Chapter - 1

Reuben Andrews walked into the conference room at the destined time, the guests were filling in, and the people present rose from their seats to greet him. The programs began at the ordained time. The anchor addressed the crowd and began; “Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you all to this celebration, the celebration of our company's success. Under the leadership of our dear leader and founder, Mr. Reuben Andrews, we have conquered great heights. I appreciate and admire his talent, while being a busy superstar; he has managed to balance between his passion and profession. The commitment put in by Mrs. Reuben in the betterment of this company cannot be forgotten. Today is the day of celebration, and in this success all of you hold a role. Thank you all for the contribution you've all put in. I welcome our dear leader to address you all.” Reuben rose from his davenport and began to address the gathering. When he finished the party began and everyone thenceforth engaged in exchanging confabulations, boozing and feasting. Reuben was proud of his employees, his wife and, though clandestinely, of himself. All around him were jubilant people celebrating their triumph. The party prolonged for a good lot of time. When Reuben managed to take leave, wasting no time he quickly slipped into his car's backseat. His wife also was in by then. While they wheeled through the city, Reuben underwent a quick speculation of his past. He was triumphant, he thought.

Clyde returned home around midnight, his wife was watching Pride and Prejudice and his son fast asleep. He showered and joined his wife on the cushion.

“What's for dinner, he asked resting his head on her lap.

“Nothing, she replied, “what can be made when the fridge is empty and the family man is irresponsible, eh?” “You sent him to bed hungry, our son?”

“I made two extra sandwiches in the morning. We had that. You want anything?”

“I'm not hungry, I had a croissant during at nine,” and they continued watching the movie. Soon enough he was asleep on her lap. She took him into the room when the movie finished and put him to bed before she herself settled for the night. She looked up at the clock, it was half past one. She remembered her wonderful midnight memories; the time they speak to each other like lovers, the time they made love, everything was good until the day he got the job at the media studio. He was no longer interested in her, she thought, but rather in his job.