The First One...

Chapter 22

"Ben? Is Jacob your adopted brother?" i asked to confirm from him.

"Yes. My Mom and Dad adopted him when i was ten. He was adorable that time. I helped him in everything, protected him, he always wanted what i have and i gave him. He was my dearest brother. My sister Emily is the last one. We all were really good together. But one day when he was in school he came to know about his adoption and he changed since then. He was with us but was in his own world. He stopped hanging out with us, he became short tempered. Mom and dad gave him his privacy but after high school, he opted to stay away from us. Though he is still a part of our family. He visits but doesn't stay with us much. He involved himself in his hobby of painting but is also qualified in studies. He is a great artist and is still dear to me."

"If it's so, then why was he telling me fake things about you?"

"Sam...that's a different story. He opted to stay away from us and now he wants to handle our business. He has idea about it but he is not yet capable of handling a company. Dad explained to him but he isn't agreeing.
Then he came to know that dad is handing over the business to me. So, he got pissed and he knew i was dating you. He took that opportunity and tried to hurt you so that i will lose you and leave the ownership for you. When i got to know what he did with you from Jim i called him in Colorado. Dad was also there with us. I know Jake is a nice guy and i love my brother. I wanted to give him a chance but i am still pissed on him for what he behaved with you. Still, we decided to give him a place in management and train him in Colorado office. We have also transferred some stake on his name. He apologized for his behaviour to all of us. Now he is in Colorado and has sent you an apology."

"That's good... but why did you ask me the address when i was going to meet him?"

"Sam, Jake is a player. He has bad records with girls when he was in college though we helped him in our ways to get out of it. I didn't want to take any chance. I knew you both were friends but i didn't want to leave you alone with him. That's the reason Ana was with you that day. Jim had asked her to keep an eye on you."

Ohh that's the reason she was acting like that with Jake.

"Baby..i am sorry. I kept this all from you. I swear i was going to tell you on our date night but circumstances weren't in our favour." he said looking at me.

"Ohh Ben..I am so sorry for judging you. I was so confused. I was shocked. I didn't know what to do." i hugged him.

"It's okay babe. I love you. I promised you...remember? i would never break your trust." he said caressing me.

I nodded and hugged him again.

Suddenly i remembered something.

"Ben?"

"What?" he asked looking at me.

"Umm..who is Amanda?..Jake told me you both are in relationship and your parents want you to marry her."

He just laughed. I looked at him confused.

"What?"

"Seems someone is jealous." he said winking at me.

I looked away embarassed. Isn't it obvious? I should know who she is right?

"Amanda is like my sister and a dear friend. She is my aunts niece. She stayed with my aunt and even i stayed there since i went to Colorado. We knew each other since long time. She is the part of management in our Colorado office too. Now we have handed her the top position there and she is also one of the Board of Director here. She is a bright women and respects me. I have teached her the business tactics. Ofcourse she adores me, i am like her brother but jake isn't technically a brother. Jake was having a thing for her when they were in high school. She doesn't know about this but i knew it. So, he envy's me because she was more close to me then him. My parents had in mind to get us married when we were fresh graduates but when they came to knew about our sibling relationship they stopped. Still they tease us sometimes and indirectly suggest us to get married. But that doesn't bother us anymore."