Chapter 1: Two Worlds

SIMONE'S P.O.V

I stripped away my glasses, put on my necktie, and removed my ponytail. My secretary handed me the documents she was carrying. I take a glance at her.

"Is this everything I have to finish?"

"Indeed, Ms. Lavelle. You already finished numerous papers yesterday,"-she replied. I heaved a sigh. I always do that to keep me busy.

"Then keep me updated if everything is settled with the British investor."

"I'll take care of it. They told me to contact them today or tomorrow,"-she explained.

"Make certain that the proposal documents are finalized and ready to go. What about the issue with one of our sponsorships?"-I inquire. She released a sigh.

"One of the teams is requesting gym equipment and has even set a deadline for it. I'm afraid they're just trying to pull you out of your shell, Ms. Lavelle."

"Oh? They're just rookies, aren't they, and they've decided to compete in their first national competitions?"-I inquire. She gives a nod. As I pass through them, everyone bows to us. We enter the elevator when it opens. No one wants to come in because they are scared by my demeanor and the fact that I am their boss.

"I have one more item to tell you, Ms. Lavelle. This is concerning your half-brother."

"Hmm? Why? Was he up to no good once more?"-I take a step back. She lowered her gaze.

"He didn't show up for the interview that your father set up for him. I'm worried he'll get another reprimand from your father."

"Dad will undoubtedly be enraged. However, I will not exert the same level of control over him that my dad did. Let him do what he liked,"-I said. She gives a nod. I walked inside my office and opened my computer. I began my day as any other businesswoman would. My mother died three years ago, and she was aware of my illegitimate brother, so she allowed my father to provide him everything he deserved as a son regardless of how he existed.

"Zyril, please come here," I said. She arrived.

"Please bring these documents to the HR and the managing department. Tell them that if they don't address those details, their salary will be delayed,"-I added. She nods and walks away.

'They constantly expect me to solve their issues. They must educate themselves! Oh, my goodness.'

My phone starts to ring. It's my father calling. I sighed and responded.

"Yes, Dad? So, what exactly is it?"-I inquire.

"Make sure you have a free day on Saturday, daughter. Keep in mind what I've stated to you. Please don't embarrass me again!"

RUSSELL'S P.O.V

I take a deep breath after looking in the mirror. I had to deal with my father's words at the breakfast table and develop my poker expression. Otherwise, we'll fight again, and Mom will be furious.

"Mom and dad, good morning."

"Good morning,"-he said simply.

"Good morning, son,"-mom. I cracked a smile.

"Where are you going this time? Is it time to go back to that sports gym? You should stop playing sports and start running our businesses,"-he urged.

"Hon? Stop being a tyrant to our son. You should also learn to listen to him."

"And you think I didn't notice? That's something I've always done. I let him enjoy that sport, and he promised that he would continue to do so till he completed his college degree, but look at him! Did he keep his word?"-he explained. I exhaled a sigh.

"Dad. This is my dream. Let me simply compete in the upcoming summer Olympics, and I'll start doing what you asked. Managing our businesses,"-I explained. He frowned instead.

"When will it be? For Pete's sake, you're already 25! You should have taken care of the business three years ago. You asked the same question, but look what happened, huh? You didn't get to compete in the last Olympic Games! Russell, you wasted that year!"-he said. Well, that's true.

"Stop it right now, you two. This is not how we should have breakfast!"-mom. We come to a halt.

"It's my father's fault,"-I mumbled.

"Enough of you two. Otherwise, I'll be enraged and won't speak to any of you for a month!"

"I'm sorry"-dad apologized.

"I'm sorry, mom,"-I said.

"Good. Let's enjoy breakfast together like a regular family. Do you get it?"-she explained. We began to eat. With a deep silence.

"Son, are you certain you'll be able to compete in this year's Summer Olympics?"

"Yes, mother. My coach informed me that, and the agreement is already in place,"-I explained.

"Good. Make certain of it, Russell, and keep your pledge this time."

"Before I forgot. This Saturday night, you must clear your schedule. We're going to dinner with my dearest friend and her daughter. Make sure you'll be able to attend."

