CHAPTER 1: To Be A CEO

CHAPTER 1: To Be A CEO

A few days ago…

Standing under an umbrella out in the rain, I watched as my grandfather and cousins went to give flowers to the grave in front of them. My parents’ graves.

“They still could have done so many things.” I heard Aunt Veronica say. She held a handkerchief in hand as she stood by my grandfather who was just silently staring at his son and daughter-in-law’s grave stones.

“They were taken away from us so quickly.” I wanted to roll my eyes at her when she dramatically sniffed and wiped her cheek from her fake tears. 

It’s been ten years; even, I have managed not to cry anymore at the memory of them. And to think she wasn’t even that close to my father. She also hated Mom.

“If not for some other people’s stupidity, we could not have lost Jude and Lana so early.” The vile aunt glanced at me and I kept my emotions hidden as I stood there. I kept my mouth shut despite the swirling in my head and stomach.

“Veronica, that is enough.” Grandpa Alfred called her off, knowing where this was going again. 

I stared at my parent’s engraved names on the stone, remembering what happened that day. 

They took me from a vacation with my friends. I asked them to come get me because I lost my cash to a burglar. We were already on our way to our house, talking happily as I told them how much I had fun during the vacation, but then a truck in front of us lost its brake and we had an accident.

They were supposed to be at Aunt Veronica’s business launch party that day, but they went and took me first. I remember Mom’s beautiful dress that day. She wore the same elegant green dress I’ve always loved seeing in her. And Dad was in a three piece suit, looking as dashing as ever. They decided to run late at the party to get to me first, worried about how I was stolen out of my money. But it was at the expense of their lives. And for years, I hated myself for it. 

Fortunately, I had people take me out of the dark guilt I was having. Grandpa Alfred made sure I wouldn’t blame myself for their deaths and realize it was all an accident that I also almost lost my life in. Over the years, I’ve learned how to cope and heal. But a scar was already made, and it was there to remind me always of how I lost two of the greatest people in my life.

But I know for sure they wouldn’t want me sulking about that my entire life. Mom and Dad would want me to grow stronger from that. They’ve raised me to fight; and fight, I will. 

A couple more silent seconds passed as we all stood under the light rain. It has become a family tradition to visit their graves every time something big was going to happen in our family. 

Grandpa Alfred didn’t tell anyone what he was going to announce today, but we all have an idea what it was going to be.

It is going to be his retirement for the Presidency and CEO position for the company. And I am ready to take over.

“Let’s go.” Finally, Grandpa turned around and started walking away from the cemetery. Everyone followed behind him, but I stood there for a little while more. 

I walked towards Mom and Dad’s graves, kissed my palm and touched it to their grave stones. “I swear I will make you proud. I won’t waste any opportunity in my life.”

I kissed them goodbye once again and stood up. I turned around and saw Karina, my Nana. She has always been the one that took care of me since I was little. She was my Dad’s Nana, too. 

“Come quick, child. Your grandfather and the rest are already in the car.” I nodded at her and walked through the mud with my heels.

It took me a little while longer until I was able to get inside the car with Grandpa. I smiled at him and he hugged me warmly. I hugged him back. 

“Do you miss them, grandpa?” I couldn’t help asking as I felt a little emotional over what’s happening. I felt him nod and squeeze me harder in his arms.

“I do. I miss my son and your mother.” He let go of the hug and put both his hands in my arms. I watched as grandpa Al’s eyes looked at me with warmth. 

Many people tell me I resemble my father much more, and I noticed how grandpa has particularly liked staring at me when he misses my dad.

“I will always want what is best for you,” he said and I smiled. I nodded and touched his wrinkled yet still strong hand in my arm. “I know. Thank you, grandpa.”

The car started driving us to the office where the official announcement will be held. 

