The Royal Contract

He went straight to the office to attend an early meeting. He hoped he could be back home before Dani woke up by mid-morning. He had no plan to work the entire day, wanting to devote the rest of the day to his wife.

Then, he received word that one of his interns requested an appointment with him. He almost forgot about him, but, of course, like everyone else, he also deserved his time.

“Sir, Mr. Zachary Andrews is here to see you.” Alona walked into his office, dropping several papers on his desk. “Should I send him in now?” She raised her eyebrows when she saw him rushing his work on his table.

“You know Dani would be furious at me if she wakes up that I am not at her side.” He reasoned to his secretary, answering her unspoken question.

“Then, you should be home and not here working.” Alona knew Dani would never be mad at him, but she envied her for having a devoted husband. “Anyway, about the kid?” She reminded him about the young man waiting outside his office.

“Fine, let him in.” He knew he had to deal with the spoilt son of the Senator sooner or later. He wondered what kind of trouble or complaint he would hear from this man.

.....

If not for his agreement with his father, he would have fired him the first day he had entered his company. But, he was a man of his word. He promised his father that he would give him a shot.

“Good morning, Sir Alex.” The young man entered his office, dressed like all the employees who worked in the mailroom. It seemed he fitted in just fine in that department, at least this time.

He was not underdressed like the first time he came to work nor overdressed in the few times he had seen him around the office. Then, of course, he also noticed that he had toned down his voice as he greeted him with respect.

“What can I do for you today, Mr. Andrews?” He asked, looking at his watch, knowing that every minute counted. He wanted this meeting over in just a few minutes. He did not ever offer the boy a seat, not wanting him to feel comfortable.

“First thing, let me thank you for giving me this chance to learn from you,” Zach calmly spoke, behaving far from the demanding man he had argued with last time.

Suddenly, he was curious about what the man had been concocting in his head with this new tactic. He could not believe that he suddenly had a change of heart. That was not likely from a man like him.

“But I barely thought you anything.” Alex looked at him, suspicious of the young man’s intention. “Anyway, why are you here? I am a little bit pressed for time.”

He had no time for some silly game. Every time he looked at this young man, he reminded him of his cousin, Edward, who did not take anything seriously.

“I understand the need for me to start at the bottom. Honestly, I learned about working hard while I am among my peers.” Zach chose his words carefully, hoping to catch the attention of his boss.

He could see that Alex’s eyes sharpened as he looked at him but continued on his path. He needed to convince his boss to agree to what he was about to say next.

“But I promised that I have learned my lesson. If you give me a chance to work for you as your intern, I promise to do my best. After a week, if I fail to work to your satisfaction, consider your deal with my father paid.” Zach proposed, hoping that Alex would take the bait.

Alex looked at the young man, wondering if he had an interior motive for this proposal. It was indeed tempting. The spoiled brat gave him a way to dissolve his obligation to his father.

“If you believe you are ready to work under me, I will accept your offer.” Alex tapped his chin, thinking before finalizing their new deal. “But if you fail, you are prepared to honor our agreement.” He clarified.

“Of course, I am still a man of my word despite what others might think,” Zach said as he offered his hand for a handshake. “I will do my best to impress you with the new me.”

He learned that Alex was not a man he could easily fool. So, he had to do better in impressing him to get the attention of his high and mighty father. If he could make Alex believe in his capabilities, maybe his father would finally accept that he was more than just his son, carrying his name.

He had worked hard to get high grades and excel in extracurricular activities. But everybody thought he gained them by being the son of one of the most influential leaders in the land.

Of course, he would not deny that he had his fair share of mischief and embarrassing moments. But that was just part of his teenage and young life. Being under constant pressure was not easy for someone like him.

His life had been scrutinized under a microscope by the people around him. Everything he did had to conform to a certain standard, higher than most of his friends. It was a life not suited for a man who would like to live his life the way he wanted it.

“Then, we have a deal.” Alex shook his hand, sealing their arrangement. He believed he had nothing to lose in this new agreement but hoped that this young man was serious about learning because he did not want to waste his time on a loser.

“Last thing, if you will indulge me.” His young intern said as he let go of his hand. “If you don’t mind, please call me Zach Gregory and avoid calling me by my last name.”

“Why?” Suddenly, Alex could not help the curiosity from showing in his voice. “That is a very odd request.”

“I wish to remain anonymous among my working peers. I have already established a good relationship with many of these people.” Zach reasoned, making sure that his explanation sounded believable.

“I don’t want them to feel awkward if they learn I am a Senator’s son.” Contrary to what most people thought of him. He only acted out because of his circumstances. He was ready to change into the man he wished to be.

After working in the mailroom with his hard-working co-employees, he learned the value of life. Now, he did not want any more special treatment.