The Rose Of The Impotent C.E.O

ROSELYN JENSEN

I took a single loaf of bread an put them in my mouth. I will be late if I won t get out in my house now. I have too many jobs that I forgot that I need to visit mom today. I only have 30 minutes left before my work hours in Starbucks. I ran as fast as I can. Good thing that I found this apartment that is near to the hospital.

"Excuse me!"-I shouted. I tried to catch the elevator. There are two men inside it. I took a deep breath when they open it and waited for me. I smiled on them and bow down.

"Thank you so much."-I said. I pinch 18th floor. I eat the loaf that I have in the hand. By the reflection I saw on the door of the elevator, the man with glasses seems to be a rich person and the man beside him is his secretary. The door opens, I bow down again before the door closes. I went to my mother s room. It s been 9 months since my mother got into an accident. I massage her feet and speak to her.

"Mom, it s been 9 months are you not tired of sleeping all these time. I have been missing your voice while nagging at me. Can you wake up now, please?"-I said. Tears fall in my cheeks. I just smile.

"If you are not ready yet, it s okay. I will wait until the day that you wanted to wake up. You can nag on me everyday when you came back, okay? I really miss you actually."-I said again. I clean her up and keep on massaging her until I saw that its time to leave again. I kiss her forehead and look at her.

"I ll visit you again tomorrow mom. I love you."

I went out and took my Bluetooth earphone. I need to call my boss that I might be late for a few minutes.

"Welcome to Starbucks, how may I help you?"

"Caramel macchiato and strawberry shortcake."

"Okay ma am. That would be $3.7 dollars."

"Heremy card."-she said. I swipe her card and bring her order on her seat. It s been a while since I started working two jobs. I need to support my needs and my mom s hospital bills. They even said that I can be a stripper to gain more money but my mom will surely hate me. It s better to have two or more jobs than being a stripper. I know how to respect myself.

"Thank you ma am, come again."-I said. My shift has ended at 5pm, I need to go on my next job as a call center agent. My shift is from 5:30 pm to 9 pm in the afternoon. I am planning to work on a restaurant part time. I might not die if I only sleep for 5 hours right?

"Roselyn!"-she said. My best friend Alona called me.

CRIMSON LUCA

I look at this folder. This is the next project that grandfather wants me to do. The semi-private hospital that he build for grandmother is now a well-known hospital in the country and around the globe. He is planning to expand it as well.

"This hospital is a part of the foundation, isn t it?"

"Yes, Sir Crimson. Most of the poor patients who gets admitted in the hospital are being help by the foundation."-he said.

"What do you think if we expand the hospital to a poor countries like Vietnam and Kenya or any places in Africa?"-I ask. He is my secretary since I start working. I was his best man as well when he gets married five years ago.

"It s up to you, Sir Crimson. After all, Luca Empire has been known as one of the biggest business empire around the globe. You and Sir Robert had genuinely helpful and compassionate in helping people, there s nothing wrong if you expand the hospital abroad."

"I like your answer. I want you to make an arrangement to several investors that you expect that are willing to help us regarding this project."-I said.

"No problem, Sir Crimson."

"You can leave now. I want to review this project further."-I said. He bow down and leave my office.

I need to go in England the next day for a business trip. I need to close the deal with Mr. Barren. I knew grandfather wants him to be part of Luca empire. He is known in England as a supplier of raw materials for technology and appliances.

Today is my check-up in the hospital that we owns, Greg had pinch the floor where we will go when we both that woman rushing towards the elevator. We both extend our hand to stop the elevator from closing. She even shout to us.

"Excuse me!"-she said. She even had a bread in her hand. She smiled and took a deep breath.

"Thank you."-she said and smile to us. She went off first. For a girl who didn t even wear any make up and she didn t wearing any expensive or special jewelries in her body, she beautiful. It is refreshing to see women who s bare faced and not wearing any make-up. On this day where make-up can deceive the meaning of beauty, I find her different.

"It s good to see you again, Crimson."

"Say that after you tell me a good news, Tristan."

"Woke up on the bad side of the bed again? Kidding aside. We have been trying to do anything that can be possible, you only need to work more."-he said.

