Falling in Love with You

Chapter 4 After Four Years

Jonathan Pov...

It's been four years since I took over the company, and I've managed to keep it running. Dad has always been there to guide me every step of the way. Some people doubted me, saying I was too young for such big responsibilities, but Dad assured them that he had trained me well. He believes that bold ideas can bring us greater success.

A lot has happened recently, with one major development being the opening of Star Tower, which has also attracted investment from our backers. My hatred towards Gertrude has intensified, as I’m convinced she orchestrated an event four years ago to steal our investors. They’re already wealthy, so why take ours? It’s a question I desperately want to ask her, but I can't. Dad remains skeptical of my claims and insists on meeting her, believing something was off that day. He sees Gertrude as a pure and innocent woman, but to me, she’s like a gecko, hiding her true nature behind a beautiful facade.

I’m unsure if he knows Gertrude. That explains why he was so nice to her on our graduation day. The events of that day still haunt me like a nightmare. Now, with some of our key investors pulling away, they see me as too young, reckless, and carefree. That video didn’t help my reputation either. It stained my name. People still think I’m a pushover who can’t manage our business, while Star continues to rise, living up to its name in every way.

Despite everything, my relationship with Jessica has remained strong, and I am determined to marry her. Why delay any longer when we can't stand being apart? We frequently spend time at each other's homes, and the only step left is to get married so we can finally live together. Recently, Jessica became the director of her school and even opened a new branch outside the city.

Tomorrow, Dad asked me to accompany him to meet Mr. Homer Cushe. I have no idea what it's about. Dad mentioned that it was confidential, so I kept quiet about it.

After my conference, Dad called to let me know that Mister Cushe was already in the lobby. I frowned, puzzled as to why he was there when we had planned to meet discreetly outside for our lunch meeting. But I quickly shrugged off my confusion. Dad’s plans often took unexpected turns, and I had learned to adapt.

" Jonathan, I expect you to mind your manners in front of Mister Cushe later. " Dad said firmly, his tone carrying a clear warning.

"Yes, Dad!" I responded quickly, careful not to push him any further. The situation with Jessica was already testing his patience, and the last thing I wanted was to add to his frustration.

I replied to Jessica, explaining that I couldn't make it today because Dad and I had an important meeting. True to her supportive nature, Jessica just responded with a simple "yes." Her unwavering understanding only makes me love her more with each passing day.

"Babe, I'll see you tomorrow morning before work!" I texted her.

"Sure, baby! Let's have breakfast together! " She replied, adding kiss emojis. I smiled at her message, but then Dad motioned towards me, catching me off guard.

"Sorry, Dad!" I mumbled, embarrassed enough.

" Greet him, Jonathan, that's him standing next to the podium." Dad urged. He stepped forward first to greet him, and they exchanged a few words to lighten the mood.

"Good afternoon, sir!" I greeted him hesitantly, unsure of what to say next. His imposing presence made me feel as tiny as an ant standing before him, reminiscent of my first encounter with Gertrude, whose commanding demeanor had left a similar impression on me.

"Oh! Just call me Uncle Homer. That sounds too formal, Jonathan. Am I right? " He replied with a warm smile, which helped to ease my nerves. I glanced at Dad for reassurance, and he nodded approvingly. Thankfully, I hadn’t made any major blunders.

"Okay, Uncle Homer," I replied shyly. He tapped my shoulder, signaling for us to follow him. Dad walked beside him while I lagged, unable to catch their conversation. All I could tell was that they were enjoying themselves, laughing heartily together.

" By the way, Mr. Evans, has your son met my daughter? " He asked after our food was served. I nearly choked on my water at the question.

"They were friends, Homer," Dad replied, and my eyes widened in surprise.

"Great!" Mr. Homer exclaimed. " She’s coming back, though she chose to work at the jewelry shop and turned down the chance to model for Star. I don't understand that girl! " He mused. "She always says it’s better than being vulgar."

"But your son could model some of our products; the fit and wear clothing would look great on him," he added. I felt my cheeks flush from all the flattering compliments he heaped on me, but I couldn't shake a twinge of resentment towards his daughter.

"Can he do that?" Dad asked playfully.

"James, we absolutely can!" he emphasized. I found myself doubting what they were discussing. The winks, signals, and lingering stares made me uneasy, hinting that something was off.

"I'll discuss that with him, Homer," Dad clarified. I struggled to chew my food as my mind raced with thoughts about what they were planning. Here I am, the heir to the Lewis Group and the CEO, yet I find myself being asked to model their product. It feels strange!

"By the way, James," Gideon said, "he sent a product canvas for his upcoming new business to the CEO, but his proposal was rejected!" He looked at Dad, confused. Dad glanced at me, equally puzzled.

"Are you no longer the CEO?" he added. My heart raced at the mention of the name Gideon. He proposed the cosmetics he wanted to introduce here, proposing a collaboration on our cosmetic products. Gideon suggested creating hypoallergenic and cruelty-free items. I grabbed my glass of water and took a sip, to soothe my dry throat, which had become parched from my agitation.

" I am Homer, but I’ve already lent it to Jonathan temporarily to prepare him for the future. I haven’t accepted his proposal yet! Is it your firstborn son living in Italy? " Dad explained, confirming the details. I could sense his frustration and embarrassment in front of him.

They continued to boast about their wealth and power, emphasizing how they surpassed us in every way. They managed numerous foundations both locally and internationally, which is why they were so well-liked. Only a few people knew about his children as they lived such modest lives. That’s why I didn’t recognize Gertrude as his daughter, even though she possessed a strong, intimidating presence that could easily overpower anyone. Now, I understand where she gets that commanding aura!

"Oh!" Mr. Cushe hummed. Dad glanced at me, but I maintained my posture, pretending to be unaware of what they were discussing.

" Tell Gideon to send it back and address it to me directly. I will check it personally, Homer. " Dad stated clearly, though I knew those words were directed at me. I kept eating, even though it was difficult to chew my food, trying to hide my nerves.

"Sure, James. I believe these products were created by his sister, which is why he was so excited to introduce them to the market. " He added. "Gertrude has already tried them."

"Fine! I hate you, Gertrude. You've ruined everything! Is there anything else you can do behind my back? " I clenched my fists under the table, fighting to maintain my composure. The thought of seeing her filled me with rage. I could almost picture myself strangling her!

'Jonathan breathe!' I chanted in my head, hoping to mask the discomfort in my face as I battled to suppress my anger and annoyance.