Chapter 5: Fate, Not Coincidence

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In Sapphire's Room.

She was sitting on a wooden, armless chair. In front of her was her old, laptop. Well, it still functioned well so, Sapphire was satisfied using it.

On her body was a snow-white coloured cardigan and black jeans shorts that made her look like a Barbie character. On her nose bridge were two pairs of transparent, clean, reading glasses. She wears it every time she's on her laptop. Well, as if something caught her attention. Sapphire widened her eyes and moved closer to the screen. She peeled off her eyes to the new notification message she just received.

From 'I love actor Gabby's' F******k homepage.

He's releasing his first music video ever. He and model Kylie Jenner, an upcoming fashion model sponsored by Coca-Cola.

"Well, I can't wait to watch this!" She jerked excitedly with an impatient smile on her face. "Anything from my Gabby."

Sapphire quickly downloaded the video she clicked on the play button.

"Oh my gosh! Here it is! I'm so nervous!" She exclaimed with joy.

"W...what kind of w...weird song is this?! Oh, gosh!" She hissed.

After a while, Sapphire slept off. It's no doubt that the video was boring. Snoring like a lazy pig, Sapphire jerked off to the laptop in front of her. His video had ended, so she scrolled to read the comments he's gotten so far...

[Gabby's Crush]: 'OMG! I just wasted my data!!'

[GforGabby]: 'WTF! I so hate myself rn!'

[Gabby'sfanGirl]: 'Can't wait for you next update loml!'

"Awwwwn. You kids are so lucky. I wish I could call him loml as well." Sapphire said to herself.

"Should I call him loml too? Isn't that going to be too cheesy?" She asked herself and smiled. Sapphire took her phone and decided to send him a message.

'Your latest music video was awesome, Gabby. Keep it up.😜👌'

After sending the message, Sapphire gathered the new magazine she bought. She scrolled through for Gabby's hottest pictures and started cutting them out with a pair of scissors, one after another.

She looked at him with so much love and admiration.

"Awwwwn... Isn't he hot?" She asked herself in between the smile that brightened her sleepy face.

After cutting out his pictures, she carefully fixed them into her photo album.

Back to the newspaper she's picked up from the staff room, two identification cards dropped to the table. She picked it and read their information. As carefully as her transparent reading glass could.

Attorney Lucas Jason

CEO Jade Alejandro

Staring at their boldly written names on the card made her remember their visit.

"These scammers aren't going to call me right? Yeah... It would be great if he was actually the grandson of BB Company's chairman right? That way, he could make my Gabby their main model, and help him out. All are wishes... I guess they must be wishing for something big too." She hissed and threw the cards into her waste-bin.

***

An elderly man was seated in his study room. He seemed to be in his early 70s, but he still looks strong and agile. In front of him was a framed photograph of his late wife, Hannah.

Stephen Alejandro stared at the picture lovingly as a small smile lightens up his face.

"Honey, the woman I chose to be Jade's wife is a school teacher, just like you were before we met. She reminded me so much of you, and she's just like you. Kind-hearted and respectful."

(Flashback)

Sapphire cleaned his hands and wiped if his sweaty face in the hospital. She stayed with him throughout despite the face that she met him unexpectedly.

Stephen layer hit discharged, and she accompanied him outside the hospital.

"You can take a taxi back home. And please, go to the hospital again tomorrow for check up. Just in case." Sapphire told him and stopped a taxi. After he got in, she handed an amount of money to the driver.

"Mr. Driver, please take him home and make sure you don't rush. Drive as gently as possible, that man has been through a lot today, and he's still in a lot of pains." She explained to the driver.

"Don't go somewhere else. If you do, I'll get mad!" She warned.

"Okay sir, bye!" She happily waved him goodbye as the driver moved the wheels into the busy road.

(End of Flashback)

Thinking about her and smiling, Stephen heard a knock on the door. It brought him back into reality as he turned to the door with a frown.

"That spoiled brat!" He hissed and looked back at the beautiful photograph. It seems Jade, your most cherished grandson is here. So, take a good look at how I'll educate him, okay?"

A satisfying smile fades away from this slim lips, then he turned this chair in the direction of the door.

"Come in."

Someone pulled the door knob and entered. It was Jade and his lawyer, Lucas. Lucas closed the door behind and greeted the chairman with a bow.

"We're here chairman. It's been a while. Hope you're doing well?" He pinched Jade by the side, but Jade didn't even freak.

He stared at his grandfather with an emotionless face, as if he was pissed.

"Yes, I've been fine. It's been a little boring here, but I'm doing great Stephen replied the attorney. Aren't you going to greet your grandpa? Did your grandmother teach you that if you're just being stubborn. You can't even greet your elders... You just stare a hole through them as if you don't see them?" the Chairman mumbled.

"I'm here." the CEO muttered and walked to the table, facing his grandmother's photograph to himself.

"I'm not doing so well right now, granny. All thanks to Grandpa." He reported and turned it back to the chairman.

A striking look washed through the Chairman's face. How annoying.