When my father died, he took over the presidency and CEO position once again instead of letting Aunt Veronica take over. He said that Aunt Veronica was already stressed over her marriage and her own personal business with her husband, he wouldn’t want to burden her anymore. Also, she never showed interest in taking over the family business since they were young. So despite his want of early retirement, he got back to his post as the head of Allistair Group. 

But over the years, I could feel how Aunt Veronica and his sons—Robert, particularly—have been actively working in the company, and I don’t really like the possible reason behind that.

The car stopped when we arrived in front of the building. Grandpa Alfred went out first and I followed. As soon as I got out, I saw Aunt Veronica, Robert and the rest of their family getting out of their cars. 

In a matter of time, we were all inside the executive boardroom of the building. Grandpa’s lawyer was present, including Nana Karina, and Aunt Veronica’s babysitter for her youngest child Jade, who was just two years old, and her husband whom I don’t often see.

Grandpa Alfred sat on the very head of the table as we all sat around him. Some stood up on the sides. He then started speaking. 

“Thank you for coming today for this special announcement.” He smiled at us. 

I looked around and saw Aunt Veronica smiling so brightly at him, while Robert was attentively listening to Grandpa like the rest of us. I just couldn’t help seeing the spark in his eyes in anticipation. 

He may be older, but I know I’ve done more for this company than him. 

I looked away from them and stared at Grandpa in front. 

“Without further ado, I would like to announce my resignation as the president and CEO of Allistair Group of Companies, and will be out of office as soon as the heir comes to take it.”

Even when we were already expecting it, some still reacted as if they didn’t. Like my dearest Auntie. 

“Oh my! Dad, the people in the company will definitely miss you. Your retirement will be bittersweet for everybody,” she said, as if she has seen Grandpa work up close. 

In my years working here, I’ve never seen her actively participate in any of the projects, even just to help the family business. She happily takes advantage of the company though, most especially when she needs money. 

I did everything I could to stop rolling my eyes. 

What a scam.

“And now, I would like to promote the person whom I thought most deserved the position for all the hard work this person has given and shown the company.”

I inhaled deeply and sat straighter in my seat when he continued talking, not even reacting to my aunt’s comments. 

This is it.

We all sat in silence as Grandpa slowly opened his mouth. And as soon as his eyes met mine, my heart started jumping out of my chest. 

“Congratulations, my dear Jennifer. You are now the president and CEO of Allistair Group of Companies.”

Collective gasps and claps resonated all around the room. I wanted to beam at everyone and even clap, but I held myself. I looked at Grandpa and smiled at him. 

“Thank you,” I looked at everyone else who were clapping, even to Aunt Veronica and Robert who obviously didn’t like the announcement. “Thank you.”

“But,” 

We all turned to Grandpa again when he suddenly spoke amidst the congratulations I was getting. He met my eyes. 

“Before I get out of office, and officially give you the position with the signed documents,” he gestured to his lawyer beside him. I looked back at him in bated breath.

“Jen, I would like you to get married first. I want you to have a helping hand in business.” 

For a moment I couldn’t move nor do anything after hearing that.

He wants me to get married first? What?

“W-wait. Grandpa, why do I have to get married first? I mean,” I looked around the room and saw everyone looking at me as I spoke. “You’ve seen how I work. You know what I’m capable of doing. Why do I need to be married to take over your post?”

Grandpa Alfred leaned on the table as if wanting to make me hear him. I listened intently, wanting to really understand what he meant by this.

“The presidency and CEO position is not like any other positions you’ve had in the company. You need to have someone whom you can trust with anything, and who can be called for help when needed.” 

I stared at him for a second, but when I confirmed he wasn’t joking, I laughed without humor. 

“Can I just call you, or Robert?” I asked, bewildered at what this conversation is leading. I don’t even care anymore about getting Robert into this when I never really liked his guts.

“Jenny,” Grandpa sighed, and I immediately knew what this meant. My hands started shaking. “You think I need a man to run this business. That’s it, isn't it?”

