Icing on the Cake

Chapter Fifteen

Slow it down! Take time to appreciate nature, chat with a friend, or read a chapter from a good book. There’s more to life than running nonstop.
Maria Fontaine.

It was now two months since Jaden had taken over his dad’s business, but yet, not much of the problem had been solved. He had held a meeting when he had just started and all the board members had approved of the plan. Then, the following week they had started working. He had started the work on the car model himself and he had just finished it the previous week. The rest of the staff was also working on the models of the electronics and household products and also the themes for the computer games.
Yet, the media now had it that one of the biggest companies in the country seemed to be going down. Jaden was shown on every possible channel as the face of the business. Chris had been heartbroken when he had seen it on TV the first time but was assured when Jaden had come home to say that the car was completed. The next day, Jaden had shown the model to his family who complimented it and commended him.
He tested it in the presence of his family and they all cheered him when he drove it round for a while. The speed was nice and the car had a superb shock absorber. Then, he introduced it the next day to the board and they also commended him. The computer games were also ready then and they decided on the launching date.
His first weeks anyway had been enjoyable as he had either been out with Chloe, Nadia, Natasha, Chris, or Keith. Then, the following weeks, he had started waking up early and sleeping very late, even when he had gone to his own house. Now, it was two months after and they were still yet to do the launching of the new products.
“Don’t you think the business is pulling Jade down?” Chloe asked Chris one day when they had just had dinner. They were the only ones at the table now.
“Yes. And I’m still figuring how to ease the load off his shoulders,” Chris replied and sighed. “Jade, he’s managing though and I know he’ll pull through this problem but I just can’t stop feeling guilty. It’s as if I didn’t try hard enough to make sure there was nothing wrong with the business before handing it over to him.”
“It’s not your fault, honey.”
“Yeah, that’s what you all say.”
“But he’s trying hard anyway. He’s finished already with the new car and the other staffs are now reproducing the model. Everything would be okay soon.”
Chris nodded. “Y’know, Mr. Johnson offered me a business deal.”
“Which is?”
“Joining both business together through the marriage of Jade and his daughter,” Chris replied.
Chloe sat up. “Do you mean Adam Johnson?”
“Yes.”
“Hm. He’s a good man, but I don’t really like the idea of taking Jade into a forced marriage.”
“It won’t be forced if Jade agrees to it.” He paused. “And it could be the only solution to restore the business to its former state,” he was quick to add when he saw the look on Chloe’s face. “I know Jade has never been serious about marriage but he could consider this for the sake of the business.”
Chloe got up. “I’m not going to allow it, even if Jade agrees. He wouldn’t sacrifice his happiness for the business. I mean, honey, how can you even consider this? It’s wicked.”
Chris sighed. “That’s not what I want anyway.”
Chloe softened and sat down back. She held his hand. “I also think Jade has changed. Keith told me once that Jade was interested in a certain young woman during his last job. He said he had thought it was a joke and that as soon as Jade would return, he’d forget about her but the opposite is happening now. He said when they normally hang out now, Jade is different.”
“Different? Like he doesn’t look at other women anymore?”
“Exactly.”
Chris eyes widened.
“I was also surprised,” Chloe said. “But I noticed Jade changes the subject anytime I bring it up. I’m suspecting he’s heartbroken.”
Chris nodded thoughtfully. “Then I won’t consider this deal anymore. It would be of no use. And I’ll try talking to Jade and see if I can...”
“Aren’t the gossips about me too much?”
Chris and Chloe turned as Jaden entered the dinning, startling them both. Chloe bit her inner lip. She knew Jaden had overheard everything.
“Jade...” Chris started.
“Who is this Adam Johnson?” Jaden interrupted again.
“You don’t have to know.”
“Why? He could be of great use to the business, you said.”
“I was thinking he could but that’s not necessary now. You...”
“Jade. Your dad and I were just talking about it. He was only considering the deal but that’s all gone now. We can solve this problem on our own. We certainly don’t need a second party to help us,” Chloe cut in. “So, forget about whatever you overheard, the deal is not happening.”
Jaden was silent for a while. He had been walking past the dinning when his ears had caught the word ‘business’ and curiosity had won him over. He had been standing at the door, listening to his parents’ conversation and had heard everything about of the deal.
“Can I at least have his contact?” Jaden asked at last.
“Jade...”
“I just want to meet up with him and listen to him if he has any other ideas,” Jaden interrupted his mum. “I won’t do anything much with him.”
His parents did not say anything for a while.
“I’ll give it to you,” Chris said and Chloe glared at him. Jaden smiled and Chris ignored Chloe. “But Jade, always remember we love you and believe you can do this.”
Jaden nodded only after a moment and smiled a little. Then, he excused himself and turned to leave. When he got to the door, he stopped. “Mum, for the record, I’m not heartbroken. Just the complete opposite.” With that, he left. 
Chloe turned to Chris. “So, why did you do that?”
“He won’t do anything foolish. I know that for sure.”
Chloe was silent and then exhaled slowly. “A strong denial is always an approval. Jade is certainly heartbroken.”