9. ORION ASHBOURNE
*SAME DAY, 3 HOURS BEFORE*
"Sir." Atlas called, pulling me from my thoughts as I processed how she had just fled in tears.
I turned sideways and saw another girl running after her, but she seemed harmless. Finally, I shifted my focus back to the group responsible—young yet carrying the worst personalities imaginable.
"I want their details," I said. Atlas simply nodded, and I turned to leave.
"Are you the new sugar daddy?" The girl's voice dripped with venom.
I stilled for a second. This one had the foulest mouth I had ever encountered.
"Her details first," I ordered before walking away.
Were they serious? I had only wanted to scare them, to make sure they never harassed anyone like that again. But instead, they showed no remorse. No regret. And now, I was left with a simmering rage, an anger so consuming that I actually decided to teach them a lesson.
"Sir, we have a meeting in ten minutes. Should I postpone it?" Atlas asked, keeping pace beside me.
"No." I entered the car, willing myself to calm down, but nothing worked.
My pulse pounded in my ears, my forehead throbbed, and heat radiated through me. The AC was on but I was still burning up. My shirt clung to my back, damp from the heat I couldn't explain.
"Sir, you haven't had lunch yet," Atlas reminded me cautiously.
"Skip lunch," I said curtly.
Atlas hesitated, visibly taken aback. In all the years he had worked for me, this was a first.
I wasn't even sure what was happening to me. Never in my life had I been so affected by someone else's misfortune—especially someone I wasn't directly involved with.
Atlas observed me for exactly ten seconds, probably hoping I would change my mind. Because if Mama found out, she would be disappointed.
"Noted," he finally responded, shifting back into his professional demeanor.
The world outside the window moved in slow motion, as if mocking the storm inside me.
'Ten, nine, eight, seven, six….' - Mama's way of cooling me down, though I wasn't sure if it worked the same way as it did before.
The meeting passed uneventfully. We secured the deal, and within an hour and a half, everything was settled.
"Sir, the details you asked for. That girl first." Atlas placed a file in front of me.
I stared at it, unsure what I was supposed to do with it.
"Hmmm." I responded, feeling strangely out of place in this situation.
I needed a breather. The anger still simmered beneath my skin, threatening to cloud my judgment. If I wasn't careful, I'd make a mistake.
Atlas left, closing the door behind him, giving me space.
I picked up the first file and walked toward my favorite spot in the office—the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the city.
Taking a deep breath, I flipped it open.
And just like that, my fury returned in full force.
Her picture stared back at me, and something deep in my chest twisted painfully.
I read through her full details, then moved on to the next file. And the next.
By the time I was done, I already knew exactly what I was going to do.
That girl Nicole was completely doomed because her father worked for one of my suppliers. And for Clara, her mother was an assistant to another one of our partners.
Lastly the boy who loved pushing others so much, he was interviewing for a position at one of my branches itself.
What a coincidence.
The company dinner was in a week, and by then, my plans would be set in motion.
*9 PM, ASHBOURNE MANSION*
"You're back early, honey," Mama greeted as I stepped inside. Her voice was warm, instantly dulling my exhaustion.
"Yes, Mama." I hugged her, momentarily grounding myself in her presence.
"I'll freshen up and come right back. I'm starving," I said, heading for the stairs.
"Shouldn't have skipped lunch, then," she remarked casually.
I froze mid-step.
Turning back, I found her looking at me knowingly. I was momentarily speechless. It wasn't just me I had deprived today—it felt like I had let her down, too.
"I was running late for a meeting," I managed to say.
"Then you could have postponed the meeting. I've taught you that business relations aren't ruined over trivial matters. Or at the very least, you could have eaten later. It was as simple as that, Orion."
I clenched my jaw. I hated when she called me by my name like that—it meant she was displeased.
"I'm sorry, Mama," I murmured, stepping in front of her.
Guilt gnawed at my insides. Not just for skipping lunch, but for everything else. For the plans I had set in motion.
Mama had raised me better than this.
She would hate me for dirtying my hands in such petty revenge.
Maybe I shouldn't—
Then I remembered her face. Her tears. The cruel insults she had endured. She was too innocent for this world.
"Go freshen up. Come back for dinner," Mama said, patting my shoulder before walking toward the kitchen.
I stood there for a long time, the turmoil inside me growing heavier than any business negotiation I had ever faced.
Protect the girl. Avenge her suffering. But in doing so, I disappointed my mother.
Or let it go. Return to how life was before this afternoon—no bursts of anger, no reckless decisions, no losing my mind over a girl I had met only twice.
Dinner was difficult, even though I was starving. Mama didn't speak another word to me.
I had been a terrible son today.
"Orion," Dad called, breaking the silence.
"Yes, Dad." I replied, knowing he was unaware of whatever happened between me and mama, or at least he was uninterested.
Unlike Mama, he rarely involved himself in our conversations unless it was about business. He loved us, but when it came to arguments, discipline, or general family matters, he stayed out of it.
"Mr. Lincoln's daughter, Ivy, is back from her international course. They'd like to have dinner the day after tomorrow. Do you have any plans?" He was done eating, almost about to leave.
"No plans. I'll handle everything for dinner, don't worry," I replied.
Mama's lips twitched into a half-smile. She had always liked Ivy. I knew this.
This was my chance.
The Lincolns were important clients, heavily invested in Ashbourne Jewelry. Maybe a potential partnership could take place if their clothing and our high end jewellery could come together.
Mama would undoubtedly want to send a gift to Ivy and Mrs. Lincoln. And I'd have the packages ready by tomorrow.
Maybe, just maybe, she would forgive me. At least I hope so.
Even as I plan to make things right with Mama, my mind keeps circling back to one thing - her face, her tears, and the anger that still hasn't left my chest.
--------------
Hey lovelies, how are you all doing? Had a very weird past month but probably everything is over now. Will revert back to publishing as much as I can. Also don't forget to vote and comment. Till then take care!
- Kara