All is fair, but life is not.

Jotham's call as if on cue, came through as soon as my front door clicked shut behind me. Trust me, I considered ignoring it seeing how tired I was.

But knowing Jotham, he wouldn't stop calling until I picked it up.

So, I brought it to my right ear to hear him ask, "How did your day go?".

If I could see in him personally, I bet his face revealed no emotions. It's more like an obligatory question he needs to ask, rather than a compassionate one.

"Not bad.", I answered, also possessing a poker face.

That poker face was probably already replaced with one filled with irritation, "I need more information."

"Nothing terrible happened," Being a good person, I gave as much information as I thought was necessary, "So, I'm guessing that's a good thing."

The day went by as quickly as it started. Nothing major or minor. I got introduced to the cast, the team, and every other person. I didn't need to start barking around orders today. That might take a while.

"How about the staff?"

"Not bad either."

"And Makena... "His voice trailed off in question, "I hope she's settling in well?"

"Yes, so far so good."

He didn't need to know about our encounter this morning so I didn't bother telling him.

Imagine my shock when I walked up to Makena and Jacob in the parking lot and she looked at me with glistening black eyes, and a lollipop. It wasn't even a regular-sized one. Rather, a humongous one that would take about 2-3 children to finish.

I wasn't wrong when I said she is interesting...

Now satisfied with his interrogation, he moved on, "That's nice. Mum said I should remind you about the event. You need a tuxedo."

"What event? The dinner with your girlfriend's family?" At first, I wanted to roll my eyes at the formalities, but my brows furrowed on their own as perplexion laced my voice.

"No, not that." If I am very good at visualizing, I could see him shaking his head, "We are hosting a charity event in two weeks."

"How does it affect me?" There wasn't any need to hide the indifference in my voice.

The Wrights always hosted multiple events. It never had anything to do with me. After all, I am not volunteering to work as a waiter for the event or something.

"Mum wants you there."

"Why?" There was even more confusion, "I haven't had any need to attend anyone all these years, why now? What changed?"

It was easy for him to say, "I don't know but she insists that it's important that you're there."

I couldn't tell if he was telling the truth or not. But frankly, I wouldn't put it past Jotham to be lying. Seeing as he wouldn't stop bugging me about stepping into the spotlight.

"I don't want to come." With even indifference, I shrugged it off. Not that he could see me anyway.

"Corban," As soon as he said my name, I knew he was about to use the big brother voice on me. "It's just a one-time thing. People wouldn't even have to know that you're a Wright, if that's what you're worried about." I wasn't wrong about that voice. "Also, we are having this event in the house, so you can easily sneak out if you want."

"I'm still not sure about it...." Although, the prospect sounds good, I don't want to be anywhere close to the event for any reason whatsoever.

"Can't you do it for Mum? Just this once."

"Urgh, fine." It looks like I lost the fight eventually, "Only because of her."

I am a grown man and all, but my mother is always the key to my heart. If I turn down her request, she'll never stop with puppy eyes.

"Great!!" With enough enthusiasm to light up an entire room, "I'll send my driver to pick you up."

Hold up?

"For what?"

"There's this place I go to whenever I need a new tux. You'll love it."

"No thanks, I can get my own tux." It is already bad enough that I need a tux, wouldn't have Jotham pay for it. Nor have his driver take me around. That's a no-no.

Although he sounded skeptical, "Are you sure?" My mind was already made up.

"Affirmative."

"Okay then."

"When is that dinner again?", I asked just to ensure that the day remained stuck in my head.

"This Saturday."

"See you then."

******

You would be surprised that despite how tired I claimed to be, somehow I had enough strength to walk to the library.

It was close by now, but I see someone walking around from the window, so I let myself it.

"Corban!"

"Hi Dorothea"

I should have known she'd be the one still shuffling around. Dorothea was the chief librarian, and basically the person who runs the place.

She allowed me to close the door behind me before planting herself in front of my face, "You wouldn't believe what happened?"

