The Sign

Chapter 2: New Start

Jax attended his first board meeting as the CEO of Leon Group and Company. He wore his black Saint Laurent suit, paired with Versace shoes, with fixed hair showing his forehead. He got his white Lamborghini and drove away. Jax preferred to drive for himself all the time rather than having someone with him in the car. For him, it was his stress reliever and self or alone time.

Ava, on the other hand, knocked on Kyla's door. However, Kyla didn't bother to open it for her. Ava and Kyla are living together in Ava's apartment. Both of them have no parents. Kyla's parents died in a car accident, while Ava's parents were unknown. She lived with her grandfather before but he died three (3) years ago.

AVA: (Sighed) Ky, I am -- I am leaving for school now. I have already cooked some breakfast. You can also reheat them for lunch. I'll see you later. (Left)

While on her way to university, she passed by a department store and saw new canned products of Leon Group and Company. Leon Group and Company are the top company in producing affordable food products in canned, sachet and boxes. Ava is taking a business marketing course and dreamt of working with Leon Group.

JAX: (Entered the conference room and everyone stood up) You may now all take your seat. You all know that if you are under my watch, I want everything to be smooth and perfect. Everything written on the paper in front of you will be our plans for this year and everything should be followed. When I say everything, it must be everything, including the comma and periods on that paper. It's more than a hundred pages. I want you all to read them this morning. Comments and suggestions will only be entertained for this day. Are we all clear?

MEMBER 1: We understood Sir. But, this is your first day as the new CEO. We know you've proven your capacity and ability already as an acting CEO since Mr. Kim, I mean since your father got sick. However, we also --

JAX: What? Discuss further about my position? Do you want me to kick you out now?

MEMBER 1: What I mean, Sir, is your future decisions, not the position. Of course, we already expected the you will be the successor of --

JAX: So, what are you suggesting?

MEMBER 1: These papers, we know these are the plans of Leon Group. However, the Board wants an increase of voting when it comes to company decisions. It's not that we are --- not trusting you, but you are still young and you might ---

JAX: If you want an increase in voting percentage, then go. But, don't justify it by saying that I am still young, it's not my fault that you all here are old enough already. (Everyone felt embarrassed) Any other agenda?

The Board shook their heads. Jax adjourned the meeting and left the conference hall, he headed to his office and started working. The Board talked among themselves and discussed the cold behavior of Jax. They don't have a choice but to deal with it since he is now the new CEO.

MEMBER 2: Mr. Jax Kim is really different now. Well, he was cold before, but it has just doubled now.

MEMBER 1: I am used to him already. Also, what matters is that we are still members of the board up until now.

MEMBER 3: That's right. Also, let's understand him. It's only him now and it must be hard.

---

Ava arrived at her university, she then headed to work as a student assistant there and worked with the Physical Education Department.

PROF 1: Ava, you are too early today. Have you already applied for graduation?

AVA: No, not yet. The school is still -- evaluating my records, especially my birth records.

PROF 1: So, it's your parents issue again?

AVA: (Nodded) Yes. But they say I can still graduate, but it just takes time to process since I don't have a family anymore.

PROF 1: How about your grandfather's stuff? There's nothing?

AVA: (Shook her head) None, even a picture of me with him when I was young, there is none.

PROF 1: Let's stop talking about it, I know that even if you are not saying anything, you are hurt inside.

Someone from the records office came in and handed an envelope to Ava.

STAFF: Miss Chiu, are you sure that you don't have a family?

AVA: Yes, I don't know my parents and the only person I know that is my family is my grandfather and he has already died. Why?

STAFF: Take a look at this. You -- your marriage has been registered and it's a year ago?

AVA: WHAT? MY -- MY WHAT?

PROF 1: Her marriage? Are you kidding me? This little girl has no boyfriend at all. Why is she married?

STAFF: It's on the envelope. I also verified them and it's true and legal. It's in the government's official records.

---

JAX's SEC: (Knocked the door and entered) Sir, Atty. Lee, your father's attorney, is here to see you.

JAX: Let him in.

ATTY. LEE: Good morning, Sir. I am here to let you know that your father left a will.

JAX: (Curious) A will? He didn't mention that to me. And also, why? I am his only heir. Why did he leave a will?

ATTY. LEE: Actually Sir, there are two of you.

JAX: (Shocked) Two? He has an illegitimate child?

ATTY. LEE: (Showed Jax the will) No, Sir. It states here, you and your wife.

JAX: (Speechless) My what? WIFE?! I have never been married. What are you talking about?

ATTY. LEE: The will states that your wife owned 50% of your father's assets and the other 50% is for you. There is also a condition in the will before you can acquire the Leon Group, you and your wife must live together and will not get a divorce. Once there is a divorce, you will be left with only 10% of Leon Group.

JAX: ---

ATTY. LEE: I verified everything. It was your father's plan, he didn't want you to live alone after his death, so he registered your marriage with Miss Ava Sidney Chiu. He was able to obtain your signature a year ago, and Miss Chiu's signature as well. He and an employer of Miss Chiu sighed as witnesses.

---

STAFF: It says you are married to Mr. --- Mr. Jax Leon Kim of Leon Group and Company.

- To be continued -