"Work with what? Don t you think I didn t even try?"

"I have been thinking this lately. Are you sure this is not about your emotions? Maybe let s try to talk to a psychiatrist that must be what you need. Your case must not be about your...that. But maybe because you are having a struggle mentally."

"Mentally? And how come that you think of that idea? Do I look like a madman?"-I ask. He sigh.

"Not all people asking a psychiatrist help are madman or crazy people. Have you ever forget anything that school taught to you?"-he said.

"Should I throw this one to you then?"

"Hey, hands off young man! That vase is an antique. It s from my great-great grandma."

"If that s the case. Call that doctor that your talking about. I want to talk to him."

"No problem. He is in his office downstairs. I ll call him right away Mr. Richman."-he said.

"What an idiot."

"Likewise."-he said and stick his tongue on me.

"Should I cut his tongue, Sir Crimson?"

"Hey! You know what Greg, since you became his secretary? You started to be like him as well. You are like a combination of two weirdo s. Oh, not you Dr. Franco. Can you come here in my office for a while? I want you to meet this madman, I mean my patient."

He saw that I am ready to push the vase off when he change his naming about me. Later on, a man came and he saw us.

"Oh, Mr. Luca. Good morning."

"Likewise, Mr. Franco."

"What is this all about?"-he said and sit.

He told him what happen to me five years ago and he started to ask me some several questions.

"It must be because of the pain of what your fiancée did to you, it is indeed possible that it affects your health, Mr. Luca."-he said.

"Then what should I do?"

"Maybe you need to find a new inspiration or else try to enter into a new relationship. Instead of trying any methods like finding a fling, or any other aspect to help you out. What you needed must be a girl who will understand your situation."

"I don t think a girl will like to have a relationship to someone who have this kind of case like me."

"Who knows, you might find someone. I have this hunch that you need to be in a relationship to have faith in love again. That might help you to heal both of your worries."-Dr. Franco.

"He has a point. Why don t you try it?"-Dr. Tristan.

ROSELYN JENSEN

I tried to open my eyes widely. I am too tired but my shift on this new and third job that I have will be done in an hour. I have to stay awake!

"I want to order two burgers, double patty with cheese and 5 hotdog sandwich."-he said. He take a sit. This burger truck is here in this park where most lovebirds stay foe the night and even camp in here. That s why a business like this here are open 24/7.

"Okay Sir. Just give me ten minutes."-I said.

"No problem."-he said. After I made his order, I have attended 20 more customers before the next person to take a her shift came.

"Not bad, newbie. Your much faster than the last part-timer. Here, it s on the house. Come again tomorrow."-she said. I look on the hotdog sandwich and a burger that she gave to me.

"Thank you. I ll just have this for dinner, I m too tired to cook. I can have an early sleep tonight."

"No problem. Good night."

"Thank you."-I said. I left the stand and started to walk. My apartment here are just 10 minute walk which is very convenient to me. I jump ti bed after I eat that hotdog and burger.

"I wish mom is here to cook my favorite dishes. I can cook them but I still miss her."

I prayed before going to bed. One day, my mom will be here and nag at me. I can continue college after that. I still wanted to finish the business course that I took. I was supposed to be a third-year college student this year but mom got into an accident and I have to pay her bills in the hospital. The foundation helps but still, I wanted to save my money just in case.

"Alona, can you pass me the sauce please?"

"Here. Good thing that you agreed to take a day-off from working in Starbucks. You have been pushing yourself too much."-she said. I sigh.

"You know very much how I wanted to make money. Even the hospital pays half of my mother s bill, she has been there for nine months already."

"I know. We can still ask another organizations for the other half of your mother s bill."-she suggested.

"I am too tired everyday to even go back in forth in other NGO s or government organizations for that. Thanks for being here with me, Alona."

"You re welcome. Wait, what if aunt s bill when she comes out is indeed huge, what are you going to do?"

"Let s cross the bridge when we get there."-I said.

"Are youwilling to accept an indecent proposal?"

"Huh?"-I said. Indecent proposal? Like what?

CRIMSON LUCA

I decided to come on the night club that Tristan talks about. This man had never gave up on trying to use his method. He even took the closest table. I always use a mask to cover half of my face. Only my right cheeks is visible in them.

