A Tale of two Brothers

Jeremiah

Send it.”

“Are you sure? Shouldn’t we get in touch with her first, try to see if there’s a way we can talk things through.” Darren, my long term friend and colleague argued, questioning my decision.

I was a very simple man, I gave my all to the things that mattered and I made sure the people I loved never had to question their importance to me, I never want to have any regrets in life.

I’m not a man with a fragile ego, I don’t mind being a fool for love. I only required one thing, that my feelings be respected, reciprocated and not taken for granted.

I was no one’s fool and one thing was certain, I don’t beg. People know what they want, who they want, and most importantly, what they’re doing.

If you ever find yourself in a position where you have to beg, take the high road. If you must leave with one thing intact, it should be your pride. It’s one of the many lessons my father taught me, one I take to heart and abide by.

All I wanted after I sealed this deal was to go home to my wife and celebrate both our wins but this, I glanced at the file open on my computer, is what I got. Did she just want to use my last name to climb social ladders and win contracts for herself? Was this what everything was all about? I took one last look at the pictures and turned to Darren.

“There’s nothing to talk about Darren, you watched everything play out. I’ve signed the divorce papers and I’m not going back on my word.” I stated, making sure my voice conveyed how serious I was, I didn’t want him getting any notion that he can play God.

“Alright,” he sighed in defeat. “I’ll send it.” He knew better than to try to change my mind after I gave a strict order.

The past few days had been a blur, I got to Italy and did everything within my power to speed up the deal and it was a success. I had three more companies to form alliances with and two projects to complete to show my father and the board there is no better candidate for the CEO position.

Part of the reason I did everything within my power to speed up the process was so I could celebrate with Sarah. We had been together for seven years and were currently watching each other's dreams become reality. It was one of the things that made our relationship special, solid and untouchable……or so I thought.

I stared at the email I received from her lawyer, still open on my laptop screen, she had asked that I respectfully sign the papers, make no fuss about it. She didn’t even request alimony or any form of settlement, it was as if she couldn’t wait to leave and wouldn’t want anything holding back.

I rubbed circles over my chest, hoping it would soothe the pain inside, it did nothing. How was I so blind? For someone who prides himself with how keen his eyes were and how he had top notch perception and discernment, how could I have missed this?

I gulped down what was left of my whisky and welcomed the familiar burn of the spirit flowing through my veins. Even that did nothing to dull the ache I felt.

Seven years! I gave seven whole years of my life to her to be met with this? She didn’t even have the decency to wait for me to return, to face me and offer a worthy explanation or even try to make excuses for herself. She sent me an email, nah, she had her lawyer send me an email, she couldn’t even make contact.

My fingers itched to text her, maybe demand an explanation, gain closure or something but I refuse to sink to that level. Her requests were very clear, she even threatened to get a restraining order.

I felt a dark chuckle escape my lips as I moved to pour myself a second glass. You truly can’t win in life. I might have been deluded into thinking I had it all for a while; the perfect home, the best wife, a thriving career, dream car, everything.

I thought I would be different from other billionaires my age, all I need is a great make up and an orange Afro wig to complete my look.

“ Good afternoon Mr. Knight, You have a call from The CEO.” My secretary announced, interrupting my train of thoughts.

“Put him through,” I replied, making my way to my table. “And Francess, tell Darren we won’t be leaving for New York tonight. I’d love to spend more time supervising the progression of the contract. You’re free to leave, I won’t be needing your services till I return.”

“Yes Sir.”

“Hello Father…….”

The rest of the evening was spent updating my father on the progress of the company and divulging my plans to take us to our target market cap. by the end of the year.

I loved my job, I wasn’t one of those who were tasked with inheriting the family business and left with no choice but to carry on.

Knight cooperation was my life, I lived for it. Computer, software and cybersecurity had always been a passion of mine, I was just fortunate to be born into a family with an already laid down foundation for me.

It wasn’t just about making my father proud and being the model son, it was about my passion too hence the time, effort and sacrifice I put in.

My position as the CEO had never been questioned until my equally tech savvy half brother reared his head from the pits of hell to declare equal opportunity with me.

Edward was not a threat by any standard, at least to me. He was just some low life who suddenly found out he has a billionaire father and set his heart to claim everything for himself in a bid to satisfy his low esteem and make up for the days he spent on the streets.

Father had hoped we would grow to become best of friends, personally, I had no issues with him. Once I was past the hurt of my fathers infidelity, I was focused on the brighter side, finally having a sibling. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Father finally figured after so many failed attempts, there was no way I and Edward were going to be the model sons he expected us to be and he finally separated us.

Even in our separation, Edward made it a point to go after everything I set sight on. I was interested in a girl? There he was, trying to woo her. I have an idea for the company? He was suddenly filled with insights on how to further the growth of the company. Was I on a vacation? That was his new location. Darren and I often joked about how he was a fish and I was the bait.

Sometimes I was convinced he had no interest in the company, he just wanted it to prove a point and he would run it down the moment he got it but father never believed me.

He felt whatever I said was as a result of the growing rivalry between us. Me? Rivals with Edward? Can a goat compete with a stallion?

Regardless, he made it clear he intends to maintain a neutral ground and give us both equal opportunities to earn the CEO position and if there’s something I learned earlier in life, it was to never underestimate the power of desperate people.

Edward was desperate and he wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. I know how many times father had to clean up his mess but somehow, he always forgave him. It was as if he was constantly making up for his absence in Edwards life with unlimited pardon and freedom. I wouldn’t get away with half the things he’s done.

Despite his constant scheming and meddling, I never saw him as a worthy competitor, I never saw him as someone I could lose anything to. How wrong I was.