"But, Dad, please stop setting me up with your friend's daughter and—"

"Son, just do it. Please? Just this once. "

"All right, mom,"-I responded. If that's what he wanted. Then I'll just give it a try to at least please him even to this one only.

SIMONE'S P.O.V

That is dad's car. But why is it...my goodness. I know who is driving that car. I better go ahead of it and stop him from driving. That kid!"

I drove my motorcycle as fast as I could and noticed that he was driving with his team. My goodness, I come to a complete halt on my motorcycle and they end up pulling the brake. I removed my helmet and invited him to come out.

"Big sister?"-he stated. I cross my arms and turn to face him. He brushes his hair. I released a sigh.

"What are you doing with Dad's car? Did you seek his approval? You know him. He'll kill you,"-I said. He looks around at his friends.

"We're late for the bus, and they leave us. They must not have seen us since, after all, we are the novices in the teams that you are managing. Our seniors are watching us."

"Damn. I warned him he should be watchful with the five of you. Please bring that car into my office. Just use of my car and ensure that you and your team learn something about team building. Here's my key,"-I replied, handing it to him. He smiled to me.

"Are you serious, sister?"-he replied.

"Just do it,"-I advised. I put on my helmet and started driving away. What a cunning rat. When I get to the filming location. Everyone is preoccupied. I removed my helmet and proceeded to the director who is sitting behind the cameras. Our companies are well-known for their investments in the sports and entertainment industries.

"Good morning, Ms. Lavelle. You did show up."

"Of course, I simply wanted to make sure everything was okay. Anyway, isn't this a romantic comedy series?"-I inquire.

"Indeed, Ms. Lavelle. Steven will be working with a new love team. Following his hiatus."

"Ah, I see. If that's the case, I should meet the female lead,"-I said. She flashed a smile.

"Of course, Ms. Lavelle,"-she said. We were on our way to her tent. We heard a commotion.

"Agh! Are you insane?!"-she yelled.

"I apologize, Ms. Freya. I didn't intend to—"

"You're just a supporting character, and I'm the star of this series. You should listen to me since I am the superior in this situation! I ordered that you get me some cold water. Is this too cold for you?"-she yelled. She began pouring water to this woman as soon as we walked in. I take her hand in mine and stare at her.

"Agh! My hand! Why are you doing this to me? Do you know who I am, huh?!"

"I should have asked that!"-I yelled.

RUSSELL'S P.O.V

My father is standing on the porch, probably watching me as I climb up the stairs. I say hello to him. He frowned at me.

"Russell, what do you think you're doing?"

"Dad, what is it again? I didn't do anything to bring our family's name into disgrace."

"And you think that's not a shameful act?!"

"Please, Dad. I'm already tired from training; let's talk about it later."

"I despise seeing you wasting your life on that stupid dream of yours. I merely stopped expressing the truth because of your mom, Russell. But I'll keep reminding you. My patience is already on the edge."-he said. This is the thing I hated the most. That I have to be in a position where I have to explain my side to my father. He hasn't ever supported me since I expressed an interest in competing on the world's largest stage. He'll never understand since he wants to be in charge of my life.

"Dad, you must understand me as well. I've done my best to show you my accomplishments. Could you please simply be happy for me?"

"Do you believe that dream will make you happy? You should be working like normal adults, getting married, and starting a family! Russell, you're already of the age to accomplish all of those things."

"Didn't I say I'd do it? Just give me a little more time, Dad. I guarantee that I will accomplish whatever you stated this year! Our country will host the Summer Olympics this summer, and I will participate on that stage. If I win the gold medal, I will retire from swimming. I promise, Dad,"-I said. He didn't respond and simply left me here. I went down to the cellar and drank some brandy.

"Is it hard to listen to me dad? You have never watch any competition that I have joined. Even the last national championship. I just wish one day, you will watch and be proud of my sports career..."

When I returned to my room, I attempted to unwind and sleep. If I truly want him to be proud of me, I should concentrate on my aim. One day...

"Coach, you came back. Is everything all right? Did you leave anything out?"

"No, I didn't. Come on out, we have a new man on our sports squad,"-he said. I decided to follow him.

"Everyone, please welcome Edzen Martinez. Our tennis player who will compete in the Olympic Games as well."

For some reason, I have the impression that this man is peculiar... How did coach meet him?