A tale of two cities

Daniel's POV

"President, Roger Jewelers refused to sell their lands to us," Secretary Yan informed me.

I was engrossed in some essential documents when he approached me. Without looking up, I briskly replied, "Bribe them. Offer them as much money as possible. I must have that land."

"President, we've already bribed them with thousands of dollars, but they're still not budging," he said.

"Then we'll take it by force," I declared, finally raising my head to reveal a wicked grin.

Secretary Yan broke out in a cold sweat. Maybe he didn't expect me to say such things. But then again, who am I? Daniel Ortega. If they didn't give me what I wanted willingly, I would take it by force.

Just then, I heard my phone ring in my pocket. I took it out and saw it was Olsen, my five-year-old son.

"Hey Dad" he greeted enthusiastically as soon as the line went through.

"What do you want Olsen?" I asked, clearly not in the mood.

"I uh..wanted to ask if you are uh perhaps chanced for lunch?" He stuttered, his once enthusiastic voice flying out the window.

"I don't have time for now. Matilda can take you out if you want" I offered, knowing fully well he would decline.

"Oh, there's no need. Bye for now" he said then hung up.

Ever since Veronica left us three years ago, my relationship with Olsen went down the drain. He was just two back then and I was just an average architect. Things got a little bit too difficult for us financially and Veronica was not one to struggle with anybody. Sadly, I discovered that fact very late.

I checked my wristwatch and saw it was already 3:00 pm. It was time for my meeting already. I got up from my chair and made my way to the board room.

I stepped out of my office and made my way into my private elevator with Secretary Yan behind me then got to the floor below my office which was the 49th floor. Coming out of the elevator, we walked along the long passageway and we stopped at the black shiny door of the boardroom. Secretary Yan stood outside while I made my way inside. I entered as my black leather shoes resounded in the very quiet room as I made my way to sit on the head chair where the rest of them were seated around the rectangular table in the room.

"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen" I greeted once I settled on my seat. Some answered while some made a low hm. Not that I cared anyway.

I opened the booklet in front of me to skim through.

"Daniel, what is your decision regarding the lands of Roger Jewelers?" Mrs Rayna, one of the board members asked.

"It's been a week now and we still haven't started the project on it" Mr Grey, another one of the board members complained

"You all must have heard they have refused to sell their lands to us. But don't worry, before the end of today, I can assure you that the lands will be ours" I assured resolutely.

"But we can't just force them out of their property? What if they report us for bullying and harassment?" Mr Cruz asked, clearly unsure of the idea. But his uncertainty earned a scoff from Mrs Rayna.

"Mr Cruz, you seem to be forgetting Ortega Holdings is a multi-billion company. Even if they choose to involve the authority, it's no big deal. There's nothing a little bribing here and there can't solve" Mrs Rayna said proudly.

This was how the board members were. They were a group of money-hungry people dressed in expensive suits and dresses who also didn't take no for an answer and didn't mind throwing one under the bus without a care in the world.

The meeting lasted up to two hours and by 5:00, I concluded the meeting and we all took our leaves.

I went out to attend other meetings and by 9:00 pm, I returned to the company. I continued my work in my office, reading documents upon documents, signing papers, and whatnot. I didn't even realize time had gone. It was already 10:30 and I was still caught up in my web of documents.

I fished my phone from my pocket and called home. The person on the other line picked after the second ring. She was very efficient and attentive.

"Hello sir" she answered.

"How's Olsen?" I asked as I cleared my throat.

"He's fine. He's asleep now" Matilda answered.

"Okay then. Will be home soon" I said before hanging up.

I rubbed my face with my hands as tiredness reigned all over. I closed the documents, arranged my table, and took my suit jacket I had draped over my chair then sauntered out of my office. I exited the whole building and drove my latest edition Porsche car.

And by noon, I had already reached home. I entered the dull and lonely living room before making my way to the second floor where Olsen's room was. I opened the door gently only to see the peaceful face of my son who was already sound asleep. I tucked him in very well before kissing his chubby cheeks and forehead then I took my leave.

Entering my room, I undressed and then went to take a shower. The cold water ran along my skin as I sighed heavily. I knew Olsen was lonely. He didn't have any friends nor was he interested in making one. He was this loner who enjoyed his own company very much. He was even distant with Matilda who was with him most of the time. The only person he liked in his little crib was me. Not Matilda _his nanny or anyone else.

And all this was because of a certain woman... Veronica Brooks.

Myself and Veronica used to be so in love. We started dating at an early stage. I was twenty and she was eighteen. I worked as an architect in a medium company. Veronica was a very beautiful lady who didn't have the best attitude. She argued and had problems with people regularly. But I didn't mind it one bit. I liked her audacity, her courage, and her resoluteness. A strong lady that wouldn't bow to anyone no matter who the person was.

Two years later, we got married. My mother and brother were at first against it. They didn't like the idea of me getting married at a very young age plus to Veronica of all people. It was as if they saw something I wasn't seeing. My mom just couldn't stand her and Cane, he never missed an opportunity to taunt her and get on her nerves.

So six months into our marriage, we moved out. I rented a one-bedroom apartment since it was only the two of us. Veronica was extremely happy. We had our privacy and she had me all to herself now. I liked it very much as well. We could do whatever we wanted, make love till the sun came down and nobody would interrupt us. And by twenty-two, Veronica was having her very first child. We were happy and nervous at the same time. My mom would always come to check on us from time to time. She had no choice but to swallow her dislike for Veronica seeing that I didn't have any plans on leaving her, especially when she was even pregnant with my child.