***

Later, they went into his living room to sit and discuss.

"I'll distribute my fortune as I wish. That includes BB Mall, of course." Mr. Stephen started.

He was seated right I the middle of an executive chair while Lucas and Jade were seated on the chair beside him.

"I don't know about BB Company, but the BB Mall shares belong to my late father."

"That's right. And I plan to have you inherit it."

"Don't blackmail me, Grandpa! You're giving your shares to some arrogant girl as a way to get me to come back to the company?"

"What's the meaning of this, Jade? What do you mean, blackmail?! How can you say that to your grandpa? If Sapphire knew you'd be in this uncouth, I'm sure she would be quite disappointed!"

"Why don't you fucking marry her sour, then? If you love her so much!"

"I know, right! Only if I were 30 years younger."

"OMG!"

"All you have to do is to make the decision whether you want Sapphire or not. I'm not trying to sell you anything, here."

"Liar! You're doing exactly that grandpa." Disappointment laced Jade's voice as he huffed. Last time, you forced an engagement with me and Chloe Charles, Chairman Charles Dixon's daughter! It would have been perfect to have their company merge with BB Chemicals!"

"And yet, you refused!"

"If you'd just gotten married back then, BB Chemicals would have been a lot bigger by now! We could have expanded to establish BB Bio, too!"

Jade turned to his grandpa in disbelief.

"It seems you enjoy selling off your grandson in marriage to keep all your companies afloat but that is not my thing. Sorry for the disappointment but I don't engage myself into such business, Mr. Chairman!"

A disappointing look poured on the Chairman's face. He couldn't believe all  his efforts were going to waste just because of his annoying grandson.

"What's it about that teacher you're investigating so much on, huh? Aren't you doing too much for her?! I can't understand you grandpa! You find it so difficult to invest on your grandson and probably give them an inheritance but you're throwing it out to a complete stranger? Good for you Mr. Chairman, Excellent!" He clapped his hands.

"Look here, Jade. That girl is a special child. She has something that neither of us have. A good character, A pure heart and a beautiful soul."

"I don't care or want to know why you even chose her but, what if I refuse?"

Lucas pinched Jade by the side of his arm but he jerked off, facing the Chairman like a lion ready for fight.

"Well, BB Company will become Ace's. Of course, that includes BB Mall. There's no reason that you must be my successor, after all. Since you aren't originally my grandson." Stephen Alejandro eyeballed Jade, with a Stern look on his wrinkled face.

Meanwhile, Jade was already feeling defeated. It's what he had to work so hard for but this old man wasn't giving it to him.

"Actually, I called Ace over. I want to hear what he has to say on this issue."

"Did you call me and Ace over to try and compare us? How dare your grandpa?!" Jade felt buttered.

A smirk appeared on the Chairman's face, knowing that Jade has no option than to dance to the tune of his music. He looked away from Jade, avoiding his stares.

Jade scoffed and huffed abruptly. He stands up to his feet while Lucas do the same.

"Fine, Mr. Chairman! You've managed to find my weakness, but I'm not nice enough to just seat and take your bait. Therefore, let's take this opportunity to negotiate things."

"What? You're really going to marry her?" Lucas asked, surprisingly.

"Hell no! Like I said, I won't even consider marrying that teacher or anyone I don't even love."

"As if I don't know that already. The chairman hissed. So?"

"I'll date her at least. As if Jade felt unsure with his words. I'll seriously date her for just three months. And if it doesn't walk out, I'll chalk it up to date. And this would be your last arranged marriage or forced relationship for me.

A soft smile spread through the Chairman's lips." One year."

"Five months." Jade muttered.

"Six months."

"Uh?"

"It would be hard to win her over even if you have six months."

"It's not like she's incredibly find of him right now, either--" Lucas murmured, but Jade cut his words with a "Shut up!"

"Well, I know that she doesn't like him. That's why I'm saying a year isn't enough time. Sapphire would definitely object to this. You'll definitely need time to win her over." The Chairman felt bad.

"I don't want to do this either, grandpa! Why don't we forget all of these and pretend it never happened."

"No, You're going to date Sapphire! I know you don't like her now, but you won't be feeling this way for long.

"So, you two are settling for six months?" Lucas muttered happily. "That's that for your contract, then."

It is clear that Jade wasn't happy. His contract relationship of a thing could be his worse nightmare.

"Congratulations, Grandpa. It's like you've won this time. For now at least."

Stephen wore a smile across his face.

"And it'll continue to be this way, I'm sure."

Just then, Ace walked in.

Oh, that's my other grandson!" The chairman retorted. Ace bowed to the chairman respectfully as he stared at Jade. He remembered their last meeting. Ace and Jade wore an annoying look at each other as the avoided each other's gaze.

Ace went to take a seat right next to the chairman as the housemaid served them tea. A ghost-silence reigned through the room as the chairman decided to kill it.

"How's BB Mall doing these days?"

"This year isn't over yet, but we've had fantastic sales so far."

