Love after Death (S1) [Completed]

Chapter 1: Shadow on the Tenth Floor

PRESENT DAY

Liam's POV

I woke up with a gasp, breathing heavily and drenched in sweat. I sat up in bed and ran my fingers through my hair with shaky hands.

It had been a very long time—seven years, to be exact—but why did that nightmare still feel so real? Every small detail of that day was etched into my memory. In the years that had passed, I could never fully comprehend what I I was supposed to do. I had no choice but to go with the flow of life.

Having that nightmare today didn't surprise me. Tomorrow is a very important day—my first day as the CEO of my father's company. I was promoted just last week, so tomorrow will be my first real test of that responsibility.

I checked my nightstand and sighed in frustration. There were only three hours left before my alarm, and I knew I wouldn't be able to fall back asleep.

I stood up and went to the small kitchenette inside my room to pour myself a glass of water. I felt a draft on my face; I must have left one of the windows open.

"How are you, my love?" I whispered to the wind.

I took a deep breath and looked at the clock on the wall. I still had a couple of hours before work and desperately needed a distraction, so I started my workout. After that, a quick shower, and I began getting ready for my big day.

I put on a sky-blue long-sleeve shirt, an expensive brown necktie, a black tuxedo, and matching black slacks. Checking myself in the mirror, my dark brown hair was perfectly styled. I chose not to wear any powder, letting my chocolate-brown eyes stand out.

"Mom."

"You look perfect, my son."

"Thanks. Where is Michael?" I asked, noticing my older brother was missing.

"Still at the hospital. He didn't come home last night because one of his patients needed him," she said, looking down. "You know he still blames himself for what happened."

"What's for breakfast?" I quickly changed the subject and sat across from her.

I noticed three pieces of malunggay bread and a cup of hot chocolate sitting in front of an empty chair. I smiled sweetly at the empty seat before looking at my mother.

"Have you taken your meds, Mom?" I asked while chewing. She simply nodded. "Dad said you need to see his private doctor. Does your knee still hurt?"

"Not anymore. Your brother's care is enough," she whispered, looking down again.

"Mom?" I called out. She looked at me, eyebrows raised, as she took a sip from her cup. I immediately stood up and grabbed it from her. "This is black coffee."

"I'm not going to die from it, and—"

"Roselyn!" I barked at the maid standing behind Mom.

"Didn't I tell you not to include black coffee on the grocery list? Why didn't you follow my instructions?"

"I'm sorry, Sir. Madam insisted—"

"Would you buy poison just because Mom asks for it?!" I cut her off, frustration building in my chest. "What are you waiting for? Throw this away!" I shouted, and they scrambled to obey.