Episode 3

Markus

I am Markus Meyer, a Lieutenant in the Berlin Armed Forces. I am 24 years old. Since I was a child, I knew what my future would be - to become one of the most important CEOs in the country, as my family owns the largest company in the nation. However, my father not only provided me with education in business administration, economics, and some languages, but also emphasized the importance of building my character based on honor, valor, respect, and serving my nation. With all this, I became a man of high standing with an imposing rank and owner of a considerable fortune.

My father passed away almost 2 years ago, and since then, I have taken on some of my responsibilities in the company. But now, my grandfather demanded that it was time for me to take full control. I had already requested my discharge; I would only spend my last week at the military academy.

"What are you thinking?" Mauricio asked.

"This has been stressful. The plan was for me to take over the company in another 3 years, but hey, at least I'll have more time to meet more women and have as much fun as possible," I replied.

"That's the good thing, even though we could have done that here too," he said.

"I can't believe you also requested your discharge just to accompany me," I said.

"What can I say? Life wouldn't make sense without you," he said sarcastically.

"Idiot," I muttered.

"Maybe this change will make you meet a woman and fall in love," he suggested.

"You know perfectly well I don't believe in those absurd feelings," I replied.

"Yes, I know," he teased again.

Christiane

It has been over a week since that night when I was almost lost. I have visited Mr. Meyer at the clinic many times, and in such a short time, I have developed immense affection for him, like the grandfather I never got to know. The bond and trust were so strong that I couldn't help but share parts of my life and dreams with him.

But a few days ago, his grandson came, and they were able to discharge him. He gave me his address so I could visit him at his house, but I haven't been able to because I'm occupied with helping my father at the cafe and my studies. I arrived at the university and saw my friends sitting on the usual bench. I walked straight towards them.

"Hello, girls," I greeted.

"Hi, Christiane," only one replied.

I noticed they were engaged in an animated and exciting conversation, and I didn't want to get involved. It's probably about the gossip trending today, I thought, lying down on a bench, taking out a book, and starting to read. Later, I went out with Angelika, my best friend, and we saw a black luxurious car and a man who seemed to be the chauffeur across the street.

Immediately, he signaled us... something that seemed strange, but we agreed to go. Suddenly, the chauffeur opened the door, but I never expected the man who stepped out to be none other than Mr. Meyer.

"Hello, Christiane, how are you?" he greeted.

"Hello, Mr. Meyer. I'm doing well, but what a surprise," I replied.

"Did you say Meyer?" my friend Angelika mentioned, surprised.

"Yes, Angelika. He is Mr. Rodolfo Meyer, the one who saved me from those attackers," I explained.

"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Angelika," Mr. Rodolfo said.

"The pleasure is mine. You own the largest and most important company in the country," my friend said, both surprised and excited.

"What?!" I asked, somewhat shocked.

"That's what we were talking about this morning. We saw a news article on social media saying that your grandson has taken over the presidency of the company," Angelika revealed, looking directly at Mr. Meyer.

"Oh, I didn't know you were someone important," I thought, feeling foolish for offering to pay the medical expenses at the clinic.

"Well, Christiane, I still don't understand how you didn't realize," Mr. Rodolfo said.

"I'm sorry. I've been busy with my father and some pending tasks from my studies," I apologized.

"Yes, I also thought about that, which is why I stopped by to invite you for a drink," he offered.

"Of course, I'd be delighted," I replied.

"Can your friend come along?" I looked at Angelika, who nodded happily.

He took me out for lunch at a very luxurious restaurant. We spent almost the entire afternoon laughing; Mr. Rodolfo was someone very special. We said our goodbyes and he asked me to visit him soon.

"Do you plan to go?" Angelika asked.

"I don't know, friend. I don't want there to be any misunderstandings," I replied.

After days of contemplating, I finally decided to go to his house. It was located outside of the city on a beautiful farm with extensive grounds and a stable.

"What a pleasant pleasure to have you here, Christiane," Mr. Rodolfo greeted me.

"Wow, the landscape is beautiful," I exclaimed.

"I knew you would like it."

"I didn't know if I should come," I said somewhat embarrassed.

"Why, Miss Christiane?"

"I didn't want you to think that just because I know you're someone important, it means I have an interest in you now."

"I understand, but I know it's not like that. I am certain that you are a wonderful woman with values."

With those words, I felt relieved that Mr. Rodolfo wouldn't have any wrong impression of me. After a few months of getting to know Mr. Meyer better, he revealed more about himself. He told me that he had once had a beautiful family, a wife whom he loved with his whole being, and children whom he was proud of. But that all changed abruptly when his wife and daughter had a fatal accident on their way home. He said that I reminded him a lot of his little Brigitte, who was my age when that tragedy occurred. He was left with his only son, whom he admired with all his soul. Sadly, his son passed away before he did. Mr. Rodolfo was a great person, but unfortunately, he had suffered a lot. He never got to see his daughter fully become a woman, he couldn't grow old with his beloved, and lastly, his only son died before him.

Three years later, I still continued to visit my courageous gentleman. I would go almost every weekend, fortunately, never encountering his arrogant grandson again after that day at the clinic. Mr. Rodolfo would tell me that his grandson was a very important and busy man who traveled a lot and only came on holidays. I found that very inconsiderate of him, but what more could be expected from such a self-centered person.

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