“These are all the things you’d require, I already booked an hotel where you’d stay for the main time, that’s how far my connection can go. You can sort yourself by the time you get there right ?”
“Yes Dad.”
“Good.” He said passing over my passport and flight ticket to me.
“Take care of yourself my dear, I’ll keep sending money to you for your up keep, and try to get a new call line as fast as possible.” he said placing his hand on my cheek, his eyes full of emotions.
“I will, Thanks Dad.”
“Take care of yourself Nora, and don’t get into any troubles,” my step mom who was standing close to my Dad said.
My Dad had insisted everyone tagged along with me to the airport, my flight is in less than thirty minutes, we all stood saying our farewells.
“I’m not certain if I’m sad or happy about your departure, but try not to cause anymore trouble.” Emma said faking a smile.
“Ooh I’m sure you’re very much excited..” I said my eyes pinned on hers.
“Come here..” Jessica interrupted stretching both her hands for a hug, ” I’ll miss you best friend, the house will be so empty without you.”
“I’ll miss you too Jessica.” I said trying not to drop a tear.
“I must leave now,” I said pulling away, “the plane will be departing any moment from now.”
“Yes you must my dear,” my Dad said patting my shoulder.
I turned towards the plane without as much as looking backwards, I fear I might just breakdown in tears, I might not miss everyone there but I’ll certainly miss my Dad and Jessica and this wonderful place I call home.
The moment I stepped onto the plane, a mix of emotions washed over me-sadness, anxiety, and a tiny spark of hope. The flight attendant greeted me with a polite smile, her uniform crisp and neat, and guided me to my seat by the window. I sat down and glanced around, noticing the subtle hum of the plane and the quiet conversations of other passengers.
As I buckled my seatbelt, I couldn’t help but look out the window. The airport lights blurred together in the distance, and I felt a pang of longing for the life I was leaving behind. The familiar landscape of my home seemed so far away now, just a memory fading with each second.
The attendant came by again, asking if I needed anything. I shook my head, trying to focus on the task at hand-getting to Paris, starting fresh, just as Dad had planned. But my thoughts kept wandering back to the last few hours, to the faces I had left behind, especially Jessica’s tearful hug and Dad’s reassuring smile. They were my anchors, and now I was adrift, heading into the unknown.
As the plane began to taxi down the runway, I took a deep breath and leaned back in my seat. The engines roared, and within moments, we were airborne. The city below grew smaller and smaller until it was just a cluster of lights, then nothing but darkness.
I tried to distract myself by flipping through the in-flight magazine, but nothing held my interest. I was too preoccupied with the swirl of emotions inside me. This was supposed to be a new beginning, but all I could think about was the life I was leaving behind, the people who mattered most to me.
Eventually, the exhaustion of the day caught up with me, and I dozed off, the steady hum of the engines lulling me into a restless sleep.
When I woke up, we were nearing Paris. The flight attendant’s voice crackled over the intercom, announcing our descent. I peered out the window, catching my first glimpse of the city below. It was beautiful, even from this height, with its winding streets and iconic landmarks. But instead of excitement, I felt a deep sense of loneliness.
We landed smoothly, and soon I was standing at the baggage claim, watching as the conveyor belt whirred to life. I grabbed my suitcase and followed the signs to the exit, where the chill of the Parisian night greeted me.
Outside, I hailed a taxi and handed the driver the slip of paper with the hotel’s address. The ride was a blur of unfamiliar streets and foreign signs. The driver chatted in French, but I could only nod along, too tired and too lost in my thoughts to try and understand.
When we finally arrived at the hotel, I paid the driver and stepped onto the sidewalk, staring up at the grand building before me. This was it-my new home, at least for the time being. I hesitated for a moment, then pulled my suitcase behind me and walked through the revolving doors.
The hotel lobby was warm and inviting, a sharp contrast to the cold outside. The receptionist greeted me with a smile, and soon I was on my way up to my room. I entered the small, cozy space and set my suitcase down by the bed. As I looked around, the reality of my situation began to sink in. I was truly on my own now.
### Ray’s POV
Back at the office, I found myself pacing the length of my office, my thoughts consumed by Nora. I knew I’d made the right decision-at least, that’s what I kept telling myself. But no matter how much I tried to focus on work, her face kept appearing in my mind.
I didn’t want to hurt her. That was never my intention. But life had a way of forcing your hand, and I couldn’t afford to let my personal feelings cloud my judgment. Disappointing her was painful, but disappointing the hundreds of people relying on me? That was unthinkable.
“Mr. Raymond,” Clara’s voice cut through my thoughts. I turned to see her standing in the doorway, a stack of papers in her hands. “We need to go over the details for the investors’ meeting.”
I nodded, gesturing for her to enter. I tried to push thoughts of Nora aside as Clara went over the numbers, projections, and strategies. It was all so familiar, yet today, it felt distant, almost meaningless.
As she talked, I found myself wondering what Nora was doing right now. Was she think about me ? Or she had already given up on me ? I thought of sending people to tell me what she’s up to, but I decided otherwise, t he way her eyes looked at me last night, I just can’t shake it off. I shook my head, forcing myself to focus.
This was the path I’d chosen. I couldn’t afford to let my feelings interfere. But even as I tried to convince myself of that, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d made a terrible mistake.
The memory of her tear-streaked face lingered in my mind, a reminder that some decisions come with a price. And no matter how much I tried to justify it, the ache in my chest refused to go away.
A slight knock on the door with Jake walking in..
“Father…” He said all smiles on his face.
“You’re dismissed Clara,” I turned to my assistant waving my hands at her.
“Yes sir,” she said giving a little bow before walking away.
“And what are you so excited about Jake?” I said, eyeing him warily.
“Ahhh, no need to be stiff father, and I must apologize for being disrespectful the other time, I only thought a lady has made you weak. Information reaching me is that Nora Grey has left the country, and that’s all thanks to you, I can’t believe she tried to mess with our family, fleeing sure is the best course of action.” He kept on ranting without stop and all I could do was rub my chin from frustration.
I had had it in mind to defend Nora the other day in the life broadcast and have failed to see the interviewers were all paid by my enemies to soil my name, I had to be reminded by my subordinate on screen to stand my ground and act as the one in charge, that was when I actually came to my senses. And the best choice of action was to exercise my authority, which my foolish son has misread.
There’s no point clarifying things now, the deed has already been done, good thing Nora didn’t press charges and decided to let everything slide, I must look forward on the next course of action.
“You must stay away from the other Grey’s daughter Emma,” I said to him.
“Why ? But I love her,” his mood changed instantly.
“She’s not good for you..” I said.
“Is this a pay back ? Because I went against you and Nora’s relationship you’re trying to pay me back for it ?”
“Don’t be ridiculous, even after knowing you were at fault I choose you over Nora, Nora’s chapter has closed so should anything with the Grey’s family be.”
“No, no, I won’t have you do that to me.”
“You must learn Jake, son you’ll be part of the shareholders, I need someone who can be trusted by your side, not some plotting birch who can go as far as plotting against her own sister.”
“She’ll change, she only did all of those because she loves me.”
“Don’t be blinded Jake, she did all of those for herself,” I said standing, as I walked up to him, I place my hand on his shoulder,”you have to be wise.” I gave a little tap on his shoulder before leaving the office.