Fading Echoes

Cuatro

Third Person

"Then it's settled. You're leaving tomorrow with the other executives," David informed his brother. Greggy stayed silent, knowing there was no point in protesting. "Sure," was his only response as he stood up from his seat.

He was about to leave his brother's office when David called out again. "I think it would be best if you bring Irene along," David suggested. Greggy just gave him a glance. "I'll check if it fits her schedule," he replied before finally stepping out.

Back in his own office, Greggy immediately started packing up. He wanted to leave early to discuss his sudden business trip with his wife.

"Grace, please keep me updated while I'm away. For urgent matters, contact Dad directly," he instructed his secretary, who nodded in acknowledgment. "Will Miss Irene be going with you, sir? Just so I know who to inform," she asked. Greggy shook his head firmly.

"No, don't involve my wife in business matters," he replied, giving a few more instructions before heading out.

When he arrived home, Irene was nowhere to be found. No one knew where she had gone, and she hadn't left any messages.

"She didn't ask for a driver?" Greggy asked Fred, their household help. Fred shook his head. "No, sir. She left in a hurry around 9:00 AM and hasn't come back since," he answered, glancing at the clock, which now read 5:40 PM.

Greggy sighed and went inside. He tried calling Irene, but her phone just kept ringing.

By 7:00 PM, still with no word from her, he decided to contact their mutual friends, hoping someone might know where she was.

"Maggie, hi, are you with my wife? Fred said she left at 9:00 this morning, and she hasn't returned yet," he explained.

"Oh, Greg, no... I'm not with Irene. We didn't meet up today. I'm actually in Amanpulo with my family," Maggie responded.

"Did she mention anything to you about her plans for the day?" Greg asked, hoping for some information, as he didn't want to worry their families.

"No, but I'll try calling and texting her for you," Maggie assured him. Greggy thanked her before ending the call.

He stared at his car keys, ready to leave and search for her himself, when the front door suddenly opened. Irene had just arrived.

"Irene!" he called out. She had no shopping bags or anything with her, which told him she hadn't been at the mall.

"Where have you been? Why are you home so late? You didn't answer any of my calls or texts, and Fred said you've been out all day," he bombarded her with questions. Irene raised her hands defensively.

"Hey, relax! I'm here now," she replied, dropping her bag onto the sofa and stretching her toes as she removed her shoes.

Greggy stood in front of her, staring as she remained seated.

"Seriously, Irene, where have you been?" he asked in a firm tone. Irene met his gaze, their eyes locking in a way they hadn't for quite some time.

I don't understand why this is suddenly such a big deal. We've always had this unspoken agreement where we don't inform each other about our schedules. The only reason I didn't answer his calls or texts is because my phone was on silent all day.

She exhaled and grabbed her bag, standing up to head toward the stairs. "I just needed some air. There's nothing to do here at home," she said, avoiding further eye contact, eager to retreat to their bedroom.

She made her way to the stairs and heard Greggy following behind her. To her surprise, he continued all the way to their bedroom door.

"What? Why are you following me all the way here?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.