The Dying of the Light

Chapter Twenty-Eight

A/N: Thanks to all my readers for taking this ride with me. I've appreciated all of you and hope you don't hate me too much for making Arthit a widower. ☹ Hang in with me a little longer. Who knows? Maybe there'll be a happy ending after all. 

Several weeks had passed since Kongpob's death. Allowing himself time to grieve, Kerkkrai had taken that time to spend with his family, allowing Mongkut, Tanawat and Channarong to assume the daily running of Suthiluck Corp as a trio with equal power. Given the circumstances, the board agreed wholeheartedly with the decision. However, with the looming board meeting and stockholder gathering, Kerkkrai had no choice but to resume his duties as CEO.

With his heart still hurting from the loss of his only son, he stood in his office, facing the window, staring at nothing. His thoughts wandered lingered upon his son and his fiancé. To say Arthit had been devastated by Kongpob's death would be an understatement. However, he had reluctantly complied with Kongpob's wishes in his will and assumed ownership of his shares in Suthiluck Corp and his position on the Board of Directors. It was only recently that he had resumed his duties at the hospital. At the urging of Kerkkrai and his wife, Arthit had moved in with them so they could help each other heal from their heartbreaking loss.

Kerkkrai's reverie was halted by a soft knock on his office door.

"Sir?" He turned at the sound and walked towards the door. He was greeted by Prem, who had recently returned to after convalescing from his wounds received during the shooting.

"Yes Prem. Have a seat. Thank you coming."

"What can I do for you sir?"

"I wanted to make sure everything was in place for the Board of Directors/Stockholder Gathering this afternoon. Given recent events, it's important that things go as planned."

"Everything is in place and, unless something unexpected happens, things should go according to plan."

Kerkkrai stood and clapped Prem on the shoulder.

"Good. Thank you for all that you've done. Kongpob would be proud of you. He put a lot of faith in you and your team. Thank you for not letting him down."

Prem stood and shook Kerkkrai's hand before exiting the office.

Channarong was reviewing a file at his desk when he heard a mobile phone ringing. He picked up his phone, but it was not ringing. Confused, he froze for a minute before it dawned on him that is his "other" phone that was ringing. He opened his desk drawer and retrieved the phone.

"Yes," said Channarong tentatively as he answered the unknown call.

"I expect that everything is in place for this afternoon." The tone of the caller was abrupt.

Channarong stuttered while responding. "Y-yes, sir. The agenda has been set and my assumption of the presidency is in place. There should be no impediments."

"See that there aren't. Now that the younger Suthiluck has been removed, your ascendency is all that remains."

The unknown caller ended the call. A cold sweat emerged on Channarong's neck. He lifted his hand to his forehead and massaged his temples. He had not heard from his benefactors since Kongpob's death. He knew they were there, but he clung to the notion of "no news is good news."

He picked up the phone and placed his own call. The receiving party picked up the call after the first ring.

"When?"

"Immediately after the meeting. I trust you will be in attendance."

"Of course. I will expect the remainder of my payment at that time."

"That is what we agreed to. I am a man of my word."

The other man laughed bitterly. "You better be."

"How will I know you?"

"I will make myself known, rest assured."

The call was disconnected. Channarong once again massaged his temples and put the phone back in his desk. He called out for his assistant, asking for a cup of coffee. Looking at the clock on his desk, he saw that he still had some time before the Board of Directors meeting. Knowing he would be able to concentrate until it began, he decided to leave the office.

"Anuwat, I'll be out of the office until the meeting this afternoon. If anyone asks, let them know I'll return in time for the meeting and cannot be disturbed."

He continued out of the door without waiting for acknowledgement from his assistant.

A solitary figure stood at a window staring out at the Gulf of Thailand. He picked up a picture and caressed it with his thumb, a tear escaping his eye. He sighed, interrupted by the sound of a door opening.

"What time is it?"

"Twenty minutes after the last time you asked me. Are you that nervous?"

"Not nervous, just anxious."

"Is there a difference?" The second man chuckled and clapped the younger man on his shoulder.

"Relax. I know it's been a very difficult time for you, but it will all be over today. Our efforts have not been for naught. It will all have been worth it. Trust me."

"God, I hope so. What if he doesn't forgive me?"

"He will."

"Do you believe that?"

"Is there another choice?"

The younger man sighed and turned his back to once again stare out the window, pulling the picture to his chest. Tears returned to his eyes. He bowed his head.

"No, there isn't."

"Dr. Rojnapat? Dr. Rojnapat?"

Arthit was sitting in his office staring into a cup of hot tea. His thoughts occupied with Kongpob. His heart clenched as he wiped tears from his eyes. Having finally heard the nurse, he lifted his head and responded.

"Yes, nurse. What can I do for you?"

"You're needed for a consult in Exam Room #3."

"Okay, I'll be right there. I just need a minute, alright?"

"Of course, I'll let them know you're on your way."

She backed out of the office, closing the door behind her. Arthit took a deep breath, willing the tears to stop. Grabbing a tissue from the box on his desk, he wiped his eyes and took a deep breath. He took the picture of he and Kongpob on his desk. It was taken on their first date. He held it in his hands, pulling it to his chest.

"I miss you so much Kong. I love you so much." He took another deep breath, fingered his engagement ring and left the office.