Michael

Chapter 1 Michael

The wealth and power were evident at first glance in that enormous office; the opulence of the wood panels, carpets, large windows overlooking the city, and the natural light flooding in.

The economic groups call me King Midas, the man of big business. That's me, Michael Dubois. At 37 years old, I can say I've reached the pinnacle of my career.

I look around my office. I'm a CEO, entrepreneur, and investor, a technology creator, and my world revolves around my company. I'm a leader in product design, I'm on the list of the most powerful people in the world, and I'm admired for my innovations.

Since I was 15, when my parents died, I've been immersed, first in my studies of Economics, Computer Science, and my specialty in programming.

From the age of 25, I continued with the administration and technological research of the company founded by my father. I could never be a cheerful child or young man, always close to the members of my unwanted maternal family.

Once I graduated, I faced a company handed to me in total bankruptcy, the result of the shady dealings of my maternal family, my uncle, and his children.

When I was 15, my parents went to a meeting and became victims of a fatal accident. The world around me isn't easy. My relatives only want my money, and I learned that I had to fend for myself without relying on anyone, especially my maternal family.

I've always been alone, and now, just as I planned, I've finally found someone I can love. I didn't think it was possible, but it has happened.

My only friends, Sebastian and Ricardo, are wealthy businessmen, partners in the best international companies. Of course, they are heirs, the first thanks to a father who amassed a great fortune in the media, and the other was raised by his grandfather, a millionaire by birth who owns a chain of restaurants and hotels.

At this moment, I'm waiting for Sebastian. As always, when I call or they need me, we come immediately. Ricardo is out of the country. He's the one most like me, sarcastic, a dominant multimillionaire whose relationships never last long because what interests him in life is making money.

As for Sebastian, he's very optimistic, thanks to his upbringing. His family is united, joyful, enthusiastic, full of love, which is why I've always felt good there. His parents welcome me with affection; I've been part of the family since I was orphaned.

Ricardo's family is similar to mine—cold, emotionless people who are only interested in money. To top it off, his parents also died at an early age, and our rebellious nature brought us together.

I take my cell phone out of my jacket pocket and dial the number. Sebastian answers after two rings.

"Hey, Michael. How are you?" said Sebastian.

"Sebastian... Where are you?"

"I'm almost there, just parking and coming up. I hope it's important since you made me leave a date." I hang up and smile. My dear friend is going to be surprised by the news.

My secretary announces his arrival, and I see him enter. I observe him; he's my height, we're both tall, 6'1", and we became friends in school playing basketball despite our different personalities.

He shakes my hand and sits down. I look at him intently. Sebastian has Asian features due to his mother's origin, which gives him a different look from the people around me.

"Well, Michael, what's going on? What's worrying you now?" asked Sebastian.

My friend knows me well, he knows when something is up, so I tell him the good news.

"As I told you before, now that I've been successful as a businessman, it's time to focus on my personal goals."

"You did say that, but I didn't believe you because you're a bit of a grump."

"Well, it happened—I met the woman of my dreams, just as I imagined."

Sebastian stares at me, his eyes with Asian features trying to read my mind.

"You keep with that nonsense? Why don't you enjoy being single?"

"You're rich, attractive, with money, enjoy it."

"No, I told you I had two goals in life, the business one and the personal one. Since I never had a family with love like yours, that's my goal."

"It can't be that important if you put it second," said Sebastian.

"I had to establish myself, keep the vultures in my maternal family and my closest competitors at bay."

"You're a very serious guy, you've never really had fun, you're always on the defensive, you think everyone wants to do something to you, and now you take your own family as a goal to achieve," said Sebastian, shaking his head side to side.

"Other people let it happen, they meet their partner, and they let everything flow. It's not a goal," he continued.

"I can't leave everything to chance. If I want it to go well, I have to intervene. Besides, I don't have time to be in a permanent search, and I don't think leaving it all to fate is right."

"You're crazy. You've told me that before, and you made me come to repeat it."

"No... I called you to tell you that I already met her—I met my soulmate." Sebastian looks at me and smiles, shaking his head side to side.

"Seriously, Michael?" He smiles. "Are you really a bit crazy?" he said mockingly.

"That's what you say. I don't want to leave anything to chance."

"I thought you were joking."

"No, sir, I was very serious. In fact, I even had her background checked."

"It's official, you're going crazy!" said Sebastian.

"I know what you think, but I've been through too much to leave something like this to chance."

"And that's precisely why you have to let it happen naturally, let there be attraction. It's not something premeditated, my friend," he said, shaking his head from side to side.

"Fine, now explain to me where you supposedly met her, why you think she's the one, give me the details."

