A Love to Last Ch. 02

A Love to Last Ch. 02

Comments, tips and critiques are welcome.

***

"And that is all for my presentation." Ben said with a smile on his face. "I believe this is something new that our clients will like."

There were claps and cheers in the board room as everyone cheered for young Ben for his powerful presentation. All except for one, Elena who stared at him with such hatred. But he didn't mind. He knew the other members loved it.

Ben was at 'Sunshine empire builders' his father's company because Elena had specifically asked him to present to her the sketches he had made. He was dressed formally in a pink shirt that was tucked in a black tight trouser with black shoes on his feet. His hair was tied in a ponytail and he looked amazing.

Elena threw the file she was holding on the table angrily.

"Not this bullshit again." She said harshly, sitting back on the chair like a boss. "I don't know why all of you are clapping but this was absolutely nonsense. I feel like I've heard this from you before. Oh wait..." She chirped, staring at him with an evil green. "...it's literally the same piece of trash you've been presenting to me."

Ben lost the smile on his face, feeling like he had been stabbed in the face. The other members too stopped clapping and began staring at Elena. They were just as shocked as Ben was.

"And what did you think? That I was gonna approve such a trashy presentation? Don't you know how classy our company is? You wanna bring us down?"

To say Ben was shocked would be an understatement.

"But I did present something new, Auntie Elena."

"Madam..." She barked, swinging her finger in the air. "...never auntie. And that isn't something new. I would be ashamed to even pitch such an idea to the clients. Haven't you learned anything by hanging out with Jim? Have you looked at his architecture designs? Such high-class designs, different and top-notch. They have been loved by all our clients."

"But Madam..." One of the members in the conference said. "...I think Ben has such great ideas. I don't think there's anything wrong. Besides, Mr. Henandez already pitched the idea to the clients and they loved it."

"Oh really?" She chuckled bitterly, resting her chin on her hand. "Well, fortunately, I had a talk with the clients and offered them the best designs. That's what we're gonna go with. This meeting is over. All of you can leave."

Everyone picked up their things and left, except for Elena and Ben.

"I don't understand. I have been sketching a lot. You know how good I am and dad..."

"Unfortunately, I am not as stupid as your father." She said angrily, getting up elegantly from the chair. "You think you can compete with my son? Not a chance, Ben. Whatever you sketch is gonna be as inferior and second rate as you. You think you can outshine my son? You're such a big dreamer."

"I am not trying to compete with Jim. I am just trying to help and earn a place in my father's company." He was so hurt but he didn't wanna cry. "But..."

"Enough!" She raised her hand, stopping him mid-way. "As long as I am alive, you'll never be happy, Ben. That's my promise to you. Your whore of a mother would have skipped my husband."

Ben closed his eyes, feeling tears building in his eyes. "Please, don't insult my mother."

"I will insult her however I want because I can." She yelled, pointing at him. "Truth hurts, doesn't it? But you need to face facts, you're a bastard son, an illegitimate son, a son of a whore. That's what you are. Your mother seduced my husband and that's how you were conceived. Did I leave anything else?"

Ben opened his eyes, wiping his tears.

"You're not gonna inherit a penny of my husband's companies. As long as I live, Ben, your place will always be on the ground."

Ben wiped his face clean, picked up his files and began rushing out of there.

"And just so you know, you don't qualify to work here." She laughed. "When you graduate, the only thing you'll be able to land here is a janitor's job. While my son will be running this company, you'll be wiping his shoes and cleaning toilets."

Ben quickly left, not mind how evil she was laughing. He was supposed to be used to it by now, but each time she said something, it always felt like a new wound had been opened. But guess that was what he was destined for, to suffer at her hands for the rest of his life. After all, his mother was the cause of it.

***

"Sir, sir..."

"Huh?" He gasped, getting out his thoughts. "What did you say? Sorry."

"We're at the destination." The taxi driver said with a smile. "Are you okay? Something seems to be bothering you."

He smiled sheepishly and shook his head. "I am fine."

He quickly paid him ands left the car. He was standing in front of the beautiful and luxurious hotel that was closer to his school. He had come to meet his father and his brother for the celebration he had promised him. He felt so stupid and inferior just like she had called him. He knew very well that he didn't deserve any celebration after the encounter with his step mother.

