The Marriage Clause

Chapter 2

Julia

“ A board meeting has been announced, to restructure the board members. "

Andrew had said and I totally know what those words means; My Dad has used the power of attorney just given to him few hours ago.

Why on earth would he do that? Why would he hurt the feeling of Madam Virginia and Andrew like that, especially Andrew? Doesn't he gets that it hard enough already for Andrew that the Chairman didn't will his properties to him? Why did Dad have to go ahead and puke on that injury by calling for that stupid meeting just hours after the Will was read?

This is terrible. I can't begin to imagine how devastating all of this must be for Andrew. I need to speak to him again. He had rushed off after he got the message and I couldn't do anything, but just watch him leave.

My phone began to ring. I looked at the screen. The caller? Senior Librarian Cassandra.

Yeah. In the midst of the whole funeral and Will Reading issue, I had forgotten something important; J&J Library, where I work as a Librarian.

I sighed as I clicked on the receive icon, ready to receive a earful from my Senior for my tardiness.

“Hello. Good morning Senior Cassandra."

“Where are you? Have you forgotten your leave ended yesterday. I am the only one here who knows you are connected to the late Chairman. I can't continue covering up for you at work, so get your sorry a*s down here right now, if you don't want your pay deducted." She threatened.

“I am on my way, ma'am."

Typical Senior Cassandra.

I picked up my bag and walked out of my room. I peeped into my parents'room as I walked past it. Mom wasn't in the room, or anywhere in the four bedrooms flat which we occupies at the Servants' Quarters of the James' Mansion.

After the Will was read, Mom and Dad argued real hard, with Mom insisting that Dad should reject the Will and return everything back to Andrew, while Dad had maintained that he would keep what was given to him, capitalizing on the fact that there most be a reason why the Chairman didn't will his properties and shares to Andrew.

That too is still a mystery. Why would the late Chairman will his properties and shares to my Dad?

Andrew have always been involved in his family's business. In fact, he is one of those few wealthy heirs who actually care about the management of his family's business and actually work hard to make it grow, not to mention exceptionally excellent at it.

He had planned, implemented and executed many business strategies, which had brought about major growth of the company. He had also succeeded in signing many deals which had been difficult for others including the late Chairman.

Which was why there had been no doubt in everybody's mind that Andrew would be the next Chairman upon his father's death. He had proven himself to be more than capable and qualified for the position.

All this thought runs through my mind, as I leave the Servants' Quarters.

“Going somewhere?"

I turned to see Caleb. I smiled.

“Yeah. Going to the Library. I have double work, remember?"

“Oh right! How would I forget that you are the capable Julia." He joked.

“What are you doing out here?" I asked.

“Hoping to give capable Miss Julia a ride to work." He offered .

“Thank you, but I wouldn't want to waste your time. You need to be at the board meeting, don't you?"

“ I am not one of the board members. That meeting is not a place for me. So, my lady, please let me give me you a ride. "

“If it won't be a bother to you."

“ It would be good company and change of scenery, believe me." Caleb insisted.

Left with no choice, also feeling grateful that I do not have to commute to work, I got into the car. As we ride out of the compound, I find myself fidgeting with my hand bag's chain strap.

Why am I like this around Caleb? Yes, I have known him and manage to be his friend, for as long as I have known Andrew. But, I have never been as close to him, as I have with Andrew. The real cause of this awkwardness I am feeling is the fact that I had a crush on Caleb before he left for the States eight years ago.

I had long gotten over those feelings. But, why do I get the feeling that Caleb is trying hard to connect with me on a deeper level since he returned from the States a month ago? Is it just my anxiety? I really hope it is, because I don't think I have the heart for that drama right now.

This awkwardness is killing me. I need to say something.

“I just can't believe my Dad. Why on earth would be summon a board meeting? For what and why so early?" I wondered aloud.

“He is probably trying to pressure Andrew to make a decision."

“Are you insinuating that my Dad is deliberately pushing Andrew to the wall to make him leave everything behind?"

I asked, not sure I want to hear the answer.

Caleb didn't answer.

“Can't be. That can't be true." I denied.

I let the silence fall between us again.

I arrived at the Library and immediately got to work, but the thoughts about my Dad which Caleb had planted in my mind refused to leave my head.

Can't be. Really can't be. Dad can't be that ambitious. I mean, he just got the inheritance today. He can't possibly be working to chase Andrew out? How did he even know to do what he did?

As the wall clock in the library chirped Two pm. My phone began to ring. It was Peculiar. I quickly clicked on answer.

“Peculiar. Thanks for calling. What happened at the Board meeting? Why was it arranged?" I asked,rather impatiently.

“Julia. Your Dad summoned the board members to announce himself as the Chairman of the Empire. He also gave Andrew three days to prove his worth as the Empire's CEO, if he doesn't, he would have to leave his position immediately."

“What?!" I exclaimed, unable to believe my ears.

The rest of the time I spent in the Library got me feeling void,as I tried to wrap my mind around what prompt Dad to do what he did. As soon as it clocked five pm, I rushed back home.

I rushed into our quarters, but Dad wasn't home, neither was Mom nor Julian. I changed into comfortable clothes consisting of black jeans, yellow round neck top and black shirt. Pacing back and forth the sitting room, I waited for my Father.

He came in at five minutes past seven pm. Mom and Julian came in behind him. I raised an eyebrow.

“We met outside and why are you standing at attention like some security guy?" Julian said.

I rolled my eyes. Definitely not in the mood for banters. I turned to my father.

“ Dad. Welcome. I have been waiting for you."

“ Why?" He asked wryly, like he can tell what I am about to get started on.

“You didn't come to make preparation for the dinner at the mansion. And I heard about the board meeting you summoned."

At my statement, I could feel my Mom went stiff. Her reaction only means, she didn't know about Dad's action.

“ Why did you do what you did? The will was just read this morning,then you immediately went to announce yourself as the Chairman and even gave Andrew three days to leave the company?! How could you do that Dad?!"

“Julia. Watch it. What I choose to do with my newly gotten inheritance is none of your business, Child."

“Not my business? Yes! But it concerns Andrew, Madam Virginia and Grandma Ann. Don't you feel bad for them? Don't you feel that this whole issue must be hard on them? Why do you have to humiliate them further?!"

“Why would you care if he was humiliated? Are you his wife? Do you like him? Do you have something going on with Andrew, that I should know about?" Dad demanded.

“This isn't about me, neither is it about Andrew. It about you, Dad. Your ambition! Your greed! Your selfish...!"

A sharp pain on my cheek knock the words out of my mouth.

Dad had just slapped me!

“Julia!" I heard my Mom screamed my name.

“Dad!" Julian yelled.

Mom stepped between Dad and I.

“Julia. How dare you speak to your father like that? Apologize! Right now!" Mom ordered.

What? What did I do wrong?

“Julia. Apologize!" Mom repeated.

I exhaled, with my head bowed.

“I am really sorry Dad. Mom, please forgive me." I said, trying to be strong, but my voice betrayed me and so did my emotions, as tears rolled down my cheeks.

“Please, excuse me." I said and ran out of the house, crying.