Chapter 3 And this was just the beginning

Christopher violently stormed into his older brother's workplace at just eleven in the morning, throwing a file in his face. "What the heck are you trying to accomplish?" Erik Clark glanced at the files on the table, at Christopher, with a languid eye, then back to his laptop. "I'm not sure what you're referring to." "I think you know damn well what this is about." Leaning on the table and gazing at his brother with his jaw tightened, Christopher growled. "Stop pretending oblivion!" With an inward sigh, Erik finally put the laptop down, sank back in his chair, and focused entirely on his younger brother. There were moments when Erik wanted to shake his younger brother for his foolish attitude, but now was not the moment to lose patience. "I'm not pretending to be anything, Ron," Erik said. He had the whole day ahead of him and he could not take the chance of spoiling the mood. It's you who is speaking in riddles. If you had normal speech, I wouldn't be this stupid. Have you given that any thought? Christopher's glares got deeper and more pointed, and the corners of his lips raised in a sneer. "I warned you not to participate in the Bakersfield project. Still, you went to Dad and babbled incoherently. Erik, instead of stabbing me in the back, perhaps you can ask me how I accomplish what I've accomplished if you're so upset about my success." Erik scoffed a little. "It's hilarious that you think I have anything to prove to you." "The fact that dad named you the project's independent adviser just 10 minutes ago, I take it, has nothing to do with you, right?" Christopher's eyebrow went up. "Which is nothing more than a sneaky way of keeping tabs on me." He lowered his black eyes and slid his hands into his pockets. "I wonder who even came up with it." Erik gave Christopher a casual shrug and kept the same slack look in his eyes. "Little brother, my estimation is just as valid as yours. Even so, I wouldn't say I'm surprised," he shot back, getting to his feet, turning around his desk, and crossing his arms over his chest while keeping his eyes focused on the lone other person in the room. None of your recent choices have improved the family's standing. Actually, just the reverse. Not to be forgotten is the stunning divorce. Even just for theatrical effect, he paused. "It seems to have upset them deeply," After all, Jessica had grown incredibly popular among everyone." "Don't!" Christopher issued a warning. "Why? You're so sick of hearing her name these days?" Christopher gave a narrow smile. "Not at all. You just don't have to tell it to me. And you won't have a mouth to spew any more garbage the next time her name escapes your disgusting mouth." Erik smiled, unfazed by the seeming danger. "And this is my final warning to you." Christopher poked a finger into Erik's chest. "Please don't cross my path. To the greatest extent feasible." Then he departed.

* * * "Jane, please ease up." Eddie Clark spoke tenderly. "If not, your blood pressure will skyrocket. And that's not what we want. We sincerely hope not to have that." Jane gave her husband a sharp look as she halted to listen to him. Do you want me to go easy on you? Really? Ed, how can I ease up? How are you able to?" "Why not?" Eddie Clark gave an innocent shrug, as though he didn't really comprehend the amount of hardship his beloved wife was putting herself through. She was only worrying about nothing, he thought. "I can take it as easy as I want." He was pouring himself a glass of orange juice and smiling. "Watch me." Jane Clark felt the strongest impulse to rip off her hair, but she forced herself to hold it in so she wouldn't go bald too soon. She was only fifty years old, or so? Most likely less. She had many years ahead of them, obviously, and she couldn't afford to look anything other than flawless. Rather, she gave her ever-loving spouse a furious gaze and a huff. "You're amazing. Are you aware of that? You ought to. since you already are." Eddie Clark took a gulp of the juice, his radiant smile never faltering. Even though he was a sixty-something business billionaire, he nonetheless had a handsome and youthful demeanour that would have made younger performers blush. It's not like he enjoyed boasting about it. Okay, perhaps once in a while, but not always with certainty. "Darling, our kids have all grown up." Eddie went over to his wife and put the glass back on the table. He smiled pleasantly at her and held her by her delicate shoulders, trying to convince her to listen to him. For what length of time do you think you can control them? You have to let them go and let their path take you. They have the freedom to live their lives