FOR THE LOVE OF DAHLIA

"There's a 70% chance that Davilla Malls will take up our offer but we need to make sure that we make that a hundred percent. We're talking billions here." Jacob said. The vice president, Andrew Zobel nodded his head.

"You're right. This could also be an advertisement for the Strike Bankings. If we have to take Mr. Davilla into golf or wherever he'd want to hangout, we have to.” Drew said, chuckling a bit.

"Yeah if I need to date his daughter I would." Jacob laughed.

"You need a break, bro." Andrew grimaced. Jacob's too caught up in his work, something Andrew never thought his friend would be.

They were friends since college. Jacob was never the serious type of student. He'd party at night, skip his class, he'd even flunk school. Heck, he never thought Jacob Shaw would finish his degree but look at him now, running their family business and hustling like a mad man.

People really change.

"I would. How about we meet in Lux later, just a few drinks.” Jacob wiggled his eyebrows making Andrew sigh.

"Oh right. I forgot, you're a married man with a child." Jacob patted his long time bud's shoulder. "You're a changed man since you married Rochelle. How's married life?"

Andrew Zobem smiled. "Well, it makes you eager to come home after long work. I swear, you'd rather choose coming home than partying. Why don't you find the right girl and get married, Jake?”

"Not a bad idea." Jacob smirked. "I think if the right woman comes--- which, I don't believe there is, then she'll come. Meanwhile, I'll just have fun screwing around."

Andrew shook his head. He shared the same principles with Jacob years back, that marriage is simply just bullshit, and that building an empire, partying and sleeping around is the best thing but then things began to change when he met Rochelle.

He hopes this happens to Jacob soon.

Andrew looked at his friends' ring finger and found the band he always wear. He's had it since they met. He even thought Jacob married young. Some women even thought he was married, making them back off a bit. Though, Jacob doesn't really say anything about it.

He was pulled out of reverie when Jacob stood up and put on his black coat.

"Where are you going?”

"St. Joseph's. Miana is gonna be there, prolly get mad if I don't make it.”

"Alright. Say hi for me to Aunt Ingrid. By the way, Jake. About that new lawyer? When are you going to meet her? I tell you, the woman's a hot chick."

Their former lawyer, Averto Sanchez was killed in a car accident last month. He was loved by many, their company has been grieving since then. That old man has been their lawyer for years. He was a good friend of Jacob's late father.

Jacob raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know that the replacement was a she.  I don't know, maybe next week? By the way Drew, is she single?”

Andrew recalled the day he met up with that gorgeous lawyer. He never spotted a ring. "Don't know, but I'm sure she's not married yet. Don't mess this up, Jake. She'll be working with us."

Jacob smirked, that same smirk every ladies out there could die for. "Well if she's hot as you say she is, she can always work me. Hey--- I'm kidding alright. I don't mix business with pleasure."

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"I thought you're not coming. I called your assistant and she said you're busy." his mother gave him a hug.

He removed his aviator shades and inserted it in the breast pocket of his coat.

"Of course I'll be here, I wouldn't miss this day. It's his death anniversary, afterall."

"If only he's here to witness all the things you've done, he could have been so proud of everything you've achieved, Jake." His mother stared at him with adoration.

The corner of his lips tugged into a bittersweet yet forced smile. "Where's Mia?”

"She's gonna be late. She's driving Jasper to the airport. He's going to Bahamas for this next movie."

Jasper was his brother-in-law, a director and TV producer. The first time he met Jasper, he never really liked him. He thought his sister shouldn't entangle herself with a celebrity because the press might hound even her but as time went on and he got to know the guy, he realized Jasper loved his sister deeply.

They fell silent after that. He doesn't know what to say or start another conversation with his mother. They aren't close--- atleast not anymore.

"How is the business, son?" Ingrid tried to engage in a conversation with her son.

"It's okay, mom.” he shrugged it off. He doesn't really wanna make a conversation with his mom. Not now, or ever. Not again.

Miana's car stopped right infront of them, he relaxed, now he wouldn't endure an awkward environment with his own mother. Jake strode towards them, carrying his sleeping nephew and kissing his sister in the cheek.

"Woah, cant believe you arrived on time. It's a first."

Jacob smirked. "James seems heavier than last time.” he was pertaining to his nephew, whom he hadn't seen in over a month.

"He eats so much sweets especially when Jasper's around. He's spoiled--- Hi, mommy." Miana planted a sweet kiss on her mom's cheek.

Ingrid frowned when he saw the sleeping grandson. "Here I was, so excited to see my grandson's bubbly face and he's asleep."

"He fell asleep on our way here, his eyes are swollen since he kept crying while we were at the airport to send his dad off." Miana chuckled, shaking her head a bit.

Ingrid smiled, Jacob noticed how his mother and sister looked so much alike. Even the way they smile.

They stayed for an hour, paying visit to their late father before they left to go to a restaurant, it's a tradition. They dine in their father's favorite restaurant. Jacob didn't mean to join them this time but since his sister insisted, he eventually agreed. It's not a secret he couldn't stand his mother. Even Miana knows but she still tries to patch their relationship again.