Bound By Vows, Torn By Hate

Marriage offer.

"At last, I'm a game developer in one of the biggest companies in New York!" Jayden exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face as he contemplated his newfound success.

After years of being bullied at Glamorous Boarding Academy school, Jayden was still able to graduate with a good degree, and only a week prior, he had received an offer to join one of New York's most prestigious gaming companies.

According to the instruction of the company manager, Jayden was instructed to resume work on Monday and that was what Jayden was currently doing.

Jayden quickened his pace, his grip on the backpack tightening as he weaved his way through the bustling streets of New York, where different individuals hurried to and fro in order to make their way towards their individual place of work.

“I hope today will be a great day.” Jayden once more whispered to himself as he hastened his steps.

After a while of working, Jayden halts right in front of Respmhap gaming company.

He took a deep breath, admiring the big company whose building seems to reach the sky.

‘I am so lucky,’ he mused before shutting his eyes to gather his thoughts.

Some seconds later, he opened his eyes and proceeded to step inside the company building.

As Jayden made his way into the building, he was surrounded by different individuals dressed in cooperative working outfits and that instantly made a smile creep onto Jayden’s lips.

He felt a surge of pride as he noticed how his own outfit—a crisp white shirt and tailored black suit—blended effortlessly with the others

“Miss, please can you excuse me for a minute?” Jayden mumbled as he called out for a young lady who had just walked past him.

His words made her turn around, averting her arched gaze towards him. “How may I help you?” The lady inquired with a polite tone.

“Umm… do you mind directing me to the designer's department?” Jayden probed.

The lady tilts her head towards the side, a silent means of asking Jayden the reason why he wants to visit the Designers department’ of Respmhap cooperation.

Surprisingly, Jayden understood that the lady's gaze was questioning him, so he proceeded to answer the unasked question.

“I… sorry I am a bit nervous,” Jayden stuttered as the words spurred out of his mouth. “I… I was asked to start working at the designer's department from today henceforth.” Jayden whispered.

Unable to hear Jayden's whispered words, the young lady raised her eyebrows in confusion and politely requested that he repeat himself.

Jayden gulped down his saliva as he took in a long deep breath while staring at his fingers which were now entwined with each other.

Softly biting his lower lips, he sniffed his nose before repeating his previous statement, and this time around, his words were lower than usual.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't quite catch that," the lady replied, tilting her head toward Jayden in a gesture of sincere concern.

She positioned her ear towards his face, and once more, Jayden summoned up the courage to repeat himself.

“I… I was asked to start working at the designer's department from today henceforth.” Jayden whispered while stuttering.

‘Exhale!’

The lady exhales in relief. “Finally!” She playfully exclaimed. "Please use the elevator and press the button for the upper floor. When the elevator opens, exit and turn right. The designers' department is located there," she explained, her tone patient and professional.

Jayden nod his head, a warm smile forming on his lips as he appreciates the lady for her kind gesture.

The lady smiled warmly at Jayden, prompting him to take another deep breath.

He headed straight to the elevator which was filled with many more individuals, and there, he began to play with the tip of his fingers while inwardly cursing himself.

As a result of the constant bullying Jayden experienced since high school, he developed a number of health issues, including anxiety.

Currently, Jayden was still playing with his fingertip when all of a sudden the elevator door opened with a beep.

They have finally arrived at the upper floor.

As soon as Jayden and the other passengers in the elevator exited, he started walking in the direction the woman had instructed him.

Upon arrival, he scanned the designing department which was occupied by different men and women and most of them were engrossed in their respective work.

Jayden eyes roamed around the busy building and then, his gaze fell on a young man who was drinking a cup of coffee

With a nervous smile, Jayden walked up towards the young man. “Good day sir,” Jayden warmly greeted and the man responded to Jayden's greeting with a warm nod.

"I've been assigned to this department," Jayden stated, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness.

The young man's eyes lit up in surprise as he rose from his seated position. “Welcome!” The young man said with a warm voice, stretching his hands to give Jayden an handshake.

"Everyone, let's welcome our newest member of the designing department!" the man exclaimed, a broad smile spreading across his face.

The gaze of all those present was shifted to Jayden as they all rose from their seated position before giving Jayden a round of applause.

The celebratory air was suddenly cut short by a palpable shift in the atmosphere, as though a malevolent presence has arrived.

The claps of everyone absurdly die down as they bow their head towards the entrance door.

“Good morning, CEO!” They all greeted in unison.

Curiously, Jayden turned around as he averted his gaze towards the entrance.

There he saw the person who he least expected: Ryan Caden.

