Three Years Later...
Khai's POV
As the list of contractors flashed on the screen, I felt my attention drift-until Mr. O'Connor spoke up. "Why don't we consider the top contractors in the market, the newest and most talked-about in the industry, like F&V Construction Firm?" His suggestion stirred a few murmurs of agreement around the table. I raised an eyebrow.
"We're looking for contractors with years of experience," I replied, my voice firm but not dismissive. "F&V is based in Chicago, and while they have top-notch design, their portfolio speaks more of innovative ideas than a long-standing legacy."
Before I could continue, my father, Poppa, cut me off. "Let's give them a try. Invite them to send over their portfolio."
There was a pause before Mr. O'Connor, ever eager to push the conversation, typed something on his laptop and turned the screen to us. "Look at this," he said, showing us an image of an enormous building. "This is one of their projects in LA. It's a high-end one-stop supermarket. Look at how they've designed this place-it's massive. They used sustainable and durable materials, with a tight budget, and yet, it turned out to be one of the most successful supermarkets in LA."
He clicked to the next image, showing a sleek stadium. "This stadium is in Singapore. Here's one they completed in Argentina. And this one is in Spain. They've been everywhere, and their work is in high demand."
Mr. O'Connor smiled. "And here's something interesting. One of their engineers, the head architect, is from Jackson. She's now based in Chicago. She's been the hidden gem, the mastermind behind many of these successful designs. Let me show you her latest work."
The screen shifted, and a breathtaking image of a modern museum appeared. "This is the Njor Museum in Norway. Beautiful, right? This was designed by no one other than F&V Engineering and Enterprise."
Poppa didn't hesitate. "Khai, schedule an appointment with Mr. Boyd. He's the CEO. We'll fly out to Chicago tomorrow morning."
I couldn't help but feel a knot form in my stomach. F&V had been on my radar for a while, but to hear such glowing praise-especially about a designer from Jackson-had me questioning just who this person was. My heart skipped a beat. Could it be? The possibility lingered like an echo in the back of my mind, but I shook it off. This was about business. Nothing more.
"Understood," I said, quickly refocusing on the task at hand. "I'll get the arrangements sorted."
The meeting continued, but my mind was no longer fully there. I had to admit, despite my resistance, I was curious.
°°°
"Chicago," I muttered under my breath as I stared at the screen, the F&V Engineering and Enterprise website in front of me. My mind was racing, but not entirely about the company. Ella, always quick to notice when I was lost in thought, glanced over and asked, "What's up?"
I tried to brush it off. "Nothing, just curious about this contractor company in Chicago." I didn't want to admit that the thought of Chicago made me think of Rain-after all this time.
Ella raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Chicago? Isn't that where Rain moved?"
I stiffened for a second, but quickly masked it with a shrug. "Yeah, she has a relative there." I was trying to keep it casual, but it was hard when the city now carried so much weight for me.
Ella's smile widened, clearly sensing an opening. "Oh gosh, maybe this is the universe telling you that you'll find her there."
I rolled my eyes, feeling a sudden rush of defensiveness. "Cut the crap, Ella. She might have moved on. Who knows, she might have a family by now."
But Ella wasn't done. She pulled out her phone and started scrolling. "Hold up, I'm gonna check something." I watched, a little wary, as she dug through social media platforms, typing Rain's name into the search bar. She was relentless, her eyes scanning the screen with purpose. "Based on her profile," she said, tapping on a picture, "she was seeing someone. I believe..." She trailed off as she kept scrolling, her fingers flicking through Rain's pictures.
I tried to ignore the growing tension in my chest. "Ella, stop."
But she didn't listen. "Look, all her pictures are from a year ago. And in almost every one, there's this girl with her."
My heart did a strange little skip. I wasn't sure if it was from the idea of seeing Rain happy-or if it was the girl in the pictures that struck a chord I wasn't ready to acknowledge. I looked at Ella, trying to steady myself.
Ella caught the shift in my expression, and suddenly she looked guilty. "Oh!" she exclaimed, putting her hands up. "Sorry! I thought you'd be happy seeing Rain so happy." She offered me a playful smile. "I guess I was wrong."
I stared at her, still trying to process the fact that I hadn't been prepared for this reaction. "You know what, Ella? You're impossible." But even as I said it, a small part of me felt a weird sense of relief-seeing Rain smiling, even if it wasn't with me.
Ella just grinned. "I'll take that as a win."
