My Youth Began With Him

5

"You have the audacity to ask me that? Don't tell me that you have already met with him on your own." Jacqueline glared viciously at Jessica.

Jessica was at a loss for words. It was true that she had met with Andrew, even though it was unintentional.

But her mother would never listen to her explain. Anything she could say right now would only make her mother angrier.

"Mom, get some rest. I'll come and see you tomorrow."

"I don't need your pity. If you have a sliver of shame left, don't ever come see me again. You would only make me die sooner, just like what you did to your stepdad." Her mother's mocking words sent a stabbing pain straight to Jessica's heart. She had been blaming herself for stepdad's death for seven years. Over these seven years, no one had been more bereft than her. At this thought, she fell silent. Turning around, she pushed open the door and left. "Sis, I'll walk you out."

Samuel followed her out, knowing that his sister must be feeling down.

"Sis, Mom just has a bad temper. Don't think about what she said. She's been like this for a few years now. Besides, from what I read; women her age can get menopausal. That's what's happening to Mom for sure."

"Oh, squirt, what kinds of books have you been reading?" Jessica looked at her brother, both mad and amused.

"Sis, don't worry about what's happening here. I'll take care of mom. Go do whatever you have to do."

Jessica nodded. "I'll call off work tomorrow and come to take care of her, you should go back to school tomorrow. Oh, and here's the money to cover your living expenses for next month. Take it."

Jessica pulled out some cash from her purse and handed it to her brother.

"Sis, I don't need it. I still have money left from last month. Besides, I'm working part-time at school, so you don't have to give me money anymore. You're getting married, and there's going to be plenty of things that you and Martin will need money for."

"Take it. Even if I'm getting married, I can still spare a little bit to give to you. Sam, I know you're concerned for me, so you've been careful of where you spend your money. But you can't pinch money where it's meant to be spent. You're still a growing boy and need to eat properly." With that, Jessica rubbed the top of her brother's head affectionately.

"I know, Sis. You too."

Jessica left the hospital with a heavy heart.

She hadn't expected Andrew to find her mother and brother so quickly. What was he trying to do?

Perhaps, they really needed to talk... Taking out her cell phone, she pulled out her call history. That unfamiliar number ending with 8866 was definitely his.

After a moment's hesitation, she made the call.

As soon as the call went through, Jessica began questioning angrily, "Hey, Andrew. What in the world do you want from me?"

"I'm sorry, President Chase is in a meeting. May I ask who is calling?" An unfamiliar man's voice came from over the line.

Caught by surprise, Jessica didn't speak.

"I'm President Chase's assistant. May I take a message for him?"

"No, thank you," she replied coldly and then hung up.

Chase Corporations Headquarters, inside the executive meeting room- Andrew was wearing a black dress shirt that was custom-made in Italy with cuffs adorned with luxurious diamonds. His look held an air of mystery.