ONE

Tristan Ford’s POV

07:00 am, Tuesday, 5th of July.

My eyes fluttered open as I glanced at the ceiling above me. Despite already waking up, everything felt like a dream. A dream that I would rather wake up from than live in it. Looking at the alarm clock beside me, I took a deep breath before getting up from bed.

I took a look at myself in the mirror and discovered that I had grown thin. Although it wasn’t much, my hair was dishevelled, and my eyes looked lacklustre. Even though I was still in shape, I paled in comparison to who I was two years ago.

After freshening up, I was about to leave the house with my coat on and my black hat as I carried my briefcase. My face was void of any smile and I was just about to leave when I heard my name being called from the side.

“Tristan…” a deep and intimidating voice resonated around the entire room. I might be powerful, but even I wouldn’t dare go against that voice or its owner. I shifted my gaze to the side, and I could see my father.

He had a pair of glasses on his eyes and his white hair and white beard showed that he was nearing the dusk of his time. Even then, he still looked somewhat charming, and he exuded a powerful aura, one that could suppress people. He had a newspaper in his hand and his legs were crossed at the other end of the dining table.

“Sit.” He ordered. I was very unwilling, but I couldn’t bear to go against him, at least not now. I grunted inside before taking off my coat and taking a seat. My mother who was eating glanced at me with a smile on her face. I shifted my eyes to her but didn’t smile. The atmosphere was cold and tense, as I looked my father in the eyes.

After I graduated from university, I was made to work under him for a while before taking over. While I am the CEO of Titancorp, he is the President.

My mother looked at the both of us and she probably felt the atmosphere too tense and awkward for her.

“Ahem… I shall excuse you both—” she said but was stopped.

“No, Laura. Sit down.” He ordered and I could almost feel my mother shudder. She didn’t refuse him, and she kept on eating while I kept looking into my father’s eyes.

“So, Tristan…” he finally broke the silence that lasted for about thirty seconds, “…your mother and I have discussed, and we believe that it is time for you to get a new wife. Lyla’s death was tragic, but we cannot allow you to wallow in self-pity for the rest of your life.”

“And what do mean ‘wallow in self-pity’?” I inquired with an annoyed tone.

“You know damn well what I mean. Although you handle the business well every single night you come back home completely drunk, and you turn yourself into nothing but a machine.” He complained and I wanted to refute him, but the words couldn’t come out. He was right after all, but he doesn’t know what it’s like to lose someone special, so I don’t blame him.

“What do you want me to do, Dad?” I asked with an exhausted tone. I didn’t want to have this conversation anymore and I just wanted to conclude it.

“We want you to get a hold of yourself. More specifically, we want you to get a new wife.” He claimed and for some reason, I snapped.

“Get a new wife you say? Do you think women are like cars that can be replaced when damaged beyond repair?!” I growled before getting up, “I am fine the way I am. I don’t need any wife or whatever.” I was about to take my leave when my mother held my hand.

“Listen to your father, Tristan. We are quite worried about your wellbeing, and you shouldn’t think selfishly like that. Think about what your father and I want too. I for one want to have a daughter-in-law and a grandchild. Your father wants a child that will be the heir to the Titancorp business empire but with your behaviour, you won’t get a wife.” She tried to convince me, but my expression didn’t change.

“I’m fine, Mother. Thanks for your concern.” I picked up my coat, “I’ll think about it.” I walked towards the door, completely ignoring my mother’s solemn look.

“Don’t think about it, Tristan. You will do it.” My father growled, causing me to pause momentarily.

“I said… I will think about it.” I returned before walking out of the mansion. I didn’t care about his reaction as having this conversation with them was quite exhausting.

I stepped into my Audi A4 sedan that was parked outside the mansion, and took a deep breath, before driving out of the mansion’s gates. My name is Tristan Ford, and I am the CEO of a business company named Titancorp. One might think having money and fame is what brings happiness, but I have a different opinion. My happiness lies with someone, and that person died two years ago in a fatal car accident. That person was my wife, Lyla Ford.

Since then, my happiness has gone and never to be found. Despite being alive, I can’t help but wonder if I’m awake or still in this dream… a dream called life.

​​​​​***********

I drove to the Titancorp headquarters where my office was. The moment I stepped into the building, I could feel the pairs and pairs of eyes looking at me. Some filled with admiration, some with jealousy, and others... well, don’t know whether to call it lust or love.

I paid little to no attention as I turned and walked towards the elevator. Although a personal elevator was built for me, I never really used it unless I was in a rush. I’m not usually the flashy kind of boss people think or expect me to be. But I’m also not one that interacts with the employees either.

I met a few people inside the elevator and as soon as they saw me, they quickly rushed out. As for those that wanted to go in, they didn’t bother, since I was inside. Normally I would smile and gesture for them to come in, but nothing was normal... not anymore.

“If you truly have a sense of urgency, you will ignore me and get inside the elevator,” I growled while looking straight and keeping an emotionless expression. They didn’t hesitate as they all suddenly rushed into the elevator.

After a few stops, I reached my office floor. Suddenly, my gaze met one of my employees who seemed to be approaching me. His expression was a bit serious, and it looked like he was mainly waiting for me.

“Mr. Tristan...” He called but I only glanced at him but didn’t stop walking. Of course, he caught up to me and he opened the file in his hand. “Sir... I've got a few things to report. The last contract we’re handling in Gollen district is about to be completed and we will soon be the ones controlling forty percent of the state’s energy distribution. Not only that but our new software, HiZECH, will be launched soon. We've received a few comments that...” He kept giving me company reports and all I would do was momentarily nod. I wasn’t listening to him, and my father’s warnings and mother’s words kept ringing in my head.

“Sir? Sir... Mr. Tristan!” I heard my name being called and I snapped out of my daze and turned to the man beside me. He had a worried look written on his face and his long and curly brown hair did nothing to hide the lines on his forehead. “Are you okay... sir?”

“Yes,” I answered before entering my office and having my seat. I gestured for him to sit on the chair in front of my desk and he obliged. “You can drop the file. I’ll review the report. In the meantime, I need you for much more... personal work.” I said and his face seemed to reveal his surprise.

“What is it, sir?” Enrique asked. I had given it some thought and Enrique being a close associate of mine for three years made me trust him. He is my secretary, and he is a hardworking guy. He’s just a few years younger than me and I don’t mind entrusting important things to him.

“Well, I am currently in need of a woman,” I uttered. He seemed to be taken aback as his brows rose to their limits and his eyes looked like they would fall off their sockets soon.

“Sir?” he uttered, and I realized that he wasn’t getting it.

“You heard me right. I need a new wife. However, I don’t have the time to be getting one. So, I need you to find me a lady with certain qualities.” I said before taking out a paper from my pocket and handing it to him. He collected it and he unfolded the paper to view its contents. Seeing it, his eyes widened a bit, but I still noticed confusion lingering around.

“Pardon me if I’m being nosy, but I'm wondering how you want me to go about it. And is it that you...” just as I predicted, he was lost. I sighed and got up from my seat before walking towards the large windowpane behind me. Through here, almost the entire city was visible to me, as the headquarters building was one of the tallest in this city.

“I just need a woman. Do a background check on those you can find and report to me by the end of the week. Those are just the physical traits listed in there, that’ll narrow your search. You’re dismissed.” I clarified and I didn’t hear a thing from him. I concluded that he understood my request and went ahead to execute them.

As I glanced at the city below, I couldn’t help but lose myself in the sight while contemplating the future. The plans have been put in place, and I was going to execute them perfectly. My parents might be right. There might be many good women out there, but no one can ever be like my Lyla... ever.