Searching for my wife

Episode One:

June's POV

The ringing of the alarm at 5:00 a.m. jerked me awake. I quickly sat up in bed as hot tears streamed down my cheeks. My head couldn't help but ache. I have to act quickly to save her life. In less than an hour, I was done with my preparations. I quickly grabbed my bag and application letter.

"Hi, Mum," I said, trying to sound strong for her. Looking at her brought back painful memories. I had to hide my pain so she would stay too long for me.

"Where are you going?" Mum asked, trying to wake up.

"Mum, I can't leave you like this. I have to go find a solution to your problem. I don't want you and Dad to die now. You're all I have," I said impatiently, standing and looking at my watch, eager to leave.

"Okay, fine. But can you at least tell me where the hell you're going?" she pushed further.

"You wouldn't want to know, Mum. Can we not talk about this?"

"Not until you tell me, June."

"To one of the 'Duke's Empire Company'." I said bluntly, not wanting her to stop me.

"Mum, don't even stop me!" I exclaimed, already out of the house.

"Will be back, Mum!" I shouted from behind.

I ran as fast as my legs could carry me. I waited for a taxi to pull over, but none was coming. Feeling frustrated, I had to run, trying to meet my destination on time. Running for ten minutes, I began to breathe fast. Luckily, a taxi pulled up.

"Where to?" the driver asked.

"Oil and Gas, Duke's Empire Company," I said, still trying to catch my breath.

The driver kept looking at me like I was some sort of sight or something.

"Are you going or not?" I snarled, not minding his looks.

"Uhhm, I'm sorry. I'll take you there," he said.

I hopped in immediately. My heart started beating fast. I didn't know what I was doing, but I prayed earnestly for a miracle to happen. I tried shifting to sit at the other end of the car, behind the driver, when I mistakenly looked at myself through the front mirror. I was totally messed up. I didn't remember to even comb my hair. Sweat was oozing out of my body. Immediately, my bones froze.

"Fuck, why didn't I dress well?" I thought.

"We're here," the driver said.

My heart skipped a million times as I found myself with no feet to stand on. I dipped my hand into my pocket and gave him some money. I had to quickly force myself out. Clinging to my bag, I stood and looked at the gigantic building before me. One had to walk a few meters away before reaching the gate. The environment alone could tell you that's a rich, magnificent business environment. The cars going in and out of the building alone made me weak.

It was then that I started to look at myself, from head to toe, and knew I wouldn't even be considered for employment, even as a mad person in their company.

"Okay, I've got to do this," I murmured.

I walked with my wobbly legs. The more I walked towards the gate, which was meters away from the road, the more it occurred to me that I was walking into the zone of riches. I could see two men in uniforms approaching me. Fear gripped me.

It was then that I knew how stupid it was for me to ever think of coming here. I had to slow my pace, not knowing what to do, as I was caught in the middle. At some point, they stood looking at me. The anxiety in me now could kill. At that point, I didn't know what I was doing, but I just found myself moving towards them.

"Good morning, sir," I said, bowing down.

"How may we help you?" one of them asked in a hoarse tone.

"I...I actually want to see the owner of the company," I stammered out, making those men look at me like I was a clown.

"What the hell brought me here?" I asked foolishly to myself.

I could not bring myself to look at those souls looking at me.

"Did you at all look at yourself in the mirror before you jumped onto the road?" I heard one of them say in a rising tone.

I almost gave my last breath as I pinched myself.

The last option now was to run away. I couldn't withhold the shame. Hot tears streamed down my cheeks as I turned to leave, but I heard a strong baritone voice echo in the air.

"I am the owner of the company."

Thompson's POV

I looked at my system to check the environment. The environment seemed okay. I had to quickly log into "The Women's World." I looked dumbstruck, my head spinning. It seemed something was off, but I couldn't lay hold of it. Who the hell was tampering with my assistant office? No, I had to get out fast right now before it was too late.

Halfway through my preparations to leave, the beeping of my phone took me aback. Looking at my phone, it seemed those memories came back. It seemed there was a fresh wound.

"You guys must be kidding me!!!" I whimpered. The anger that had been subsiding erupted like a thick rock. As if that wasn't enough, it stopped ringing and started ringing again.

