The Exchanged Boss

CHAPTER 1

Eric Brian sat on a wooden chair embedded in withered leaves under an isolated tree, he felt the gentle breeze around him. The combination of the temporal peace and the gentle breeze was the best feeling one would ever have from an annoying wife. As Eric was enjoying his peace, the memories of his parents, took away the ecstasy and replaced it with worry. He recalled how his father died from saving a woman who would become his mother-in-law. An evil mother-in-law who despises the son of the man who risked his life to save her?! How the hell should she hate her savior just because he is poor!!

"What a crazy world to live in. A rich man will never sacrifice his life to save a poor man, but a poor man will sacrifice his life to save a rich man hmm....." He grievously mumbled.

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Eric's mom died when he was young, from lung cancer. His mom never took him to his grandparents.

Anytime he asked, his mom would say "We have your dad and he is enough". She would bring up another conversation to screw everything up.

As a child, he confused his mom's death to be caused by his daily nagging of the same question, especially the coughs that follow after asking his mom about his grandparents.

He apologized to his dad for being the cause of his mother's death and promised never to ask him too.

"Hey, you useless broke man! Who are you waiting to clear all the dishes? Ida asked out sarcastically.

Eric gritted his teeth. He knew his quiet time is ruined by the lazy maid who shirks all her duties on him.

As a poor son-in-law, he is not respected by anyone in the family, not even the house help. None of these ill-treatments are bothered by his wife Arianna. Who cares even if the house dog sh*ts in front of him?

Eric has no choice but to get up and get the dishes cleaned before his mother-in-law who is the god of the house sees it.

The entire family turned into thunderous laughter as Eric sneaked into the Kitchen behind the parlor.

"Hey! Come back here, you broke useless man", Carlos, Arianna's brother called out.

Eric was irritated by the harsh call and the bad attributes given to him all the time, but who is he to react to Alias's pompous son?

In the parlor is the Manager of Supreme Company who is the only grandson of Robert Whicker the wealthiest man in Greenhill city. Andrew Whicker was the man pleased by the Brown family to marry their daughter Arianna. Unfortunately, something happened which caused the Brown family to give their only daughter to Eric Brian the son of a poor man called, Jude Brian.

11 months ago, a poor hero called Jude Brian saved the life of a rich woman called Mrs. Alia Brown from being knocked down by a car. He saved the woman but couldn't save himself. He was rushed to the hospital and the news spread throughout the country. The doctors diagnosed him as having severe brain bleeding which would cost his life. Seeing the selfless sacrifice of this poor man, Mr. Brown, the husband of the woman he saved, told the doctors to request from him his last wish.

The doctors came with a shocking response to the rich Brown family.

"Mr. Brown, he requested your daughter should be given to his son in marriage," the doctors said

"Can you please ask of his second wish?" Mr. Brown perplexedly asked.

"I am sorry but.... I should say erm... Mr. Jude has given up the ghost" one of the doctors sadly replied.

The Brown family has no option but to marry their daughter to the poor son of Jude Brian.

Previously, Alia disliked the idea and told the family not to do as he has requested, but the media was circulating the wish across the country. It would be a big shame to their family and affect their company "Megdon" adversely if they don't do as the wish says. It wouldn't be good to repay bad to a hero who risked his life to save her in the eyes of the population.

The family agreed to grant the wish by letting their only beautiful daughter be married to Eric Brian but later treat him badly till he divorces their daughter.

This is how Eric got to marry Arianna instead of Andrew Whicker.

"Haven't you seen a rich young manager before?" Carlos uttered

"His dad should have taught him how to identify one before dying" added Mrs. Alia.

Eric got furious when they teased his dad in their sarcastic talks but he has no choice but to clench his teeth and grit his fist beside himself.

"I've got to teach this family an important lesson one day," Eric muttered.

Andrew suddenly burst into laughter "I bet you, this damn man is talking to his dead father"

The entire family also joined Andrew in his laughter. Eric got more irritated and nearly exploded but he walked out of them to prevent his fist from causing trouble for him.

As he walked out, his mind was clouded with a whole lot of stuff. He loved his dad but despised him for making this terrible wish for him. He hated to marry the Brown family because he knows how the rich trample on the poor. If his dad was alive and knew what he was going through, he would have requested nothing from that rich family. A part of him was yearning for a divorce but a part of him wanted to keep his dad's wish.

Eric got out of the mansion and headed to the isolated tree where he sat in the morning recalling his memories. As soon as he sat on the wooden chair, he remembered the last thing his dad told him before vanishing into the thin air "Son, go to... Harold"

Chapter 2

His dad has already given up the ghost before he could ask for the full name of Harold.

