ALFRED

As soon as Dad finished his last spoon of eggs, he looked up at Delphine and asked, “Did Alfred give you a clue on how I like my baked beans and coffee?”

Delphine looked surprised. “No, sir… I just made it the way I know how.”

Dad nodded, then said, “Well, it’s exactly how I like it. The beans, the coffee… everything.”

Delphine's face lit up. “Thank you, sir. I’m happy you like it.”

I couldn’t help but smile. I stood up and said, “Dad, excuse us for a few minutes.” Then I led Delphine back into my room.

The moment we got in, I turned to her. “You did it. He actually liked it.”

She smiled. “I’m so happy.”

“But… how did you do it? You said you don’t remember anything. Not even cooking,” I asked, still surprised.

“I used a video I found online,” she said, shrugging slightly. “I just followed what I saw and prayed it turned out right.”

I nodded, honestly impressed. I reached into my drawer and pulled out a small box. “Here,” I said, handing it to her. “Open it.”

She unboxed it slowly and saw a simple but beautiful necklace inside.

“It’s yours,” I said. “A gift… for making that breakfast.”

Her eyes lit up. “Alfred, this is beautiful. Thank you. I noticed you love gifting jewelry a lot.” She grinned and I chuckled.

Later in the afternoon, a maid knocked on my door and told me I had a visitor. I was on my laptop and distracted.

“Let them in,” I said without even asking who it was.

A few seconds later, I heard someone say my name.

“Alfred.”

I looked up. My heart dropped. It was Caesar.

What the hell was he doing here?

I stood up and asked coldly, “What do you want?”

He looked down, clearly embarrassed. “I know you’re angry. I don’t blame you. I just came to apologize before I leave. I’m leaving La Cass city tonight. My flight is at 8.”

I folded my arms. “And you think I care?”

“I know I messed up. But if there’s no sin, there won’t be forgiveness, I’m really sorry, bro.” he said.

I shook my head. “Just leave, Caesar. I don’t want to see you again.”

He sighed, looked at me for a second, and said, “Goodbye, man.” Then he turned and walked away.

I muttered under my breath, “You’ve got guts, Caesar. You really do.”

Later that evening, Dad called me to his study.

“Alfred,” he said, “I need you at the company tomorrow.”

“Okay?” I said, urging him to go ahead.

“You’ll be giving the welcoming speech to our new partners. All 100 of them. Make a good impression. They’re watching.”

I nodded. “Alright, Dad. I’ll do it.”

He gave me a firm look. “Be early. This means everything for the future of the company.”

“I will,” I said. “Whatever it takes to earn your trust back.”

That morning, I was dressed sharply, ready to deliver the most important speech of my life. I had rehearsed every line. This was my shot at finally gaining Dad’s trust.

On my way to the office, I saw someone waving from the side of the road. At first, I wasn’t sure, but then I recognized him — Michael, my old college friend.

I pulled over. “Michael?”

“Alfred? Man, it’s really you!”

“Yeah! It’s been years bro! Look at you!” I embraced him tightly. “What are you doing here?” I asked, spotting the white flaggos A4 car in front of him.

His car had broken down, so I offered him a ride. We laughed and caught up like the old days, talking about school, life, everything. It felt good. I needed that moment of normal.

When I got to his house to drop him off, he insisted I come in. I told him I was headed somewhere important, but he was persuasive.

“No, bro. I was on my way to fix something. I’m running late.” I spoke politely.

“Just ten minutes, man. You can’t come all the way here and not have breakfast. My wife already made something.”

I hesitated but gave in.

“We have tea, sandwiches, pancakes, waffles and oats, with fried lamb. Which would you prefer?” His wife asked me after we exchanged pleasantries.

His wife served tea and sandwiches, and I ate while we talked some more. Then Michael brought out a fancy bottle of alcohol.

“This is my new brand,” he said. “You’ve got to try it.”

I tried to decline, telling him I had somewhere important to be, but he laughed. “Come on, just a sip. Won’t take anything…”

I took a sip. It was smooth. One sip turned into two… then three and five glasses.

The next thing I knew, I was waking up with my head on the dining table. I blinked fast and checked my wristwatch.

“Damn!”

I was two hours late.

TWO HOURS!

I jumped up, grabbed my bag, and dashed for the door. My heart was thumping. Dad’s business partners must have been waiting. I had blown it.

“Alfred! What’s wrong?” Michael shouted, chasing after me.

I didn’t respond. I couldn’t. What would I say? That he made me drink and I passed out?

I rushed to my car and sped off like a madman. Regret slammed into me harder than the wind outside the window.

I had one job.

One shot.

And I just ruined it.