Creating Memories

Chapter Fourteen

As the shareholders gathered around the long table, Vegas held the center seat, a position of authority. Among them were Porsche, representing the main family, and Tay, whose altered appearance caught Vegas's attention. After the formalities of the meeting concluded, they migrated to a larger meeting room, where the company had laid out refreshments.

Amid the conversation between Porsche and Vegas, Porsche noticed Tay approaching them.

"Hi, Tay!" Porsche greets Tay. Vegas looks around and there's Tay standing an arm away from him. Tay looks at Porsche, "Hi, Porsche," then he looks at Vegas, "Hey, Vegas," he paused, "Can we chat in private for a moment?"

Vegas was surprised but he nodded, amiable as ever. "Sure. When works best for you?"

"Now, if that's alright," Tay replied promptly.

Porsche, sensing the need for privacy, excused himself from the conversation before leaving Vegas and Tay alone. With a curious expression, Vegas turned his attention to Tay. "What is it?"

Tay hesitated briefly before suggesting, "Could we discuss it in your office?"

Vegas agreed, leading the way out of the bustling room toward his office, ready to hear what Tay had to say.

Vegas and Tay stepped into Vegas' office. Vegas gestured for Tay to take a seat on the sofa while he settled into a love chair nearby. There was a moment of quiet as they both got comfortable.

"So, what do you want to talk about, Tay?" Vegas inquired, his voice calm but curious.

Tay paused, gathering his thoughts before speaking up. "I... I want to sell my share in the company to you, Vegas."

Vegas was taken aback by the sudden request. "Sell your share? Why?" he asked, his brow furrowing with concern.

Tay met Vegas' gaze steadily. "I need to focus on my family's business. We're expanding abroad, and I'll be moving to the Philippines to be the CEO of our hotel branch there. I won't be able to attend the quarterly meetings anymore."

Vegas fell silent, processing the news. He knew the new branch of Tay's family hotel in the Philippines and Tay opened up the offer to him to manage the hotel there when they were still together.

"How long will you be gone?" Vegas finally asked, his tone tinged with resignation.

"At least two years, depending on how things go," Tay replied earnestly.

Vegas sighed heavily, understanding the weight of Tay's decision. "I see," he said softly. "I'll instruct my secretary to handle the arrangements for the share transfer."

"Thank you, Vegas," Tay said gratefully.

The air between them grew heavy with unspoken emotions. Tay reached into his inner pocket and placed a small box on the table. Vegas opened it to find a familiar ring inside – the one he had given to Tay when he proposed.

"I forgot to return it to you," Tay admitted, his voice tinged with regret.

Vegas shook his head. "You didn't have to," he replied quietly.

Tay insisted, "But I should."

Vegas closed the ring box and set it aside, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "So, you're really leaving," he remarked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Tay nodded solemnly. "Yes."

Vegas offered a small smile. "I hope everything goes well for you in the Philippines, and with your family's business."

"Thank you, Vegas. I hope so too," Tay said sincerely. "And I hope you find your happiness," Tay told Vegas.

"I'm fine on my own," Vegas insisted, "I guess I'm meant to be alone,"