"What do you want?" My voice lashed out my frustration. No response came from the other end.

"I said, what do you want? I've got no time for this, this morning!!"

"When will you stop these cuties?" Mrs. Duke chose her words carefully.

"You know what, Mum? Is it not high time you and your husband left me the hell alone!! And one more thing, don't you call me any pet names again!!"

"Fine, I'm sorry. Can you at least do this one thing for me? No matter what, you are still my blood, remember?" She persisted.

"Mum, don't you get it? I don't want the two of you in my life. I'm okay the way I am!!" The frustration in me kept spilling out.

"Okay, okay. Ehm, your dad is not feeling fine, and the last thing you can do for him is to go to the company and represent him in the board meeting." Mum said hurriedly, knowing I was already losing it.

Those words cringed me. Even though there wasn't a father-son relationship, I wouldn't be the first to wish my dad death. I didn't know what to say anymore, as words weren't coming due to the mixed feelings of guilt and betrayal from Duke himself.

"Are you there?" Her voice brought me back to reality.

"The last time I checked, Duke's Empire Company is littered all over the streets of America. So, which one are you talking about?"

"Oil and Gas," Mum replied.

"I'll be there in the next one hour," I said, almost hanging up the call.

Dressed in the Italian suit I ordered 45 minutes ago, I stepped downstairs to the living room, ready to step out, when I heard that voice.

"Good morning, son. Your food is ready."

"Not ready for that," I choked out, knowing what the next line of action would be.

"Don't you dare!!" She snarled.

"Nanny, can you give me a break?"

"You know what, you need to reset this brain of yours, and I know a turning stick will do justice to that," she said, trying to head to the kitchen.

"Fine!!! What do you have for breakfast?"

"Coffee, because it seems to me that today will be good and worrying at the same time," she said, smiling.

"How did you know?" I asked, almost choking.

"I don't know?" She replied, heading back to the kitchen.

Stepping out to the compound after a forced breakfast, there was this bang in my head that wasn't clear, creating a foggy day.

"Where to, sir?" One of my men asked, waiting for an order.

"Why the convoy?" I asked, looking at no one in particular.

"I'm sorry, boss. Mrs. Duke insisted you go with a convoy."

"Drive to Oil and Gas," I said, ignoring his reply, knowing Mum had been dramatic.

I relaxed in the back seat, thinking a lot. I didn't know we had driven for minutes until my driver gave a horn, indicating we were approaching the gate. I raised my head to sit upright, but something caught my attention.

"What the fuck is that?" I wondered in my head as the car drew closer to the automatic gate. A mad woman or something? My eyes almost bulged out at the sight of a figure I saw a little bit away from me. What's she doing here?

"Stop at that figure standing with the men," I ordered, my voice coming out thick.

"Yes, boss."

Stopping, my men following me with a convoy rushed to open the car, but I was already out, leaving the men in dismay because it never happens.

Dipping my hand into my pocket, I walked silently toward their direction, hearing everything.

"I am the owner of the company."

Episode 2:

June's POV

"I am the owner of the company." I heard a thick baritone voice echoing at my back, making me shiver and sending waves through me. I froze. I couldn't turn to see the person. I tried cleaning my tears when I heard the same voice again, this time his voice raising up a bit.

"What do you want?"

Okay, I have to say something; otherwise, I would be roasted here. I gently turned to look at the person talking to me.

Uh!! What!! Is that not Empire's son I see on our old rickety TV? All I can see is a heartbreaking dude standing with his hands dipped inside his pocket, looking so hot. Okay, June, you have to calm down. I said to myself.

"Uhmm, I...I... am looking for a job, sir." I said, taking a breath as I stood bowing down like a clown.

Seeing no reply coming, I had to look up, perhaps he had gone. I had to raise my eyebrows. Jeez, his eyes pierced immediately into mine. I forced my eyes down, cringing at my clothes and biting my lips, because that was the only comfort I had now.

"To my office," I heard him say as he turned his back to his exclusive car.

Huh? Who was he referring to? I wondered.

"Ma, you have to follow us to the company," those men standing with me said.

In the office, I stood like a ghost, not knowing what the future held.

