Jason was staring at the professor in shock dismay trying to process all he had just heard.

At twenty-four, Jason Murvelli, a tall young man with a toned skin and a slim athletic build,  was in his fourth and final year in the University, studying Business administration and he was hardly ever focused on his education. He had his life all sorted out right in front of him. His father was the owner of Murvelli Auto corporation, a large firm dealing in manufacture and marketing of articles made of gold, which has an extension where importation and marketing of automobiles as well as assemblage of the same, were carried out.

Jason knew he wouldn't have a problem after he graduates, no matter the status of his final results. He spent much of his time partying and clubbing with friends. He had a host of hobbies which he spent his school hours on but out of all these, he was an addicted gambler.

Jason spent most of his evenings at the casino.  He was so lucky at cards that he placed huge bets and won. So boosted was his confidence until lately. His luck had turned overnight and he started losing, but his passion for gambling wouldn't allow him quit. Within a couple of weeks he had lost half his savings at the casino. With high hopes he kept betting until he was about going bankrupt.

His dad, Mr Anthony Murvelli, usually deposits the sum of N250,000 into Jason's savings account at the beginning of every semester and never expected Jason to demand for more until the next semester. He made sure his only son had all he needed but also wanted him to know the value of money.

"What about the money I last deposited into your account just six weeks ago?" Mr. Murvelli had questioned when Jason spoke to him on the phone just before exams last semester.

"It's finished, dad. I had to run a lot of projects in school which required money and you know that I fell sick just recently." Jason had replied.

"But I believe all of that was already taken care of, haven't they?"

"Yes, but things here at college are very hard and expensive and the lecturers make us spend money unexpectedly, on things we never budgeted for."

"Hmm... You better not be lying to me, young man. I know how extravagantly you live and the kind of friends you keep. You'd better cut on your excesses and face your studies."

Jason could feel the beaming eyes of his dad from miles away, as it was whenever he was giving advice or instructions. He knew how much his dad loved him and what length he'd go just to see his son do well. But he had always wished the old man would simply give him all he wanted, as well as a place in his father's firm, without asking him to go to school first. In all, deep down Jason revered the man.

"I promise I won't let you down, dad." He had sighed into the phone.

"I'm busy now but I'll make a transfer of N100,000 into your account before the end of the day." there was a click and the phone went dead.

"Oh! thank you so much dad," Jason was nearly screaming at the top of his voice never caring for the fact that his dad could no longer hear him.

Five days later he was back at the casino, hoping that his luck was back. Alas, he lost N35,000 and went back home drunk.

The exams came and Jason was convinced he performed badly. He spent his last dime on bribing the lecturers and even had to borrow money from his friends.

"I am talking to you, Jason."
The gruff but authoritative voice of the professor, Prof. Ignatius, brought Jason back to the present.

The professor was a large man who taught financial accounting. He always wore glasses with ropes which fell behind his head. His bald head spiked with little strands of grey hair spoke of amassed knowledge and authority. He was sitting with fingers crossed opposite Jason, with the book-filled desk between the two. He fixed his gaze at Jason from underneath his glasses.

"I mean, what shame do you intend to unleash upon your much respectable father?" The professor continued. "Imagine how hard he must have toiled to attain the height which he graces today. Every child wishes to be like their parents if not better, but surely you do not want the same? Just take a look at your grades from last semester. You barely passed two courses out of eight and I am absolutely certain you must have gone through the back door to bribe those lecturers. Right now your CGPA is nothing to write home about with just three semesters to go. Why? I have been an admirer and friend to your father and I know him to be a honorable and conscientious fellow, and that is why I will advise you to follow his footsteps and not drag his name to the mud!"

Jason could feel the sweat breaking from his forehead despite the powerful air conditioning in the professor's office. He didn't know what to say. There was nothing to say. He had been a failure and he didn't know what to do.

"I will try to do better." Jason could not even recognize his own voice.

"Try?" Prof. Ignatius was getting furious. He uncrossed his fingers and placed them flat on the desk and leaned forward. "You say try? By God you will do better. Now leave my presence and go have some reflections about your life."

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Thank you so much for taking out time to read this first chapter.
It's just getting started and I'm still introducing the characters. Please bear with me and keep reading, the main theme ain't even started yet. It's definitely gonna get better....