Ella was still glued to her phone, scrolling absentmindedly through Rain's Instagram profile. I tried to ignore her, but then she suddenly said, "Oh, look at this-she's driving now. Didn't you tell me she had a fear of driving? Well, I guess she's overcome that."
I glanced at her phone out of the corner of my eye. There was a video of Rain behind the wheel, smiling as she talked to someone in the passenger seat. My chest tightened, a mix of emotions flooding me. I was happy for her-really-but it was hard not to think about how much she'd changed since we'd last spoken.
Ella swiped to the next video, showing Rain in Banff, Alberta, skiing with Therese, Kroft, and the woman from the pictures. They all looked like they were having the time of their lives, bundled up in winter gear, laughing as they glided down the slopes. The sound of Rain's laugh-something I hadn't heard in years-rang out from Ella's phone, and it felt like a punch to the gut.
Another video appeared. This time, it was Rain chasing after a dog in a park. Hope. The dog I gave her. She was smiling, her face lit up with joy as she called out Hope's name, her voice echoing through the screen. My jaw tightened. She'd kept Hope all this time, and it seemed like the dog was as much a part of her life now as ever.
Ella kept scrolling, oblivious to the storm brewing inside me. The next video showed Rain at breakfast, eating waffles, bacon, and eggs with that familiar look of contentment on her face. She'd always loved breakfast, calling it her favorite meal of the day.
But then Ella landed on the last video, and it was like the ground beneath me shifted. It was a Christmas video-Rain, her Aunt, and the woman from the photos exchanging gifts. The room was warm and festive, the tree glowing softly in the background. At the end of the video, the woman leaned in and kissed Rain on the cheek, and Rain rested her head on her shoulder, a soft smile playing on her lips.
Ella noticed my reaction and glanced at me. "Khai..." she started, her tone softer now, like she wasn't sure what to say.
I swallowed hard and turned away, trying to keep my emotions in check. "She looks happy," I said quietly, my voice barely audible. But inside, I was breaking all over again.
After Ella had her fill of tormenting me with videos of Rain, she finally left, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I tried to focus on my work, but my mind kept drifting back to her-to the smile on her face in those videos, to the way she leaned on someone else now. By the time I wrapped up for the night and headed to the penthouse, my chest felt like it was carrying the weight of every memory I'd tried to bury.
I walked into my room and grabbed my suitcase, methodically packing for my trip to Chicago. Each item I folded and placed inside felt heavier than it should have. My mind kept replaying the moments from Rain's videos. She looked content. Happy. Radiant, even. It was everything I ever wanted for her.
But not like this.
That should've been me with her in Alberta, feeling the icy wind as we laughed and stumbled through the snow. That should've been me every Christmas, sharing quiet moments of joy with her. That should've been me sitting across from her at breakfast, watching her savor her waffles, bacon, and eggs, the way she always did.
But it wasn't.
And it wasn't because of her. It was because of me-because I let my anger and thirst for retribution consume me. I was so focused on settling old scores, on carrying the weight of my father's death and all the chaos in my life, that I didn't see what I was losing. Rain didn't leave me-I pushed her away, one choice at a time, until there was nothing left to hold onto.
I zipped up my suitcase and sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the skyline outside the window. The city lights blurred as my vision turned glassy. I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling a shaky breath.
Maybe this trip to Chicago wasn't just about the company or the project. Maybe it was about facing the ghosts I'd been avoiding for years. And maybe, just maybe, it was about seeing her one last time, even if I didn't know what I'd say. Even if she had already moved on.
~~
Khai's POV
I woke up screaming, gasping for breath, as my nightmare still gripped me. The remnants of the past haunted me, the echo of that night-two years ago-still fresh in my mind.
Flashback: Two years ago
"Harold, I've got a lead on the whereabouts of Letty Harrington," I'd heard Harold say, his voice sharp with urgency.
"Okay, meet me at the cafe across from the Stanton Building," I responded without thinking, the anticipation in my chest growing heavy. The weight of everything I'd been chasing-the revenge, the betrayal, the unanswered questions-felt like it was about to explode.
A few minutes later, Harold walked into the cafe, but not alone. My heart stopped as I saw who was with him-my mother.
"Khai, listen. We need her. She's our intel," Harold said, his face tight with strain.
I didn't respond at first, the sight of my mother after all these years sending a wave of disbelief crashing over me. "What do you have for me?" I demanded, trying to mask the rush of emotions that threatened to suffocate me.