“Honey…” he tried appeasing me, but I can’t stop now.

“You think I’m not capable.” My words came out angrily. 

My chest started squeezing in both shock and hurt for this. He said he wanted what’s best for me. And this is what I get?

“Jennifer,” I was still hyperventilating in anger when I felt his hand on mine, trying to calm me with his warmth and soothing voice. I closed my eyes, feeling hot tears starting to well around them.

“Jenny… I know someone who can help you. His name is Lewis Michaels and he is the youngest billionaire in the industry.” I started shaking my head. “He for sure can help you, darling.”

I opened my eyes and tears went down from it. 

“I-I don’t even know him.” I shook my head again. I couldn’t help the shaking in my voice. 

Grandpa squeezed my hand tighter as he spoke to me in that same manner when I was still deep in my guilt and grieving. 

“I already spoke with his parents, and they liked the idea. Please just, at least, meet him. Get to know him.”

I inhaled deeply and held myself. I wiped my tears and sat straight on my seat. 

“You’re really arranging me for a marriage,” I stated, more than asked. Because I already know the answer. It was obvious!

“Honey, please just think about it,” Grandpa said, pleading in his voice. But I shook my head once more. “No. No...”

“Well, Dad, what if dear Jenny here has a boyfriend?” Everyone’s attention was suddenly taken when Aunt Veronica spoke. I looked at her and I could practically peel the ends of the fake concerned mask she was putting on. 

“You can’t force her if she is truly in love with another. Marriage is a matter of a lifetime, after all.” Despite her fakeness, I wanted Grandpa to hear her out. At least the last part.

I can’t just be married to someone I don’t even know. I barely even had a boyfriend!

“But if she doesn’t, and again, we can’t force her into an arranged marriage. So, who will replace you, Dad? We all know how much you want to find rest and retire fully.” She looked around and continued. I saw her glance at Robert beside her, and even without seeing that, I know what she’s up to.

The greedy witch that she is. She’s clearly enjoying the dilemma I am in.

Grandpa sighed and looked at me again, not responding to his daughter. Thankfully.

I met his warm eyes. “Well, if you are in love and you think he is good for you, I might let you be with him.” I watched my grandfather with piqued interest.

“The only reason why I’m doing this, is for you to have all the support that you will be needing. That’s all. I know how much that means when you are in this kind of position. Your dad, too. And thankfully, he had your mother and you.” He touched my cheek and wiped away some of my tears as he smiled at me. 

An idea started bubbling in my head. “I-I do have a boyfriend right now.”

I saw Nana Karina in the corner of my eye. She, of all people, knows I don’t have any. That I am lying right now. But I kept my emotions at bay.

I saw how that got Grandpa. “Alright. Do you think he is good for you?” He asked me gently. 

I immediately nodded. “I do. He’s just away now. He’s on a business trip, and I learned a lot from him. He’s a great guy.”

“How long have you been together?” He asked. I immediately responded with, “A month now, but so far, it feels like we’ve known each other for a while. And I never had that feeling with anyone before.”

Grandpa started nodding slowly. I could see the doubt in his bright brown eyes, so I added. “I swear I will let you meet him. As soon as he gets back, I will introduce you to him.” 

I squeezed his hands. And after a couple of seconds, Grandpa finally sighed. “Okay. Just make sure he’s good for you. Or I will haunt him down.” I smiled and nodded, sensing he was half meaning that statement. 

“He is. I swear.” I repeated my lie. 

“Can we meet him at Allistair’s anniversary party? That’s still a week away. I’m sure he can come, right?” Aunt suddenly Veronica butted in. 

I looked at her and saw she too was doubtful of my story, wanting to get through a hole just so her son could take over my rightful position. But the hell I would let them.

“He sure will.” I wiped away the streak of tears on my cheek and gave a confident smile.

I will make sure I will find a boyfriend in a week to meet my ever so wonderful family.