Brian nodded vigorously, and Karol's tight smile conveyed her approval. Her attention then drifted to Susan, raising an eyebrow inquisitively, before resting on Sarah, who was blissfully entertained with her toys.
"What about you, dear? Do you need more time to think? You have a few hours left," she said, tilting her head towards Jake, whose gaze remained focused on the floor, an internal battle raging within.
Suddenly, she offered a rare, sincere smile that startled them all. "Jake, you know what you want; don't let anyone else decide your fate. Allow them to support your choices instead."
With renewed confidence, Jake pulled out his documents and handed them over, stating, "Here, I already signed it."
"Good boy," she replied, nodding in approval. "I've reviewed the agreement, and I find it appealing. Just as you stated—it's a win-win situation."
"I never lie, Jake. Never," she affirmed.
"Mom, just sign the contract," Brian urged, casting a frustrated look at Susan.
Susan, torn between anxiety and concern, glared at her. "I won't; I don't want to sell my soul to this monster," she spat, casting a look of disdain that bore into her.
"Hahaha! I am not like those who have pursued you before. I suggest you read the agreement thoroughly and decide if you're prioritising pride over your child's future," she quipped, her laughter ringing starkly in the dim room.
"Fine, but you better keep your word, unlike those bastards who harassed us," Susan shot back, pulling the documents from the sofa as if they were a lifeline. "Here."
"Thank you, and welcome aboard to the KWR family," Karol declared, her tone light yet authoritative.
All three looked at her in shocked disbelief, jaws dropping in synchrony, making her chuckle. "What?!" she said, puzzled by their reactions.
"You're from KWR? The KWR Corporation?" Susan gasped, tears threatening to spill down her cheeks.
"Yes, indeed," she confirmed, her smirk transforming into a more serious expression.
"Why didn't you tell us?!" Susan exclaimed, wiping her eyes, unable to contain her emotions.
"I wanted you to evaluate the deal for its merits, untainted by who I am," she explained, her tone thoughtful.
"Bloody hell!" Brian exclaimed, clenching his fists near his lips to stifle his shock.
The room fell silent as everyone's eyes turned to Brian, confusion etched on their faces, including Karols', who regarded him with curiosity.
Incredulously, he spoke, "You are the one and only Karol, the CEO of KWR Corporation Real Estate! Am I right?!"
She erupted in carefree laughter, her infectious joy bubbling into the room, joined by Sarah's delighted giggles as the family absorbed the reality of their encounter.
"Indeed I am,"
Susan exclaimed suddenly, a storm of excitement brewing within her. "Fuck us! We strike gold!" The words erupted from her lips like a firework, shocking the room. Sarah, ever the mimic, threw her hands up and echoed, "Fuck us! Fuck us!" with unrestrained glee.
Karol, sensing the chaotic jubilation, scooped Sarah into her lap, bouncing her gently as she reprimanded playfully, "Now, now, Sarah. That's not a suitable language for a young lady. We must refrain from such words, aright?"
"Oh Lord, what have I done?!" Susan lamented, a pang of embarrassment coursing through her at her reckless exuberance.
"No need to fret, Susan," she reassured her, her voice soothing. "Like I said, it's vital for you to fully grasp the deal without knowing its origins."
"Thank you, and I truly apologise for my foul attitude towards you," Susan replied, her voice tinged with sincerity.
"Don't mention it. Your instincts guide you, and that's all that matters. Now, let's brush this aside and move forward, shall we?"
"Oh yes! Would you like to hear a delightful story?" she chirped, breaking the heavy silence that had settled over them.
"Yes, please tell us!" Susan exclaimed, her spirits lifted, joy emanating from her like sunlight piercing through a cloudy sky.
"I already know who you both are," she said with a knowing smile.
"What do you mean by that?" Brian inquired, perplexed.
Karol's eyes sparkled with recollection as she gestured towards them. "I can't recall the exact year, but your brother sent us an email once, along with a sketch of his design and a CD in which you elaborated on your visions and aspirations." She pointed emphatically at Brian, then at Jake. "The following month, Jake reciprocated with emails and a heartfelt homemade video for your brother," she added, switching her attention fluidly to Jake before returning to Brian.
"I wasn't really invested until I saw you the other day, and suddenly, the eagerness of the young man in that video burst back to life in my memory," she said, her finger landing on Jake once more, causing him to cover his face, his embarrassment evident as his cheeks flushed a bright red.
"It's been years; I thought you'd have tossed those away."
"I did dispose of a lot, but the sketches? They held a charm, a fresh essence I couldn't quite define. Then fate conspired to bring us together at CE Restaurant, igniting memories so vivid I felt like I had indeed glimpsed you somewhere before." She paused, a playful grin gracing her lips. "Now, since we're all in agreement with the terms, you three will embark on your new journey at Conchobar tomorrow afternoon. Brian will simply need to await my green light before commencing his one-year programme. Any questions?"
"No questions, and I consent to your terms," Brian affirmed firmly, lifting Sarah and carrying her to the living room, while Jake and Susan nodded in agreement.
She rose, her movements decisive as she made her way to the door. "Aright then, that's settled. I'll take my leave now."
The Creed family waved cheerfully as she hopped into her car, driving away towards her rental house.
YOU ARE READING
The One
FantasyA regular bedtime story that was being told as a small kid turns into recurrent dreams as an adult then dismisses them as childhood imaginings. But as she passes her 21st birthday suddenly her dreams of wolves become more vivid, more realistic, a dr...
