A Glimpse of Past

Chapter 7.2

At Joseph Riddlestone's Office.

Uncle offered tea to me and sat on the black leather couch. I removed my sunglasses.

"So, how's your well planned 1 year vacation?", he asked, smiling.

"Refreshing, indeed.", and sips the tea. "Uncle...", my voice changed, clearly being worried. "About Ayne?"

He smiled, "She's alright. I guess the anxiety attacks are getting more harsh on her. I already told Mat about it. But please, encourage her that her ability is a miracle.".

I smiled, "I am and I will.".

We had a long conversation, especially with his son's life update. He also told me that he also went to Italy for a press conference for teachers. A loud knock stops our conversation. A young male doctor entered and looked at me but not bothered. I smiled at him but he looked at me in question, raising his left eyebrow. Then, he looked back to Uncle.

I am left unable to comprehend. He doesn't know me at all?

"Oh, Franco!", my Uncle greeted.

"I would like to remind you that the meeting will start in 10 mins.", the guy, Franco, calmly told.

"Oh, right!", Uncle said, shocked. He faced at me, "I'm sorry. I forgot that I have a meeting to attend. Are you alrig–", he worriedly ask, but before he can fish, I already spoke up.

"Oh, I'm alright, Uncle. No worries. I also need to visit my parents.", I smilingly said. He went first and I finished drinking the tea.

~ *-* ~

At Crimsoft Residence.

"I am home!", I greeted as I enter the house. Its is still the same. From slightly rough marble floor to old ancient flowery style of couches to high ceilings decorated by a large chandelier in the center. No one talked. I entered the kitchen area, but there was no one. I decided to go to the yard and I saw my parents standing and talking while sightseeing the mountains from afar. I quickly ran towards them and hugged them at the back. My mom quickly hugged me back but my father just stand.

I hastily apologized.

"Did you know that your mother and I are—", my dad said but before he continued, I hugged him tightly and kept on apologizing.

I felt the deep sigh he released.

"By the way, I have gifts.", and about to go to the living area but my dad stopped me.

"Let's talk, first." my dad became serious.

We sat on the chairs found in the lounge area of the yard.

"I have something to say.", dad started, serious. A nerve wracking feeling runs through my body and I can't stay still. My legs are trembling. I haven't seen my dad so serious like this, from his eyebrows down to his eyes. He breathe deeply and started talking, "I want you to take over my company.".

I was left unable to comprehend. I just laughed and tried to forget everything he said.

"It's so funny dad. Your addictions to drama are starting to control your mindset, dad.", still laughing.

"I'm serious, Ann.". He looked at me through his eyes and I can feel what he's associating me into.

Now, I'm in his world. The world he grew. The world where it manufactures, preserves, and exports food.