A tiny rap on the door caused Patrick to jerk his head up, frowning. A slim woman in a green shirt that fit snugly and a short skirt entered the well-lit office. She stepped closer to her employer, her heels clattering on the marble floor.
"What is it?" Her employer, Patrick, yelled at her.
She apologized for upsetting him by flashing a smile. She was not offended by his impolite speech.
"Sorry for disturbing you, but your mother has called five times now." She addressed him.
He glanced at his desktop's clock and appeared astonished. He let out a frustrated groan. He was unaware that he had been working so long.
"I'll give her a callback. I'm grateful. Picking up his phone, he said. She nodded and turned to walk away. "Susan." He followed up with a call.
"Yes," She responded, glancing back at him.
"I apologize for occupying your time for so long. You are now free to go home. You can resume tomorrow at 9 a.m."
"It's fine, sir." She spoke candidly. She was accustomed to his disregard for time. He was so engrossed in his work that he constantly forgot the time.
Even though she stayed later than her typical closing hour, he more than made up for it. Her income were always worth it.
"Alright." He nodded and powered up the phone he was holding. He frequently hung up after using his secret number. Even though he didn't have many calls on his line, he enjoyed having no distractions.
Call his secretary or business line if you need to speak with him or his client.
When he called his mother, she picked up on the first ring, and he cursed himself for making her wait.
"Hello, Rick." She said in relief on the phone, and he felt bad. "I have been trying your number."
"I apologize, Mom. I sternly warned Susan not to bother me." He gave her an explanation.
"I'm sure I will get used to it eventually." He felt a twinge of sadness as she said as usual. Although she didn't like his attitude, she also can't be too critical. "It's getting late. You ought to be at your house."
"I will..."
She interrupted him. "When you get home, you will finish whatever tasks remain." Alright?" With a groan, he nodded.
"Alright, Mom, I'll be on my way." He heard her smile as he said. His presence always made her joyful. She had traveled to be with him for several days. She also insisted on having him spend the entire day with her. But he had a business to run, which mattered most. Therefore, that couldn't work.
She hung up and bid farewell.
He requested that his driver wait for him outside the premises over the phone.
He got up from the chair and grabbed his suit off the rack. He had hurt his back sitting all day. He turned off the light and the desktop computer, dressed in his suit, and grabbed his phone and iPad from the table.
When he left his office, Susan had already left. He was sorry he had kept her waiting so long. He was relieved she owned a car, which he had given her for her birthday the previous year. She is deserving of it. She had put up with his arrogance for four years and did an excellent job at her job. Additionally, he believed she needed one since she left work late, and they were safer than nighttime public transportation.
He rode the elevator up to the ground level. Now empty was the building that was always bustling throughout the day.
His structure.
His business.
Six years ago, the bank went bankrupt, and he bought it from them. Everyone had assumed that trying to revive the company would be ineffective, but now it stands as a multibillionaire business, stronger and more prosperous than its predecessor. Even now, it was a two-company merger.
The company meant everything to him; it was his pride. He had worked himself into the ground and used all his savings to make it operate and become what it is now.
Stepping outside the building, he entered the silent night.
His driver was waiting for him with his car parked in front of the building, and he appeared happy. He swung open the door and climbed into the backseat.
"Good evening, Mr. Patrick." As he got in the car, the driver said hello.
"Evening." With his typical bland tone, he said.
It was a calm drive home. He also attempted to use his iPad to complete his work.
"We are here, sir." said the driver. With a groan, he raised his head from his phone. After retrieving his phone from the seat, he exited the vehicle. Goodnight, he muttered to the driver.
His mother was waiting for him on the balcony. She stood there, her adorable little face painted with a big smile. She doesn't appear particularly old. Despite being fifty, she is in her mid-thirties. Perhaps it was her petite features and low stature.
She drew him into a close hug, and he said, "Mom."
"Hello, son. "How was your day at work today?" She asked, focusing her gaze on him.
"It was alright. I apologize for keeping you waiting. I didn't realize you were coming today." He expressed regret.
"It's okay." She gives a smile. "Enter now. You appear worn out." And she softly drew him inside the residence.
He headed to his room to change out of his clothes and take a shower. Later, he came down to see her in the dining room. He donned a white polo shirt and sweatpants in a stripe color.
The table was already arranged with food. His mother had done it herself, he knew. She refuses to complete her duties as his housekeeper. However, he was undoubtedly cool with it. And he sat down across from her. After saying a brief prayer, they started eating.
"Mom, you don't have to wait for me." Placing a spoonful in his mouth, he said. He became aware of how hungry he was and how much he had missed his mother's cuisine.
"You know I will always wait for you," Mom replied with a smile that belied her age.
He returned her smile. She was accurate. With the exception of lunch, she never ate anything while she was in his home until he got home. Therefore, it was no use trying to reason with her or persuade her otherwise.
They ate in silence, talking to each other. Patrick saw his mother glance in his direction a few times before clearing her throat.
"Uhm." She gave a throat clear. He rolled his eyes. He knew she would do that just before making a significant statement.
"What is it, Mom?" he inquired while still eating. His mother, had already finished her meal.
Patrick ate slowly most of the time. From an early age, he has always eaten slowly. She had been accustomed to it.
"Patrick." She got going.
This has to be quite serious. Patrick pondered. When she's not angry with him or has anything significant to say, she usually calls him Patrick. Otherwise, she usually calls him Rick.
He glanced at her and nodded. He was aware that he was under no need to speak.
"You will be thirty very soon. Don't you think it's time you got married?" she inquired.
"Mom, not again." Trying not to become furious, he said. She had previously discussed marriage with him, and each time she did, he became enraged.
"My age is irrelevant. I'm free to get married whenever I choose. However, I'm not ready for marriage right now. He disagreed with her.
"Not at all? You've been successful! You own a home, a few businesses, and several cars. Everything you will ever need. What other goals do you have? Do you not believe you have a right to happiness? Bitterly, she questioned.
He gave her a stern look and responded. "I'm a content mother. I also have you."
You cannot, however, marry me. You need to locate a support system for yourself. To be there for you and to always care. I have not got forever with you. You are aware of that. She sighed. "You must have a female in your life. You are no longer a child. My age is not decreasing. I have only one child, you. My dream is to have grandkids. I wish to meet your children. I hope you find happiness as a married man. Do you find this house to be too boring? You are not even in a relationship."
"I have a girlfriend." He was dishonest.
"No, you don't." With firmness, she said. He gave her a raised eyebrow. "You've never mentioned any females. Except for your clients, I've never overheard you conversing on the phone with women."
"I do have a girlfriend, Mom." He stated firmly.
He didn't convince her. She knew him better than he thought, he realized.
They are in a long-distance relationship, and she is a busy mother. You will meet her shortly, so don't worry. However, I'm not prepared for marriage." He continued.
She exhaled quickly. It was unnecessary to dispute with him. Like his father and grandmother, he had a strong sense of stubbornness. She pondered. He's not going to back down—not even she herself can. Reminding him repeatedly was the only thing she could do.