Chapter 3
1358 Words
Phone Rings.
“Hello Neil Dramond, find me the best Caregiver professional in South City.”
“As you wish, young master Stallone,” Niel said, and hired the legendary Micheal Carson, the personal caregiver of the Royal Family of the Southern State.
In a fortnight, Jack learned from the best tutor that money can buy in the Caregiver industry.
“Jack Stallone, you are a teacher's delight. You are now well versed in the delicate caregiver methods,” Carson said.
“Sir Carson, as they say, when a dedicated student is ready he gets the best teacher.”
Carson beamed. "After today, anyone that assesses your competence might think you earned a PhD in the subject.”
“I am glad you think so, Sir Carson. I’m grateful for your mentorship.”
Before leaving the South for the East State, Jack met with Niel, his assistant.
Excited to be on his way. “Niel, I shall be away for four weeks. You are handling all matters of Stallone Incorporated. If there is anything you want to clarify, say so.”
“Non young master Stallone. I assure you, that your family business will thrive while you are away. You have nothing to worry about sir.” Niel replied.
Though Niel was surprised, you could say that when it comes to running the Stallone business, for the past five years, Jack had cloned himself in Niel.
“As I go on this dire mission to help Annabelle Powers walk again, I have confidence in your leadership skills to manage this company.”
Overcome with joy, Niel replied. “Thank you for believing in my abilities' sir. I shall do my best not to let you down.”
No wonder, when Jack Stallone appeared at the Adrian Powers family house, he went without worries and was ready to do his new job. Not to mention that Jack is dapper.
“Who is that guy?” Daniella said with affectionate dreamy eyes. “Look at his broad shoulders, if only he can be mine.”
“Daniella, my heart is beating so fast, I… I might faint. He is so handsome. Alas, he won't notice low-class maidens like us,” Juliet responded.
Jack’s tall muscular physique showed he was in excellent physical shape. His well-formed face glowed like the rising sun. He had no doubt he would get the job.”
“Hello young man, what's your name? You look familiar.
“My name is Jack Stallone. I am from the South City. We’ve met before, Mr. Adrian Powers. Recall I would have married your daughter when we left college if not for the long feud between our families. Sir, this time you must let me help the woman I love to get back on her feet.”
Mr. Adrian's brow furrowed, racking his memory. Then he broke out in a smile.
“Oh yes! I remember you came to me from the Stallone family with a marriage proposal for my daughter! So, you want to help Annabelle walk again? Good! Do you have experience to prove you can help my daughter?”
“No! … Rest assured sir. I’m bringing top-notch competence to help Lady Annabelle. I trained under the best, Master, Michael Carson. You could say I was born ready to help Miss Annabelle.”
“Really! That's good to hear. But my daughter is difficult to handle. She’ll test your patience to the limit. I'm afraid, … with no experience, you don't qualify for the job.” Adrian said, dismissing further discussions.
But Jack was determined to help Annabelle. So he quickly replied with the facts.
“Sir, I learned no Caregiver has stayed more than a week here. That means no one else can do it. Give me thirty days, and if she is not up on her feet, I’ll admit defeat and quit, never to show my face before you again. Besides, I intend to woo her. … I want her to be ready to walk the aisles with me a few months from today.”
After weighing his arguments, Adrian, who knew that Annabelle had become so aggressive and angry at everyone, thought she might benefit from someone who loved her selflessly.
OK! You can start work now. Your salary is …
Before he finished, Jack interrupted him.
“Sir, I don't want any salary or rewards. I love her, and if she walks, that's enough payment for me. I have one thing to ask. I am not doing this for free. I want to marry her right now if she agrees, but, I know she won't agree. However, when she starts walking and refuses to marry me, you will owe me nothing.”
Adrian rubbed his jaw in deep thought. “Alright, let's shake hands on that deal.”
Jack, with a twinkle in his eyes and curling his lips, replied. “I hope you won't go back on your words because, in my mind, she is already walking.”
“My word is my bond son! It's an ironclad promise.” Let's get you to work immediately.
—---
Adrian couldn't contain his excitement. “Come, let me introduce you to my daughter.”
“Certainly”, Jack replied.
They moved fast into the opulent villa with a shiny atmosphere and plush settees and stopped at a door with a golden handle and a gilt-edged door framed with intricate designs of the Adrian Powers emblem, a ferocious lion swallowing its helpless prey.
Adrian knocked on that door and Sarah, a maid, opened, bowed, and stepped aside.
“Hello, Sarah! Where is my daughter?”
“She is in the master's chambers, boss.”
“Call her.”
“Right away boss.” Sarah turned to go inside.
Annabelle, hearing her father's voice, quickly wheeled herself into the center of her massive sitting room, looking menacing and angry at the world.
Jack was held speechless by her mesmerizing beauty and pure fair skin, her dark lustrous hair reaching to her waist. She was a striking image of her father, who was doubtless dashing in his youth. His face lit up and his heartbeat quickened.
‘I am glad my feelings for her didn't change despite the grim way I met her.’
“Dad, why waste time employing another Caregiver? They all ran away in a matter of days, leaving me worse off… causing me more despair,” Annabelle queried.
“I am your father, I’ve sworn to get you back on your feet no matter what it costs. This person I brought you is different. I have no doubt you will be up and about in a short time if you cooperate with him. Adrian gushed”.
Annabelle looked at Jack, her face twisted with rage. “Dad, stop it. I know you are only saying that to give me hope. My condition is irreversible. It's hopeless, I can’t bear to get my hopes up anymore. Please send him away.”
Adrian was anxious at her attitude. “Don't say that. Let's give Jack a chance to help you. Just for the last time, allow us to help you. Can’t you see you are making everyone in this villa miserable? They are all walking on eggshells. Enough! Shouldn't you give yourself a chance for a new beginning?”
“Okay Dad, let’s try this caregiver. She looked at Jack's determined face bereft of pity and full of love and nodded her lovely head.”
Two of her maids were flashing their eyes at Jack, flirting with him. But, he only had his eyes on her.
Jack began to talk to her.
“My name is Jack. I’ve come to help you. Unlike the Caregivers you’ve worked with in the past, l am on a mission, and we’ll follow strict rules, diets, exercises, and functions. Read this and sign it.”
Handing her his terms for accepting her case.
Although she protested most of Jack’s terms for successful collaboration, when Adrian appealed to her, she signed the document.
Conflicted, she still thought “This guy might just help me walk again.”
- Writer