"It must have been a good thing for you to be this happy." Flicking her forehead, "I don't think I have seen all of your teeth at once before."

"Haha, very funny. But, it is actually a good thing."

She swatted my hand away, still waiting for me to answer properly.

Just because I wanted to humor her, I said, "Let's hear it." I was already aware of her news, but that wouldn't make me take away all her enthusiasm.

"We got a huge donation. I mean, something with a lot of zeros."

Finding the courage to plaster on a fake smile, "That is great!!!" I felt gutted to fake my enthusiasm. I was happy for her, and the progress the library was making. But, having to owe it to Jotham... I wasn't happy about that.

"I know right?" She continued gushing, "I think all our advertising is finally working out."

"I told you it would. I'm happy for you." It was easy for me to smile as I spoke because I was sincerely happy. The only thing I was upset about was Jotham's interference.

Her smile was still as bright as ever, "Thanks. I can't wait for the renovations to be complete."

Since she was in such a good mood, I thought this was the best time to ask.

"Am I still not allowed to take a look at the building plans?"

"Duh." My plan didn't work as her face was point blank, "It's going to be a surprise."

Dorothea had insisted from the start that I would not be allowed to see the building plans. Which I think was a bad idea because I am always here anyway.

"Even though I am going to be here most of the time when the renovations are ongoing?" I arched my brows, informing her of the loophole in her decision.

"Not most of the time." She was the one to look smug, also arching her brows, "You have a new job remember?"

"Yeah... But I'll be here a lot. It doesn't change anything." I intend on making sure that happens. My new position would not change what I already had going for me.

"That's what you think."

"Seriously. I will still be around as much as I used to be. Same old Corban."

Her scoff found its way to my ears, "Pfft. Except this Corban now works for the Wrights and would be earning a lot more money than he used to."

"Well...." I trailed off, mostly because I didn't know what to say.

It was ironic to think that I haven't even spoken about my pay yet. It hadn't crossed my mind.

"By the way, I know you love the library and you are very passionate about the renovations. But, I'll have to turn down any donations from you."

"Why?!!!"

I threw my hands in the air on cue, heaving my breath. It's not thing for her not to allow me to see the plans, but stopping me from donating? That's outrageous!!

"I know you, Corban." Noticing my displeasure, her eyes softened as she reached out to pat my shoulders. "You might decide to donate all of your salary or something. I won't allow that."

That isn't a good enough reason in my opinion.

"It's not fair." I wiggled my shoulders, telling her not to pat me.

"Life isn't fair. I'm just looking out for you."

"Would you turn down my donation if it has a lot of zeros?" Like Jotham's.

Much to my surprise, she responded immediately, "Yes. Any donation at all from you would be

rejected." Obviously, this had already been well thought out. Which only makes it even more unfair.

"That's so unfair." I huffed and puckered my lips, Hmph." A thousand possible ways to get her to change her mind were already running through my head at this point.

"Quit pouting. You look like a child. Albeit, a cute one."

As she walked past me towards one of the shelves, I brought my phone out of my pocket, immediately sending a text to my brother.

Corban: Does our family accountant still work for us?

Jotham: Yes, why?

Corban: I want to activate my account and request for a bank statement.

Even though it was a text, it still sounded very foreign to me upon reading it. Those are words I never imagined saying in a very long time. Yet, here I was.

Jotham: Are you kidding? Did someone steal your phone?

Corban: No, you dimwit. I just want to start using the account again.

Jotham: Are you okay? Did something happen today?

Corban: Why would you assume that something did?

Jotham: First, you agree to come for the charity event, and you're even going to get a tux. Then, you ask that you want to activate the account. Is this about the tux? Do you not have enough money for one?

Corban: No, that's not it. It's my account, isn't it? I can decide to activate it whenever.

Jotham: We are going to have a long conversation after the dinner. I refuse to believe that nothing is wrong with you.

Rather than continue with the back and forth, I ended the conversation and groaned loudly.

It was my fault to think Jotham would let it slide that easily.