The Young CEOS

The Big Toast

Young Jude had become an orphan at age twelve. He was blessed to be surrounded with three uncles and five cousins and a grandpa. Actually when his dad was alive, they lived in their own small villa with Hilda and Jessie. His father didn't really have time for him not to talk of knowing his uncles and cousins. His grandpa did pay them visits on countless occasions and saw the other families on Thanksgiving and other few celebrated occasions.

Jude is desperate to become the CEO. He just wanted to live his father's dream and deal with his father's murderers. He knew it wasn't just an accident. He overheard his uncles and one big business tycoon in Los Angeles in a conversation that made him very certain his uncles had a hand in his father's death. He couldn't trust his grandpa to let him know,will he even believe him? Jude planned to avenge his father's death when he gained power in the political space.That explains his thirst to represent the Blacks in high office.

Jude started seeing Jessie when they were both eighteen years old. They had actually grown up together. Jessie is a beautiful lady with dark hair,Olive skin and captivating eyes. She carried herself with poise and elegance. Her style reflected the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. She was a proud Mexican though born in America. The two knew their relationship would not be approved yet they found solace in each other’s company.Jessie was from a humble background. Her mother is a maid servant and she has an unknown father. The Blacks sponsored her education.

Grandpa would decline all her educational benefits should he notice his affair with his grandson. He has the notion,the rich play with the rich to build ultimate connection. The educational benefits were actually started by John Black that made grandpa continue to allow her benefit.

On the other hand, Jude loves Jessie because she was there for him before and after the demise of his dad. She was his best friend. He could share his fears, insecurities with her.

Jessie loved him too but for fear of losing her educational benefits made her drift away. They were good friends and Jude's persistence made her give in to his proposal. Both promised to keep their affair a secret. They had been seeing each other for three years now.

Jude Black and Nora Smith are engaged.How does he explain to Jessie. He just couldn't disappoint the old man. He'll lose the candidacy of becoming the next CEO after his grandpa. He needed that position like crazy.

Grandpa's eightieth birthday made him actually busy and hadn't had time for Jessie. He planned to explain to Jessie about his engagement to Nora after the old boy’s party and discuss their future.

Grandpa’s eightieth birthday was actually grand. It honoured prominent business men and women in Los Angeles. The men looked classy in their tuxedo and pants and all the women wore elegant gowns. Among the distinguished guests were the Smiths family. Grandma Lizzy, Nora’s dad and the Smith sisters together with Nora presented a present to Grandpa Black

Jude winked at Nora and both excused themselves. You never called me, Nora asked him.

Sorry, I've been really tight, what's going on? Jude asked her.

I'm , it's just that my grandma is serious about this engagement thing. What do we do?

Before Jude could answer ,the ceiling lighting spotted the two and fell on them.

All eyes moved towards their direction and Grandpa Black took to the stage and raised his wine glass and hit it to make a toast.

‘Ladies and Gentlemen, we are gathered here tonight not just to celebrate my birthday but the union of two remarkable individuals,my grandson Jude and beautiful Nora. Their engagement is a testament to the enduring power of love and friendship. May their future be full of joy,wealth and endless love . Let us raise our glasses to the happy couple, here's to a lifetime of happiness and success together.’

In unison, all the guests raised the glasses high. Though the room was cold, Jude started sweating profusely as if there's heat in his neatly ironed tuxedo. He nearly dropped his wine glass. A waiter got close for his glass and that of Nora's. He forced a smile,he noticed Jessie dropped a tray and had to rush away from the auditorium.

What could he do? He made an attempt to run after Jessie but Nora whispered, let's take the dance floor. The photographers are taking shots. She pulled him closer and uttered, ‘Loosen up, it's just for a few moments.’

Jude played along. They were congratulated by almost all the guests present and both their grandparents couldn't hide their joy as they introduced them to other business tycoons in Los Angeles.

Mr Smith was equally elated. This engagement gave Nora a head above her cousins in the candidacy of the CEO.He could tell his half sisters had a gloomy face after the announcement.

Headlines in the newspaper the next day made news for some days in Los Angeles.

“ Two Young CEOs About To Tie The Knot’, "The Black and The Smith Engagement", " Could This Be Love or Business?’ Anything about Jude and Nora to sell their newspapers and boost their blog pages were trending. A picture of an unhappy Jude called for lots of talks in the media.