But he also knew he had to try his best to forget about what had happened. He needed to be happy around his father and his brother. That was what he was gonna do.

But on the contrary, he was still bothered. He was walking slowly towards the entrance as his mind replayed every single hateful word she had said that morning. He didn't even realize that he was looking like a zombie.

Suddenly, he heard a thud and it got him out of his reverie. He found his file on the floor with some papers almost coming out. Shit! He shook his head and leaned to pick the file up. That was when he heard it, the screeching of tires so loud.

He quickly raised his head to find a surprise, the body of the car right in his face. Ben's heart hammered in his chest as sharp and shallow breaths started coming out. He felt weak and scared that he visibly trembled. Before his mind could even process the whole thing...

"What the hell is wrong with you? Are you stupid?" He heard an angry voice, a deep manly voice. "Do you wanna commit suicide? What the fuck is wrong with you?"

Ben could hear the blood pounding in his ears as it rushed through. He felt cold and he became very pale and sweaty. Tears built in his eyes and he couldn't do anything. He just kept staring at the hood of the car in his face.

"Hey, what the fuck!" The man continued. "If you have a suicide mission, not on my car. What kind of stupid person are you? I am talking to you."

Ben somehow gathered his strength, picked up his file and quickly rose.

"Hey, I am talking to you. Do you wanna fucking die? Are stu..."

"I am sorry, please forgive me." He quickly raised his head and just stared into the man's face. "I was just absent minded, I had no idea there was a car coming."

But that was it, the man just stared back at him like he was frozen, neither blinking no saying a word.

"I am sorry for the trouble. Please, forgive me." He put his hands together. His voice was trembling. "I'll pay attention next time. I hope I didn't cause any damage."

But the man couldn't still say a word. He just kept on staring at him like he was searching for something in his face. No one had ever stared at him like that. It scared him to the core.

"Sir!" His voice was barely above a whisper. "Please, don't be mad at me. I just had something on my mind."

Still... no word.

The man that stared at him was a very handsome man, from his beautiful shiny dark hair that he had cut on the sides and well combed in the middle, his captivating handsome face, his well shaven beards, the way he was dressed and the car he drove. He had to be some businessman or some politician's son.

"Sir, I am sorry."

"It's... it's fine." He finally spoke in a calm voice. But his eyes never left the boy. "Are you hurt? Did the car bump into you? It was my fault; I'll take responsibility for that."

"No, I am... I am okay."

"I'll take you to the hospital. You need a full medical checkup."

"No, I am fine."

Ben couldn't believe that was the same man shouting at him earlier. He sounded so calm and so sweet. It was almost unbelievable.

"Are you sure? There could be some internal injuries. You never know these things."

Ben laughed softly, shaking his head. "No, I am fine. The car never even touched me. I'll be fine, sir."

"You sure? Maybe let me buy you something, lunch with me. To apologize for my behavior earlier. Please."

"It's okay. I am meeting my family here for lunch anyways. But thanks a lot, sir."

He turned and started heading inside without even realizing that the man was staring at him like he was an angel, drop dead gorgeous. Whatever the man saw in him, only he could answer.

"You're so beautiful!" He whispered under his breath.

He didn't even realize he had been staring for a long time. He only knew the boy was no longer in his view when a car behind him honked angrily and shouted for him to get out of the way. He smiled before he entered the car and drove off. God knows he was hoping to meet the boy again.

***

"Hey, where were you? You kept us waiting." Jim complained as he hugged his brother. "Dad was so tired of waiting that he had to leave."

"Dad left?" He gasped as he took a seat, looking all around. "Why? I thought we were supposed to celebrate together."

They were in a classy restaurant at a five star hotel. They were quite a number of people, each enjoying a delicious expensive meal.

"Mom called him about a meeting that they're having but he did promise to schedule another day." He said as he took a sip of his hot chocolate. "Speaking of mom, how did the meeting go with her and the client?"

Ben sighed but wore a very convincing smile. "It went great, actually. Better than I had expected. The client loved the designs and they're going with them."

"Bad man!" Jim saluted, smiling like a kid. "I always knew you were gonna impressive them. I told you that one day, you're gonna impress mom. Did she say anything?"

Ben chuckled nervously. "She had a lot to say." He said as he gestured for the waiter to come to their table. "A lot that I hadn't expected so I think she's coming around." He was lying through his teeth. "She must have shouted here and there but I think I saw her smile."

