The One He Left Behind

3 YEARS AGO "Why me?""Because you are my last option.""But father –""But nothing" he thundered and she gasped."I'm sorry, my dear. But we are about to go bankrupt and we will lose everything including the Greenyork Estate" he held her shoulders tenderly and she looked at him. "I know how much that property means to you but we need this merger" he smiled at her. She closed her eyes and sighed in defeat. Her sigh was a silent mourn for all she had lost and all she was about to lose. "Okay father, I'll do it" she said and he hugged her. "Thank you my dear, thank you" he released her."I am a happy man today and its because of you" he was gushing with excitement even as she left his study. But she was feeling numb. Her life was about to change and she felt it wasn't for the better.

SIX MONTHS LATEROliver was a happy manHe was supposed to be happy.He was no longer married to Claire and was about to be married to his childhood sweetheart. He was the CEO of a multi billion dollar company. In fact, he had just closed a deal with a major shipping company last week. But he wasn't happy.He still felt empty.He was on his way to pick up his mom and Ayana. They had gone to meet the pastry chef for some "cake testing". He didn't know what that meant, how would they taste a cake that's not baked yet. Ayana wanted him to come with them, insisting it would be fun but he dropped them off and promised to pick them up when they were done.He had other things to handle. One of them was the interview of a new housekeeper for the two household. Mrs Nelson had resigned three months ago. He knew her sudden resignation had something to do with the divorce. She wasn't the only one who took the divorce personal.His relationship with his father had gone from knit tight to barely ci

Boxes were strewn everywhere in the bedroom; different kinds and shapes of boxes. Shoe boxes, makeup kits and more shoe boxes. There was a long rack of dresses of different styles and colours. A lot of beauty products, hair products were on the center table. It was as if a cyclone had blown through the room and left a big mess.Claire was not able to get a hair appointment at the salon due to her busy schedule. So she opted for home service a few hours before the launch. She was also getting her makeup done at home. The hair stylist and makeup artist arrived at almost the same time and got to work immediately. The stylist began working on her hair. The makeup artist who also doubled as a beautician worked on her nails. Her designer arrived with a ton of clothes and shoes, she could not make her fitting appointment. The designer assistants got to work on selecting the right outfit for her. They finally settled on a strapless dark green satin gown. The bodice was fitted while the skirt

Oliver was not happy. Claire had sent her lawyer as her representative. He refused to speak to her lawyer at all. He dismissed both lawyers and went to his office. He was surprised to see his dad in his office."Dad, what's the matter?""I have come to discuss this issue of marriage with you.""What about it?""Do you still want to get married to Ayana or would you like to reconcile with Claire?" Oliver swallowed. This was the ultimate question he had been dreading to answer because he didn't know the answer."I'll continue with the wedding as planned" the words of his mother rang in his ears."That's what you want?" Oliver nodded."I'm actually unhappy about all this but if its what you want. Mr Jackson called me earlier, he wants to talk about everything over dinner this Saturday. He wants to iron out all our issues.""I think he just ruined my appetite" Oliver retorted. His dad stood up towering over him."You'll be present at this dinner. He also wants his property, 'Auxton Oaks'