In the world of billionaires, Ryan Mendez was a name that commanded both awe and fear. As the CEO of a global empire, his life seemed perfect....money, power, and influence at his fingertips. But beneath the polished surface lay a shadowed past, one...
"I DON'T CARE!" I shouted. "What do you mean, you can't find him? I don't care where he's hiding, do whatever it takes. Just find Travis! And I TOLD YOU NOT TO KILL HIS MEN! I hired you for a reason!" My voice roared, my throat straining with anger.
"Damien sir, please calm down. We've increased security as you instructed. We're working day and night. We will find him before he finds us" my private investigator assured me over the phone.
"That won't be enough. He's cleverer than we think. But... THIS IS MY REVENGE! I'LL HAVE IT BEFORE I TAKE MY LAST BREATH!" I hung up and threw my phone onto the couch in frustration.
That bastard has been hiding for years, like a rat in a burrow.
I groaned, rubbing my temples. I couldn't give up. Mom meant everything to me. I WON'T GIVE UP.
I snatched my phone back from the couch and dialed Aaron’s number.
After a few rings, he answered. "In my office, now," I ordered and hung up before he could reply.
Within minutes, Aaron walked in with a blank expression and a cup of coffee in his hands.
"I know you're exhausted..your voice says it all" He said, handing me the cup.
He took a seat in front of my desk while I settled into my chair.
"Hmm, so it was the PI who pissed you off?" he guessed.
My mind-reader buddy.
I sighed. "You know it all, don't you?" I took a sip of coffee. "Why does your face look so gloomy?" I asked, noticing his unusually blank expression.
He shook his head, avoiding my gaze. "Nothing more important than our mission" he said, putting down his cup and standing up.
He picked up the file labeled 'Travis' and flipped through it.
"What is it, Rony?" I asked, sensing something off. He was too quiet today. "Ugh, I don't want to talk about it."
"How simple for you, Rey! Rose confessed, and you two started dating casually, but IT’S NOT THE SAME FOR EVERYONE!" He slammed the file back on the table, his frustration boiling over.
I stayed quiet, letting him vent. He’s my best friend. He has the right to yell.
He slumped back into his seat, placing his hands on his forehead. "Sorry, it's just... I’m too busy for people who actually want to spend time with me."
I nodded. "Because of my mission."
He shook his head. "Our mission" He corrected me. "Aunt Amanda was more than a mother to me...she loved me like her own son."
I smiled at his words, feeling the weight of our shared loss. I briefed him on the situation and warned him to be prepared for any sudden moves from Travis.
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Roselyn's POV:
In the evening, after I got home from the office, I sat down, took a deep breath, and checked my phone. I thought of calling Eva, she's always the one to brighten my day.
After a few rings, she picked up. "Hey, Evss, it's been so long! Why don’t you come over after the libra-" I stopped when I heard soft sniffles.
"Evss? Baby, are you crying?" The concern filled my voice.
Her sniffles grew louder.
"Wait, I’m coming to the library," I said, hanging up quickly and shoving my phone into my bag. I rushed toward the library.
When I arrived, I saw her curled up on the steps outside, knees pulled to her chest, her head resting on them. I ran to her and hugged her tightly.
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"What happened?" I asked gently, but she kept her head down.
She finally looked up at me, and my heart shattered. My bubbly, joyful Eva was in tears.
"Eva?" I whispered.
"Rose, I can't tell you. Please, just go. Leave me alone," she sobbed.
"No. Tell me if I mean something to you," I insisted. I held her hands and led her to the garden.
She sat in silence, her hands resting on her thighs, her face still red and puffy from crying.
"Here’s your favorite cookies and cream," I said, handing her the ice cream.
She managed a small, sad smile. "Thanks for comforting me, Rose."
"Now tell me. We’ll figure it out together, whatever it is," I urged.
She looked up at me. "First, tell me...am I immature?" Her voice trembled again.
"Absolutely not! Who told you that nonsense?" I replied firmly.
Though she could be a bit childish at times, there was nothing immature about her.
"Oh, so I’m not?" she asked, seeking reassurance.
"Of course not. Now, get to the point, babe," I coaxed. "Just tell me."
