A Feud With Mr CEO

By Wonderpsycho P.K.S.

Jason Jones is depressed and addicted to antidepressants and sleeping pills. He is a wreck ever since an incident that happened years ago, chained by his past that he cannot fathom ever moving on from. Then he meets Chance Hughs, but more like Chance Hughs crashes into his life, bringing with him all these misfortunes. He becomes obsessed with Jason and insists they be friends. Jason agrees, not knowing that he has opened a can of worms. They become good friends, but somehow their friendship becomes toxic down the line.

 

This is a novel about hardships faced by Jason, battling insecurities, but staying resilient even when times are tough. It is about Jason finding hope when there is none, overcoming grieve and trying to break free from the chains of his past.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wonderpsycho P.K.S.
• Release date: Feb 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201282257

Wonderpsycho P.K.S.

Wonderpsycho P.K.S is a general fiction author who writes about the LGBT+ community. She mostly enjoys reading books with her twin, playing with her 6 kittens and 4 adult ones. She is studying Chemical Engineering. Writing novels has always been her passion, even though she is doing engineering. 

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A Feud with Mr. CEO

A Feud with Mr. CEO

It all started with a crash...

Wonderpsycho P.K.S.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, events, or locales is purely coincidental.

Copyright © 2021 by Wonderpsycho P.K.S.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review.

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my mother (lots of love and thank you for making such strong and fierce ladies. Thank you mom) and my twin sister (It’s you who forced me to write this, but great minds think alike. You know I’m grateful to have you in my life and I love you). Not also forgetting my siblings (a shout out to you all.)

This book is also dedicated to all my Wattpad fans who gave me much anticipated motivation to finish it (Lots of love, hugs and kisses.)

Table of contents

Chapter one

Chapter two

Chapter three

Chapter four

Chapter five

Chapter six

Chapter seven

Chapter eight

Chapter nine

Chapter ten

Chapter eleven

Chapter twelve

Chapter thirteen

Chapter fourteen

Chapter fifteen

Chapter sixteen

Chapter seventeen

Chapter eighteen

Chapter nineteen

Chapter twenty

Chapter twenty-one

Chapter one

––––––––

Pills have always been my solitude and comfort, my sanctuary and most of all, my humble friend.

I know it is dangerous to consume them every single minute, but I can't help myself. Some may say I'm addicted, but really, I'm not. I just enjoy the sensation of them sliding down my throat and into my stomach. Then they help me sleep better at night, or even give me illusions of my deepest desires.

Delusions are the greatest remedy for loneliness because you can imagine anything. You can make your dreams and wishes a reality for just a millisecond. You can forget all about the mysteries and sorrow that has manifested into our hearts and minds.

For just a moment, you can be happy about your life and feel content about the decisions you've made. Or more like, pretend that everything is alright. That’s what I like to do and believe me, it is great. Great until reality catches up to you and you crash and burn. Believe me, it is the worst – to crash and burn.

I'm not addicted, like I said. These pills I consume are just prescribed medication and are harmless. At night, I take sleeping pills. Maybe three or four to knock me out that I don't even wake up at night to relieve myself. I started at one, but as time flew, I progressed to two, then three. Three pills are wearing off now and not as effective as before. So, I might jump the line and consume four.

That is not an overdose I can assure you. And that's definitely not an addiction. I believe that what one believes is their reality and at times, it is the truth. Call me crazy, delusional and an addict if you like, but that won’t change what I believe in. Of course, I will get hurt as anyone would in my case, but what I believe in is the truth to me.

The second medication that I take is anti-depressants. I think I overdose on them because I want them to be effective. I just want to escape the reality of the life I live and be happy. I want to be free from the troubles of my heart and mind. I don’t want to be a prisoner anymore. I have been a prisoner of my mind since I lost two very important people in my life. My mind is a wreck, a place made to destroy me. I am destroying myself slowly every day, thinking thoughts that make me hate myself more than I already do.

Some will say I look happy, but it's just the illusions that they'd like to believe, even if all the signs that I'm suffering are right in front of their eyes. They just like to turn the other cheek and pretend that everything is alright. Oblivion, I tell you, is the greatest doom to individuals.

I don't blame them. Even I wouldn't like to see with my naked eyes how I'm suffering. It would be a nightmare that would scar me for life. By not believing that I'm suffering or depressed, or anything of the sort, I feel better. By being positive, I feel positive that I'm so fine. That I'm alright. I'm okay and I'm FINE!

*************

Mr. Jones, your meeting at one o'clock is cancelled. The other-

It's okay, Melissa. Just bring my lunch and photocopy these, I said, a smile plastered on my face. I handed her the pile of papers that needed to be photocopied. She quickly took them with a wide smile and saluted, closing the door on her way out.

