Chapter 2
1209 Words
Once out of the company, she quickly got into her car, shut the door and cried bitterly. Five years of love just ended, she had been forced to leave the man she loved. When her eyes became painful and her nose sour that she couldn't cry anymore, she got the engine started, then sped off.
Asher remained in the office after closing of work, he was reluctant to leave since he didn't know how to face his father. When darkness has covered everywhere, he picked up his briefcase and left the office.
Once home, he got off the car and headed into the house, his heart beating heavily. The moment he pushed the door opened, he met everyone in the sitting room except his father. His heart skipped a beat, and he unconsciously clenched his fist.
He became momentarily paralysed as every eyes were locked on him. No doubt, they must have heard of the cancelled deal because their gazes exuded despise, scorn and mockery.
"Failure!!" Cruz Hudson spat.
"Watch your words Cruz," Asher warned. Though he failed again but wouldn't stand and watch his younger brother disrespect him.
"Keep quiet! aren't you a failure?" Nova Hudson, their mother reprimanded him immediately.
"Mother?" Asher wagged his head, his mouth slackened as he stared at the two. Their mother had never supported him and at the same time, Cruz had never disrespected him.
"You spend the Hudson's money, yet can't record a single success!! aren't you ashamed of yourself?"
Asher looked down, swallowed hard, gulping down his sadness. "I'm working hard mother, I'll definitely succeed," he began to walk towards them.
"Don't come close!!" Nova barked, causing Asher to stop dead in his tracks.
"Don't stain us with your failure!" her words cut deep into Asher's heart, his eyes drooped and he stared intently at his mother, then his younger brother.
"I'm not a failure mother," his words strangled in his throat and came out hoarse.
"If I were you, I'll hide my face daily. If I were you I'll hand over the management of D-Tech!!" She sneered at him.
"Look at Cruz, the true son of his father, an excellent business man! But look at you, a disgusting fellow,"
Asher gave them one more intense stare, then walked away.
"Only failures run," and there was a burst of laughter from the two.
"And good things avoid them too! Love not an exception!" Cruz added mockingly causing Asher to halt momentarily.
His words brought the memories of Ellie and their interaction earlier that day. She was in his office to end their relationship of five years.
He felt an ache in his belly at the thought of losing Ellie. "Love can't avoid me, Ellie won't leave me," he mumbled.
"Lunatic!" Nova yelled when she heard his incoherent words.
"Enough!!" The deep, masculine voice thundered and the whole room became silent.
Cruz glanced at his mother and quickly returned to the sofa he was sitting earlier. The one person he wouldn't dare disrespect was his father.
"Since when did you learn to disrespect your elder brother?" Gage Hudson barged in and advanced angrily towards Cruz who stood up immediately and hurried to his mother's side.
"How dare you call him a failure woman!" His furious voice reverberated through the room, his finger pointed aggressively at his wife.
Asher felt a sudden relief, despite how many times he failed, his father never discredited him, he would always stand up for him.
"He's your son for goodness sake! you should encourage him and not discourage him with your unpleasant words!!" His finger which was pointing at her trembled as he spoke.
"And you!!" He turned to face Cruz who had retreated to his mother's side, his head lowered.
"Successful men don't speak carelessly or is your success questionable?"
Cruz raised his head briskly, his eyes widened in shock and his mouth hung open. "Dad are you...."
"I won't warn you again," he interrupted Cruz, walked over to Asher, patted him gently on the shoulder.
"Go freshen up and meet me in my study," his once angry voice dissipated and a small smile danced on his face as he spoke to Asher.
Asher nodded readily, "Thank you dad." Then he hurried away.
Gage Hudson stared murderously at his younger son and wife, then left the sitting room in large strides.
Once in his room, he dropped his briefcase on the bed, loosened his tie, then took out his phone. He dialed her number but he couldn't get through. He tried couple of times, yet couldn't reach her.
He stared at the mobile phone in his hand and frowned deeply. Again, he dialed the number and got the same response, "not reachable,"
He suddenly felt a rush of nervous energy within him. For five years, he had never called without getting an immediate response. Her expression while she was leaving his office earlier that day flashed in his memory, her words resounded in his head. "Always remember that I love you."
His muscles tightened and his fingers twitched. Would that be her last words to him?
"No!" He wagged his head continuously forcing the thoughts off his mind.
"Perhaps she has ran out of battery," he mumbled.
Dispelling the thought completely, he made his way to the bathroom to freshen up. Done, he headed to his father's study.
After a gentle knock, he pushed the door and stepped in. "Dad," he called out while walking towards an empty sofa.
Gage Hudson glanced at him, then returned his gaze on the computer in front of him. "What do you plan to do?" He asked.
Asher spread out his hands helplessly, then slowly sat down. "I don't have an idea." His voice was barely audible.
"I've tried so hard yet it's the same." He had used different strategies, yet couldn't boast of a good successful business contract.
"You haven't tried enough." Gage Hudson got up, then sat beside him on the same sofa.
"What else should I do? I feel so ashamed to face you. Dad I haven't made you proud, it hurts so much." The business given to him to manage had been experiencing setback while Cruz had been counting numerous breakthrough.
"That's because you are too soft, Asher you need to be ruthless, show no mercy to your opponents, fight like your life depends on it. The business word is dark, only the strong can survive."
Asher listened keenly as he spoke.
"I don't mean you should be evil, but be formidable!! trust no one son, guard your business secrets, plant your spies everywhere. These are the secrets of a successful business man, I trust you, you have what it takes to break through the dark world of business."
Asher narrowed his eyes thoughtfully, perhaps his father was right. He trusted so much, he was too soft hearted.
He bobbed his head, his lips curled up into a smile, "Thank you dad for your support, I'll definitely not forget these words."
He patted him on the back. "I believe in you, get a good rest, don't think much about the deal."
Asher smiled broadly, rose to his feet and left the study. Gage Hudson stared at his back and his eyes darkened. "Cruz!!" He grunted.
- Writer