Her eyes locked onto mine, and I could see the years of regret in her gaze. "I tried to warn you, Khai. But you didn't listen."
"Listen to her, Khai," Harold added, urging me to hear her out.
My mother's voice trembled, but there was a quiet strength behind her words. "The people you thought you could trust-the ones you thought were on your side-they're the ones playing you all along. Letty is just the avenging mother, Khai. You... you were playing exactly what they wanted you to do, to get your hands tied in blood, just like they wanted me to 15 years ago. Khai, please... don't forget who you are. Your heart is full of vengeance. Try to remember who you are and find the good in your heart."
"Who's 'they'?" I asked, the question clawing at me like a desperate need for truth.
Harold stepped forward, his expression grim. "Khai, please. Don't tell anyone yet. We don't know who we can trust-not even your grandfather."
"Find the daughter of this man." My mother's voice shook as she slid a photo across the table, her hand trembling. "Theodore. His name is Theodore. The black book-Theodore has the black book, and it could finally set you free from all the lies and betrayal."
Before I could respond, there was a loud bang-shocking, deafening, and sudden.
I froze, heart pounding in my chest. The world seemed to slow down. My mother's eyes widened in shock. Harold shouted something, but it was drowned out by the deafening silence that followed.
In an instant, I saw my mother crumple to the floor, blood spreading across the tiles, her body lifeless. The image burned into my mind-too vivid, too real.
"Mom!" I screamed, rushing to her side. But it was too late.
Everything blurred around me as I felt my body go cold. The blood, the shot, the coldness that washed over me, the loss that cut deeper than anything I had ever felt. And all I could think about was how I had failed to protect her-how I had failed to see the truth until it was too late.
End of Flashback.
Now, here I am, waking up in a cold sweat, the nightmare still fresh, the loss still raw. Every moment of my life since that night felt like a consequence, like I was still paying for the choices I made. Choices I didn't know were leading me into the arms of those who wanted to use me, manipulate me.
I rubbed my face, the weight of it all pressing down on me. My mother's warning echoed in my mind. Find the daughter of this man... Theodore. The black book...
I had spent three years chasing shadows, following false leads, digging through dirt, but I was still no closer to the truth.
With a deep breath, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood up. I couldn't keep running from the past. Not anymore.
The next morningâ¢â¢â¢
As the plane soared towards Chicago, I leaned back in my seat, trying to calm the storm of thoughts swirling in my head. I hadn't had the chance to process much of what had been happening since the news about F&V Engineering and Enterprise broke. The meeting with their CEO, Mr. Boyd, and the potential partnership for the Azotea project in Jackson was now looming large.
Jane, sitting across from me and Poppa, was reviewing the itinerary. She spoke up, breaking the silence.
"Here's the schedule for the next three days," she began, her tone crisp and professional. "Day one will be our meeting with Mr. Boyd, the CEO of F&V, to discuss the potential partnership for the Azotea project. We'll need to make a strong pitch-F&V is in high demand, so this meeting is critical." She glanced at both of us, ensuring we understood the stakes.
Poppa nodded, his face set with determination.
"Day two will be spent meeting with the head of their engineering and architecture teams. We need to get a sense of their expertise, capabilities, and whether their vision aligns with our goals for Azotea."
I listened, my mind focused on the gravity of the upcoming meetings. F&V was a major player, and securing their services could change everything for the Stanton Corporation. But there was something else in the back of my mind-the possibility of encountering someone from my past. Rain, the thought crept in unbidden, and I quickly shoved it aside.
"On the third day, we'll be reviewing their portfolio and proposals," Jane continued. "This is when we'll finalize our decision on whether to move forward with them. Time is tight, Khai. F&V's schedule is packed, and they're only making time for us because of the scale of this project."
I nodded, feeling the weight of the responsibility settling on my shoulders. The Azotea project was a big deal-not just for the Stanton Corporation, but for my own future. There was no room for failure here.
As the flight progressed, I looked out the window, trying to block out the distractions and focus on what needed to be done. This trip wasn't just about business. It was a chance to move forward, to leave behind the shadows of the past. Even if the past threatened to follow me, especially in a city as large as Chicago.
As we stepped out of the sleek black car, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the moment. The towering F&V Construction building loomed above us, its glass facade reflecting the city's skyline. It was everything I had imagined-a beacon of success and innovation, a company that had made its mark on the world. The kind of company the Stanton Corporation could only dream of partnering with.