"Mom?" Jim raised an eyebrow. "Are you lying to me, Ben? You know if you are, I'll eventually find out."

"Why would I lie to a person who's literally my shadow. I have no reason to."

"Oh wow." Jim laughed, shaking his head. "You got that right. But I have been telling you, give mom a chance. She's not as bad as she looks. She loves you despite everything that she says."

Ben smiled, nodding.

The waiter brought the menu and they ordered their lunch. The meal was delicious and the brothers couldn't help but nod as they enjoyed the meal over a very wonderful conversation. They were loud at times but no one seemed bothered.

"What do you mean?" Jim laughed. "Sean and I only had a one time thing and it ended that night when that bitch decided to lay her hands on you. I am done with him."

"Are you serious?"

Jim shrugged. "He's straight, isn't he? He can go back to his boyfriend. I wanted a taste, I got the taste. Now I want a different thing."

"You're crazier than I thought." Ben laughed. "Why don't you just find a man, stick to him and date him. How many men have you dated this year? Six?"

"7." Jim said with a raised shoulder. "But that's besides the point. What's the purpose of dating one man when I can have anyone that I want. Besides, I don't think I have met that man who gives me the thrill of going into a relationship with. Someone whose touch will feel like it's giving me chills, someone who will make me so crazy in love with him. Right now, I am having fun with all these boys who are going crazy about me."

"You're unbelievable." Ben rolled his eyes.

"Speaking of boys, what about you?"

"What about me?" Ben knew where the conversation was going but he didn't wanna talk about it.

"You're young... you're beautiful... you're hot... you're sexy. You're literally the other hot boy I know besides me." He was staring right at the boy that didn't wanna stare back. "When are you gonna find another boy? Don't tell me you're still not over Brandon? It's been like what, 3 years? There are lots of boys that want you, accept one."

Ben chuckled nervously. "I am okay as I am currently. I haven't met, Mr. right. And Brandon is in my past. What we had was over 3 years ago and I have moved on. It's better not to think so much about it. I am okay as I am. Besides, I don't need someone that's gonna take my freedom away."

Brandon... Ben's first and only love. They had been so much in love with each other but the ending had been tragic. She had managed to destroy his relationship like she had promised. He could remember it like it was yesterday when he met his boyfriend and found him all beat up with bruises on his face. Someone claiming to be Ben's lover had beat him up so bad he had broken his hand and leg.

It had ended their relationship. Brandon had moved abroad and Ben had never heard from him again. It had taken him so many months to move on and now he had. Let's just say he was scared of getting into anything knowing that Elena was gonna try and destroy it. She was never gonna see him happy.

"Earth to Ben." Jim snapped his fingers in his face. "What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing. Just how delicious this food is."

"Yeah, right." Jim laughed. "I am sure it's about Brandon. You really never did tell me what happened between the two of you. One minute you're so much in love and the next you've broken up. Before I knew what was going, he was leaving and no one has heard anything from him."

"We broke. There was nothing much to that." Ben wasn't in the mood to talk about it. "I am sure wherever he is, he's very happy with someone that loves him a lot."

"Yeah, but you also need to be happy. Whatever..."

And that was it for Jim. The moment he raised his face and looked past Ben, he saw a sight to behold. God! Even everything stopped moving, time, wind, even his world. His heart pounded so much, he thought everyone in the restaurant heard it. His breaths came out harshly and he felt a shiver go down his spine.

Jim had never seen such a gorgeous man his entire life. Shit! That face, those lips... that smile as he spoke to whoever, but he didn't care. His pink lips, inviting him to kiss them. He looked like one of those models from TVs but this one was a reality. He was right there in front of his eyes.

He whole a black designer suit that was fitted on him like a second skin with a red shirt inside. He watched him sip his coffee and Jim wished he was that cup. Fuck! He didn't know what he felt whether it was lust or love. But he knew he immediately loved the man.

"Earth to Jim."

Jim snapped out of his mood but his eyes never left the man.

"Jim?" Ben was confused. "Dude, why are you zoning out?"

"My God, Ben." He moaned loudly. "He's so cute. Please, tell me I am dreaming. This has to be a dream." He slightly slapped himself. "Fucking sexy hunk."

Ben frowned, wondering what his brother was talking about.

"Who?"

