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REJECTED OFFER

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Synopsis
The Rejected Offer follows Elijah, a man who built an empire but couldn't fill the quiet ache in his soul. Just when he had accepted a life of lonely success, a chance meeting with Maya — a stranger with a familiar warmth — offers him the one thing he never knew he was missing: true love
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Chapter 1 - REJECTED OFFER

REJECTED OFFER

Elijah's Childhood: chapter 1

(FLASHBACK)

Elijah was born into a modest, tight-knit family in a small town. His father, a hardworking mechanic, and his mother, a high school teacher, instilled a sense of responsibility and determination in him from an early age. His parents were loving but strict, always pushing him to do his best, though sometimes their expectations felt like a heavy burden.

Elijah's home was filled with the sounds of hard work and education. His mother would often sit at the kitchen table, grading papers late into the night, while his father tinkered in the garage, fixing cars or building things. The house was small, but it was filled with love, and there was always a sense that family came first.

Elijah had one younger sister, Rachel, who was the opposite of him. Where Elijah was serious, introspective, and driven, Rachel was outgoing, carefree, and rebellious. Their sibling dynamic was complex, with Elijah often feeling protective over her but also somewhat resentful of how she seemed to get away with things that would have earned him a lecture from their parents. Despite this, they shared a bond that was strong, especially when their parents faced difficulties.

School was where Elijah found his true calling, not in academics, but in his ability to understand people. He was a quiet, observant child, preferring to listen rather than speak. He had a few close friends but often felt like an outsider, caught between being a top student and someone who didn't quite fit the mold of social norms in his school. He was always the one chosen for leadership roles, but he never really wanted them—he preferred the comfort of being behind the scenes, solving problems, and making things work.

His love for books was evident from a young age. He would often escape into novels, reading about places far away or different worlds. This became his refuge, as he sometimes felt disconnected from his peers. He found solace in learning, but it was never about showing off—it was his way of making sense of the world.

When Elijah was 12, his father lost his job. The family struggled financially, and his mother had to pick up extra tutoring jobs while his father took on odd jobs to make ends meet. This was the first major crisis in Elijah's life, and it marked a turning point. The pressure of knowing that his parents were struggling made him more determined to succeed. He began to work harder in school, hoping to get a scholarship and ease the financial burden on his family.

At this point, he became much more focused and goal-oriented, though he never shared these feelings with anyone. He internalized his emotions and started to see the world as a place that needed to be fixed or conquered, something he could shape with his own hands. He also began to feel the weight of responsibility for his family's well-being.

His father's blue-collar work ethic had a profound influence on Elijah, but his mother's intellectualism shaped his love for learning. His father taught him practical skills like fixing things around the house, how to think logically, and the importance of hard work. His mother, on the other hand, taught him the importance of knowledge, critical thinking, and nurturing his intellect. They both instilled in him the value of perseverance, but in different ways.

However, there was an unspoken tension in the household. Elijah's father would occasionally express frustration over the lack of opportunities, and his mother, while supportive, was often overwhelmed by her responsibilities. This created an underlying feeling in Elijah that he was somehow responsible for fixing things, for ensuring that his family would rise above their struggles. It was a silent pressure that never left him, even when things seemed better.

At 16, Elijah's world was shaken again when his father became ill with a chronic condition that limited his ability to work. His mother was forced to pick up even more work, and Elijah, now in his senior year of high school, took on a part-time job to help cover the costs. Despite his academic achievements, he felt torn between his studies and his family's needs. This is where his determination to succeed became both a strength and a burden. His desire to escape the small town, where opportunities seemed scarce, grew stronger Elijah worked really hard to get money to support the household at a very young age and also focused on his studies even when there were heavy situations around him, soon a bright path opened for him

Before Elijah left for college, his father's condition worsened, and his family's financial situation became even more strained. Elijah had the opportunity to attend a prestigious university on a scholarship, but it meant leaving his family behind in a difficult situation. It was a decision that tore at him—his desire to build a better future for himself clashed with his responsibility to support his family.

In the end, Elijah chose to leave for college, but he made a silent promise to himself that he would return to help his family once he had the means

College.

Elijah arrived on campus like a shadow. He didn't come to find a tribe or fit into any crowd. His mind was made up: no distractions, no parties, no friendships he'd have to carry or explain. The offer he once made—the one that was rejected—had closed something inside him. He turned the pain into purpose.

He rented a tiny room off-campus, barely big enough for his books and bed. He kept his schedule ruthless. Wake before dawn. Study while the world still slept. Work two shifts at the library. Attend every lecture. Review every note. Rinse and repeat.

He was always present, always silent. Professors came to recognize his name for his grades, not his voice. Classmates learned not to bother inviting him—he wouldn't come. While they laughed in dorm lounges, Elijah memorized market trends and built prototypes no one saw.

His isolation became a fortress. And within it, he grew.