To be honest, I never wanted an office job. I was working for a publishing company as an editor before I had this job. They did not pay well and I had bills to pay. Fortunately, I had two degrees. The first one I used it to work as an editor. The second one I used it to get this job. I'm a marketing director at Hughs' Enterprise. It's paying enough to maintain me and my lifestyle.

Since my meeting had been cancelled with the production team, I had free time on my hands and sitting alone was eating me slowly like cancer. Of course, I was used to being alone, but too much loneliness sometimes got boring.

I had work to do, but it was not due until next week. I was also reluctant on finishing it because it was not good enough. I had my team to help me, but still... it was not good enough.

Deciding to just stop being a lazy ass and maybe for once get out of my office, I told Melissa, my PA, to stop getting my lunch.

Of course, she gave me the eye. The one that asks me if I'm okay because I never, ever get myself lunch. She always got me lunch. I just shrugged her off and continued on my way to the elevator. We were on the fifth floor, the marketing department. We were just low, but not lower than the production department. Going up the floors were the higher ups, our bosses. Then the boss, the CEO of this company was on the 30th floor. He was an old man that I heard was soon retiring and his son was going to take over the company. I only saw the old man a few times since I've been in this company. Only saw him across the room when he came on the first floor to do what exactly, I don't know. Other than that, I just saw him on magazines and on television. I never had direct contact with him or even a hello. I just hoped his son would not be a stuck-up asshole. It would be a shame if a nice man produced a little devil. Mr. Hughs was an angel, that’s what I overheard from the gossipers in the company. We had many of those, especially Lucy, the receptionist. That girl had a mouth too big I tell you. But she was decent in that she had respect and manners. Her big mouth that sometimes landed her in trouble was the one that got her out of trouble.

I finally reached the ground floor and got out of the elevator. I greeted Lucy when I passed her. She always had a smile on her face, a flirty one to be more precise. I made it out of the building and patted my pockets to feel if I had my wallet and car keys. I didn't even need the keys because the diner I was going into was just across the road.

It was a short walk and before I knew it, I was entering the diner. The annoying bell rang to indicate my presence and few heads turned my way. I paid them no mind and proceeded to an empty table next to the window.

A waiter came to take my order and I pulled out my phone to see if I had any notifications. From my mother or sister.

I had a missed call from Shelly, my older sister by six years. She just turned 32 a few days ago and I was unable to attend her birthday party because I was so busy caught up in my life to remember the important things that matter.

My food finally arrived, and I ate alone. I've been doing things alone for all my life. Never had a friend that I could rely on. Loneliness knows me by name and is kind of my friend. It is okay. What is the point of being close to people that in the end, they leave you? No point at all.

I didn't even get to finish my lunch because I received a call from Mom. I didn't answer it for known reasons. She was just going to ask if I was okay or if she could come over to take care of me. I know she's worried about me, but I don't know how many times I've reassured her that I'm fine as wine. I guess it's her job to always worry about her children, but I did not need to stress her even more.

I ended up going back to the office. I had exited the diner and was just about to smooth out my shirt when I collided against a person's chest. I landed on my butt, the pavement sending a force so painful that I did not even feel my buttocks. I groaned in pain when the numbness passed.

Fuck! Can't you just watch where you're going? Do you know how much this shirt costs? the guy that crashed into me yelled, attracting unwanted attention our way. I looked up, but was only met with black shades. He was wearing sunglasses and it's a pity I couldn't see his eyes. He was probably roasting me with his glare. His shirt was soaked in brown. I'm guessing coffee since he's got the empty cup.

I stood up slowly and smoothed out my own shirt and wiped off any dirt that had accumulated whilst on the ground.

I could feel his heated glare as he was waiting on me. To do what, I really didn't know. I flashed him a tight-lipped smile and continued on my way.

You're not even going to apologize? he yelled, yet again attracting unwanted attention.

Apologize my ass! He's the one who should be apologizing, not me. I just fell and he only got drenched by his own coffee. I fell! On my butt!

I did the most mature thing that I could think of. The one thing that would surely come back to bite me one day.

I showed him the middle finger with a smile.

I was in my office, busy engrossed in doing my job that I did not hear the door open or hear the heels that approached my table. I only heard Melissa clearing her throat, her eyes uneasy and a strained smile adorning her face.

I raised a brow in question.

Oh... Umm, Sir. You see, t-the... Mr. Hughs requests to see us all on the ground floor, she said, her cheeks tinted red.

That is unusual. For the past year that I've been in this company, there was never a meeting like this.