"You have been bringing me to this place twice a month, Tristan. You never learn are you?"

"Kind off. But at least we can try several method as possible. Don t you think?"

"I don t know what exactly you are trying to say but after this show, I will go home. I have a flight to England tomorrow."-I said.

"All right. England won t leave its place okay? Let s enjoy the night, Crimson."-he said. The light suddenly changes, I put some whisky in my glass. A couple of women came. The song changes and they started their strip show.

The woman on the middle is indeed beautiful, sexy and her dance is seductive, she started to take off her undies and her breast is exposed. But I can t feel even a single intimacy or desire towards her. I drink my whisky and Tristan speaks.

"What s with that face?"-he said.

"What face? What are you referring to?"

"You of course. Who do you think I m talking to, a ghost?"-he said. I put some peanuts in his mouth.

"Shut up you rascal. You should stop being this wild. You re an ultimate playboy. Choose where you use that, idiot. You might have a worst illness than mine."

"Sshh. Stop. Your sharp tongue is hurting this beautiful man in this bar."-he said.

"Narcissists."-I mumbled and drink again.

"Domineering arrogant."-he talk back.

"Cut his tongue."-I said to Greg.

"No problem, Sir."-he said. He took the knife and he look at him. He took the spoon.

"Don t come near me Greg. Hey, stop your secretary! Do you want him to be a killer?!"

"Cut them in three."-I said.

"Ahhh!"-he said and change his seat. He stop after. The show has ended and Tristan signed her to come in our table. She is smiling closely and sit on the chair between us. She stare on me in particularly.

"Hi, handsome."-she said.

"Why don t you order a ladies drink first, what do you think?"-I said. Her smile became sweet again.

"Waiter."-she said. Their waiter came.

"Ladies drink, ask her how many she wanted."

"Oh, really? Okay, give me at least a bucket. My name is Lizzy, how about you, mystery guy?"

"Cris, just call me Cris."-I said.

"Okay."-she said. When his drink came, she keeps on eyeing me and even her legs caressing mine.

"Ahem. Uhm, Lizzy, are you free tonight?"

"Of course, if the price is right."-she wink on Tristan.

"Cris?"-he said and look at me.

"Not tonight, I have an early flight tomorrow. I might miss it. It s up to you if you want to?"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I m sorry sweetie but maybe my friend can join you in fan tonight. I have an important flight tomorrow. But your drink is on me, don t worry."

"Okay."-she said. At the end of the time, they speak to each other.

"I ll go ahead first. I don t want to miss a flight if I ll stay much late at night. Enjoy you two."

"Have a safe flight dude."-he said. We left him and Greg send me home before he went home. Good thing that his wife is an understanding woman I can drag him easily on my trips or things like this. I took a quick shower and lay down to my bed.

I look on the right side and I suddenly saw the picture frame on my bedside table. It was my picture with my ex-fiancée when we visit Argentina, six years ago. That is when I proposed to her.

5 years ago

"I said no! Are you deaf for you not to understand what I said. Are you an idiot?"-she said.

"But I have to do my obligations. My grandfather will be mad if I won t go to Dubai, Isabelle."

"No! Tomorrow is mom s birthday and I want you to be there."-she said. I can t drive any further, I need to park somewhere before we continue to talk.

"You know my grandfather. If he said that he can t do it then I have to be in his stead. I will send your mom a gift okay? Please understand."-I said.

"I said no, no! You have to be worried if I get mad at you, Crimson. I don t care if he dies because of madness of you didn t follow him. After all if he dies he can t control you anymore and you can go to your office any time you wanted. It s a win-win."

"What did you just say?! Did you just curse my grandpa?"-I ask.

"Yes. And I wish he die-agh!"

I slap her. She is surprised and get hysterical. She even push me that made me lose the steering wheel and we get into an accident. The car roll down.

"Oh my!"-I said and woke up. That dream...

ROSELYN JENSEN

I am wearing this long face because I have a bad night. I keep on dreaming a weird dream! I keep on dreaming that I am kissing a man whom I can t remember his face and even holding that-

"My goodness, Roselyn! What is wrong with you last night?! What is that, a sign that your life is boring? What kind of dream is that?"-I speak to myself while staring on my reflection on the mirror.

