A One Night Stand With My Son

Chapter 12. The Bargain

MRS SMITH POV

I can't believe that you made me sleep this long, six straight hours? Nonetheless, I'm thankful you did because I feel so reinvigorated.

You're welcome. I'm glad to have helped.

By the way, Dad dropped by earlier to check up on you.

Uh? Jacob came to check up on me? I doubt it. Perhaps he came to get something else.

He sure did, right after he heard that you took the day off. I guess he's just being a good husband.

"Huh, you wish!"

Anyway, I have something that I want you to take a look at. I have been working on it for days now.

I handed he the file.

What?? Mom? Why will you want to use your inheritance as a bargain to Dad? Just to get your proposals approved? It's like bribery.

Well, son, in business to win a client, you've got to make them the best offer, one that they can't resist. Which is exactly what I'm offering.

Mom, you're pretty good at marketing strategies, and I am sure that whatever you submit will meet the board's approval. You don't need to do this.

Henry, dear, believe me, this goes beyond being pretty good. As a matter of fact, the excellence of my work is the least concerned in this matter.

Therefore, listen carefully if I lose the bargain to your father. You're the only one who can ensure that he doesn't squander our wealth. So I need you to promise not to consent to any unprofitable business.

Mom, even if I want to help you, how could that be? The man is my father. I can't dictate to him or oppose him. I don't think that I have such power, or do I?

Henry, you have all the powers. Your grandparents bestowed it upon. In the case where one of us is incapable of making decisions, you are to take the stand.

Are you kidding? What kind of grandparents will make their grandchild equal with his parents?

The kind that wanted to ensure fairness and togetherness edured among their children. They picked you because you're the only person whom we can never harm. Likewise, you, too, will never result in harming us.

They believe that you're the only one worthy to serve as our third party. So can I count on you?

Yes, but I also have a condition also: You can never use me for any ulterior motives either.

Seriously, you're all grown. "How could I use you? "

"Well, for starters, you're aware that I can't deny you anything. So don't ever ask me for anything out of selfishness."

Consider it done, Sir! So you promise too, right?

He nodded and then asked an unexpected question, a question that I could never be prepared to answer in even in a thousand years:

So, what happened to the son that you had? Did he pass away?

Yes! He died!

I responded swiftly:

And the doctor's report said I couldn't conceive again, but miraculously, you came along.

I'm so sorry for asking. I just couldn’t get it off my mind.

You don't need to be. You deserve to know, and I wish that I could talk to you about everything else, but some things are better left unknown. This brings me to yet another request:

Henry, my past is fill of memories that haunt me, and each time I am made to look back into it, I get hurt all over again. Henceforth, can we forget the things that happened in the past?

Sure, in actuality, as long as it brings you satisfaction, I promise not to ask you anything pertaining to that. And whenever you decide it's necessary to tell me, I will be here to listen, without being judgmental.

He said to me. Holding my hand like a real gentleman. He was unstinting in his support. How I wish that Jacob would be this benevolent towards me even for a while.

Kayla will be the luckiest girl in the world when she marries Henry. He is the perfect example of a good husband. He's wealthy, handsome, generous, and romantic. He is a real-life prince charming.

So, have you talked to Kayla?

o

Nope! I tried to, but she won't pick up my calls or respond to my texts. Maybe she needs some time to clear head. But if by the end of tomorrow she doesn't respond, I will go over at her place.

THREE DAYS AFTER

Jacob, Have you made a decision about our bargain? You asked me to get back to you in two days.

Harriet, I can't sign the bargain. Not that I don't find it fascinating how you are going to pull that company from the country's sixth fastest growing company up to the third position, but you have to give that position back to Henry.

Why? Why would he want it back? After he and the board of directors said that I am doing a great job? What are you saying?

Did Henry tell you that he had a fight with Kayla?

Yes, he did. He told me that it was an ordinary argument. We laughed about it, and I told him to apologize afterward.

I guess your son didn't want to hurt your

feelings. That is why he didn't tell you that Kayla broke up with him because of you.

They broke up because of me? Like how? Kayla knows that I love and accept her wholeheartedly. I always take her side during a fight. She doesn't have anything on me.

Well, she thinks that you are overstepping your: "motherly boundaries. To which I, too, agree. Your relationship with Henry is suffocating. I can bet that someday after you have died, he will turn you into furniture and keep you with him forever.

Fine, you two have a point. Tell her to reconsider her decision, and then I will give them all the space she wants.

"She wants you to give back the position that Henry gave you."

She can't be serious. That is business she can't dictate who should be hired or fired. Is she saying that I can't do the job? Because I am the best candidate for that position.

Harriet, Kayla did not say that you aren't good for the position. Her concern is the fact that Henry had to step down for you. If he doesn't get it back, then the relationship is over.

Oh, really? Now she's threatening? Well, as long as I remain competent at that job, no one can demise me, especially not Henry. So if she's not okay with it, then that's her problem!

Harriet, how would you feel if you were in her shoes? You know it was wrong of him for not informing her before giving up his position for you, right?

Don't forget how you usually go nuts every time I do things around here without consulting you.

"She loves Henry a lot, and so does he. If you want he to have a happy marriage, you won't be a hindrance now."

However, I don’t expect you to choose others' happiness over business. After all. your father didn't do it for you either. But while you are at it, I hope you realize that all your pains and angony are because your father wanted to protect his business, too.

If Henry loses Kayla because of your selfishness, I will see to it that he ends up in an arranged marriage as well, and it will all be on you!

Good night!

He turned off the light and went to sleep.

He was right. I was doing exactly what my father did to me. I can't put Henry through this lifetime torture. I will give back that position, but what will I say is the reason? I wouldn't want to be a snitch by telling him that his father made a threat. Neither can I say it's because of Kayla.

I really want to keep that job. Should I call Kayla and apologize on his behalf?