Right now? I asked. She nodded her head so fast I thought it was going to detach from her body.

I closed my laptop and grabbed my phone from all the pile of files and papers on my table. Melissa left my office, her actions jittery. I don't know what made her act nervous or suspicious. Maybe she already knows what the meeting is about, and she's scared to tell me.

Making my way to the elevator, I passed the empty cubicles that were usually occupied at this time of the day. The moment I made it to the first floor, it was flooding with people. The ground floor usually had a wide space, but now there was not even space to breathe.

I squeezed myself among the bodies and finally managed to be on the front line. As I guessed, there were only three departments. The marketing one, then the production and the IT department. What could they have called us here for?

The old man, or the 'boss', was here, looking at all of us. He was in his late sixties, but he looked a few years younger. I guess having money and swimming in luxury can do wonders for your health and skin.

The head of the IT department was on my right, whilst the one for production was on my left. I don't even know them personally. We just met during meetings. John Male, the one on my right, was a little stuck up and thought he was better than us because he was on the sixth floor and related to Mr. Hughs.

I know this is short notice, but I've got an important announcement to make, he said, his voice rough around the edge, but confident and commanding.

I was all ears, just like all the people around me.

"I know you've all heard about my retirement. It's no surprise. As you all know, my son will be appointed the CEO position and I'd like you all to welcome him with open arms. He will do things way differently than how I did them. I'm just telling you to expect the unexpected.

It's been a pleasure working with you all for all these years. You've shown me how dedicated and passionate you all are about your jobs. So, I'm saying thank you for working for this company. This is my last week being here. Next week you'll be having a new CEO. Thank you," he finished, leaving us all in despair and confusion. Well, I was confused because he said his son would be doing things differently than he did them. What he meant by that was a mystery to me.

I was making my way to the elevator when a lady, a beautiful one at that, stopped me. She had on a smile that could sweep me off my feet, but I was not interested.

Hey, Jay. Just wanted to ask you if you'd like to go out tonight with us to get drinks, you know. Since it's a Friday night and all that, she said, the smile never wavering. Her brown skin so flawless that I was kind of jealous. Not that my skin was not flawless or anything. It was, but I had bags under my eyes, and they were not pretty. I showed that I did not get enough sleep.

I was surprised she knew my name because that's the first time I'm seeing her.

I tried to smile. I really did, but I'm sure it came out as a grimace because I saw her visibly flinch. She already guessed my answer before I even replied. The look on her face said a million words without speaking. She was too easy to read.

I can't go. I'm sorry, but I got a lot of work that is due next week, I said, the lie slipping easily through my lips, even though I hated lying.

It's okay. I understand. Have a good day then, she said.

Have a nice day too, I whispered, but I'm sure she did not hear me.

By the time I reached my office, I tried to finish my work for the day, but I was too distracted to even do anything. All I did was stare at my laptop screen aimlessly.

The fact that I haven't been answering Mom's calls was eating me alive. I always assumed that she was going to ask me how I was doing, if she could come over to take care of me and all, as if I was a baby!

It wasn’t an easy decision to call her back, but I thought it was going to be worth it.

She picked up on the first ring, surprising me.

"Oh, Jay honey, thank you for calling back. I was about to call you. What's wrong, honey? Why aren't you picking up?" she asked, her voice caked with worry that was making me worried.

I sighed. Mom, I'm fine. There's nothing to worry about. I've just been busy these past few days, hence I couldn't answer your calls. I'm sorry.

"It's okay, Love. When can I come to visit?"

I rolled my eyes. She was so predictable. Before I could get a word in, she continued.

"I know you said you are fine, but I'm just worried, Jason. I'm worried about your well-being. Stephanie said you haven't been to her in months. You haven't been coming to take your medication. I'm just afraid that you might be slipping back into your old self an-"

Mom, I'm fine. I've been taking my medication. It's just that... I'm buying them at a chemist next to where I work, I replied.

"Are they prescribed medication?" her voice was firm and suspicious.

I sighed once again and said, No.

"Jason Jones! Are you crazy? Who is selling you drugs?"

Here we go again.

Mom, they are not drugs. Anyway, I'll call you later. There's something important I need to attend to. Love you. Bye, I hung up before she could chastise me.

I will not be surprised if she comes barging into my apartment any day from now on. That's how predictable she is. And I am not doing drugs. That's one thing I would never do.

After a day of doing nothing but working, I was finally heading back home. I was in the parking lot and heading to my car that was parked next to a black Audi. When I reached my car, I opened it and got in. I stayed in it for a while, just collecting my thoughts before driving out of the parking lot.