"But somehow...that feeling. It feels like it was true. Nah! My psychology teacher in freshmen said that sometimes dreams feels like true but it is still a dream. Maybe I am just too lonely because I was too focused in life. All right then! Wake up, Roselyn."-I said. I splash some water in my face and end up taking a shower when I feel like I want too.

Just like my daily routine, I visited mom for an hour to massage her and change her undergarments. Went to the bank to deposit my money and go to my work in Starbucks, call center depot and to the burger stand. It might sounds repetitive but the experience and the scenarios will always be a refreshing moment. I m walking my way home when I trip myself. I almost kiss the floor, good thing I grab the plants on the street garden. I stood up and act normal again.

"Things had never change. I m still clumsy. How can I trip when I m wearing flats? Especially that there is no humps? Oh my goodness, this is really embarrassing. I have to do something with my clumsiness or else I might put myself in a danger if I can t control this at all. Good thing no one sees that.

"Ahhh! My bed at last we can warm each other again. My back is aching, my hand is tired in serving several customers, my voice is cracking for talking all day. Now I can finally..."

When I open my eyes, it s already morning. It looks like I have slept while talking to this lonely self. I woke up and decided to cook something and bring it to the hospital. I ll just eat there.

"Mom, I am here again. Still sleeping? I envied you, I haveneven complete a 6 hour sleep. I really miss your soup and yourfried chicken. I wish I ll eat them soon. Wake up for me okay? I will bring you to Disneyland if you wake up soon. I promise."

There is no response. I still cry at several times but I never lose hope. I always pray and I knew one day mom will wake up and nag me soon. I believe she will.

"Bye mom. I ll come back again tomorrow, okay? I love you. Bye-bye."-I said. I leave the hospital and repeat my life again. Typical yet still enjoying.

ALONA REID

I enter college and took the same course as Roselyn choose to take. But I feel sad that we won t graduate together. But I understand her situation that s why I save up and give her some groceries every two weeks. She didn t like it but I always insist. It s my way to express my sympathy and love for her as her best friend. I knew she wants to save up that much.

"Tiktok is indeed famous to everyone now."-I mumbled. I am buying groceries but instead I saw a group of girls making tiktok while they re inside the store. I avoided them and my car accidentally bump a strangers cart. I bow down.

"I m sorry. Did I destroy something?"-I ask. I look at the items first before I look on the owner. He is smiling when I look at him. He is a handsome man and he has a strong charm as well.

"It s okay, no damage at all. How about you miss?"

"I am okay. I m sorry. I never look when I turn around. I just saw tiktokers on that place and I wanted to avoid them so I am here. I don t want to be part of it if their theme is a prank."-I said. He smiled.

"I see. Actually I do have the same reason and I bump you as well. Anyway, I ll go this way and you ll go this way. Is that good?"-he said.

"Okay. I m sorry again."-I said and went to the right side. He smiled again.

"No problem. I m sorry also."-he said. I just smile and continue to push my cart. I still have things to buy. I also need her help about my homework.

"I know you will be here. Good thing that today is my day off."-she said and when I get in she close the door. I put the grocery bags on the table.

"I ll cook something. Stay for a while okay?"

"Of course, after all I need your help about my homework."-I said. She smiled.

"No problem. Stay put then."-she said. I watch her as she cooks something for snack time. She is good in cooking and I always try to learn what I saw on her when I get home. Mom is surprised actually and she love Roselyn as well. She even add a 100dollars on what I save up in buying groceries for her.

"A dream? Like what?"-I said.

"Last-last night. I am kissing a man and even touching his crotch. I woke up after that but dreamt it again. But I can t even remember his face even it happens thrice in a row. His face is not blurry in my dream yet I can t remember it."-she said.

"Really? Maybe it means someone will come soon."

"An admirer? Nah."-she said. But I just smile.

ROSELYN JENSEN

Alona is always been a teasing woman. She always find a way to threw a joke or make your situation humorous. And I didn t find it offensive, she knows her limitations that s why I am not worried at all.

