A Way To My Dream

Chapter 22: I love everything about you, except the fact that you're not with me

"I love everything about you, except the fact that you're not with me."

3 months had passed since the day Liquan had gone missing. 3 months, however, feels 3 long years for some who long for her.
He thinks about her when Christmas night came. Before she's gone missing, he was euphoric he will be celebrating Christmas eve with her. His Christmas wouldn't be cold anymore. He was badly mistaken. Fate didn't allow him to celebrate the two special occasion with her. No gifts would be fine, as long as he get to see her smile.

Ashley grieved for his dying heart. Day to night, he would constantly think about her whereabout and her well- being. He doesn't know anymore. The longer he did not see that kid, the more his heart ache.

Ashley becomes more distant and cold. He doesn't talk to his family that much. He doesn't talk to people it if wasn't so important. When it came to his business, he becomes more ruthless and cunning. He becomes more perfectionist than ever. He seldom rests. He's frequently fly back and forth for his business related matter. He choose to be that way to somehow forget about her for even just a day. How love can be too painful for him.

When it comes to the trainees, they still stay in his place. He lets David to supervise their progress and everything. He mainly distance himself from there since the place remind him of her. The last time he saw her team, they were crying for her disappearance. He even had this sudden urge to knock Changying down when he remembered what she does to Liquan. He came to know they became good friends. He was reminded again of how kind Liquan is. Until now, he still don't know what truly happened to her. No one saw her after she went missing. During the first month, he was truly devastated. He doesn't know how to inform Leona's family. How will he inform them? Even he feels broke, how much more Leona's family. After a week of contemplation, he flew to Long Town. The small town seemed to never change. Cows, sheep, and horses were everywherez-- like the first time he went there.

He doesn't want to do it, but it's the only thing he could do for Leona's family. To inform them of th situation.

He's nerves were unsteady. Cold sweats creeps against his back. Never has he ever think he'd come to see them only to bring bad news.

At last, he meet the family. Leona's parents was great, very welcoming- hospitable. Her brothers were funny and witty. He doesn't want to ruin their happy day, he had no choice. He told them what happen to Leona. He gets to see her mother cries, hysterically. The family was devastated. Mr. Stratford comfort his wife, telling her everything will be all right and to trust their daughter. Ashley promised them, he will never stop looking for their daughter. To assure them of his honesty and good intention, he gave them his biggest company's ownership certificate and the whole document. It was 3/4 worth of his net worth all over China. It was their guarantee. But, surprisingly yet unsurprisingly, they did not accept it.

"We're not selling our daughter." His father, Ms. Stratford sternly said.

"I did not meant to be like that. I'm sorry if I have offended you." He nervously said. He was about to grovel when her mother stoo him.

"Thank you for your effort to come here. We trust you. Find my daughter. She's not use of staying out in alone." Mrs. Stratford cried, pleading.

He left their house with more determination and conviction to find her.

Another month had past, there's still no news about her from his investigator. He was out of choices, he employed his underground connection in able to find her. His best and resourceful fighters was more than willing to do as their boss bids. But even his best underground investigator did not able to find her. They did have acquired some clues, but it was vague. He became ballistic. He didn't want to stop. His faith, although he didn't want to admit, started to falter.