Ryan used to be Jayden's best friend but after a certain incident that occurred some years back, they turned into sworn enemies.

And it wasn't just the breakup of their friendship that tormented Jayden; Ryan was also the reason for the unrelenting bullying that plagued Jayden throughout high school.

Presently, a loud sigh escaped the lips of Jayden as he bit his lower lips. ‘What is he doing here?’ Jayden questioned himself in rage as he watched Ryan walk up upwards him.

Jayden's heart thundered in his chest as Ryan neared, his steps echoing in the suddenly silent atmosphere.

He braced himself for the inevitable confrontation, but to his astonishment, Ryan strode past without so much as a glance.

Just as Jayden began to exhale, Ryan stopped some inches away as he turned his head, his icy gaze boring into Jayden.

A scoff escaped Ryan lips before he spun on his heel and continued walking away, leaving behind a trail of intimidation and malice.

"Who... who is that?" Jayden stammered, his voice quaking with a mixture of fear and disbelief as he questioned the man who had introduced him to his coworkers some minutes ago because he wants to confirm what position Ryan truely holds in the company.

“He’s the CEO of Respmhap cooperation.” The man uttered, prompting Jayden's eyes to light up in surprise.

Jayden gulped his saliva, as the man directed him towards an empty office desk and chair.

Jayden took his seat, and just as he was to set his backpack on the floor, the landline above his table began to ring.

At first, Jayden averted his gaze from one end to another, pondering if the call was meant for him.

After some seconds had passed by, Jayden absurdly picked up the call.

The deep, authoritative voice of a lady suddenly resonated from the other end of the line. "Hello, am I speaking with Jayden Gunner?" The lady inquired, her confidence conveying a hint of impatience.

Jayden swallowed, his breath catching in his throat as he realized that this must be someone important.

Jayden nods his head. “Yes,” he softly uttered.

"I'm afraid we're withdrawing your job offer due to undisclosed reasons," the lady said, the finality of her words reverberating through Jayden's ears. "A breach of contract fine will be paid to your account. Please vacate the premises immediately."

‘Stunned!’

“I… sorry I don’t understand what you are trying to say.” Jayden stuttered, flustering his eyelashes a few times.

"Unfortunately, the job offer was mistakenly extended to you. It was intended for another candidate," the voice explained. "We apologize for the misunderstanding, but we must ask you to leave the premises at once."

“But…”

Before Jayden could complete his statement, the phone absurdly came to an end.

With rage boiling within Jayden, he grabbed his backpack and stormed out of the designing department, without caring about the intense gaze from the other workers which were focused on him.

Jayden headed straight to the elevator and some minutes later he stepped out of the elevator before making his way out of the company building.

“I hate my life!” Jayden screamed as tears threatened to spill from his eyes, but he stubbornly blinked them back, his jaw clenched in defiance.

As Jayden sniffed his nose, he clenched the handle of his bag back before walking down the roadside while contemplating within himself.

"Ryan's parents... They're the reason my own are dead," Jayden seethed inwardly. "If they'd just done their jobs right, my parents would still be here with me."

A single, hot tear trickled down Jayden’s cheek, but he fiercely wiped it away.

"We were friends once," Jayden's mused to himself as his heart aching with a pain that had never truly healed. "But he turned against me just because I was angry at his parents. Was our friendship so fragile? So meaningless?"

With a clenched fist, Jayden halted abruptly, “I hate you so much Ryan Caden and once I take care of my health, I’ll seek justice for what your family did to mine and for all the bullies and hate you have shown me. Including the one of today!” Jayden seethed with a clenched fist and grunted teeth, drawing the attention of those present.

‘What the hell mate!’

‘Are you alright?’

‘What the hell is wrong with him?’

Passer-by all made comments as to the behaviour of Jayden and instantly, he felt embarrassed.

Jayden lowered his gaze and gulped down his saliva while slightly bowing his head as a means of apologising.

“Hey!” A man from down the road exclaimed, suddenly calling out for Jayden while sprinting towards him.

Jayden pointed his index finger towards himself to confirm if the man was calling out for him and to his surprise, the man nodded his head.

He stood still, waiting for the man to catch up with him.

After a minute of waiting, the man finally close the distance between him and Jayden.

He wore a white shirt and dark blue shorts, and based on his facial features, he appeared to be in his early thirties.

The young man had a man bun and he seems to be 5’6 tall which was the same height as Jayden.

“Sir, how may I help you-“

Before Jayden could complete his phrase, the young man chipped in. “Would you like to get involve in a contract marriage between a guy?” He absurdly questioned, going straight to the point.