"Why not? What if that is a sign that a prince charming is on his way to you."

"Tss. Your watching too much Disney fairy tales. Alona, in real life princesses are not finding a prince charming with a white horse. Even princess Diana didn t found a true happy ending even he meet a prince in white horse."-I said.

"And why princess Diana came in the picture? My goodness, Roselyn. Your being too negative."

"That s not true. I m just being realistic. Here, add something to make it a three paragraph essay."

"Thank you! But seriously, if you don t want a prince charming then that man in your dreams might a knight in shimmering shining armor."-she said. She even spread her hands and look on the ceiling. I smiled and shook my head. I put the hotdog on her mouth and she gave me a death glare.

"C mon Roselyn, don t be so narcissists. Be positive and love again like there s no tomorrow."

"Love can come and go, Alona. I don t need to find them nor need them. I have another important things to handle and love isn t a part of it. For now, okay?"

"Whatever. How about use a dating app? Maybe you can spare time for a long distanced relationship. At least your boyfriend won t disturb you."

"Well, if he calls? Wouldn t that be a disturbance?"

"At least you can choose not to pick and say that your phone is on silent."-she said.

"Let s cut the conversation. Let s do your homework and I ll call an Uber that will send you home safely."

"Okay ma am. You should ve pick an education course. Your like a teacher or even a mom when you nag like this."-she said. I laugh.

"Believe me missy, mom s nagging speech is a good one. You ll miss them when she s not doing it at all."

"Okay. I get you, mommy. Thanks for the dinner anyway."-she said. I smiled.

"Thanks for the groceries and being here always, Alona. I really appreciate it."-I said. She smiled.

"Bye-bye, I ll see you again. Anyway, DM me about the title of the K-drama and C-drama that your talking about."-she said. I nodded. She get inside the car and they leave. I went back in my apartment and clean the messes we make and go to bed.

CRIMSON LUCA

"It s nice to do business with you, Mr. Barren."

"Likewise Mr. Luca, may our partnership will last longer."-he said. I smiled.

"No problem with us. Let s continue to eat."-I said.

"Of course."-he said. After this, I ll flew back in the country in the afternoon. I don t have time to stay here and have fun for the meantime.

"I m home grandpa."-I said. He closed the folder that he is reading. He look at me.

"How s the deal that you closed with Mr. Barren?"

"Everything is settled and he signed the contract."

"Good, I knew you can always do what I said. But this time I have something that I want you to do?"

"What did you mean by that, grandpa?"-I ask.

"Get married or you won t inherit anything."-he said.

"What? Are you kidding me, grandpa?"-I said. But his face tells me how serious it is.

"I just thought that you only needed time to accept about Isabelle s break-up with you. But it s been five years. You are not getting younger. Your already 30 years old, Crimson."-he said. I sigh. He is surprised when Isabelle left me and he didn t take a good reason from me. He didn t even know my situation.

"Grandpa, is this an ultimatum?"

"You heard what I said. You won t get anything if you won t get married in two months. I don t care if it s a short relationship in dating status. Or a shotgun marriage or a contract marriage. But make sure that even if it s a contract marriage, she ll bring an heir in this family. Did you understand?"

"Okay. I understand. I ll take your words in action. I ll go to my room. Don t get late in going to bed again. You not younger anymore."

"I ll just finish this and then I ll go to bed also."

"Okay."-I said and went upstairs. I took a deep sigh while staring in the ceiling. How can I bring an heir if my situation is like this? I can find a woman for a contract marriage but an heir? I don t think so. I ll think a way after that. For now I need to find a woman to marry. I don t want to be in trouble.

"Good morning, Sir Crimson."

"Good morning. Today is the board meeting isn t it?"

"Yes Sir, Mr. Robert is already in the conference room. They might be waiting for you, Sir Crimson."

"Let s go."-I said. Every month, we have a board meeting to talk about the sales of Luca empire. Even some future plans for the business.

"Good morning, grandpa and everyone as well. I m sorry for being late."-I said. We started the meeting.

"Your grandpa say that? Oh my, your in a big trouble mister. When grandpa Robert gives you an order, it is like a law in this country."-Tristan. I sigh.

