The pounding in my head is the first thing that I was aware of as I stirred from sleep, each throb like a drumbeat echoing through my head. I groaned and my eyes closed against the harsh morning light seeping through the curtains, and the disarray of the room gradually came into focus. I sat up and noted the expensive whiskey bottle that lay on the floor next to the bed, a reminder of how I could not sleep last night and chose to indulge in it.
I dragged myself out of bed, the room swaying slightly as I stood up but managed to stumble toward the bathroom, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror—dark circles under my eyes. I reached for the faucet, splashing chilly water onto my face, and then walked to the shower, turned on the knob, and stood under the cold water.
Stepping out of the shower, I dressed hurriedly as the time ticking on the clock on the wall was a clear indication that I was late for work. The hangover hitting my body was relentless, but what was more pressing was the sinking realization that this indulgence would cost me a steeper price than I intended to.
I picked up my phone from the bed, donned my watch, and then my mind raced through the remnants of the previous night, trying to piece together the conversation with Eli and the decisions I made with Max. I left my bedroom and went downstairs for breakfast and surprisingly found that everyone had already finished eating and the stares and piercing eyes were all centered on me.
"Good morning "I spoke up and my voice croaked.
"Armand are you okay "Jessel Ting was brazen enough to respond.
"Mmmmh "I nodded in response, picked up the cup of coffee, and sipped from me.
I cradled the cup of coffee in both hands welcoming the bitter steam on my lips, the rich aroma a fleeting comfort against the backdrop of my pounding headache. Each sip was a small, trembling act of defiance against the throbbing pain, yet the bitter taste only intensified the ache behind my eyes, reminding me of the choices that led me here.
Aunty Monica's Payne gaze is steady and discerning as she serves herself a generous portion of fruit, while Aunt Brenda Marlucky leans back on the chair as she wipes her mouth clean. Aunty Vikylou Salane was chatting with her daughter Simone, her voice a soothing balm against the throb in my temples.
My two cousins, Duncan, and Thomas, lively and full of youthful energy, chattered amongst themselves, and I caught snippets of their conversation, plans for the weekend, the office gossip, and the events that will be happening for the next week. As I lift a fork to bite the sausage I had pressed on, I focus on the simple pleasure of the food, the laughter around me, and the feeling of being surrounded by those who, despite everything, still feel at home.
Half an hour later, as I bid farewell to my family, I listened to Jessel Ting whisper "How much did brother drink last night? He looks covered "
"Let him be "I heard Aunty Monica Payne's voice and cut across the room with a warning that no one should pursue the matter.
As I stepped out of the mansion, the cool morning air hit my face a stark contrast to the opulence of my surroundings I walked to the car as my driver Hudson opened the car and I slid into the seat, allowing the soft leather to cradle me as the car began its smooth, effortless glide away from the mansion.
"Where is Max?" I asked Hudson as I stared at the stack of documents in the small compartment next to me.
"He is in the office Chairman Armand "Hudson responded.
As we merged into the flow of traffic, I reviewed the day's agenda, mentally bracing myself for the high-stakes meetings and strategic decisions that were part of my daily reality. When I picked up the last document, I was surprised that Max had already found the high-end apartment that was ten minutes away from the office. I perused through the executive suits, the condo, and the standard suits and was satisfied with his choice. When I raised my head, the car had driven into the Armand Inc. building and we were in the basement parking lot.
Hudson rushed to open the door, and I found Max waiting for me.
"Good morning, Chairman Armand "He spoke up as I handed him the documents that I had just perused.
"Good morning, Max, hand over all the other documents to Eli and proceed with the purchase of the apartments. I am satisfied with your choice. "I informed him.
"Thank you, Chairman Armand. I wanted to also ask if we can add an apartment, for security and surveillance "He responded.
"Go ahead. Ask Kaveesha Bandara and ask her to keep this private and only discuss it with you and me. "I instructed Max. Kaveesha Bandara was the Chief Finance Officer for Armand Inc; she was loyal only to me given that we had shared a bitter past and she had been instrumental in helping me build Armand Inc.
"That would be wise Chairman Armand" Max nodded as we walked into the private elevator that went up to my office.
"Has Eli arrived?" I asked.
"Yes. He was in the office at six a.m. and was the one who prepared all these documents for your review before sending Hudson over to pick you up"
"Mmmmh, how did he look "I asked Max.
"He looked sad, and his eyes were puffy red. From a distance, I could see he had a slight limp like he was in pain. "Max pointed out.
"Did that fucking Gregory whip him again?" I cursed. "Investigate privately if Eli is wounded. He is too proud to let anyone know that his father has been abusing him for years. "
"I will do my best "Maxwell nodded as the door of the elevator opened and we both stepped out of it. I walked straight to my office while Max went to Eli's office.
"Chairman Armand "Grace spoke up just before I pushed the door open.
"What is it?" I asked her and saw her anxious as she rubbed her hands together.
"Sean Edins, the President of the Automobile industry has been waiting in your office for an hour now. He said he did not have an appointment but urgently needed to see you. "Grace whispered in fear.
"Thank you, Grace," I nodded and walked into my office. Sean Edin was standing by the window admiring the view and he turned around when I closed the door.
"Chairman Armand "He moved towards me with an extended hand.
"Sean Edin's, you came right on time" As I extend my hand, I watch his fingers reach out to meet mine, the moment feeling both familiar and significant. Our hands clasp firmly, and I can feel the strength and confidence in his grip, a silent exchange of mutual respect. There's a brief but telling pause, where our eyes lock, and a subtle understanding passes between us, a silent acknowledgment of the weight of this handshake.