"Alright, my friend, I'll tell you. I was at a dinner with a businessman I have dealings with, and I saw her from afar. She came to dine with a friend, and my table companion greeted her and called her over. It seems they know each other."

"She has an impressive smile. This girl is beautiful and tall, good genes. The businessman introduced us, and we invited them to join our table."

"So far, so good," said Sebastian. "And then what?"

"We talked during dinner. She's witty, positive, beautiful, with a lovely smile, very cheerful. And the best part is she's from a wealthy family. More importantly, she doesn't seem to recognize me, which is normal. I don't like being in photos; I always try to go unnoticed."

"Alright, so maybe she doesn't know who you are. Up to this point, you like her because she's fun, has a beautiful smile, is tall, and wealthy. What else?"

"That's just the beginning."

"Tell me, how old is she, and more importantly... does she have a boyfriend?"

"I don't know that yet. Don't rush, but I'm already finding out."

"You only noticed her appearance and already see her married to you."

"That's how it starts. Have I infected you with my bitterness? Could you be happy for me?"

"Happy about what? You just met a girl who I imagine is young since you haven't told me otherwise, and you already think she's the one. How can I be happy about this madness?" He shook his head. "This isn't a business deal, my friend. You're talking about your life. You've had enough unhappiness to create more for yourself." Sebastian rolled his eyes.

"Don't worry, Sebastian. I'll do everything in a very organized and planned manner."

My secretary enters with coffee. We didn't ask for it, but it's her custom when I'm with Sebastian. Valeria asks for permission to enter and inquires if we need anything else. When we say no, she asks for permission to leave work since it's almost the end of the day. She says if I don't need anything else, she needs to leave for something personal.

I look at her. She has a pleasant face, though not beautiful. She's not stunning, just a bit attractive, though without curves that draw attention. She's tall with brown hair tied in a neat ponytail, carefully groomed and dressed. A bit cold for my taste.

If there's something positive about her, it's her very sweet voice. She doesn't seem shy, nor does she lower her gaze despite me being taller.

We've worked together for five years. She started quite young, almost unprepared, just as I wanted, to mold her to my liking and avoid surprises.

She handles my immediate work matters. She's a competent employee and certainly not the kind of woman who would normally arouse my sexual interest.

So far, she's been efficient and discreet, appearing and knowing when to disappear, anticipating all my needs even before I do.

"Alright, Valeria, you may leave, no problem."

"Thank you, Mr. Dubois."

"Good afternoon, Mr. Sebastian," she greeted with a nod, her neat hairstyle moving slightly. As I said, she's not a beauty, just very proper and tidy, nothing out of place.

Sebastian greets her. They talk about something I don't catch since my thoughts distract me, but I don't like the appreciative look he gives her. I don't allow anyone around me to get involved with my assistants; it's my personal rule. As she leaves, I look at Sebastian and say:

"Be careful, you know my personal rule."

"What are you talking about?"

"I saw you looking at my secretary."

"Now looking is dangerous or a sign of something? You're definitely becoming paranoid. I was asking about her mom. She's been a bit sick, in and out of the hospital."

I observe him, unfazed.

"Really?"

"You only think about your business and nothing else. You forget about the world around you."

I feel guilty. My secretary has been a good employee, and the truth is I haven't cared about her personal life, just her work. And since the latter is perfect, well, I don't care about anything else. Call me selfish, but yes, I come here to work, nothing more.

"And what's wrong with her mom?"

"I'm not sure. I found out by chance. I overheard her phone conversation one day when she was coming here. She was explaining to a friend and didn't know I was listening. I didn't want to interrupt. It's cancer."

"I didn't know that, and I haven't noticed any lack in her work. Are you sure about that?"

"Yes, I asked, and she confirmed it. I offered help, but she said not to worry. I told her I was at her service and not to hesitate to come to me."

I feel ashamed. I've lived in my bubble without seeing what's happening to the person around me.

"I'll try to help her."

"That's a good attitude," commented Sebastian.

Michael tensed up, feeling embarrassed. He didn't consider himself a bad man, but he always focused only on his own matters.

"You know, I think she's not very communicative, but try to help her. I think she also has a sister. The father died, and the mom is sick," said Sebastian.

"Alright, I'll make sure to do that. She's a good employee."

Michael reflected for a moment. He was so absorbed in his own affairs that he forgot about the people in his immediate surroundings, even his loyal employees. He watched Sebastian, who was already getting up, and said:

"Well, I'm leaving. Good luck with that prospective girlfriend, and let me tell you, I think you're crazy." He shook Michael's hand, looked him in the eye, and left.