25

Chapter 25

I just received a call that Richard's parents are missing in the middle of the ocean and their private yacht is found in ruins. They say that chances of survival are slim, especially when they found fragments of the lifeboat nearby. Right now they are looking for any clues that might lead them to the passengers.

According to the reports, a nearby ship received a  signal from the boat being caught in a massive storm but was it was already too late when the coast guards arrived. Search and recovery are still ongoing.

I relayed the news to Richard and he didn't say a word yet. I hugged him tightly and suggested that he should head home and take a break while waiting for official reports. As we made our way to the elevator, curious glances followed us from nearby cubicles. Upon reaching the lobby, we were met with a swarm of reporters eager for the latest scoop.

"Richard! What will happen to the company once they confirmed your parents death?"

"Will you be the next CEO?"

"What is the conglomerate's succession plan?"

"People are saying that Mr. Pearson is in line to be the CEO of Preston-Astor group. Is this true?"

Questions flew in the flood of camera flashes, despite the guards' attempts to maintain order. I  guided Richard through the chaos to the parking lot where we can finally have privacy from the intrusive press.

I asked him for the keys which he gave me without any questions. I drove all the way home in solemn silence. Upon arrival, we were met with more intrusions at the gate, reporters clamoring for statements and knocking on the windows as we tried to enter the property. I am almost tempted to run over them from their lack of decency.

When we finally got inside their house, Richard headed straight to his room. Evelyn soon greeted me.

"I heard the news. How is he?" she asked.

"He's taking it fine I guess." I replied.

"Their publicist called earlier. You might want to call them back."

"I will."

"Poor boy.  How unfortunate it is..." she remarked.

I spent the remainder of the day getting the Preston's affair in order. The phone rang constantly with offers of sympathy as well as requests for updates from family members to business partners. I felt like a robot repeating the publicist's statement to each caller: There is still no confirmations of the Preston's fate, but we're hopeful they will be found soon. Business remains usual as of now.

Mr. Preston left specific instructions for this situation but I am unsure about opening the envelope he prepared for me. I just know that this is not yet the time to open it.

Richard stayed in his room all day but after he did not touch his dinner, I decided to check in on him.

I knocked on his door but I did not receive an answer so I called out, "Richard? Can I come in?"

Again, there was no answer.

"Please?" I begged.

I heard a faint fine on the other side. I opened the door and found him sitting on his bed still in his work clothes.

"You never ate your dinner."

"I'm not hungry." he replied.

"How are you holding up?"

"I just know they're out there somewhere. I already asked for additional personnel to find them but they're all useless. They keep on saying that they're dead, yet they can't even find a damn body."

I sat beside him on the bed.

"I also believe they're out there somewhere," I said softly, reaching out and taking his hand.

Richard gently squeezed my hand. "Thank you," he whispered. He paused for a moment, holding my hand a little tighter. "Can you stay with me, please?"

"Of course," I replied, taking off my shoes using my feet before leaning against the headboard. I held his hand tightly as he rested his head on my shoulder. It's my turn to support him now. Richard was there for me in my darkest times; now it's my turn to be there for him. I closed my eyes, holding his hand tighter, and leaned my head against his.

"I don't know what to do without you." he murmured softly.

"Do you remember when you stood by me when my mother died and you held my hand during the ceremony?" I reminisced. "It meant a lot to me that time you know."

I lightly caressed his hand with my thumb, tracing soft circles on his skin to assure him that it's going to be alright.

"What do you think will happen now?" he asked.

"I suppose, for now, we simply wait,"

"I can do that." he attempted to laugh but it can't mask the pain he's feeling. "I've been waiting my whole life."

"For what?" I asked. What else is he waiting for when everything in his life has been pre-arranged and planned. I felt his head move and I realized that he was staring at me and he looks worried.

"What is it?" I asked again.

"I don't want to lose everything tonight." he muttered, resting his head wearily against my shoulder.

"Carl..." he called my name.

"Yes?"

"How did it feel when you lost your parents?"

"It's painful but the ache eases as time goes by."

Raindrops began to tap the windows as the rain started to fall down like storm is coming. The only thing you can hear in the room is our breathing.

"I know you tried your best to look happy but I noticed that you looked lonely once in a while ever since your mother died."

I was stunned to hear it from Richard about my longingness for my lost mother. I thought I hid my emotions well but it left a hole in my heart ever since I lost her.

"I feel like I lost her so early you know. She was the only person I can count on ever since I can remember."

Richard's thumb traced slow, soothing patterns across my hand.

"You know, I might not have said it or made it obvious, but I want you to know that you mean a lot to me and I care about you deeply."

"Thank you." I whispered as I try to hold back the tears from falling from my eyes. "You mean a lot to me too."

I really am lucky to have someone like Richard by my side.

As the night went on, Richard and I sat together in silence, finding comfort in each other's presence. Even though the situation felt heavy, there was a comforting closeness between us, and we understood each other without needing to say a word.