"I ask again, what are you doing here?"

"Am sorry to invade here, sir. I don't belong here. I know I'm not supposed to be here, sir. Am really sorry, but I need a job." I said fearfully, trying hard to stay cool.

Thompson's POV

"I am the owner of the company," I said as I approached them. I looked at her with dismay. I couldn't look at her face because she was backing me. Is she mad or something? I kept asking my freaking head. She seemed like she wasn't ready to face me because I could sense water coming out of her eyes.

"What do you want?" I pressed further because I needed to see the person I was talking to and know if she was actually sane.

"Uhmm, I...I... am looking for a job," I heard her say. Did... did I just hear correctly? Looking for work? I stood dumbfounded. I saw her as she gradually faced me; my eyes refused to look away.

"To my office," I heard myself say, surprisingly. I turned, entered the car, and zoomed into the company. I alighted and stood, looking at the environment as everyone frightened at the sight of me.

"Good morning, sir. Your office is ready at all times. Come with me," one of the security men said as he immediately approached.

"I'm not crippled!!" I shoved him off.

"Please, leave me!"

I heard a little scream from behind. Oh, the insane girl. I forgot I told her to come to where I stood. They held her back, not allowing her to come closer.

"Allow her!!"

"We are sorry, boss."

"Bring her inside my office," I said to no one, putting everyone in surprise.

"Sorry, boss, but..."

"I think your job is no more important to you." I growled with a red eye.

"Won't happen again," the bastard responded, bowing.

In the office:

"I ask again, what are you doing here?"

"Am sorry, sir, to invade here. I know I don't belong here. I know I'm not supposed to be here, sir. Am really sorry, but I need a job." She said, her hand trembling with fear.

"You need a job, and you look like someone from a psychiatric hospital!! Are you high or something? By the way, who the hell are you!!?" I don't know, but my voice raised up a bit.

"That mixed feeling one has when in a confused state crept in. Is this a spy or something? I have never seen this type of appearance all my life. I looked intensely at her for something, but figured nothing.

"Please, the next time I see you in this vicinity, you have to tell me who sent you. Now, you move out of here within a second!!!" I thundered, making her run off like the wind.

I shoved my hand through my head frustratingly. I don't know why, but I'm very much angry with myself this minute, and I can't tell.

The office phone rang after a few seconds.

"You this bastard!!"

"Come on, man. I have no time for this bullshit. You have to back down for the contract, or you'll contend with me." Joe Enterprise sounded mockingly.

"Oh, okay, this is really getting heated up. Ahh!! It's Joe Enterprise himself speaking, huh? I have no time for an old man who doesn't know how the economy works. A person who is always foolish and selfish. You know what, I've got no time for this. I think I fight with your son, not some soul who will die in a few days. I won't be happy if I didn't battle with anyone!!!"

"Ahh!! That's the son talking. Young boy. How are you?" he asked mockingly.

"Why did you call, or am gonna cut the call?"

"Relax, my boy..."

"I'm not your boy. What the hell do you want?"

"You already know what I want. You and your dad should back down for the contract from the government."

"You know what. Since I know you, you are all but good. A manipulator, a backstabber, and a devil's agent. I said, and I'm repeating again, I'm gonna work here for weeks. As I am here, don't you dare call this office line again. Wait till my dad feels like coming, then you talk this bullshit with him."

"More stubborn than his dad," I heard someone say from the background.

"Bunch of losers!!" I snapped out as I had already cut the call.

June's POV

"And by the way, while will the secretary collect your file, cos you look like a mad woman. And you must be one!!" Those words pierced through my heart. I was still nursing the wound when I heard his final voice....

"Please, the next time I see you in this vicinity, you have to tell me who sent you. Now, you move out of here within a second!!!"

I flipped out of the office with my legs hitting on my head while flying. I pressed the button for the elevator to bring me down so I could run home, but it seemed to take a whole year to get me to the ground. My head spinning, my legs wobbled, my heart ached. The only system working right now is the blood flowing through my veins, making me a little bit conscious of where I am.

Here we are, as I got to the ground, I fled like my whole life depended on it. I ran like an antelope with every energy in me to get out of the environment. I hopped till I was out of sight. Seeing the first cab, I hailed and hopped in.