as they see fit now that we have done our very best. We just have no part to play anymore." "How can you say that?" Jane sulked, her shoulders giving in impotently. Ed, Christopher separated from Jessica. He didn't even try to ask for our advice. How could he have been thinking? How could he treat such a lovely girl in that way? She must be really devastated." Eddie sighed too, recognising that his stunning wife wasn't entirely off-target. But then, really, what could they do? Christopher and Erik were no longer impressionable teenagers. They could no longer just grab them by the ears and make them listen to their parents. For that, it was too late. Jane was getting angrier by the minute and was still having fits, saying, "She must hate us so much." And if she did, that wouldn't be incorrect. In any case, what have we accomplished for her? Even Christopher was unconvinced that Jessica, rather than that conceited and incompetent Hannah , was the appropriate one for him. I detest that chick so much, ugh." She gave a snort. "Why can't she leave our boy alone?" Eddie stroked her arms while humming a reflective tune. "Darling, you're barking up the wrong tree. Hannah isn't the problem here, in my opinion." Jane looked at him in confusion, not understanding what her husband was trying to say. Eddie gave a headshake. In other words, Hannah is only a trigger. Really, Christopher is the problem. He didn't ever get over it." "It's been nine months, Ed." Startled that she had to say it, she looked up at him. "How much time does it take to get over a girl who rejected them at the altar? in the true sense. She embarrassed not just him but me, you, and everyone else present at the wedding. Do you have no memory at all? "I remember everything," Eddie moaned, weary of the repeated exchange. Indeed, that was the darkest day of his existence. Indeed, Hannah 's actions were improper and extremely embarrassing for him and his family. It was, however, nine months ago. Why could she never just let it go? If they continued to discuss the same topic over and over again, what good would it do? Time to move on, it was. Not only for Christopher, but for his spouse as well. But really, do you need to hold onto something for that long? Simply let it pass. What happened cannot be undone." Eddie let go of his hands and stroked his pepper-and-salt hair with one. "I see what you mean, but I think we can prevent Christopher from repeating his error. If it weren't for Christopher's happiness, Ed, I wouldn't have given their decision to get married my permission. I don't trust Hannah anymore." Eddie raised his gaze to the sky. His obstinate wife would never give up on him. Is there any point in trying at all? He gave one more dramatic sigh and gave in. "All right. What are your desires?" At Eddie's comments, Jane's eyes glistened, a cheeky smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. Eddie could tell his wife had everything planned out based on the expression on her face. "You're not going to tell me, are you?" She looked at him innocently. "I need someone tight-lipped for this one, and let's be honest, you're not very good at it." That statement deeply hurt Eddie. He grimaced. "Excuse me?" Jane pulled him in for a cheek kiss while putting her arms around his neck and laughing. "However, we'll keep you informed about our developments. I swear." "We?" He glared even harder, but he made no attempt to back off. When she tried to entice him by acting all adorable and kind, he really enjoyed it. God, how much he adored her. He allowed her to plant another kiss on his face while her fingers fiddled with his t-shirt collar. There is a second person in your scheme, then. Who's that?" Jane gave a subdued smile. "I'm sorry, Ed, but I can't tell you. Please understand that I will bring Jessica and Christopher back together, and I won't stop until it does. Eddie let out a sigh. I mean, this was all planned out, why was she acting so emotional around him? Yes. But keep in mind, Jane. You can experiment as much as you like, but be cautious and make sure you don't do anything improper. Do you get it? He kissed Jane's forehead and headed upstairs to his home office only after she nodded. Jane picked up the phone as soon as Eddie was out of sight and sound. She dashed into the nearest room and closed the door behind her as the person on the other end responded. Alright, Eddie is here with us now as well. Let's get together tomorrow to finish up the remaining details." The individual laughed. Yes, Mrs. Clark . I'll hold out for you. Same location, same time." "Perfect." Jane smiled and ended the call. It was going to be amazing. Never has she felt more confident in herself.