By junior year, he was already consulting for small businesses. By senior year, he had turned a class project into a pitch that got funded. He graduated without a single close friend, but with more than one offer waiting on his desk.

No one clapped for him when he left school. He didn't need them to.

(FLASHBACK ENDS)

Elijah sat alone in his quiet office, high above the city skyline. The glass walls gave him a view most people only dreamed of, but tonight, the lights below couldn't distract him. His thoughts were far away—not in the present, not among the awards on the shelf or the company bearing his name.

They were back in a time no one ever asked about.

The office clock ticked. Elijah leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. People called him a self-made man. He never argued. But deep down, he knew the truth: he didn't build this life because he never got the offer—he built it because his was rejected.

And still, there was a pause in his soul. A pause that even success couldn't fill.

But he wasn't ready to admit that yet.

Not tonight

Elijah had spent years building his empire, a successful business that was now recognized globally. His childhood dreams had turned into a reality through hard work, resilience, and countless sacrifices. But in the quiet moments, when the noise of his achievements faded, he couldn't help but think back to the simpler days. Days when he wasn't consumed by the weight of success, but instead, by the innocence of youthful dreams. He had often wondered why, despite being well-known and admired, he still found himself alone.

He had never settled down, never found that one person who could make him feel whole. There were women, of course—plenty of them—but none who ever captured his heart.

Now, as he sat in his favorite café—his haven from the chaos of his public life—he was reminded of his past. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the soft hum of the barista behind the counter, and the warm glow of the vintage lamps. This was where he came to find peace, away from the cameras and the endless meetings. It was here that he could just be Elijah, not the face of a thriving company.

That day, as he walked into the café, he noticed someone new. She was sitting alone at a corner table, her eyes focused on a book in front of her, a soft smile tugging at her lips as she read. There was something about her—something unique. She wasn't like the women he was used to seeing in high society, who were often caught up in their own games and agendas. No, Maya had a quiet strength about her, an air of mystery that drew him in.

He couldn't explain it, but she felt familiar. It was as though he had known her in another life, or perhaps, he had simply remembered her from his past. He watched her for a moment longer, then shook his head, wondering why she stirred something deep within him.

As fate would have it, their eyes met just as he was about to leave. He smiled politely, but she returned it with an unexpected warmth. For a second, time seemed to slow, and Elijah felt something he hadn't felt in years: connection.

The next time he saw her, she was at the same table, reading the same book. This time, he didn't hesitate. He walked over, his curiosity pushing him forward.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked, his voice steady, though his heart raced slightly.

She looked up, her eyes widening for just a moment before she nodded. "Sure," she said, her voice smooth and welcoming. "I don't mind at all."

As they began talking, Elijah felt a strange comfort in her presence. She didn't care about his success or his name. She asked questions, shared her own stories, and laughed without reservation. There was no pretension, no expectations. It was just two people talking as if they had known each other for years.

In that moment, Elijah realized something: He had never truly known peace until now, when he was sitting across from someone who wasn't impressed by his achievements. She saw him as he was—flawed, human, and real. And in that simplicity, he found something he had been missing all along.

As they parted ways that day, Elijah couldn't stop thinking about Maya. He wasn't sure yet what this connection meant, but he knew one thing for certain—he wanted to see her again.

Chapter 2 :Home echos

Elijah left the café that morning with a strange ache he couldn't name. Maya had only said a few words to him—polite, kind, but distant. Still, something about her presence had rooted itself deep in his mind. The sound of her voice as she read quietly, the curve of her brow when she concentrated on her book, the gentle way she brushed her hair behind her ear—it all clung to him like a song he couldn't forget.

He walked back to his car, coffee in hand, pausing at the door. He turned once, hoping for one last glance. But the window where she had been sitting was now hidden behind the reflection of passing clouds.

Back at his office, Elijah tried to focus on his schedule—meetings, business calls, decisions that required attention. But between moments, his thoughts wandered back to the café. Would she be there again? Was she just passing through or was she a regular?

The next morning, he returned. Not for the coffee. Not even for the peace the place offered. But for the chance just the chance that she might be there again.

But she wasn't.

He returned the next day. And the next. Each time, scanning the room the moment he stepped in.

No Maya.

And yet, Elijah kept coming back, day after day, like a man hoping the tide would return something the sea had quietly taken.

Elijah hadn't been back to the house in weeks. Not because he didn't want to—but because walking through that door always carried the weight of silence. The kind of silence that used to be filled with his father's voice, his laughter, the firm but gentle presence that made everything steady.

Now, it was just his mother, Miriam, and his younger sister, Eliana. They were his everything.

He knocked anyway, out of habit, and Eliana pulled the door open, her arms flying around his neck.

"About time," she murmured against his shoulder, her voice catching slightly.

"I missed you too, Elle," Elijah said, holding her tighter than he meant to.