"Where to?" he asked.

"Anywhere but here." I responded, sobbing my whole heart out.

"Mum!" I heard myself say out loud, but I didn't care.

"Hei, calm down. Stop crying, okay." I heard the driver say to me as he looked through the mirror, but I was not in the mood.

I leaned on my back. I became too weak to say anything.

"Do I look like a mad woman?" I kept talking to myself frustratingly.

"Nope, you are not. I'm sorry to say this, you are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen." The driver kept on choking his mouth in what's not his business.

"Exactly, I'm not mad. Then why did he call me a mad woman!!!?"

"Okay, I'm sorry. Who was that?" he asked, looking confused.

"Thompson's Empire, Oil and Gas!!!!".

"Oh." He replied, chuckling.

"What's funny?" My anger tripled.

"You are really mad." This time, laughing out hard.

"You know what. Just stop here. I have reached my destination."

I quickly got down, straight to my home. In the house, I took a deep breath, wiping my eyes before creaking the door open. I saw her lying on the bed. She raised herself as soon as she saw me come in.

"Hi, Mum." I tried saying that with a strong voice, but I guess it betrayed me.

"Hei, come here." She said, opening her arms, but I shook my head in disapproval.

"You know, you don't have to be strong always. It's good to cry at my front because I know you are trying to be strong for me."

This time, I wholeheartedly hugged Mum passionately, crying like a baby.

"Am sorry, Mum, I didn't get the job." I said, sobbing.

"I know. Don't worry, even if I die, I will forever be grateful to you and your dad. You guys are the most amazing people I have ever met."

Oh, I remember I didn't see Dad this morning.

"Mum, where is Dad?"

"He went out to do a menial job early hours of the morning. He went out before you. He will be back by 11 o'clock so we can eat our morning food."

"Morning food indeed. I just wonder why we are still on this God-forsaken planet Earth!!" My eyes turned red with anger.

"Hei, don't say that, cutie. You are mocking God."

"Don't say what, Mum? You just told me he will be coming back late in the morning so we can eat. Not only eat, but start cooking and maybe finish by 1 o'clock. All our effort in vain, Mum!!! Dad is suffering day and night, yet we can't even eat enough for two square meals, let alone three. I had to drop out of school because of money!!! I'm watching you die slowly because of money for surgery. And you tell me not to mock God!!"

I fumed with anger.

"Hei, stop that, June. Watch your tongue!!!" I heard her say, making me hold my breath, but it didn't stop the burning anger in me.

"Am sorry, Mum. But look at us, Mum. Look at the house we live in. When will all these stop, huh?" I asked, waiting patiently for her to answer, because I really needed her to answer me.

Just then, the only phone we had rang. I ran to the corner where we usually keep it, because it's a family phone.

"Who is that?" Mum asked.

"I don't know." I had to quickly turn the receiver's button on, not saying a word. A few seconds later, I heard that voice.

"This is Thompson's Empire."

Episode Three:

Thompson's POV

"Bunch of losers!!! I don't even know why I have to accept this visit in the first place!!!."

I stood walking frustratingly in the office when a beep from the door dropped. I cared less about whoever was at the door, because that was the least of my problems.

"Sir, the board meeting has arrived," the secretary said.

"Where is the P.A.?" I asked impatiently, because I really needed to get out of here. I'm losing it.

"Am here, sir. We have to get going, otherwise, we are getting late."

"How many hours are we going to stay in the meeting?" I asked no one in particular.

"Not up to an hour. It's just to seal up a deal with the electronic company," the P.A. replied.

"Oh, that's good, because I don't know what's wrong with me right now."

I quickly picked up my phone and walked out of the office.

"Ah, the son is here. I never thought so," the manager of the electronic company said as he saw me enter the boardroom.

"I have not less than thirty minutes to spend here, Mr. Dave."

"I never thought so." The manager to the electronic company said as he saw me entre the board room.

"I have not less than thirty minutes to spend here Mr Dave." I voiced out as I sat down with the P.A.

"Sorry, Thompson. So, your father and I had been dealing on this contract, but we have not come to a conclusion."

