A Good And A Bad News
1238 Words
Outside Felix’s opulent mansion, guest’s chatter and laughter filled the air when Arthur Jones caught their attention for his grand announcement.
Everybody gathered near the stage to listen to his big announcement. Including his two grandsons Marcus and Felix who are more excited about it.
“For the past two decades, I have built my companies from the ground up, overcoming challenges, hardships, and sacrifices,” Arthur declared. “But now, it is time for me to step back and enjoy my retirement. Tonight, I am announcing the next leader of the Jones Empire. Please join me in welcoming my grandson, Marcus!"
Applause thundered through the hall, and Aya's face lit up with joy at her father’s announcement. She turned to her son, pride shining in her eyes, while Marcus sat frozen, processing the weight of Arthur’s words.
He glanced at his cousin, Felix, who forced a smile, though his eyes betrayed his true emotions. Felix nodded at Marcus, giving him a subtle signal of support. Marcus exhaled deeply, straightening his suit before making his way to the stage.
Just as he was about to speak, Arthur raised his hand for silence. “And now, I have a second announcement.”
The guests murmured in anticipation, curious about what the legendary businessman would reveal next.
“The new CEO of Jones Corporation will soon be married to the granddaughter of my dear friend—the most beautiful woman here tonight: Miss Celine Bayer of BELAYCON Company!”
The crowd erupted into another wave of cheers, but this time, Marcus felt his chest tighten. His moment of triumph was suddenly overshadowed by the weight of an unexpected engagement.
His hands trembled at his sides as he stared at Arthur in disbelief. Marry a woman I don’t even know? Just to secure this position?
Celine, dressed in an elegant red crimson gown, gracefully rose from her seat, smiling as she made her way toward Marcus. She carried herself with confidence, her sharp gaze meeting his.
“Congratulations, Marcus,” she said, her voice silky smooth. “Looks like we’ll be partners in more ways than one.”
Marcus forced a tight smile, his mind racing. He had worked for this position. He had earned it. But was his grandfather truly giving it to him, or was this a transaction disguised as an honor?
He nodded at her, though his heart rebelled against the decision.
As the night went down, guests began to leave, but Marcus lingered in the hall, his mind heavy with thoughts. He finally spotted Felix near the bar, pouring himself a drink.
Marcus approached cautiously. “Felix… I didn’t know this was going to happen. I swear, I never—”
Felix turned to him with a small, knowing smile. “It’s okay, bro.” His voice was calm, steady. “I always knew this day would come.”
Marcus frowned. “Still… You deserved it just as much as I did. Maybe even more.”
Felix chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re my cousin, Marcus. We’re family. If you win, I win too. Grandpa made his choice, and I respect that.”
Marcus felt a pang of guilt. Felix had always been the bigger person—the one who put others first.
“Thank you,” Marcus said, sincerity in his voice. “I don’t know what I did to deserve a cousin like you.”
Felix raised his glass in a toast. “Because you’re like a brother to me. The Jones family only has us two. We have to stick together.”
Their glasses clinked, and they downed their drinks, trying to drown the emotions neither wanted to voice.
After a few more drinks, Marcus felt the alcohol settling in. He ran a hand through his hair, sighing. “I should head home.”
Felix smirked. “Are you sure? You seem like you could use a few more rounds.”
Marcus laughed dryly. “I’ll be fine.”
Felix nodded. “Alright, drive safe, bro.”
At the Jones estate, Aya sighed as she checked the time. It was getting late. She turned to Ella, who was clearing up the kitchen.
“Ella, can you prepare some noodles for Marcus when he gets home? He’ll be tired—and probably drunk,” Aya said with a tired smile.
Ella nodded. “Of course, ma’am. I’ll wait for him.”
“Thank you. I’m heading to bed.” Aya stretched before disappearing upstairs.
Ella turned to the pantry, deciding on a dish she hadn’t made in a long time—shifu ramen. She gathered the ingredients, chopping fresh vegetables as memories flooded her mind.
She could almost hear her mother’s laughter, see her father’s tired but grateful smile as he ate the steaming bowl of noodles she had prepared. Her mother, a proud Korean woman, had taught her to cook from a young age, running a small restaurant with her American father. It had been many years since her father’s accident. Long years since everything changed.
Ella swallowed the lump in her throat and focused on her task.
Suddenly, the sharp blare of a car horn jolted her from her thoughts. She quickly turned off the stove and rushed outside.
As she opened the gate, her breath caught in her throat.
Marcus leaned against his sleek black car, his shirt slightly unbuttoned, the moonlight casting a soft glow over his tanned skin. Even with a hint of intoxication in his eyes, he looked effortlessly handsome.
Ella scolded herself for the thought. He’s just my employer.
But Marcus wasn’t thinking about that. As his gaze settled on her, he took in the sight of her in a simple blue pajama set. Her long black hair cascaded down her shoulders, slightly tousled, and for a brief moment, he was reminded of the lead actress from an old drama his mother used to watch—Stairway to Heaven.
She gave him a small, polite smile. “Come inside, sir.”
Marcus wordlessly followed.
As soon as Marcus stepped into the kitchen, he was greeted by the rich aroma of freshly cooked ramen. The scent wrapped around him like a warm embrace.
His eyes softened. “What is that smell?” he murmured.
Ella turned, ladling the steaming broth into a bowl. “Your mother asked me to cook noodles for you. Please sit, sir.”
He pulled out a chair and sat down as she placed the bowl in front of him. The delicate blend of spices, tender noodles, and fresh vegetables looked simple yet inviting.
He picked up the chopsticks and took a bite. The warmth of the broth spread through his chest, soothing the tension that had been weighing him down all night.
For a brief moment, the chaos of his life faded.
“This is good,” he muttered, almost to himself.
Ella watched him silently, noticing the way his posture relaxed. She had seen this countless times in the restaurant—how food had a way of bringing comfort even in the worst moments.
“Thank you,” Marcus said, meeting her gaze.
Ella simply nodded, not needing words to understand that in this moment, this simple bowl of noodles meant more to him than he’d admit.
As Marcus rest that night, confusion filled his mind. A good news about his promotion, and a bad news about marrying a woman she doesn't love.
- Writer