Inside, their mother sat at the kitchen table, a steaming mug of tea in front of her, fingers gently wrapped around it as if drawing warmth from it.

"Elijah," she said softly, looking up. Her smile was tender but tired, the kind of smile that carried years of love and recent grief.

He crossed the room and bent to kiss her forehead. "Hey, Mama."

She placed her hand on his cheek and held it there for a second longer than usual. "You look more like him every day," she said, her voice breaking just a little.

Elijah sat beside her, his voice low. "I try to be like him, Mama. But sometimes I don't know if I'm doing it right."

"You are," she said immediately, no hesitation. "Your father would be proud of you. He was proud of you, Elijah. Every single day."

Eliana joined them, sitting across the table. "It's not the same without him," she whispered. "The house feels... different."

Elijah nodded. "I know. I feel it too. But I keep hearing his voice when I make decisions. Like he's still here, guiding me."

Their mother blinked back tears. "He is still here. In you. In the way you carry yourself. In the way you care."

They sat in silence for a while, the kind that didn't need to be filled. Then Miriam reached out and took both her children's hands in hers.

"I may not have your father anymore," she said softly, "but I have the two of you. And that means I still have the world."

Elijah gave a small, aching smile. "I'm not going anywhere, Mama. Not ever"

Chapter 3: slient stones

The warmth of his mother's kitchen faded into a heaviness as time passed. The teacups had gone cold, and silence wrapped around the three of them like a thick wool blanket. Elijah knew what was coming before anyone spoke. He could feel it in the way Eliana kept fidgeting with the sleeve of her hoodie, and the way his mother kept her eyes downcast, like bracing for pain.

"Elijah," Eliana finally said, her voice quieter than before. "The memorial. It's in two weeks."

He stilled.

His mother's hand twitched around her mug. She didn't speak.

Elijah swallowed. "Right."

"It's been a year," Eliana added. "Feels like yesterday, doesn't it?"

"I know," he said, but his voice came out hollow.

His mother finally looked up at him, her eyes glassy but firm. "I don't want it to be a big thing. Just family. Some words. Maybe… maybe that song he loved."

Elijah nodded slowly, but something in him tightened. "I'll handle it."

"Elijah…" Eliana leaned forward. "You don't have to carry it all."

"I'm not," he said too quickly. "I just want it done right."

The room fell into stillness again. Even the ticking clock on the wall seemed to pause.

His mother looked at him then, really looked, like she could see the storm beneath his calm. "You haven't let yourself grieve, son. Not really."

"I have my way," Elijah said, but the words felt brittle.

Eliana's eyes shimmered. "I just miss him so much. Sometimes I still wait for his knock at the door."

Elijah's throat closed. He stood up suddenly, the chair legs scraping against the floor. "I need some air."

Neither of them stopped him as he stepped out into the night, the cool breeze doing little to ease the ache in his chest.

after hours of staying outside he went inside to close his tired eyes even still the heaviness in his heart remained

The next morning, Elijah drove out early, before the city stirred. The cemetery sat at the edge of town, quiet and grey beneath a dull sky. He parked far from the entrance and walked the gravel path alone.

His father's grave was simple—just the way he would've wanted it. No show, no grandeur. Just a name, a date, and a legacy carved into stone.

Elijah stood there for a long while, hands in his pockets, eyes fixed on the name: Thomas Grant.

"I wish you could see me now, Dad," he whispered. "All the things I've done. The man I've tried to become. You always believed in me… even when I didn't."

He crouched down, brushing a few dried leaves away from the base of the stone. His fingers lingered on the cold marble.

"I met someone," he added softly. "Not sure why I'm telling you. She reminds me of something I can't name. Maybe peace. Maybe something else."

And then… the wind shifted. And in that quiet moment, memory returned.

(Flashback)

Elijah was twelve, sitting on the porch steps with his knees pulled up to his chest. The sky was turning orange with dusk, and the air smelled like fresh-cut grass and summer rain.

His father sat beside him, quietly peeling an apple with his pocketknife. "Rough day?" he asked, his voice calm.

Elijah didn't answer right away. Then he muttered, "I don't think I'm good at anything."

His father looked over, handed him a slice of apple. "You don't have to be good at everything," he said. "You just have to care enough to keep trying."

Elijah stared at the apple slice, then took it. "But what if trying isn't enough?"

His father chuckled gently. "Trying is enough, son. It's what builds character. And one day, someone's going to look at you and see something you can't even see yet."

Elijah leaned into his father's side. "You really think so?"

"I know so," his father said, resting his hand on Elijah's shoulder. "You're my boy. And I see greatness in you—even if you don't yet."

(Present day)

Elijah blinked back the tears that suddenly filled his eyes. "You were right, Dad. I'm trying. I really am."

He stood slowly, brushing his palm over the top of the stone. "I'll make you proud. Every day."

And with that, he turned and walked away—alone, but no longer empty.