"Did you have any cousin that I can ask to be my contracted wife?"-I ask. He thinks for a moment.

"I don t think I have. My youngest cousin is 16 years old. The older one s are living with their boyfriends or fiancée. I m sorry, I can t help you with that."

"How about Franco?"

"Maybe he has. Should I call him?"-he said. I nodded. He came and he listen to my concern.

"I don t have also. I only have three cousins who are girls but they re all married. But that idea might help you. Try to find a right girl not strippers, that might help you to heal."-he said.

"Good idea. Why don t you try to go in companies of Luca empire. You might found a girl that suits your taste."-Tristan. Not a bad idea.

"Okay. I ll consider that."-I said. I was about to get inside the elevator when a familiar voice speaks from a distance. I look back.

"Crimson?"-she said. She look at me.

"Isabelle."-I mumbled. She smiled. She let me see the diamond engagement ring in her finger.

"It s nice to see you again after 5 years."

"The same. Wait, don t tell me you re here because your still...you know what I mean."-she said.

"Still interested in me? That s quiet surprising."

"Nope. Not at all. Oh wait, don t tell me your still in love with me? C mon Crimson, don t expect because I am not into a dog. Ops, sorry. Poor you, Crimson. Well no one will like you because your-"

"You have never changed Isabelle. Your still arrogant and self-centered."-I said. She laugh.

"C mon Crimson. It was you who is arrogant. Your still a dog under your grandpa s order. And I can tell that you still love me that s why your still single. Oh sorry, but I have found a rich guy and someone that is not... not sick."-she said and look down my pants.

"Miss Isabelle, you should watch your words."

"Oh shut up, doggie."-she said to Greg.

"You should the one to shut up, Isabelle. What happen 5 years ago is blessing in disguise. I can t stand someone as selfish as you."-I said.

"As if I am happy when I dated you. My gosh!"

All of a sudden, a slender arms and a sweet orange scent perfume enters my nose.

"Uhm, sweetheart...what is going on here? Who is this woman?"-she said in a soft and soothing voice. I look at her. This is the woman on the elevator.

ROSELYN JENSEN

Today is my birthday, I wore the simple signature dress that mom bought to me on my last birthday. I have taken a cake and a take out spaghetti from a fast-food chain.

"Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday, happy birthday...happy birthday to me! Pufff..."-I blew the candle in my cake. I look on mom that is still sleeping.

"Mom, on my next birthday I hope you are already awake. I missed you so much."-I said and kiss the back of her palm.

"Mom, I knew you always hear me. Promise me that you will wake up for next birthday okay? I miss the spaghetti that your cooking. It is sweeter than this fast-food spaghetti. I can cook and have the same taste like yours but it is still different if you cook it for me. But if you re jot ready yet to wake up, I understand. But promise me that you won t leave me okay? Please?"-I mumbled.

My dad died five years ago. He has a prostate cancer and he left an insurance money but we have use that in buying a bungalow house and we already used up the money when I entered college. I finish eating when my phone rings. I took a day off today. I knew it, it s Alona. She said we will go to an arcade later.

"Hello, Alona."-I said.

(Don t forget our date later. Let s meet on the mall later this afternoon, okay? Anyway, happy birthday! Welcome to the 20 s.)

"Yes. I m 20 now."-I said. Alona is three months older than me. I smiled and look at the window.

(Okay then, see you later. Love you.)

"Love you too."-I said. She ended the call. When I went out to meet Alona. A scene catches my attention. It was the two man from the elevator and an elegant girl who seems to be...an ex?

"C mon Crimson. It was you who is arrogant. Your still a dog under your grandpa s order. And I can tell that you still love me that s why your still single. Oh sorry, but I have found a rich guy and someone that is not... not sick."-she said and look down at him.

"Uhm, sweetheart...what is going on here? Who is this woman?"-I said. I held his arms. He looks at me. He is surprised because I get in between. That woman s reaction is also priceless. Her accusations are purely lies. Her own expectations slaps her on her own face. I smiled on her.

"An ex-fiancée who left me in the air."-he said.

"Oh, a bitter ex."-I said. She is mad I can tell. A brat.