Chapter 1.2

"Why won't you get married? You are the only child. I got pregnant at 33, was in the labor room for 10 hours because your head was too big. Who knew you'd grow up with a big ego too?"

Mrs. Strider lamented early in the morning as she berated her son in the process too.

"Mom, I am too good for anyone out there," he said as he drew his mother into his embrace.

She pushed him away and landed a smooth smack on his back, "Would you shut up there? Too good for any girl out there?" she scoffed.

"I see your dad has been feeding you with ideas. You are 34. 34 YEARS OLD. Do I need to spell it out for you? Just because you can produce sperm all your life doesn't mean they'd be good enough to make babies by the time you are ready. You will only suffer your 'good enough girl' by the time you settle down."

After delivering her speech, she walked away, but turned back to roll her eyes at him and mock him by putting an air quote around "too good for anyone."

Jeff could only shake his head before going down for breakfast.

"Morning dad," he walked over to sit next to Mr. Strider.

"I see you got a bellyful this morning," he smirked at his son.

"Well, mom's words are as delicious as her breakfast."

The father-son duo nodded understandingly as they looked away from the still-furious Mrs. Strider.

She sat the table with her husband and son before trying to reason with him again.

"Look at your father, he'd be nothing without me. Behind every strong man, there is a stronger woman. I am just saying this for your good. If I didn't approach your dad first, he'd be a bachelor at 67. Don't be like him. Be like mom."

Mr. Strider had nothing to say because his wife was right. She was always right. Everyone at home understood this truth.

"Don't worry mom. Once I'm done with my home, you'll have a daughter-in-law. I can't possibly live in that big house alone."

Jeff wasn't lying. He bought his house just so he could start a family. He envied his parent's relationship even though his mom called the shots. He admired a fierce woman like her.

"That's good." Mrs. Strider's mood lightened, and breakfast continued smoothly.

Jeff went about his work and got every detail noted about his new home. He wanted the best to work on it and have it done as soon as possible. He was referred to an ID by his friend and just happen to know the CEO of the company. After making all his considerations, he decided to make his move the next day.

Stepping into Home Oasis company in a tailored 3-piece ivory suit, he surveyed the office environment with a straight face.

"Is CEO Gabriel in? Tell him Jeff Strider is here to see him," he demanded as he looked down at the receptionist.

She did as she was told and before she could reply Jeff, she saw an amazing sight of the CEO out of breath.

"Welcome CEO Jeff. Please come this way." Jeff walked majestically into the main office as directed.

"Did you all see that? Is it Christmas?" The receptionist went over to gossip with the rest of the staff.

"It must be Christmas in July. Who knew our CEO could be humble?"

"Someone, check if there's a rainbow outside."

"I better wish for something good to happen. Seeing the CEO like this only happens once in a million years."

In the office, two men sat awkwardly with one sweating and the other sipping on coffee.

"I'll just go straight to business. This is what I want."

Jeff handed the folder in his hands to the CEO.

"Give it to your best staff. I'll be having lunch downtown, so send the staff there. Don't worry about the pay."

The CEO was stunned at Jeff's way of handling things. He nodded and already narrowed down on his choice.

"I'll send Ms. Lawrence to you. She would handle the project perfectly."

Jeff rose from his seat and nodded in reply before making his way out. He had expected the referred staff to be male, but Ms. Lawrence had to be very capable to have made a name for herself in this company. He liked capable people.

"I look forward to seeing who this Ms. Lawrence is," he thought to himself as he headed back to his company.