2- Flashback

Third Person’s POV

Two years ago

Jared found himself at the epicenter of a turbulent storm. His world, once familiar and stable, had suddenly become a maelstrom of conflicting desires, expectations, and frustrations.

It all began with a confrontation that would forever change the course of his life. In the dimly lit living room, anger radiated from Jared like a palpable force. His gaze, ablaze with fury, fixated on Colleen, a poised and enigmatic presence seated on an elegant couch.

"You want me to marry her?" Jared's voice boomed, his finger accusingly pointing in Colleen's direction. His outrage was a tempest brewing beneath the surface, threatening to engulf everything in its path.

Colleen remained composed, her eyes meeting Jared's with a calm that seemed to aggravate him further. She was, after all, at the heart of this familial tempest. "I have a girlfriend, and you know that," Jared continued, his voice rising in frustration. "What on earth made you suddenly decide that I should marry this woman?" His words carried the weight of disbelief and indignation.

Ingrid, Jared's sister, couldn't remain silent any longer. "Jared, you're shouting at Mom," she reproached, her voice laced with irritation. "Can't you have a civilized conversation? And what's wrong with Colleen? I can see with my own eyes that she's way better than your girlfriend, whose name I don't even know," she added, her words cutting through the tension in the room.

Jared's anger shifted from Colleen to Ingrid, and his frustration continued to boil over. "Tell me, Ingrid, which part of her surpasses Stacey?" he snapped, his voice tinged with exasperation. "Do I need a reason to love someone? We've been together for four years, four years, Ingrid, and you want me to throw that away." His words were a defiant proclamation of his devotion to Stacey.

Ingrid, unyielding in her stance, fired back. "That's what I don't understand about you," she retorted. "You've been with that woman for four straight years, and yet, you don't seem to know her at all. What have you been doing for the past four years, Jared?" Her accusation hung heavy in the air, challenging her brother's commitment to Stacey.

Jared's patience was wearing thin, and his gaze now returned to Colleen, who remained an enigmatic figure amidst the turmoil. "And what about her? How long have you known that you were willing to throw away my four-year relationship with the woman I love?" he demanded, his voice carrying the weight of his emotions. "Mind you, Ingrid, THE WOMAN I LOVE," he emphasized, his love for Stacey resolute and unwavering.

In this cacophony of emotions and accusations, Colleen, the silent observer of this family feud, became the center of attention. Jared's frustration finally found its mark as he turned his piercing gaze on her. "What about her?" he asked, his voice laced with resentment. "Did she feel the same way? Did she like me? For you to claim that she's way better than Stacey, she must have agreed to this. She shouldn't have let me and Stacey break up because of her selfishness," he accused, his words a searing indictment of Colleen's role in the unfolding drama.

Claire, Jared's mother, could no longer bear witness to this tumultuous exchange. Her patience had worn thin, and she decided to interject forcefully. "Jared, that's enough!" Her voice, though tinged with maternal authority, bore traces of exasperation. "I don't want to hear any more of your shouting. If you don't want to marry her, then fine. Ingrid will handle everything. You can resign from your position in the company as well."

The shock that rippled through the room was palpable as both Jared and Ingrid exclaimed in unison, "What?"

Claire's resolve remained unshaken. "Didn't I just say I don't want any more objections?" she retorted, her voice unwavering in its determination.

Ingrid, now faced with an unexpected proposition, tried to voice her concerns. "Mom, you know I'm not really into the business. What about my career?" she protested, seeking a way out of the turbulent family dynamic.

Jared, however, couldn't contain his anger. "What about you, Jared? Why should I consider you?" Claire responded, her tone laced with disappointment. "You're perfectly capable of yelling and shouting without even realizing that I'm your mother, all because of the woman you claim to love."

The ultimatum was clear, and Jared's anger flared as he processed the consequences of his actions. "So, you're firing me from the company? I've worked hard for that position!" he exclaimed, the sting of betrayal and frustration evident in his voice.

Claire's retort was swift and unapologetic. "And I haven't? Your father hasn't? Was it all you?" she countered. Her words were a sobering reminder of the family's collective effort in building the company. "Go to the woman you love, and let's see if she stays with you when you have nothing."

With her final words, Claire turned her attention to Ingrid. "If you don't want to manage the company, find a professional to handle it for me," she instructed, leaving no room for further debate.

As the weight of Claire's decision settled upon them, Ingrid and Jared found themselves alone in the living room, their faces mirroring a mixture of shock, frustration, and uncertainty. Ingrid couldn't help but cast blame on her brother. "This is your fault," she accused, her voice tinged with resentment.

Jared, however, refused to bear the full weight of responsibility. "Isn't this your fault? You're letting me marry a gold digger," he shot back, his anger unabated.

Ingrid, resolute in her position, held her ground. "You don't know Colleen, and I wouldn't want her to marry you either. She's too precious to be with someone like you," she asserted. "If you can't see what Mom and I see, then that's your problem. I think it's best to let a professional handle the company."

With those words, Ingrid left Jared alone in the living room, the echoes of their heated exchange still reverberating in the air. Jared, now left to contemplate his circumstances, retreated to his room. It was there, in the solitude of his thoughts, that he faced the monumental decision before him.

Jared's love for Stacey was undeniable, but so was his desire to preserve the company that had become an integral part of his family's legacy. He had dedicated years of hard work and determination to propel the business to success, and he couldn't bear the thought of relinquishing it.

As he pondered his choices, Jared couldn't help but reflect on his parents' legacy. Claire and his late father had founded the company together, with Claire's brilliant mind and his father's unwavering support driving its success. He understood that Claire's ultimatum was born out of frustration and disappointment in his actions.

That evening, Jared made a momentous decision. He picked up his phone and dialed Stacey's number. "Hello, honey," Stacey answered sweetly, unaware of the turmoil that had gripped Jared's life.

"Honey, can we talk? Let's meet tomorrow at our usual place," Jared requested, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Sure, honey. Is something wrong?" Stacey inquired, her concern palpable.

"Nothing; let's just talk tomorrow," he replied, not wanting to burden her with the weight of his decision just yet.

"Alright, see you tomorrow, honey," Stacey said, her voice filled with love and anticipation.

"Okay, bye," Jared said, ending the call. He lay in bed that night, consumed by the enormity of the choice he had made. While his love for Stacey remained steadfast, his commitment to the family's legacy was equally unwavering.

As the night wore on, Jared made a solemn promise to himself. He would marry Colleen, not out of obligation or pressure but as a testament to his devotion to his family and their enduring legacy. The path ahead was uncertain, but Jared was prepared to face it with resilience and determination, come what may.