"That man over there, right behind you near the window."

Ben quickly looked behind and all he saw was a man seated near the window with a smile talking on the phone. He seemed to be with a woman and two children whom he assumed were his kids. He couldn't believe that Jim had reached that extent.

"Isn't he so dreamy?"

"Are you serious?"

"My soulmate, Ben." Jim gripped Ben's hand and gripped it so hard. He was freaking nervous. "I have finally found him, the man of my dreams. He's literally the way I have imagined him to be. How do I look?" He asked as he rubbed his mouth with a napkin. "Do I look presentable? Do you think he might like me?"

"Are you serious? Don't be crazy. Jim?" He almost yelled.

But it was too late. Jim was already heading to the table where the hunk was seated. He tried to follow him but heard his phone ring. He quickly picked it.

"Hello!"

***

"Are you serious?" The lady laughed her lungs. "You didn't have to do that. That's crazy."

"I am the definition of crazy. Besides, you told me to tell you something crazy that I did while I was abroad."

David was having lunch with his sister, Amber. The two were having fun and had gone out after a very long time. David was a very handsome 23-year-old man, son to late business tycoon, George Paola and the fashion goddess Catherine. He had come home after finishing his studies abroad and was now back to run the empire together with his mother. They owned several businesses including an airline company and a hospital.

His sister, Amber was in her second year studying law and she was great at it. She was a 19-year-old girl, very beautiful like her mother. She had long brunette hair that she had made into a braided ponytail, and was wearing a black dress that showed off her curves. Really, their table was really a sight for sore eyes.

"I missed you a lot." Amber said with a smile. "I am glad you're back now. I thought I'd go crazy talking to mom. That woman doesn't know humor at all. She's always serious."

"Ha ha ha..." He laughed. "I'll make sure to deliver that message."

"You wouldn't dare." She shook her head.

"Bribe me." He said, folding his arms on his chest. "Perhaps I'll reconsider."

"Lucky for me, she's not in town." Amber said with a raised eyebrow. "And I know that you wouldn't dare do that to your sweet sister."

David was about to respond when...

"Excuse me!" A voice spoke, getting both their attention. "Hi!"

When they looked, they found a very handsome boy waving at them with a billion-dollar smile. His eyes were definitely on the hunk.

"Hi!" Amber answered, waving nervously.

"Do you mind if I join you?" He asked. "Pardon my manners, my name is Jim Henandez."

"Jim?" Amber nodded. "Nice to meet you. I hope we're not in trouble? We aren't making so much noise, are we? If we are, then I am so sorry."

David looked away and took a sip of his milkshake. He wasn't that interested.

"Of course, not." Jim said happily, taking a seat. "I was seated on my table over there and I just thought of coming to say hi to you and your..." He paused, hoping Amber was gonna finish. "...boyfriend."

Amber laughed, glaring at her brother. "Him? Of course, not. I am Amber and this is David. He's my brother."

"Interesting." Jim felt his heart jump. "Nice to meet the both of you." He greeted Amber excitedly and extended his hand to David.

David looked at the hand and quickly shook it. Jim could have sworn he felt like he had connected his hand to a cable of electricity. It was exquisite.

"I don't usually do this, but David... do you mind if you shared your line with me?" He asked sheepishly, feeling like his heart was about to run away.

Amber chuckled where she sat, winking at her brother who was staring back at her. She knew that Jim was interested in her brother. It was obvious.

"I know this seems weird and sudden, but I would love to keep in touch and hopefully know you a little more." He put his hands together, giving puppy eyes. "Please, don't say no. It took a lot of courage to approach your table. And besides, you seem like a gentleman. And no gentleman has ever denied me of anything before."

To say David was surprised would be an understatement. He was supposed to be used to men and women approaching him with their offers but this one was different. Normally, he would have given the number but he was hesitant. He kept on staring at the handsome man without saying a word.

"David." Amber got him out of his thoughts. "The handsome man is waiting."

"Right." He cleared his throat. "It's..."

But that was it. His eyes caught something that got his attention. A boy moving hurriedly towards the entrance. That hair, he thought as he followed each and every movement he made. The skin, the clothes and when he saw his face, David felt his heard give a thud in his chest and he groaned, almost painfully. He saw that beautiful boy once again and his heart began racing... his mind totally got caught and he couldn't think of anything else.