Eric kept blaming himself for why his mind skipped that statement for a long time.

"Maybe the name has something substantial to do with me" he pondered.

He kept asking himself "but how on earth can I identify a person with his first name? a man I have never seen and can never identify even if I see?"

Eric was wondering if his dad made another wish with him, "a death wish" for him.

Tears rolled over his cheeks but he quickly wiped them away, he bit back his tears to prevent himself from crying.

Two days later, the Brown family received an invitation letter from Supreme Company to witness the birthday celebration of Andrew Whicker the grandson of the Great Robert Whicker.

The celebration was going to be a massive one. Great, affluent, and powerful people from all parts of the world were going to witness the ceremony. It was a great privilege given to the Brown family by Andrew. They never deserved it but because Andrew has a special feeling for their daughter Arianna, he allowed them to witness the celebration.

Eric and Andrew have the same birthdate which annoyed the Brown family a lot.

"How can a poor, wretched, and good-for-nothing husband has the same birthdate as the charming prince of Supreme Company?" Arianna said with a harsh tone.

Eric looked at Arianna with pain in his eyes. He thought to himself "although I am a poor husband if you have nothing to give me on my birthday, the least you should do is compare me with that big-headed Andrew"

"Why do you stare at me like that? Well, what are you going to do?

Are you going to beat the hell out of me, you damn ass man?"

Eric was fed up with his wife's insults "it is enough Arianna!" he retorted and went straight to his room.

The day for the event is finally in, everyone in the Brown family was preparing to go for the great event except Eric who was reading through his diary. He got to a page where his dad has pasted a sticker that was written "I am sorry son, for not taking you to see your grandfather. You don't deserve to be nurtured poorly like this. Your family already has a luxurious life. I didn't want to lose you after I lost your mom but I promise, I'll take you to your rich grandfather on your twenty-sixth birthday.... I Love you."

Eric gaped in shock!! "A rich grandfather?"

Right after he closed the book, Arianna entered the room and yelled at him "What are you still waiting for, are you still searching through your rags to find something to wear?"

We can't tannish our family's image by going with you. Come there by yourself and make sure you don't create your stupid drama over there!

Eric was not concerned with his wife's disease, he was only concerned with the note his dad has written concerning his rich grandfather. His brain was connecting ducts on how to find his grandpa.

He became more worried when he found out that, his dad was planning to take him to see his grandfather. Today marks his twenty-sixth birthday but his dad is nowhere to be found.

"Maybe Harold can help me.. but how am I going to find him?" he said to himself.

The party took off at one of the most expensive hotels in the country. No low man was invited except for Eric Brian. He was invited because he was the husband of Arianna Brown the manager of Megdon Company.

The Quarm family, Blair family, Brown family, Whicker family, Great Star Insurance Company, Megalim Company, Eagle Eye Company, and a lot of prominent people were seated at the party.

A loud sound of applause took over the beautifully decorated room when Robert Whicker the CEO of Supreme Company stood up to speak. The cracking sound of the camera, combined with the applause made the room more lively

As soon as silence prevailed for the speech to start, a loud voice was heard at the entrance.

"My wife, Arianna Brown is in there. I'm also invited to the ceremony kindly let me go."

All eyes geared toward there and they found one of the security men fighting Eric who wore a cheap pale black suit.

Muttering filled the room as Eric walked in with his noisy foot with his cheap suit. The room was filled with laughter by most of the people and the rest watched him in disgust as he sat beside Arianna.

His drama has already shown everyone that he is the husband of Arianna and that alone kills the Brown family.

"How long will this filthy son-in-law keep embarrassing us" Alia Brown whispered to his husband

"As long as he is married to our daughter" Mr. Brown furiously replied

Arianna not knowing how to control her embarrassment, yelled at Eric "Hey you this poor thing! Who invited you here? Are you totally out of your mind? It's either you leave or I leave!

"You aren't leaving Arianna, that loser is going to leave. I didn't invite him here." Andrew proudly uttered.

Eric looked down in embarrassment. Everyone saw how he was humiliated and disliked. He didn't want to do or say anything that will make his wife or anyone more vexed. His only option was to leave.

"How on earth can a woman invite you to a party and later disgrace you for coming."

He bit his tears but he couldn't control them till they started rolling down his cheeks.

Eric looked into Arianna's eyes and tearfully said "I am sorry I'm leaving"

As soon as he attempted to leave, a voice stopped him.

"Hey Stop! Don't leave. The speaker stood from the congregation and blocked him.

