Chapter 2: The CEO Is Alive
1052 Words
LUKE’S POV
Mum’s knock on my door pulls me back to reality. I quickly pretend the recent news doesn’t affect me as I open the door for her.
I beam warmly, “Good morning, Mum.”
She cups my face cheerfully. “Good morning, Luke. The day has just begun, but it seems everything will finally work in our favor.”
I nod. “That’s right, Mum. Please have a seat.”
I sit on the bed, waiting to hear what she has to say. “Now that Hazel is gone and out of the picture, everything will be easier for you. You need to start planning and preparing to take over her company.”
Intertwining my fingers, I sit silently, lost in thought. “Hold on, Luke—aren’t you aware of her death?”
“I’m very aware, Mum.”
She abruptly stands and stares at me. “So why do you look like you’re sulking? Are you?”
I nervously clench my fists and put on a calm expression. “I’m fine, Mum. I just have a lot on my mind.”
She gazes at me in disbelief and reluctantly sits back down. “I’ll try to believe you. There’s no time for sulking, so you’d better start doing what needs to be done!”
I watch as she stood up and walks out of the room, while shutting the door firmly. Slowly, I exhale and attempt to push my emotions aside. Then, I head to the bathroom and wash my face in the sink, staring at my reflection in the mirror.
“Luke! Pull yourself together. Seize this opportunity and claim what’s rightfully yours. Hazel is history now.”
A knock on the bathroom door interrupts my affirmations. The door swings open to reveal Ruby’s expressionless face.
Still unsure how to react, I remain silent and stare at her. “Hi, baby. You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Ruby remarks, closing the room door behind her.
I quietly sigh in relief, thankful the running water masked my weak words.
“Oh, I was just thinking about something, baby,” I reply, turning off the tap. She doesn’t look convinced, but I end the conversation.
“Do you need to use the bathroom?”
She rolls her eyes and leaves the bathroom. I quickly follow her and lie on the bed as if everything is fine.
“What’s wrong with you, Luke?” Ruby demands angrily, turning to face me.
“Why are you so clueless? Don’t you know what you should be doing by now?”
The frustration on her face makes the atmosphere tense. “I’m sorry, my love. I’ve been busy with other things.”
Looking irritated, she continues, “I’m not Mum, who’d believe your lies. It’s obvious her death is affecting you.”
I grow angry and push her out. “Get out, Ruby!”
Frustrated, I grab my phone and call Chairman Oliver. He answers immediately, beginning the conversation on a different note.
“Greetings, Luke. I heard the news, and I’m sorry for your loss.”
Without acknowledging his sympathy, I cut straight to the point. “I need to become the CEO of Orion’s Den.”
There’s silence, making me impatient. “Chairman Oliver? Are you there? Can you hear me?”
He replies softly, “Yes, Luke.”
“How do I get started?”
Another awkward pause follows. I glance at my phone and bring it closer to my ear. “Why the silence?”
He exhales before responding. “I’m sorry, Luke. I just didn’t expect you to say that so soon.”
Realizing I’ll get nowhere with him, I hang up and call someone more willing to comply.
“Greetings, Director Will.”
He responds enthusiastically. “Greetings, Luke. How are you? My deepest condolences.”
Feeling overwhelmed, I steer away from the sympathy. “I need to become the CEO of Orion’s Den.”
His reply is music to my ears. “That’s no problem. A few calls, and it’ll be sorted. But there’s a fee.”
Excited, I say, “Not an issue. My secretary will handle the p*****t. Call me when everything is finalized.”
A few hours later, during dinner with my family, I receive a call from an unknown number.
“Hi, Mr. Luke. I’m Director Will’s secretary. He asked me to inform you that everything is settled. The board meeting is in a few days.”
The call ends quickly, filling my family and me with joy.
Two days later...
I slip on my black Louis Vuitton shoes.
“Baby, you look amazing. It’s your big day, my love,” Ruby gushes while adjusting my black tie and gray suit.
I kiss her lightly on the chin. “See you soon.”
I head to the living room, nod at my parents, and enter the polished Rolls Royce waiting for me.
“To Orion’s Den, please.”
The chauffeur drives swiftly, stopping at the company entrance, where a crowd of directors waits, as if expecting a celebrity on the red carpet.
“Welcome, Luke.”
“Welcome, CEO Luke.”
“Glad to see you.”
They open the door and escort me inside. Adjusting my suit, I feel nothing but excitement as we take the elevator to the boardroom.
Stepping out, I’m greeted by more people who accompany me to the meeting. Once inside, nearly everyone rises, clapping until I sit. It’s a surreal moment.
Director Will stands and smiles before beginning. “It’s an important day. Let’s honor our former CEO with a minute of silence.”
Afterward, he continues, “The presidential seat cannot remain vacant. We need a leader. It’s time to vote. If you support Mr. Luke as the next CEO, please raise your hand.”
Seeing the majority vote in my favor, he smiles. “We have our new CEO!”
“With a standing ovation, let’s welcome our new CEO, Mr. Luke Smith!”
I stand proudly, waving as I approach the CEO’s seat. But just as I’m about to sit, a familiar voice echoes.
“Who wants to take the CEO seat when she’s still alive?”
Hazel appears, sparking chaos. I feel my breath hitch as she strides toward me.
- Writer