"Mr. Dave, my P.A. has given me the last meeting, so I want to hear yours!!!"

"Okay, we are debating on taking forty percent profit of the business if it matures."

"What is your company's contribution to the business? Can you remind me again?"

"Installation of all the electrical appliances needed to start up the company."

"And you sit down there and tell me that you're going to take forty percent? Mr. Dave, I hope you have not duped my father by giving him hopes that his companies are for charitable organizations, huh?"

"No, and what does that supposed to mean, Thompson?"

"I hope you know that in business, transparency, equity, and justice are needed for any business to thrive?"

"Of course, I..."

"Good, you take twenty percent of the share. Deal or no deal?"

I said with a stern eye.

"Common Mr. Thompson. Your father didn't even go..."

"One more word, I will cancel the deal. You know, you must be a thief."

"Okay, I'm sorry. It hasn't gotten to that. Your father and I were just arguing on..."

"Mr. Dave, I said deal or no deal?"

"Deal."

"Good. Do sign the papers."

The P.A. said to him as he threw the papers for him to sign.

I hurriedly went out of the meeting, straight to my car. Looking at the time, it's past nine. I just have to go home, because I was not in the mood to work for today anymore. I can't actually place why I feel so horrible today.

I arrived home, not wanting Granny's trouble. I tried sneaking in to avoid her sermon.

"I told you, you will have a bad day. Tell me, why are you here? You left almost two hours ago."

"Granny, I'm sorry. I've got no time for this. I have to go and relax. Besides, I worked a whole lot yesterday. So, taking a break today is not a bad idea."

My frustration tried setting in.

A silence ensued. She sat at the dining, looking at me. I tried asking why the look but words were not forthcoming.

"Yeah, today is gonna be a long day. Maybe I should have stayed in the office!!!"

"You know, it's good you share with me how your two hours went. I really want to know."

"Granny, don't even try to give me that look."

"Common, young boy. You do remember I nurtured you since you were three. And you think you are going to hide something?"

I felt weak, and that's why I hate to talk to her whenever I want to vent my anger. But, why the hell am I even angry?

"Granny, I don't even know why I'm angry since morning."

"Okay, can you come here."

I strolled back to the dining, took a seat, and had to release the air in me.

"So, who called you firstly today?"

"Who else if not the wife to Empire."

"Hmm, that's a good call."

"Granny, don't even start."

"Have you asked yourself why your dad used your name as the name of the empire instead of Duke."

"I don't care, nanny!! I won't forgive them!!"

"So, tell me more. What other thing happened at the office?"

"Nothing, just signing of a deal."

I replied. Oh, it hit me - I had an encounter with a random girl.

"Okay, I know you usually get angry at your parents, but it seems today is off from it. Any other thing you want to tell me?"

"Well, I met one insane girl while driving into the company. Saying she's always looking for work. I brought her into the office, asked her what she wanted. She said a job. But nanny, she looked so horrible, giving me a suspicious mind."

"So, what did you do?"

"I ordered her out immediately."

"You did what?"

Ok, I have to slow down or else today entirely would be horrible.

"Nanny, I..."

"Thompson, I never raised you to be loose and talk down on people!!!"

"Granny, she seems like a spy and..."

I tried defending, but she wasn't having it.

"Shut up, you this boy! Tell me, did you look at her in the eye for two minutes?

"I...I... didn't get to see her face properly because..."

"Boy, am so disappointed in you. Who really raised you, because I was not the one."

"Did you ask yourself if she was in pain? Did you think about that? Huh? Do you think everyone is as rich as you are, Thompson!!?"

"Granny..."

"Will you shut up, you this little kid!!! Now, you have to go apologize to that girl. Now!!"

"Nanny, I don't even have her contact. How do you expect me to do that?" My hands lifted in the air.

"I don't care. Am giving you ten minutes to source it out, or this house won't contain us!!"

I stood up, paralyzed. Thick darkness covered my eyes. Granny has always been my weakness. I can't even act strong.

I stood hallucinating on how to deal with the situation before she pounce on me.

I pulled out my phone and dialed a number.

"Yes, boss. Am I..."

"Get the profile of the girl that came to my office this morning."

"Sir..."

