Save the Billionaire

Chapter 19

Carl's POV

In the afternoon, I couldn't find my Iris. We usually see each other during the day even though I'm very busy, but today was different. I always knew where she is and she wasn't even answering her phone, didn't leave barley tea on my desk like she usually does, and didn't have lunch with me.

I asked her coworker about her, and she told me that Iris had taken the day off. Worried, I postponed all my schedules in the afternoon. I decided to go look for her on this sunny day. I got in my car and drove around until I spotted her walking on the street. I called out to her, and she looked surprised but waved happily.

Once she was seated in the car, I couldn't help but express my concern. "Why didn't you answer your phone?" I asked her, wanting to know what had happened.

"I'm sorry." she said apologetically. She forgot to mention something important. Today marks the anniversary of her late best friend's passing.

She has a tradition of doing something meaningful things for her on this day, as a reminder to cherish life to the fullest. Today, she booked a cooking class because she doesn't know how. It was time for her to know how to cook she added.

With a sweet smile, she invited me to join her, noting that I didn't seem busy at the moment. Her invitation warmed my cold heart, and I readily agreed to accompany her.

She happily bustled around our kitchen counter, practically bouncing with excitement as she prepared the ingredients for our cooking class. And me? Well, I was just along for the ride, content to let her take the lead and soak in her enthusiasm. Sure, I know my way around a kitchen, but today was all about her – her cooking class, her time to shine.

As she chopped the vegetables, she began to share the story behind why her friend had passed away. Now, this cooking class turns it into a full-blown therapy session. 

I really don't care what others say about their past. We all have our dark history and I hate listening to those people being all crappy about their fucking trauma but for this woman, I'll sit through.

It was actually Holly, Pearl, and Iris – a trio inseparable from kindergarten till their high school days. They were the epitome of friendship, doing everything together and sharing every moment, both big and small.

One fateful day, Holly had to stay behind at school to finalize preparations for their upcoming summer performance. So, Iris and Pearl walked home together, their laughter filling the air as they strolled down the sidewalk.

Then, in the blink of an eye, tragedy struck. Without warning, Pearl dashed across the road, leaving Iris frozen in shock on the other side. Tears streamed down Iris's face as she recounted the horrifying events that unfolded before her eyes.

She watched helplessly as a car collided with Pearl, sending her friend tumbling through the air. Iris could only stand there, her screams merging with the cacophony of voices around her.

"I felt a surge of panic rising within me, desperate to rush to Pearl's side." she recounted. "But before I could move an inch, an old man reached out and grabbed hold of me, by pulling my bag," She added.

"As I stumbled backward, my heart pounding in my chest, I realized how narrowly I had escaped a similar fate. The blaring horns of a truck hitting the break in front of me." she continued.

If it hadn't been for the quick actions of the old man, she might have met the same fate as her dear friend Pearl. As she recounted the harrowing events of that tragic day, tears streamed down her face, her voice choked with emotion. Those around her in the cooking class couldn't help but notice her distress, their sympathetic glances reflecting her sobs.

She struggled to maintain her composure, her breaths coming in ragged gasps as she relived the heart-wrenching memory. Despite the overwhelming pain, she persisted in telling her story and chopping away the rest of the vegetables.

She thought if she had grabbed Pearl in that crucial moment, perhaps she could have prevented the tragedy that followed. But instead, she was left grappling with the devastating realization that her inaction had cost her friend her life.

The driver was a mother screaming on top of her head. She was driving speedily from her office because Her baby's life hung in the balance in the emergency room, and she was determined to get there as quickly as possible.

Turning to me, she posed a question, her voice heavy with grief. "Do you know why Pearl ran across the street?" It was a question that didn't need an answer, the reason clear in her mind.

"She crossed the street because of a kitten in the road," she answered softly, her words tinged with sorrow. "I couldn't blame the mother and the kitten," she added, her voice trailing off as she recounted the tragic events that had unfolded.

"She crossed the street because of a kitten in the road," she uttered the words with disbelief. She then said, "She died at the hospital."

Tears streamed down Iris's face as she cried, her sobs echoing in the room. Around us, the curious glances of onlookers mingled with hushed murmurs of confusion.

I presumed this is the main reason why you're so scared of crossing the street. You always either clasp your own hands if you're alone or hold someone's arm while crossing the street.

Refusing to leave her side, I enveloped her in a tight embrace, offering silent support as Iris grieved. The teacher approached with concern, but I reassured her that everything was fine. Together, we stood, holding her, until Iris's tears subsided and she calmed in the comfort of my arms.

Iris felt a pang of guilt towards her fellow cooking classmates for making them feel uncomfortable. "Sorry, guys," she murmured, her voice tinged with regret. "I was just telling him about a very sad movie. It was a tearjerker. Don't worry, we're not having a break-up in a cooking class. That's not cool," she added, her tone earnest and apologetic.

A wave of relief washed over the room as her classmates exchanged smiles, tension was relieved.

After the cooking class, I suggested to her, "I know where you'll cheer up."

"Really?" she asked, her eyes brightening with curiosity.

As we left the class, a smile spread across her face as we approached the old amusement park we had visited together before.

However, her smile faded when she noticed the absence of people inside. "Is it already completely closed?" she asked, her disappointment evident in her voice.

"I rented the whole place," I informed her, hoping to bring back some excitement. Actually, I bought the whole place and convinced the owner with the price I offered. I realized she liked this old amusement park so I bought it.

I told him to temporarily cancel the demolition and to continue operating until I said so.