"Even if you've had good sales, it means nothing if your profit isn't high. Your profits should increase annually with the number of goods sold." The chairman advised.

Ace nodded as if he got the gist.

"What about the hotel?" Stephen asked Jade.

"That's confidential information regarding our company." Jade said boastfully. "I see no reason to tell you that information."

Ace looked at him on a disgusting look. 'Who did he think he is?'

"I'm asking, as the owner." Stephen said.

"So far so good, Mr Chairman. Hotel has broken free from BB Company as if lady year. Our company has secrets that must be kept, even among family members. It's not like this is a stakeholder's meeting. I see no need to give a report based on the company's performance before that. That's our hotel's policy."

The chairman dropped his cup on the table and faced his grandsons.

"You two! You're delusional if you think I'll hand over my company to you. Just because you're related to me! If you can't do the job right, then you'll have to quit. I don't owe you anything, put that at the back of your minds. I'd soon entrust my company to a bum if you both were skilled enough!"

"Does that mean you won't leave it for anyone?" Ace asked, interestedly.

"That's right. But, you two both have a chance."

Hearing him say this made Ace think. 'What have they discussed before my arrival? Did I miss anything?'

However, Jade didn't want Ace to know about the contract, will or anything that has to do with him getting part of the BB Company. So, he cut his grandfather's talk.

"I'll be going now sir, I'd, you're through."

"Again, don't forget about what we discussed skills. I won't stand for it if you blackmail me with something bizarre again." Jade rolled is eyes at the chairman and walked out.

Lucas bowed before taking his leave to while Ace wondered what it was all about. Looking at the Chairman's excited face, Ace saw it was an insult to his grandfather, but he's smiling.

'How possible is the fake grandson more recognised?' Ace asked himself, pondering on the disturbing thought that won't let him rest.

***

In the Music Room.

Sapphire was doing a cholography with her students. They were dancing to a classic hip-hop, Shape of You by Ed Sheeran. Apart from Gabby's new songs, It is one of the favorite. Well, Sapphire loved everything hip-hop, whoever the musician is. She has a talent for facing too so, she takes her students free dancing classes just 30 minutes after their daily activities.

There was a small mirror hanged on the wall, just to see their reflections and the way they take their dancing steps but with all of these, it seems they weren't doing it well.

Sapphire went to turn off the speaker as her students faced her with curious and stopped dancing.

"I'm so sorry lovelies. It's be nice if we had a bigger mirror right?"

"Yes!" They chorused.

"Why can't out school afford one?" One girl from the back roll asked.

"That mirror is too small! I can barely see myself!" Another girl cried.

That would be all for today. Sapphire smiled. Your parents would be worried if you're late." She opened a bottle of water and gulped it down her throat.

No... Miss Sapphire, please let's continue." Another girl whined. Others blushed at her as there took their bags and lunch boxes out and walked out of the music room.

"Come on, let's go." Sapphire helped the kids out.

They were about fifteen students in her class. As it is, she used to take them to their houses, herself since they always followed the same routine. And again, the school doesn't have a school bus, so she would have to do the trekking, alongside her pupils.

Well, the school doesn't know about this. It's not compulsory for the teachers, bits just what Sapphire does out of love for her pupils. Perhaps, their safety comes first in cases like this.

Just then, they walked out if the black, opened school gate.

"Goodbye, Miss Sapphire!" Some students following the other route based her as she waved them goodbye.

A minute later, Jade's white Jeep swerved into the school compound. He wore a designed black and gray suit that fitted him perfectly. Taking off his dark shades, he pocketed his hands into his trousers the way he usually does and walked majestically into the school building.

Getting into the staff room, he met the school admin.

"Hey! Um, is Miss Sapphire Blac here by chance?" He asked.

"She left not long ago." The young lady replied to him. "I can call her if it's so urgent."

"No, it's fine. You don't need to call her. It's not that urgent." He said and walked out of the office.

"I'm here, grandpa. So, I did as much as I could. This just means we're not fated to be together. We're not meant to be, grandpa!" Jade said to himself as he stepped out of building.

On the other side of the boat... That very minute, Sapphire stopped to check her bag.

"Oh no! Not again, Gosh! She cried out in frustration.

What's it, Miss Sapphire?" One of her pupils asked.

"I left something in school. You guys should walk together, okay? And don't follow strangers. She warned.

"Okay Miss Sapphire!" They replied to her obediently as she checked her bag properly, but it wasn't there.

"Geez! I left my wallet on the table!" she turned and ran back to the school.

About to zoom out, Sapphire ran into the school compound. Jade stopped his wheels and horned. She turned back, wondering who it is until Jade came out of his car.

Mesmerized to meet her again, a smile appeared on the sides of his lips. Sapphire couldn't help but to wonder why he was alone this time and also smiling at her under the burning sun. It felt so awkward as she quirked an eyebrow at him.

Realizing he's been smiling, Jade dropped the smile and puts on a frown. And that was the first time he smiled to a lady in a very long time.

A voice in his head asked...

'This is just a coincidence. Not fate, right?'