"Do the goddamn instruction I told you to do and send it as an email!!!"

My voice echoed.

"You stop yelling because they never told you to behave abnormally!!" She lashed out from the kitchen.

"Now that I'm getting the number, what do I tell her?"

"You have to apologize to her."

"Granny?"

"What?"

"You don't mean that?" I asked, hoping it was a script.

"I was never a joker when am angry, and you know I won't start now."She answered, halfway from the kitchen.

Okay, I've got to do this, or else hell will let loose.

But wait a minute - apologize? Like seriously, right now? Why do I really have to have a bad day?

Three minutes later, a message popped up on my phone.

Opening it, I scrolled through the profile.

June? Why would someone answer such a name? The name was the least of my problem.

I didn't know, but something caught my attention - her picture.

Looking at the face was actually the least of my problem.

I scrolled to where her contact was.

Okay, I have to do this....

"Remaining five minutes, Thompson!!" Her voice echoed from the kitchen.

"I don't know what to tell her. Can we stop doing this, nanny!!!"

I lashed out my frustration, my hands all clenched.

"Tell her you are sorry for treating her that way two hours ago!!"

"That's why I have a secretary to do that!!"

"Get lost, Thompson!!!"

June's POV

I had to quickly turn the receiver's button on, not saying a word.

A few seconds later, I heard that voice.

"This is Thompson's Empire."

Wait, what? That voice? Tell me I'm dreaming?

Okay, I must be hallucinating.

I stood frozen, stiffened to the ground.

My lips were tied.

All I felt next was the only phone we have, slipping out of my hand.

"Who was that?" I heard my mom ask, but I didn't respond.

"Okay, you are scaring me. You look like a ghost, honey. Even if it's someone who wants to kill us, just say it out."

She repeated, this time trying to sit up.

"Oh, sorry, Mom. Are you okay?" I said, trying to help her out, but I didn't remove the shock I was in.

"How can I be fine when am asking you who was that?"

"Mom, it's the Thompson's Empire."

"Okay, is that why you should be this way?"

"Mom?"

"What? I mean, you went there for a job?"

"Mum, you wouldn't understand. If I tell you how I was humiliated, calling me a mad woman, you will pity me!!"

"Hei, come here." I heard her say as tears started coming out. I had no choice because I really needed comfort now.

"Hei, I believe you are a mad woman today, but it won't be long. Look at you. You are really a beautiful soul, both in and out."

"Mum, please stop this."

"I'm not hyping you, my angel. You don't know I see those boys disturbing you every day."

"Mum, stop!!"

"It's okay. So, what did he say?"

"I was shocked, even up till now. He didn't say anything. He was waiting for my reply when I cut the call."

"It's okay, honey. It's well with us."

"When, Mum? I feel helpless. I look at you, I look at Dad, I look at myself. All I see is the three of us dying a miserable and wretched life."

"No, even if I die now, I'm happy you and my husband tried to keep me safe. I will..."

The phone started ringing again interrupting. Maybe it's Dad. I quickly rushed to answer. But my blood started getting hot again.

"Mum, it's him."

I rushed to show her as my heart panicked.

"Answer him, darling."

"Mum, please can you do that, please?" I rushed my words, trying to stuff the phone into her hands.

"Pick the call before it cuts off. You do that. Be courageous."

She gingerly resisted the touch.

I breathed in and out. Okay, I have to do this.

I picked the receiver's button.

"Hi."

"This is Thompson's Empire."

That baritone I never forgot.

"E...ehm, good morning, sir." My shaky voice displayed.

"Am I speaking with June?"

"Yes, sir."

"I'm sorry for how I treated you early hours of today."

Huh? What did I just hear right now? The memories rushed back again. Drops of water came out of my eyes.

"Are you there?" I heard him say as I tried being strong, but my voice betrayed me as I tried responding.

"I have heard you, sir."

I don't know, but silence ensued. He wasn't talking, neither did I have anything to say. I mean, what do you expect me to say to Thompson's empire himself, who shakes the whole of America.

Seeing he was not saying anything...

"I have to go, and thank you, sir."

"Hold on, June." His voice thickened.

Mmm, June?

"Can you come back to the office tomorrow?"