C10 Flashback V

• Rafe •

Fay had asked me to see her at the Le Bain club in an hour so I thought to come home and reply to some pending emails -- home means; Eastmond's private residence. My small family lived in this big bungalow. Father and Mom didn't let me have a separate house because I was their only child. They said we had a big house and our family was very small so we didn't have to live separately. That's exasperating.

They didn't ask for my opinion. They didn't see it my way that I needed my own space and privacy. That's why I was desperate to be a CEO as soon as possible so I could live my life like I wanted to. Mom and Dad won't be able to dictate me after that.

I had already bought an apartment where I planned to shift. I spent some nights there in a month or two when I wanted to escape from my family, when I wanted to have some time alone.

Anyways, I continued replying to my emails. I was sitting in the living room with my laptop on the center glass table and pile of files I brought with myself from the office. I was actually sitting on my knees that were currently hurting as they were unable to endure my body weight.

My office work was endless. Father burdened me so much and I couldn't even complain because I was trying to impress him. He had deliberately burdened me, didn't even allow me to have a secretary or a PA. No one can help me in lessening my workload.

"Oh, you're here. I was looking for you." The sudden, unexpected voice of Father made me flinch. I spontaneously tried to rise on my feet, but my knee hit the lightweight table, causing it to tilt. Some of the files slipped down on the carpeted floor.

The strong pain in my knee struck me. I withheld my moan by tightly pressing my lips, hurriedly put all the files back on the table. Then I stood upright, "I'm sorry, it's just--"

"What is wrong with you, Rafe?" Father exploded, "Why is it hard to hold things? You embarrass me in front of everyone."

I squeezed my eyes shut and cursed myself under breath. I didn't understand why I became nervous when Father was around. I made a fool of myself.

"This is how you'll manage the company? You'll give a good laugh to the employees. I can't believe you're my son."

"I'm sorry, Father." I tried to cover up uselessly, "I was so involved in my typing. I wasn't expecting you."

"Stop your lame excuses. We are going to Kaysha's annual fete coming week. I wanted to introduce you there as an heir of Eastmond, but seeing you like this is making me think that I need to teach you more lessons and wait."

"Father, you can trust me." I stretched my lips into a fake, nervous smile, "I'll handle everything there."

I can't say it on his face that I became nervous and mindless only when he was around. Working and building this business had made Father a robot. He lacks normal human emotions. He wanted everything to be perfect and flawless. His extraordinarily high standards made me feel low in his presence and that's how I caused small blunders.

"She has called renowned builders and industrialists there." He added on.

"Okay." I simply said.

Mom stepped in, walked to me, "Rafe, I wanted to ask you something."

"Yes?" I gave her a quizzical look.

"What are your marriage plans? I think now is the time you should start thinking about it. I've a few candidates for you in my mind."

"Please, Mom." I got irritated. They had asked me that question a few times before. I plainly avoided it.

"Yes, I have been thinking about it. You're twenty eight now." Father joined Mom. I sighed tiringly. I thought I would finish working during the spare hour I had. They were wasting my time.

"No. I don't want to get married right now." I responded.

I can't tell them about Mona. They would freak out and my dream of becoming the CEO of the Eastmond Builders would die a painful death.

Ah. This reminded me of Fay and how hard it would have been for her. I could relate to her because I would face more or less similar challenges when my time comes.

"Why?" Father frowned.

"I just want to focus on office work." I tried to reason.

"But this can happen side by side. I can arrange a few blind dates for you." Mom suggested.

"No." I quickly refused. I had a pretty good idea about their blind dates.

"Do you like someone?" Father asked.

"No."

"I knew it." Father shook his head irritatingly, "You are good for nothing. We'll look a woman for you."

Father turned to leave and Mom followed her, "Damien, what about the daughter of Christopher? She is a COO of Benicio Industries."

"Yes, of course." Both of them left the room.

My face contorted in utter disbelief. They couldn't decide a woman for me like this without including me in the discussion.

This was a serious problem. They would try to set me up with their business allies' daughters. I didn't want arrange marriage. Besides, there would be no fun in getting married with a woman who had the same background as me. There would be nothing to explore.

This was the crucial decision of my life and I should be in-charge of it. It made me angry. I wish I could become CEO soon. All my problems would be solved. They won't be able to force me for marriage.

Oh dear, Fay. How are you dealing with this? This heritage, wealth, being an only heir, really sucks. So much pressure.

I collected my things and walked to my room. No matter what, I would keep delaying my marriage problem till I reach my dream. Only then I would tell them that I was already going out with someone. Mom and Father won't be able to stop me after that. Life would get better.

I put my files and laptop in my room then left to see Freya, disappointed that I couldn't be able to complete my work.