Love, Lies and the Price of Trust

“I'm hungry. What do I want to eat now?”

Mercy got up and walked to her fridge, only to realize there was nothing left that she could eat. She decided to go out and buy some bread.

She got to a supermarket in her estate, picked up the bread, and decided to buy a few other things she needed. While shopping, she accidentally bumped into a good-looking young man. He was tall and dark, dressed in a vintage shirt and black trousers.

“So sorry, sir,” she quickly apologized.

“It’s fine. I wasn’t paying attention either. I’m sorry,” he replied.

“Anyway, I’m Jacob. What’s your name?”

“I’m Mercy.”

“Nice meeting you.”

“My pleasure.”

They went their separate ways.

Jacob worked for a tech firm known for its timely delivery and excellent innovations. Mercy’s father, on the other hand, owned a large tech company. Because of his influence and reputation, his company often secured bigger contracts than its competitors, including the firm Jacob worked for.

Mercy was deeply involved in her father’s business. She gave everything she had to its growth and dreamed of building an empire from the legacy her father had created. Her father fully supported her, believing it was every parent’s joy to see their child achieve even greater things.

One day, one of the biggest consulting firms in the country announced that it was looking for a tech company to develop an advanced workflow app for its workforce.

Several companies submitted proposals, including Mercy’s father’s firm.

After submitting their proposal, Mercy was leaving the consulting firm when she bumped into Jacob again.

“Do you work here?” she asked.

“No, I came to see a friend,” Jacob replied.

They exchanged contacts, and soon, they began talking every day.

Their friendship grew into something deeper. Mercy became so comfortable with Jacob that she told him almost everything about herself and her family, including how her father’s company operated and her plans to build on his legacy.

Jacob also shared many things about his life, except his job. Whenever Mercy asked what he did, he simply told her he was a remote worker.

Mercy eventually told him about their strategy for winning the consulting contract.

Weeks later, Mercy returned home furious.

“Dad, I think Anchor Tech always knows our plans. I believe we have a mole in the company.”

Her father smiled calmly. “Don’t worry. If the contract is yours, it will come to you.”

Still angry, Mercy went to her room and called Jacob.

“You don’t sound happy. What happened?”

She told him everything.

Jacob tried to comfort her and invited her to meet him because he had something important to confess.

When they met, Jacob took a deep breath.

“I’ve hidden something from you. I work for Anchor Tech.”

Mercy froze.

“We’ve been trying to win the contract your father’s company is bidding for,” he continued. “And I gave them the information you shared with me—your plans and strategies.”

when I saw you at the consulting firm, I wanted coming to say hello earlier but I was with my boss and he said if I could get closer to you and gain information from you, he was going to return the favour.

Mercy’s heart sank. The man she trusted had betrayed her.

Jacob fell to his knees, begging for forgiveness.

“I know what I did was wrong. But I couldn’t keep hurting you. I’ve fallen in love with you.”

I was blinded with promises from my boss and the fear of loosing my Job.

The next day, Jacob submitted his resignation letter. He told Anchor Tech that winning a contract should be based on professionalism, not deception.

He later sent Mercy a message, informing her that he had resigned and revealing everything Anchor Tech was working on.

But Mercy never replied.

Now, one question remained:

Could she forgive Jacob? And even if she did, could she ever trust him again?