When I reached my apartment, I headed straight to the bathroom and opened the cabinet. The bottles of pills were the first thing that greeted me. Some were empty whilst others were still full and never opened. I took the empty bottles and threw them in the bin, then went back to retrieve the sleeping pills. I popped open the lid and took out four pills. I closed the bottle and put it back into the cabinet.

My apartment was not too fancy because I didn't want to spend a lot of my money on an apartment. It had one bedroom, a kitchen, bathroom and living room. It was a little dull with grey walls and not much of some furniture. My living room had only an L-shaped couch, a loveseat and a flat screen TV attached to the wall. It was void of life and very cold. If you'd walk in, you'd think that no one lived in here. I walked into the kitchen and took out a glass from the cupboard and filled it with water. I swallowed the pills with water and put the glass back in the cupboard after rinsing it.

Before the pills could take effect, I aimlessly tried to tidy up the apartment. Since tomorrow was Saturday, I wanted to sleep in and not worry about cleaning. Food was the last thing on my mind because I was just so tired and wanted to sleep.

After a while, I felt the sleeping pills take effect. I stopped what I was doing and went to the comfort of my bed. I snuggled in and let the pills do what they were famous for. I knew that I would sleep like I was dead because I was so tired from all the day's work.

Chapter two

––––––––

I woke up in the afternoon feeling refreshed and ready for the day. When I mean ready for the day, I mean lazing around and eating junk food that will fatten me up. I'm actually living a healthy lifestyle because I burn those calories that I eat at the gym, which I go to at 6pm. I was feeling better today, which I haven’t felt in a long time.

I ate my breakfast in pajamas and when I finished, I did my dishes. I ended up binge-watching Bleach from the first episode to the 20th. I would've watched up to the 50th if I didn't have to go to the gym. 6pm had rolled by and I was getting ready for gym. I showered for the first time in the day, then put on my gym clothes. I also put on a sweater because the night was chilly. Grabbing my phone, wallet and car keys, I headed to the kitchen and grabbed an apple. I took a bite while exiting my apartment and heading to the parking lot.

By the time I arrived at the gym, it was exactly 6pm. I shook hands with Jeffrey, my sparring partner.

Hey, man. How you doing on this fine night? he asked, a grin on his face. He had dumbbells in his hands.

I shrugged and said, I'm okay, I guess.

Okay, my man. Let's get working here.

And so, we lifted weights and I ran on the treadmill for the remainder of my hour. By the time we were done, Jeffrey asked if we could go get drinks. Of course, being me, I said no. I was a light drinker and did embarrassing things that would come bite me in the morning.

One time, I pole-danced on top of a table with a stripper. She was a professional and showed me all the dance moves that were enticing when drunk, but embarrassing when sober. I couldn't live that down for a week. Jeffrey kept reminding me about it, literally breathing down my neck.

I showered in the gym's locker room. I had brought spare clothes to wear because I wanted to eat out tonight. I wouldn't go to a restaurant smelling of sweat and sweating like a pig, would I?

When I went to my car, Jeffrey was already gone and the night dark. I started up my car and drove out of the gym's parking lot. Sometimes I wished that I had a life. For all my 26 years of living, I feel like I've been existing and not living. I'm just another faceless stranger in the city, doing what generated me money and not even loving my job. I was living for the sake of living and not because I enjoyed my life. What was there to enjoy anyway? The pills? The money?

Well, I had a life. A life filled with joy and happiness, but it was short-lived. I had a taste of what living felt like, but then, just as it was there, it was gone in a flash. But that’s a story for another day. It’s too depressing for me. I wouldn’t want to go down that memory lane.

When I arrived at the restaurant, it was 8pm and my time to take medication, but I overlooked that and proceeded into the restaurant, the air comfortable and warm, welcoming even.

The place was packed, people in business suits and fancy dresses filling it up. I was out of place because of the sweater and jeans I was wearing. Casualty in here was a no-no.

Luckily, I found an empty table and sat down. The waiter came after a while and took my order. Waiting for the food to arrive, I decided to call Shelly since I've also been ignoring her calls. Unlike Mom, she picked up on the third ring, breathing heavily into the phone.

What are you doing? That's the first thing I asked, highly disgusted.

She laughed, but more like panted as she replied, and out of breath, "Y-you are so funny, Jay-Jay. I'm jogging down the neighborhood. Just get your mind out of the gutter."

I chuckled. Shouldn't you be like at home cooking for your family?

"No. Mike does that now, since he's trying to spend time with his family," she replied, calmed down and her breathing under control.

Why is he trying to spend time with his family?

"Because, duh! He was busy the whole week, working