"My name is Harold Smith"

Chapter 3

Eric couldn't believe his ears. Is this the Harold his dad talked about or a random person who is trying to cause him more trouble? He thought.

Mr. Smith apologized for the young man to stay but Andrew interjected "I'm sorry master... but please we don't need him here.

Mr. Smith protested "If you can't find any reason for this poor man to take part in this ceremony then it makes no sense to me to stay because I have been a poor guy before!"

"Follow me young man" he called out to Eric.

As soon as they reached outside, Eric hastily asked him why he defended him. He wanted to know if he already knew him. The reply he received broke his heart.

"Young man, I just don't defend those I know but I defend those who are right or haven't done anything wrong."

"So you mean you have not met me anywhere?" Eric softly asked

"You are right child"

Can you have a coffee with me? Harold gently asked him.

He wanted to intrude into the young man's life and know why he is despised by everyone including his wife.

"Yes, master I'll be glad" Eric replied.

At the table, they discussed a lot of important stuff. Harold smith introduced himself and his businesses to him. He asked Eric to introduce himself. Eric narrated his life and how he married the daughter of the Brown family. He was sad to hear how his parents died especially his dad and the cold treatment he received from his wife's family.

"What did you say the name of your mom was?"

"Marie Brian"

You said your mom was called Marie and your dad was called Jude?

"Sure" Eric nodded.

Do you have a picture of them?

Yes, I do.

Eric showed him a picture of them.

Harold Smith exclaimed "what! I can't believe this! There is something strange about you Eric.

You are the one "

"What do you mean I am the one?"

"You are the grandson of the rich old man, Eric. You deserve all of these opportunities but not that foolish bastard!"

"Wait ... are you the Harold my dad talked about?"

"Wow, you already know me?" he asked.

"You are the last person my dad talked about before expiring. He told me to look for you but I didn't know where to find you."

Master Harold, can you please tell me who my grandfather is?

"It is the complicated son. You are the true grandson of Robert Whicker but not that fake Andrew"

Eric couldn't believe his ears.

"How?" he surprisingly asked.

"Son, I have already told you it is complicated"

"Come to my office on Monday I'll explain everything to you. Take this contact card and come find me."

Eric took the card and thanked him.

On his way home, Eric was still trapped in a state of perplexity. Was it a dream or a reality?

He touched his skin to feel his flesh. He found out that, he wasn't dreaming.

His mind was clouded with questions that he couldn't find answers to.

How can an ordinary poor wretched guy turn into the true grandson of a wealthy man in a wink?

"Doom awaits my adversaries. Get ready to crawl on my feet, Andrew!" Eric voiced out boldly.

Eric reached home but before entering, he realized there awaits more trouble for him. He paused a while and took a deep breath before taking a step.

"Hey, you dirty pig! Where the f**k do you think you are going? After all your crazy drama and the disgrace you caused this family, you still have the nerve to come back?" Carlos attacked.

Eric remained calm though he could react and attack back. He is the big boss now but he remembered the last thing Harold said: "It is a complicated son". He can't play the big boss now otherwise; he will be kicked out of the house.

As he was processing how to deal with all of these cold treatments, Arianna gave him a hot slap from behind which caused his nose to bleed. He nearly lost balance but he griped support behind him

"This is the beginning of the end Eric. You can't finish what you f**king didn't start. We got married out of a useless wish your dad made. I had plans to marry Andrew but you came out of nowhere in the name of a foolish wish. I can't take this any longer. It is better we divorce if you want to save your life.

The stench of your poverty is so strong that, everywhere you go, everyone notices it."

Eric folded his fist but he quickly recalled the master's statement "It is a complicated son".

He gritted his teeth in pain and reached out to his pocket for his handkerchief to wipe the oozing blood.

"Get out of here you loser!" Andrew barked

Eric buried himself in shame sobering within. As he attempted to leave, Mr. Brown added, he is the greatest failure of this family, what a shame!

"Mr. Quarm, you are such an honest person to work with. I can't imagine my world without you. You have contributed immensely to this company, and you have helped me accomplish my bucket list.

As you can see, my health fails every day and I can't just leave this world without putting things to order.

It is time I promote you and my grandson." Mr. Quarm gave a gentle smile as Robert spoke.

He was very excited about the promotion. He wanted to shout in joy and scatter things before Mr. Whicker, but he remembered he was in front of his master. He is no more a child to be shouting because of a mere promotion. He gave a gentle look but inside, he was exploding like a bomb and wanted to go out before he scatters the big master Robert.

"Andrew is going to be the CEO and you are going to be the manager in the company" He paused, and whispered to him"But there is one thing you have to do........"