makes sense that you're feeling scared. No one would blame you for that. It would be unusual if you weren't feeling that way. Just know that you're not a failure."
"Let's meet at Brazen Bull Bar tonight and discuss everything over a drink. We can brainstorm ideas and find a way forward. I know this is hard, but we'll find a solution together." Mia suggested.
"That sounds perfect. I'll see you there." I said, warmly.