The Second Marriage Chance

CHAPTER 3: A Son’s Burden

Philip

“I handed you the job! We poured millions into this movie, only to discover the audience isn’t pleased with the story’s flow. And now there’s negative feedback because the lead actress is embroiled in scandals!” My father’s voice echoed in his expansive office.

“Do something!” he bellowed, hurling papers at me that had been neatly arranged on his broad desk moments before.

Clenching my fist, I exited his office. Crisis after crisis plagued Luminary Productions, and yet, as CEO, my father dumped it all on me.

In our office, this was the usual dynamic between my father and me. Despite causing the issues himself, he blamed me, the chosen successor for president of production. He insisted it was my duty to anticipate these challenges! Yet, when would he promote me? I’d been his apprentice for two years with no promotion in sight.

I practically lived at work, bending over backwards to cater to his every whim!

His treatment was like a heavy weight crushing my spirit! Yes, I’ll admit to making errors in judgment and overlooking matters in the office, but I’ve paid my dues. I deserve the position that rightfully belongs to me!

With a heavy heart, I channeled all his anger into my work.

But hours later, my father barged into my office again, immediately blaming me for the current ranking of a popular movie produced by a rival company.

“You failed to secure that celebrity from them! Had he been with Luminary, we wouldn’t have been overshadowed by StellarScape!” he exclaimed, gesturing towards our competitor before hurling the iPad containing the news in my direction.

I couldn’t even count how many times an iPad had been replaced due to his outbursts. Unfortunately, I was today’s target. I remained silent, but my furrowed brows betrayed the weight of his accusations. Alex stood quietly on the side, avoiding eye contact with my father.

After the CEO stormed out, frustration boiled within me.

“Investigate the ranking!” I ordered sharply.

“Understood,” Alex responded dutifully before reminding me, “Boss, we have a dinner meeting.”

I didn’t respond immediately, taking a moment to compose myself before reluctantly heading to the gathering.

At the event, I earned respect from both partners and acquaintances, showcasing my unwavering stature. Despite enduring mistreatment from my father, I stood resolute. I am not just Philip Cornell; I am the determined heir of the Luminary Group.

I couldn’t resist alcohol’s allure again, succumbing after days of feeling low. Stress drove me to whiskey until I lost control.

Awakening from a haze, Sarah was beside me, soothing my mind. In her embrace, I found refuge from my troubles, her gray eyes washing away my storm.

Amid a troubled world, her embrace offered solace. She carried my burdens selflessly, never demanding more of my time or possessions. We shed inhibitions, lost in the intoxicating night, surrendering to each other in passionate intimacy.

The following morning, in a routine now familiar, I awoke with the weight of my troubles pressing upon my mind. Despite the throbbing ache of a hangover, duty called at the office.

As I stood in the cold shower, letting the icy water wash away my inner turmoil, my phone suddenly lit up with a message from my mom, patiently waiting for me to read it.

Mom: Megan has returned. Son, we must extend our support to her. Her time abroad hasn’t been kind. Despite everything, she’s still a friend. She confided in me that her lover mistreated her, even neglecting to provide for her basic needs. If possible, please consider buying a gift or something that could make her feel better.

I quickly read the message, then focused on getting ready for work. Megan has been close to my family for years. We were friends since university, but our relationship became casual. When she eloped with someone else, I wasn’t hurt; it just bruised my pride.

One of our investors, who admired the company, asked about my marital status when I was twenty-seven. He pointed out that his children had married between twenty and twenty-five and suggested I needed a partner for social events and to uphold a responsible image.

Like a programmed machine, I obediently followed my parents’ commands, believing that once I became president, power would come easily to me.

However, as I celebrated my third wedding anniversary with Sarah today, memories came rushing back. I took out a box containing a necklace and nonchalantly packed it away with my things.

Later that evening, I unexpectedly encountered Megan at the restaurant. Her face lit up, contrasting with my puzzled expression as I pondered her presence there.

“I thought this was supposed to be dinner with Dad and Sarah?” I asked Mom, my expression carrying the usual nonchalance.

“Ah, Megan is still family! She struggled for three years in another country. Have some compassion!” Mom scolded.

“Philip, I-I’m sorry... It just so happened that I bumped into Auntie outside,” Megan replied, though I suspected it was a lie.

I simply shrugged and focused on my emails while they chatted away. Their conversation annoyed me because I had urgent office matters to attend to, some needing immediate responses.

Mom asked me when I stood up, “Where are you going?”

“I need to call Alex.” Glancing at the clock, I realized Sarah still hadn’t arrived.

“Mom, can you call Sarah? She’s late!” Irritation laced my voice.

“What is she even doing? My goodness! She’s not even contributing to expenses!”

I let my mother reach out to Sarah while dealing with an urgent office matter. Stepping aside, I called Alex, who’s handling a meeting on my behalf. The overwhelming problems burden me, like an impending storm disturbing my peace.

After the call, Megan approached me, her shorter hair exuding glamour following her triumphant return to her family.

“Philip...” Her voice quivered, and she couldn’t meet my gaze.

“What’s wrong?” I inquired.

“I-I just want to apologize,” she said tearfully, as if carrying the weight of all her troubles.

I recalled what my mother had mentioned about Megan’s mistreatment by her lover, resulting in her return to Highland Hills City.

“It’s alright,” I reassured her. Though my pride had been wounded at the time, that was three years ago, and truthfully, I had moved beyond it. Now, my father’s accusations at the office sting even more.

“Um, Auntie mentioned you got me a gift?” she asked tentatively.

My eyebrow raised in astonishment. I suddenly remembered my mother mentioning buying a gift for Megan, a thought that had been lost in the chaos of my mind.

“I-I’m sorry!” she said tearfully. “I shouldn’t have expected anything.”

Her tears flowed. I felt irritated, but I couldn’t bring myself to scold her. Somehow, Megan and I had become friends.

A sigh escaped my lips, and I hugged her. “It’s fine,” I muttered.

Holding the elegant box containing the necklace meant for Sarah, I considered giving it to Megan instead since Sarah wasn’t present. I could always get another one for Sarah later.

With it secured around Megan’s neck, we were off to the restaurant. It wasn’t until we decided to leave that I realized how much time had passed.

“Oh, I left something at Serenity Pines Estate earlier,” my mom said, so I decided to join her ride and let my driver do his routine.

Rain pounded down as we rushed home. I couldn’t shake the worry: where was Sarah? A huge pair of muddy shoes near the door deepened the mystery, especially since they were much bigger than my wife’s size.

Did Sarah invite a worker to the house?

“I knew it! That Sarah has another man!” Mom exclaimed, souring my expression.

Sarah’s scream echoed through the house, breaking the silence. The real shock hit me when I found her with a stranger in the bedroom.

Instantly, rage surged through me, fueling a desire to confront them!