Truth

Chapter 1

John whistled as he walked. A nice, cool breeze blew past him. As he opened the door to the Industrial Composite Company's (ICC) offices, he quickly noticed the new office assistant. 

"Hello!" he said. "I'm John."

"Oh", she said, "I'm the newly hired receptionist. My name is Ava. You're the company CEO, John, right?"

John started, "Oh-h, well-"

"Nice to meet you!" she said.

John replied in a firmer tone, "Nice to meet you. I hope to see you soon!"

"Bye" she replied seductively. 

"Oh my" John whispered to himself, "Ava is one pretty pretty person." 

He sighed as he sat down at his workspace. He looked out the window, at the river-view, then directed his focus back into the inside. As he booted up his terminal, he went about his daily morning routine: checking emails, making sure the company was running smoothly, and had a video conference with the ICC Chairman, George. 

However, John was an investor too, so he also logged into his investing account:

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StarTrade    |    Your Listings:      +0.5%  /  +0.1%  /  -1%   /   -2.3%   

Options: Check Stocks |  Latest Reports  |  Your Balance  | Personalized Guidance  | Schedule a Meeting

Welcome, John. 

Your StarTrade Net Worth Today: $13, 435, 982 (+0.002%)

Your investments:

- Industrial Composite Company (ICC): +0.5% ($32.3493)                    32% stake

- Celgene Biotech Incorporated (CBI): -2.3%  ($101.32)                    0.002% stake

<!> Important <!> Signs point to a stock split in the near future: Read More

- SolarHoldings & Utilities North Dakota (SHU:ND):  -1%  ($12.254)                    0.0071% stake

- United Textile Holdings (UTH):  +0.1%  ($52.234)                    1.5% stake 

<!> Important <!> CEO says that UTH may be expanding into wool & polyester: Read More

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John sighed, and slumped on a chair in his office. He received several texts from his wife, which he ignored. John knew in his mind that, no no no, he should not be thinking of Ava. But he was, and he couldn't stop. She was too beautiful. 

However, his mind suddenly went back to his investing account. Nearly 13 and a half million in just his investing account, and nearly a 40 million dollar net worth.

"No John", he said to himself, "You are not going to fall for a lowly office assistant as someone that has nearly 40 million dollars." 

Sighing, John picked up his phone. He wanted, desired to reply to his wife, but he couldn't get himself to. Thoughts of Ava could not be pushed out of his mind. Her seductive style and great looks had instantly won him over - overturning his 13 year relationship with his wife extremely quickly. 

Looking at his texts from yesterday and today:

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Grace (1 day) < John! I have a team dinner tonight with my co-workers, won't be home till 9. ly! 

        ly honey! cya at home! > (1 day) John 

Grace (7 Mins) < omg!! i have a meeting today, won't be home until 8 :( love you though!! 

see you. > (1 day) John  

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Looking at the clock, it was nearly noon.

He had brought a lunch, but decided to leave the building for lunch not only to go to a nearby restaurant he liked, but also so he could see Ava again. 

As he was leaving the building, he said, "Hello again Ava!"

She looked up, surprised, and exclaimed, "Hi John! Nice to see you again! Are you going out to get lunch?"

To this, he replied, "Why yes I am indeed."

"Oh", she said, "I forgot to bring the salad I prepared this morning, and I am somewhat new in these areas. I need to buy a lunch. Would you care to show me around and perhaps enjoy a lunch together?"

John's heart leaped straight out of his chest.

"Sure, ummm... I go to a very enjoyable restaurant quite often. Would you like to come with me?"

"Sure!" Ava said back.