Three days after the announcement of the young CEOs engagement, Jude hadn't had the chance to talk to Jessie. She wouldn't pick his calls or reply to his messages. In fact,she blacklisted him. School was on break. He tried reaching her through her mum.

‘ Jessie has travelled to Mexico’, Hilda told Jude when he inquired about Jessie's whereabouts.

She's never been there,when will she be back? Worried Jude asked Hilda.

Hilda was very aware of their relationship. She felt her daughter's heart break and Jude's pains. She went ahead to say, She's never returning.

OMG! Hilda, please I need to speak to her, everything has been misinterpreted. Help me reach her,at least get me an address. I need to speak to her, desperate Jude cried.

Jude was like her son too. Hilda lied about Jessie in Mexico. Seeing how helpless Jude was, she went for Jessie from the outhouse.

Jude raised his head to the swollen eyes of Jessie,one could tell, she has been shedding uncontrollable tears. He hugged her tight,tears streaming down his eyes. I'm sorry Jessie, I love you, we'll get past this tide. Let me explain, Jude talked.

I also have something to tell you. Jessie added.

Go first, Jude said.

I'm three weeks pregnant, Jessie sobbed.

Fortunately, Hilda had excused them to sort out their differences.

What! Jude is more scared, how do I tell grandpa about this. Jude went on to say, I don't love Nora Smith, she also has a lover and just to secure the CEO'S positions from our grandparents, we've agreed to contract marriage and will break apart when we get what we actually want . Please hang in there for me, I'll come for you and our baby.

Are you sure? Grandpa Black would never consent to us. I should have known this earlier, she let go of Jude's hands and sat on the floor wailing.

Henry is acting too stern after Nora and Jude made headlines.

What a fool I've made of myself? Did I believe Nora really loved me, she was drunk and I fell for her words. He thought as he turned in his resignation letter to Mr Smith. It read

Dear Sir, I hope this letter finds you well.

I humbly write to you to resign from the position as Miss Nora's personal bodyguard effective today. I've urgent personal needs to address. Thank you.

Mr Smith wasn't pleased but what choice did he have. All actions to get Henry to stay proved futile.

Nora woke up to the escort of Sam, where's Henry? She rushed to his dad.

He has quitted, Mr Smith answered Nora. Why! I was never stubborn or rude to him.

Mr Smith patted her on the shoulder,calm down,it is not about you, Henry said he has urgent personal issues to attend to.

It's me dad, Nora had tears in her speech. No one wants my company.

Mr Smith calmed her down, you are very sweet my daughter, I tried to make him stay but it is for the good.

You have a wedding to prepare for. Sam is a competent bodyguard as well.

You wouldn't understand, Nora said as she rushed to throw up in the washroom, she felt nauseous.

Mr Smith followed her, Are you well?

I'm well, Nora screamed from the bathroom. I've missed my month, I hope it is not what I'm thinking, she thought.

She came out to meet her father on the phone, whom are you speaking to? Nora asked.

I called the doctor,you don't look too well. It's ok dad. I'm on my way to meet Jude.

She made her way out of her dad's room to meet Sam already waiting outside the room. Sam ushered her into her ride.

Nora first stopped at Aisha's house and did the Pregnancy test.

It's positive, f***! I'm ruined! The guy responsible has even blacklisted me. She took Aisha's phone to reach Henry, he did answer because he didn't know that phone number.

Hello Henry, please don't hang up. It's Nora, I'm pregnant for you. She let out all these quickly.

Wait, with who? Henry felt it was a trap and he wasn't falling for it again. Besides, they had done the thing once,it was even a mistake.

You,you're the only guy I have known and seen. You broke my virginity and I meant it when I said I'm attracted to you and I love you. She broke down in tears.

Calm down, Let's meet and talk.

Nora actually had to meet Jude too to plan their fake wedding. She was already exhausted. She didn't need to please her grandma anymore for the CEO position but she couldn't let her father down. She left to Jude's house in the escort of her driver and Sam, her new bodyguard.

Jude already aware of her coming, took her to his room.

Nora looked gloomy, Why this sad face, Jude showed concern.

I'm pregnant! Nora said.

A voice entered the room and exclaimed Wow! you're pregnant.

Both eyes switched to the entrance.