Chapter 5

HE UNCONSCIOUSLY smiled. Such a habit seems familiar to him, "every second count". That is probably the favorite motto of the late Geneva Anderson.

But now, the situation is very different. Because everything he does from now on is what he wants and for him, for Samantha. He remembered the last mission his mother had given him, to replace her as the Chairman of the company.

In fact, he did not really want to be a businessman. But it's not also something that he despises. He can take it, especially now that many employees expect him. If only by overseeing the management of the Anderson property, he already knew what he had to do. And his recognized mother will not make a mistake in appointing him in place of her position.

Aiden felt liberated again. He will call Atty. Suarez. He will ask for all the necessary documents. He will also call the people he needs to talk to those who manage their various businesses.

Right now, he will try to be a successful businessman. He knew he could. Geneva trained him well. And he also knows that she will be happy with what he does, wherever she is now.

The sky was now bright when Aiden re-entered his room. His steps are energetic. His face was clear. He was full of plans.

But when he passed by the large mirror of his room he wanted to feel discouraged. He knew in himself that he was not ugly and that he looked good. That case was not given justice by the kind of his clothing and hairstyle he had. He even surpassed the styles in the '80s of discos. "Jeez. Aiden, you're embarrassing, what will Samantha say to you? That you have no taste? That her husband is ugly? She may leave you for a foreigner," the other side of his brain said.

Aiden went down for breakfast. "Sir, are you really just going to eat a sandwich and... a juice?" the cook asked hesitantly.

He nodded. "Yes, I'm okay with the sandwich. Don't worry I will eat more and healthy foods during lunch and dinner," he said.

In the past, he really only tried to eat a heavy breakfast because that was what his mother wanted. Even though, sometimes he gets tired of their heavy meals every morning.

Aiden still remembers something.

"Before I forgot, Mother Lucy, I needed to go to the mall. I will buy my personal belongings. I will also buy our new equipments here at home and change the ones that need to be replaced,"

The housemates were shocked. It seemed unexpected that it would come out of his mouth. "Equipment? Isn't the equipment here in the mansion complete?" Mother Lucy replied bravely.

Aiden smiled. "I know. But we will buy modern equipment to make our lives easier."

"A-Alright, sir. It's up to you. Thank you," the housemates replied with a smile.

After the meal, Aiden first called the family's lawyer. He set up a meeting the next day. He also said what documents he wanted them to bring and which of their managers he also wanted to talk to.

~

AIDEN went out to go to the mall. He did not even bother to ask their driver to drive him to that place, he himself drove because he knew he can drive. He brings their Land Rover with him.

Aiden bought complete personal belongings. He did not waste money because he used his own money for himself. He bought trendy clothes today and is worn by people his age.

He can afford to buy anything, no matter how much it is. Aside from the huge trust fund that Geneva left them, he also saved a lot of money when he was working. He didn't have any expenses then, so he manages to have his own penny.

With his purchases, he is sure that he can be compared now to the models and celebrities. And Samantha will not feel any regrets about marrying him.

When his personal belongings were completed, he went shopping for the mansion. He spent several hours in the home and appliances center. He bought almost everything from furniture to appliances. He also bought a 65-inch smart LED TV, and an automatic washing machine so that their housemates won't have a hard time cleaning their clothes. He bought modern kitchen utensils and a vacuum cleaner. It's like he is starting a new house with the amount of furniture and appliances he bought. When Geneva was still alive, modern equipment was not the trend in their home. The old woman seems to have lived in the medieval period.

He wants to reciprocate all the kindness and diligence shown by their housemates so, in order for him to show his gratitude to them, he should just give them the tools to make their jobs easier.

That night, after Aiden taught the housemates how to use the new appliances properly, he saw how happy they were. Everyone was smiling. Aiden also felt a strange sense of fulfillment. He is happy to make other people have some smiles on their faces.

~

IN THE NEXT following days, Aiden had a meeting with Atty. Suarez and their various shareholders. For several days he studied the entirety of the Anderson businesses, property, and investments.

Then, he found out he had nothing to worry about. Everything is fine and there will be no problem in replacing his mother as Chairman of their company.

The days flew so fast and he was finally appointed as the new Chairman of the company. There was no violent reaction because the whole company already knew his skills and he showed perseverance despite his young age. And only now did Aiden notice that his job is exciting and challenging, which before seemed like a big responsibility to him when Geneva was still alive.

~

4 YEARS AFTER

SAM CAME to her office unable for a painter to draw her face. She continued walking to her cubicle. She didn't even greet her staff. Her friend and assistant Denver followed her.

It is not new for Denver to follow her boss in her private office. They are very close and treat each other like siblings.

"Good morning," the man greeted her happily. "You should smile, you look better when you smile. And what are you grumbling about?"

Samantha pouted her lips or better known today as Sam. "How can I be happy, Denver? It's too early but I already received bad news," she said angrily and threw her body on the swivel chair.

"Why?" the man asked worriedly. "Did something happen, Sam?"

Sam rolled her eyes. "How can I not be mad? Come here, read this." Sam handed her iPhone to the man and he read her email.

"Huh? Is he going to fetch you here in England?" Denver seemed can't believe what he just read.

"What else? We both read it, so meaning, I'm not having nightmares." Sam rolled her eyes.

Denver tried to make his boss happy. "Well, we know that this day will definitely come, don't we? You will meet him soon again, it is impossible for that not to happen." Denver said.

Samantha knew that. But it almost slipped away in her mind and she did not think that he would follow her here. Anyway, she can't blame him, because she promised him that she will only stay in London for 2 years. But what happened is that she has been here for almost four years. She didn't make her promise that she will go home during the holidays and take vacations there. She never returned to their home and neither did she answer Aiden's emails or calls from him or Atty. Suarez.

"Hasn't he gotten my message? I haven't been home for four years, so it just means I don't want to come back there anymore," She is throwing her tantrums now.

Denver messed up his boss' friend's hair. "Don't worry. It's not the end of the world yet. Besides, maybe he wants to talk to you to discuss your annulment. Why, I assumed your husband is not a saint to stay loyal and faithful to you, you know. It's impossible he doesn't have a woman there in our country. So just stay positive okay?"

Sam looked at her friend. "Den, what if he doesn't agree and doesn't want us to file an annulment?"

The man sighed. "Sam, we are in the modern age. Nothing is impossible now. Even if he refuses, you have a fight. And one more thing, you will not take away from him his right as your parent's adopted child. Just continue with the annulment application. It is a valid reason that your mother just forced you to two to get married. Your marriage was not consummated. You will win, Sam."