Roland Salad

Alexander Hamilton-Rodriguez’s View:

I took another look at the message which had just entered my email, and took a deep breath.

“Are you alright, Mr Alexander?” Samantha, my secretary, asked with a worrisome face.

I didn't reply at once, instead, I took my time and buried my face in my palm. My eyes were filled with tears, but I fought hard to hold it. To me, it was as though my whole life was crashing right in front of me.

Alex, I instructed you to come to the family dinner yesterday, but you failed to listen. Well, you missed a lot, your half-brother was around, and he will be contesting with you for the company. Those cruel information was in my inbox, and as I read it once more, I couldn't control my rage and frustration, and I threw my phone to the ground, smashing the screen in the process.

Samantha was shocked to see this side of me, and she shuddered uncomfortably.

I angrily stood up from my seat, and picked up one of the many files laying on my desk. It was the divorce documents which Samantha had delivered to me a few days ago. The instruction of my lawyers was clear, all I had to do was give the documents to Quinoa, once she signs it, I will be totally free from her.

“Happiness, huh?” I smirked at the files, my face twisted in regret. “I guess some things are just not meant for me.” I said as I flipped through the file, admiring my signature.

“Sir, I didn't know you had an half-brother,” Samantha finally said with a grimace. She looked worried, and I understood her concern. She had been my secretary since I was in high school, and we fought for the company together.

“I once suspected that my father was cheating on my mother. In fact, he had threatened to disown me and give the company to someone better, but I just didn't guess he had another son,” I murmured thoughtfully under my breath.

“He is trying to bend you so that you will come running back to him,” Samantha stammered. “But at least, we have your mother's support…. right?” She muttered her last words.

I liked the fact that she used ‘we’. It felt good, and I was glad to have someone standing by my side. “Mother has never been interested in the company, and she doesn't care about father. I don't think she will have a problem with his mistress and secret son,” I replied, still thinking about my next action.

Samantha took a deep breath, “That leaves you with only one option….” She said purposefully dragging her words.

I nodded and moved closer to the window. Looking at my properties and all I had been able to accomplish over the last few years. I wasn't ready to lose my legacy. I just couldn't give everything to my father and his bastard son.

“Quinoa Salad!” I said, completely her sentence. “We’ll need her help, fast!”

Samantha nodded in response. “Unfortunately, she wouldn't help except you agree to make your marriage public,” she said my greatest fear.

I acted oblivious to her words, and looked out of the window, admiring my employees as they worked hard. Losing the company would mean that they would all lose their source of income. They would not be able to cater for their family, and it will all be…

“My fault,” I murmured under my breath. “This is all my fault and I have to fix it.” I took a deep breath and closed the window, turning to face Samantha. “Put a call through to Quinoa, and immediately book her flight. I want to meet her before the sun goes down!” I ordered with a grimace.

Samantha looked reluctant to carry out my instruction. She kept looking at me, begging me with her eyes to think it twice; but my mind was made up.

. . . . . . .

I took the stairs on purpose because I needed to clear my mind. As my feet landed on the cold marble floor, I took another deep breath, feeling hopeless and anxious. I had considered calling Riley, but I knew there was nothing she could do about this. Her family were still at war with her, and I didn't want to put my burdens on her, or anyone for that matter.

“Good day, Mr Alex!” Two of my employees greeted me as they passed beside me.

I didn't reply to them, I simply waved my hand, and continued my soliloquy.

“What about Julia?” I asked myself as I took another step. My hand was on my chin as I thought carefully. “No, she wouldn't help. Not after I turned down her advance.” I reasoned, remembering the way I had refused to date her back in college.

Julia's family was among the top ten richest household in the country, and because of that she believed she could have who ever she wanted. Unfortunately for her, it turned out that I wasn't just anyone and my family could comfortably buy her entire household. This made her furious, and because I turned down her marriage proposal, she cut ties with me.

“Oh wait, Maria!” I exclaimed, grinning happily. But on remembering how I had caught her cheating with my then best friend, my face dropped in disappointment.

“I have no friend or ally,” I murmured under my breath. “Quinoa is really my last option.”

Suddenly my phone rang, and I sluggishly picked the call.

“Hello?” I asked calmly. I didn't want the person at the other end to detect my troubles.

“Alex, it's me! Quinoa!” The bubbling voice at the other end replied, a little too excited. “You wouldn't believe this, but I am in the country. And I am not alone, I came with my big brother, Roland. We are headed for the Burrito Manor, their daughter, Riley, is engaged, and they are throwing a banquet to win her over!” She informed me, and I could hear her giggle.

“Riley's home?” I stuttered, wondering what was going on. “By the way, why is Roland with you? I thought he was still in medic school.”

Quinoa chuckled at my words. “He will start working here, and he is specialized in treating cancer. Although he claims he is here for work, deep down I know he is here to win over the heart of Riley Burrito. They both added the same high school and college!” She informed me, and the phone in my hand dropped to the ground.

“Something is going on! Oh no, my Riley!” I yelled at the top of my voice. I was unsure of why I said that.