Second Chance with Clement

The morning sun rose gently over the golden skyline of Johannesburg, spreading its warmth across the busy streets and quiet mansions of the wealthy. In one of those mansions, the Strong family had already begun their day with a mixture of joy and anticipation. Mr. and Mrs. Strong, proud owners of one of South Africa’s largest oil refineries, were preparing for the return of their only son, Clement Strong, who had been away for eight long years in the United Kingdom. Clement had always been the pride of his parents—brilliant, handsome, and kind-hearted. From his days in high school, his intelligence had shone like a rare gem. He graduated at the top of his class, earned a scholarship to study medicine abroad, and went further to specialize in gynecology. To his parents, he was not just their son; he was the heir to their empire—the continuation of the Strong name. Now, after years of study and success overseas, Clement was coming home. In his last message, he had written: “Father, Mother, I am finally ready. I’ll be home soon.” Those words had filled the Strong mansion with light. But far away, in another part of Johannesburg, a man named Pascal Right was not celebrating. He sat on the edge of his bed, his face pale with worry as he re-read a message on his phone. “My flight lands in eight hours. Get ready, my brother. I can’t wait to see you.” Pascal dropped the phone, his mind racing. “Eight hours? That means the game ends in four,” he muttered. Pascal was Clement’s old friend from university—a man who had once been humble and ambitious but whose heart had slowly been swallowed by greed. Clement had trusted him deeply—so deeply that, during his years abroad, he had sent Pascal large sums of money to build a mansion, buy cars, and prepare a comfortable life for his return. Pascal had done part of the work, yes, but he had also used a good portion of that money for himself—lavish parties, women, and gambling. Now Clement was coming home, and the lies were about to surface. Still, Pascal forced himself to smile as he got dressed. “I’ll handle it,” he told himself. “Clement doesn’t have to know everything… at least not yet. There should be a way to keep getting money from him without making it look like I’m begging. Otherwise, he might discover everything.” At thirty, Clement Strong was more confident than ever. As the airplane glided through the African clouds, his heart beat with a mix of excitement and nostalgia. He missed everything—his parents’ laughter, the familiar accent of his people, and the warmth of home. He also had big dreams. “When I get back,” he murmured to himself, “I’ll build the largest hospital in Johannesburg—a place where women and children will receive the best care. No more traveling abroad for treatment.” The air hostess smiled politely as she passed by, but Clement was deep in thought. He was also thinking of love. His parents had written countless times, urging him to marry a South African woman—someone from their culture and faith. He had dated in the UK, but nothing serious. Deep inside, he longed for a woman who shared his roots, his dreams, and his heart. When the plane touched down at O. R. Tambo International Airport, Clement felt his chest swell with joy. “Home at last,” he whispered as the familiar scent of South African air filled his lungs. He dialed Pascal immediately. “Hello, Pascal! I’m here already!” Pascal’s voice came over the phone, shaky but cheerful. “My brother! Welcome home! I’m on my way right now.” Within an hour, a white luxury car pulled up outside the airport. Clement’s face lit up as he saw Pascal step out, dressed neatly as always, trying to look composed. They embraced tightly. “My friend, it’s been forever!” Clement said warmly. “Eight years, my brother,” Pascal replied. “Eight long years.” Clement looked at the car with admiration. “This looks beautiful. You’ve really done a good job handling everything for me.” Pascal swallowed hard and smiled. “Of course, my friend. Everything is ready—the house, the cars, everything you dreamed of.” They got into the car and began to drive toward the Strong family home. As the city unfolded before him, Clement couldn’t stop smiling. He noticed the changes—the new buildings, the crowded markets, and the faces of people that felt like home. Pascal, meanwhile, kept glancing at him from time to time, uneasy. “So, tell me,” Pascal asked, forcing a laugh, “what made you decide to finally come back?” Clement smiled. “It’s time, Pascal. My parents need me to help with the refinery business. And I want to start building my hospital. But most of all, my parents want me to marry here.” Pascal’s eyes brightened. “Ah, marriage! So they’re already looking for a bride for you?” Clement chuckled. “Not yet. But they said they’ll introduce me to some families soon.” Pascal paused for a moment, his mind calculating. “Hmm… if you don’t mind, I have a cousin—her name is Flora. She’s tall, humble, and beautiful. I think she’ll capture your heart.” Clement laughed. “You always know my type. How do you still remember that?” Pascal grinned. “Have you forgotten those late nights in university when we used to talk about your dream woman?” They both laughed, but deep down, Pascal’s laughter was hollow. He wasn’t thinking about Flora; he was thinking of a way to distract Clement from discovering the truth about his money. When they arrived at the Strong mansion, the gate opened wide. Two uniformed guards saluted. The sound of celebration filled the air—drums, laughter, and the aroma of traditional dishes. Mrs. Strong ran out first, tears in her eyes. “My son! Oh, my Clement!” she cried, embracing him tightly. Clement smiled, holding her close. “Mother, I’ve missed you so much.” Mr. Strong followed, his proud face breaking into a smile. “My boy, you’ve become a man.” Pascal stood aside, smiling politely as the family reunited. After the warm embrace, they all sat down for dinner. The servants moved swiftly, placing bowls of meals and cooked meat on the long dining table. “So, my son,” Mr. Strong said between bites, “we are happy you’re back. It’s time you take your place in the company. You’ve worked hard, and now you must lead.” Clement nodded respectfully. “Yes, Father. I’m ready. But I also want to begin the hospital project immediately.” Mrs. Strong smiled proudly. “That’s our son. And soon, you must also bring home a wife.” Everyone laughed. Pascal joined in, though inside, he felt a pang of guilt. He could barely look Clement in the eye. The next day, Clement woke up early, dressed in a crisp white shirt, and told his parents he wanted to visit the house Pascal had built for him. Mr. and Mrs. Strong thanked Pascal warmly. “Pascal, you’ve been a good friend to our son,” Mr. Strong said. “You will always be part of this family.” Pascal bowed slightly, his smile tight. “Thank you, sir.” They drove through the wide streets of Johannesburg until they reached a large pink mansion. It was indeed beautiful, though not as extravagant as Clement had imagined. Still, he was impressed. “Pascal, this is amazing!” Clement said. “You’ve done so well. I don’t even know how to thank you.” Pascal exhaled in relief. “You deserve it, my friend. Everything I did, I did from my heart.” Clement placed a hand on his shoulder. “I believe you.” But as Pascal turned away, his face darkened. If only you knew how much of your money is gone, he thought. That evening, after dropping Clement off, Pascal returned to his apartment, restless. He poured himself a drink and sank into a chair. He called his girlfriend, Flora. Flora was the only child of her parents. She lost her father when she was in primary school and her mother shortly after she finished secondary school. Her grandmother took responsibility for raising her and struggled to send her to university, where she studied Accounting. During her university years, Flora engaged in small businesses to support herself, as she had no help from her extended family. After graduation, she faced another challenge—taking care of her aging grandmother while searching for a job. Then she met Pascal, who promised to care for her, marry her, and establish her in business. She trusted him and made him her lover. Pascal’s call broke her thoughts. “Good evening, Flora. How are things?” Flora smiled. “I’m fine, my love.” “Good,” Pascal continued. “My baby, I have a game for you—something I need your help with.”