Arrogance and Desire

He woke earlier than usual this morning after his normal morning routine of exercise, and went into the shower to freshen up. After that, he went to the dining table where his housekeeper had prepared a sausage and a hot cup of coffee. He ate for some minutes, after which he took his briefcase and got going for a board meeting at one of the prestigious universities. When he got to his car, the driver opened the door ready to receive him. Immediately they drove off. While on it, he remembered what his life used to look like during his university days, and smiled. Indeed, life hasn't been easy all this while, he said, smiling. “Sir, did you say anything?” asked his driver. "No, just focus on the road and get me to my destination," he said calmly. A few minutes later he got to the school premises, where the media were ready to receive the cold-blooded billionaire. He highlighted from his car, instantly he was crowded by the media, sir, how do you feel coming to school today “. Asked one of the reporters. He smiled. I will reserve my comments for today. While he was on it, the school security board walked in trying to make way for him, to avoid more questions from the media. Oh, you are highly welcome to the school. One of the school boards of directors welcomed him. It is indeed a pleasure to see such a rare personality among us, and we are indeed privileged. I know more students will be admitted into this prestigious school of ours. Through your unwavering support and contribution to their welfare, you are absolutely a model to emulate. No one knows how your generosity has brought out many young ones out there to see the beam of light and how so many family members look forward to their ward in school. I must say sir, you are doing a great job. He smiled," If you know where I came from, and how I struggled to get here, you are indeed going to give in your all for students to get a better life in school without facing academia and financial struggle." He snapped back from his thoughts. Alright sir, led the way to the school hall. He came for a scholarship award ceremony, which has always been his routine for years, ever since he became wealthy and was ready to enroll more students under his scholarship scheme. He worked in the school hall and went in. While he was coming in, all the students were asked to stand up in reference to him. I was going to represent the scholarship students, by presenting a speech to the public. I wasn't scared, but feeling a bit anxious, but I had to do it because I was appointed to do so. I walked towards the podium, with a piece of paper in my hand, collected the mic, and started my speech. After a few minutes, I rounded up my speech with a statement. “ We live in a world where billionaires play God– deciding who eats, who learns, who lives. "They fund scholarships out of kindness, but to clean their blood-stained hands. The room gasps, everyone turns to the billionaire. He's standing, smiling coldly. He claps slowly, sarcastically. He walked up towards me and said: “Congratulations. You just bit the hand that feeds you.” “Better than licking it” I replied, not knowing what was giving me the motivation to do so. In a few hours' time, the event was rounded up and everyone headed back to their destination. Mr Mark left the school compound immediately in order to avoid further questioning by the reporters. He was so engaged in his thoughts without knowing when he got home, he highlighted from his car, walked hastily through the door into his room, pulled his coat, flung it towards his house help. “How would such a little thing talk to me in that way? Knowing full well, I was responsible for her education”, he said to himself, in a tone filled with anger and rage. “I'm going to cut off all her benefits, and see how far she can go in life without my help.” He thought to himself. On second thought, he decided to try something else without expressing how angry and frustrated he was towards the world outside. He smiled, feeling a bit relieved. I think I like her boldness. If she can be this bold, then my money isn't going in vain. At least I have a student who can stand out to defend herself and what she stands for. She didn't mention anyone in particular, but I could feel she was talking to me directly. Why would she harbor such thoughts in her heart all this while, waiting patiently for the day to unleash them on me, which she did anyway. ….. One thing I noticed about myself is that most people feel I'm a bad person, which I'm not. I may be harsh and at most times arrogant or hard to approach, but that doesn't mean my money isn't from a genuine source. I didn't just fall into this wealth, I worked my ass for it and all they could think of was that I got my money illegally. “Wow” "This is absurd and crazy," he said to himself. Maybe I should just start making money in an illegal way. By then, my name would be completed and all suspicions against me would be cleared. Back to Clara ….. “I don't know what gives you the courage to speak to him that way”, Ella said surprisingly. "I don't know either. "I just don't like the way everyone is scared of him, because he has money,” I said bluntly. “You need to mind your business, Clara, some things are better left unsaid than said, but you are under his scholarship scheme, and you still had to say such things to him, “Ella said angrily. I never mentioned anyone's name in my speech. I don't know why you feel I owe him an apology. I never forced him to give me a scholarship. He did that because my grades were excellent. I said instantly, trying to defend myself from her. By the way, I don't think he took it that seriously, and if he tried to press charges against me, then he would mention where I stated his name in my speech. That was the only way I would accept defeat. I conceded without further argument; we went home, quietly.