Jane led the way, her stride confident and purposeful as she guided Poppa and me through the sleek lobby. The walls were lined with polished wood and glass, exuding an air of luxury and efficiency. We were quickly ushered into a waiting area where we were greeted by a few of the firm's staff before being escorted straight into a massive boardroom.
The doors to the boardroom opened, and we stepped inside. The room was expansive, with a long, polished wooden table dominating the center. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of the city, while a projector screen on one wall flickered to life, displaying the F&V logo.
At the head of the table sat Mr. Boyd, the CEO of F&V. He was a man in his late fifties, sharp-eyed and professional, with an air of quiet authority. He stood as we entered, offering us a firm handshake. His presence was commanding, yet welcoming.
"Khai, it's a pleasure to meet you," he said, his gaze lingering on me for a brief moment before shifting to Poppa. "And this must be Mr. Stanton. It's an honor to have you both here."
Poppa returned the handshake, his tone warm yet businesslike. "Thank you for meeting with us, Mr. Boyd. We've heard great things about F&V, and we're excited to discuss the possibility of working together on the Azotea project."
As we all took our seats, I couldn't shake the feeling that this meeting was about to be more than just business. It felt like a pivotal moment-like I was standing on the edge of something bigger than just a corporate partnership. My eyes flickered briefly toward the empty seat across from me, wondering if someone else might be sitting there today. Someone I'd never expected to see again.
But as Mr. Boyd began discussing the first points of the agenda, my attention snapped back to the task at hand. There was no room for distractions, not today.
As the meeting concluded, the tension in the room slowly eased. We had discussed terms, plans, and future prospects, and everything seemed to fall into place. F&V's team had been professional, efficient, and more than willing to collaborate on the Azotea project. The partnership was within reach.
Mr. Boyd shook hands with us one final time, his smile reassuring. "We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow, Khai, Mr. Stanton. Let's make sure we get everything in order."
Afterward, Jane gathered the paperwork and exchanged a few words with their assistant, confirming the itinerary for the next day. Poppa, always the optimist when it came to business, clapped me on the back. "Well done, Khai. This is looking promising."
I nodded, but my mind was elsewhere. The weight of the next day's meeting-the second day with the engineering and architecture teams-hung over me. This was where the details would truly come to life, where the hard work would begin. But as I stood there, watching Jane wrap up the details, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Something told me that Chicago was not just the city of business, but also of ghosts I had yet to confront.
Once we left the building, the crisp evening air bit at my skin. As we headed back to the hotel, I couldn't help but wonder what tomorrow would bring. I had spent so long focused on business, on the project, on everything except the one thing that still haunted me-the thing I had left behind. Rain.
But that was for another time. Tomorrow, I had to be sharp, focused, and prepared for whatever F&V had in store. It wasn't just about sealing the deal anymore-it was about ensuring the Stanton Corporation's future. I would make it count.
The hotel room felt colder than usual when I stepped inside. I closed the door behind me and let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. Tomorrow was another big day. But for tonight, all I could do was rest and hope I was ready for whatever would come next.
2nd Dayâ¢â¢â¢
Khai's POV
The next morning, we gathered in the sleek boardroom of F&V. The head engineers and architects of the firm were seated, ready to discuss the concept of the Azotea project. I had prepared myself for this moment, ready to dive into the details of the collaboration. But just as I was about to begin, one of the engineers interrupted me.
"Uh... Ms. Stanton, we're still waiting for our head project architect and engineer."
I nodded, trying to hide the sudden shift in my focus. The air in the room felt heavier as I waited, but I kept my composure. A few moments passed before the door swung open, and then, as if time itself had frozen, I saw her.
Standing in the doorway was a woman I never expected to see again. She walked into the room with a sense of pride and confidence, completely different from the Rain I once knew. Yet, it was undeniably her. The same woman I had loved, who still haunted my every thought-now standing before me as the chief architect and engineer of F&V Engineering and Enterprise.
I barely heard the introduction that followed, as the head of the engineering team spoke. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is Rain Chadwick, our head project designer, chief architect, and engineer. She will be overseeing this project."
My heart raced, and I fought to maintain my professionalism, but the sudden surge of emotions threatened to overwhelm me. She looked just as composed as always, though I could see the flicker of recognition in her eyes, the brief hesitation when she met my gaze.
This was no coincidence. Rain, now part of the team I was here to negotiate with. And the very woman I had tried so hard to move on from.