Chapter Text
Alberu have concerns. He worries about how he can secure his position as the next CEO from his father’s company. He worries about if he can keep the company afloat. He worries whether his assistant will betray him because she is secretly in a relationship with his brother. But, most importantly, he worries that his soulmate is an actual, literal child. He had always thought the bedtime stories his mother told him about soulmates were just stories. He had never heard of any songs in his head, and his mother had mentioned in her stories that only SOME people had soulmates.
When he grew older, he figures his mother only told him some people had soulmates, so he didn’t feel left out that he doesn’t have a song in his head. It was only during the summer of his 14th year did he hear music. At first, he found it kind of weird, but he didn’t pay any attention to it. It was only after he constantly heard music around him, that he suspected something. After he had searched his problem through the internet did, he realizes his mother wasn’t making up stories. It’s just that soulmates only took up a 3% of the world’s population, and definitely not enough volunteers to research this phenomenal. After Alberu came to the realization that he DO in fact have a soulmate, he realizes the song he is hearing is the ABC’s. After a quick calculation in his head, he estimates his soulmate at the youngest would be TWO, which would mean there is at least a 12-year difference between his soulmate and himself.
Wait… no… calm down.
Alberu told himself.
Maybe my soulmate doesn’t enjoy listening to music… and this is for their child.
Alberu frowned, he doesn’t want to be the soulmate of an irresponsible young dad, but he also doesn’t want to be soulmates to some married 20-year-old either. After thinking for a moment, Alberu determinedly thought,
Let’s just pretend I don’t have one and ignore it.
Alberu first met his step siblings when he was 16. That year, his mother died of an incurable disease. It was a difficult time for his mother, and he had thought his father cared. If his father didn’t care, why would he call HOSPICE and order his mother special medical beds and constantly ask about her wellbeing?
But Alberu’s mother must have known better. That year, Alberu visited his mother as often as he can. He was always a lot closer to his mother than his father. Alberu had always reassured his mother every time he had visited that she’ll be better soon, that both his father and him are waiting for her to be better. But Alberu’s mother always just smiled at him and patted his hand. It wasn’t until later that Alberu realized what his mother meant. Alberu’s father had bought his stepmother and his stepbrothers a week after his mother’s funeral. It was at that moment, Alberu realize he was truly alone, the man he thought loved his mother had another woman, and he can’t trust a woman who was willing to seduce a committed man, much less her sons. It was then Alberu heard “You Are My Sunshine” playing in his head. The tune of the nursery rhyme and the reality of things hit Alberu at once, and Alberu wanted to cry. He wanted to cry at how unfair everything was: his mother, his family, his soulmate. Alberu took a deep breath, then he thought to himself as tears went down his face,
Just for today. I will take my moment right now. And then I will make them pay.
At 25, Alberu had already taken over his father’s company. There were a few a lot of problems he has to take care of, but he got this. He still hasn’t figure out the issue between his stepmother and brothers yet, but he accomplished what he wanted to do the most- he got the company. Well, technically, the company isn’t completely his yet. He had convinced his father to write up a contract that will guarantee Alberu the company when he turned 28, all Alberu have to do is to himself and the company alive for 3 more years then he can get rid of his stupid family once and for all. He might leave enough retired funds for the parents, but nothing will be given to his stepbrothers. Not even a single penny.
When my hair's all but gone and my memory fades...and the crowds don't remember my name…I know you will still love me the same
Alberu sighed as the 2014 song ‘Thinking Out Loud’ by Ed Sheeran start to flow through his head. Whoever his soulmate is, they don’t seem to be listening to music much anymore. However, Alberu still gets the occasional pop song; ignoring the tune Alberu flipped through the list of candidates in his hand. All of them look mediocre with their credentials. It’s all either ‘recently graduated and wanted to try their luck’ or ‘retired 40-year-old that wanted a something new in their life’ and honestly, Alberu is just tired of it.
At this point, I might as well pick a random one, hope for the bes-wait.
Alberu stopped on one of the applicants. He can see a young man, 24-years old. Red hair, dull eyes, and decent features, if Alberu can admit to himself. Alberu flips to the applicant’s education section.
Hmm, degree in communications AND human resource management? Impressive.
Alberu then flipped to the questionnaire section he had all the applicants fill out and let out a big snort. Laughing at some of the answers he had gotten. Finally, Alberu flipped to the last page of the resume. Looking at the very last section, specifically at the very corner of the paper, it reads in bright blue ink:
Good luck on getting hired! Does that mean I can buy more snacks if you get this job?
Alberu chuckled, it seems that whoever wrote this didn’t realize that a resume needed to be turned in. At least Alberu has a moment of entertainment before he gets back to his dreary work. Alberu put the resume down and opened up his email to contact the applicant.
Cale Henituse, huh? I hope this will be a pleasant meeting.