All of them were in black.
The ceremonial was held in the burial of the rich, in the burial site where diamonds were born out of gold. Not many were invited to the burial site where diamonds were made in the lab out of the dead.
It was special alchemy, known only to the scientists who made diamonds out of buried bones.
An hour passes as the scientist in discussion arrives. He hands the piece of diamond to Zayn, his father’s name slightly engraved deep into the crystal. The shine hits his eyes, the tears begin.
“I miss you already, old man.” He mutters while his mother comforts him gently.
Most of the people who came to pay their last rights to their friend and foe leave.
Suddenly, Zayn realises that the last Johnson of the main family was gone.
The last Johnson was gone…
How can he find out more about the history of Johnsons now? On top of that, he has to resign as a teacher and go to work as the CEO of Johnson group now.
So many things on his mind and he cannot even move his lips to talk to someone. Let alone his own mother, he can’t even express his thoughts and speculations to his girlfriend either. He was truly, entirely tugged like a rope.
He sighs sadly and sits down, his chest contracting somehow.
“Professor!” Cassandra and Ravine who were near him in the vicinity to see his collapse rush towards him. The green grass blades hurt his palm, but he squishes them down and sits down gloomy.
“Why did father leave me like this?” He questions, the ashes that were down six feet under helps the wind to blow. Nick was always an admirer for his son, for how strong he’s grown up. But Nick failed to realise that he was the reason why Zayn could never open up to anyone. He’s made him way too weak. Irony.
“Your father is in the heaven now, Zayn. Calm down, my boy.” The mother embraces her child. Her old wrinkly skin shed tears until she couldn’t ever again. He who claims to be the strongest and in possession of a cold heart was melting away. Melting away with sorrow and confusion.
He was more confused than sad, because a series of unexpected dreams started occurring to him from just a week ago of his father’s demise.
A week ago…
That was exactly when Zayn claimed Cassandra as his girlfriend.
The timeliness was messing with him.
He was confused to blame which occurrence has triggered his psychic dreams.
Was it Cassandra or was it the signs from his father that he was going to die?
No one could solve the puzzle.
Except for himself.
Cassandra, Ravine, Zayn and his mother were the last people to leave the burial sight after two hours. They’ve lost the person, but gained a gem instead of him, literally. (I’m sorry if it sounds funny lmao ‘lost a person but gained a gem’ I’m weak!)
“Mother…” the man calls. Ravine and Cassandra were assigned another car to drop them home. The old lady, Zayn’s mother was grateful for them showing up and for Cassandra who stood strong and nursed them for an entire day.
“Yes, son?” The mother answers gloomily.
“W-where are we staying now?” He asks.
“What do you mean?” The mother was not understanding his point.
“Are we staying at The Johnson estate?” Asks Zayn.
“Yes, son. It’s the building your grandfather built when he was young. Why do you ask?” The mother caresses her son’s head. He gently falls into her touch and rests upon her lap. The mother was forced to believe this was the very first time they’ve bonded.
It was cruel how she realises her son needed her the most, not only this time but the uncountable times in the past too. She ruined him to the extent he can’t be brought back.
But maybe, just maybe the death of their loved one made them realise family came first.
No matter what, family arrives first and later was anything else.
Even jewelry and status.
As she realizes, the mother keeps crying and the concerned son was her comfort pillow.
They reach home, many of the press and media waiting for them. The world was so cruel.
Even if they’ve lost their father and husband, the media was ruthless and wanted information. Can’t they see how damaged the family was? How devastated they are for losing their dear one at such an unexpected pace? Everything was happening like a minute of time expanded into one day for Zayn.
It was so quick, so merciless.
Again, time and tide waits for no one.
The security assigned for their safety pushes everyone to the side. Numerous camera flashes were casted upon them. Zayn was lost in the shadows of his own. He was counting how many before he lost his sanity and yelled at them.
Although, they make it inside safely as the security members send the press away from entering the Johnson estate.
Following the huge gates, there were cabinet members of the company waiting warily over the cot of grass. Zayn wanted to yell at them for stepping over the grass that he likes as soft as ever.
But he looks at their faces instead of their shoes.
They held concern.
Not for his parent passing away. Not for expressing they were there for him.
But for greed.
They wanted him to speak up. That he will not continue as the CEO of the group.
Once he testified, they will elect a suitable member for the benefit of the company. Or more like for the benefit of their own.
Zayn gulps as he steps over the grass himself, walking towards them.
“Sorry for stepping on your grass, Zayn.” One of the members apologize sensibly.
Zayn raises an eyebrow and tucks his hand into his pockets.
“Nevermind.” He says to them.
“You do know why we are here, right? I’m sorry for your loss, Zayn. Lady Hina, we are sorry that misfortune occurred to you at such a bad time of the year.” They say, keeping in mind that today was Christmas.
24th of December was when Nick Johnson passed away.
Ironically, Senior Johnson also had a heart attack and passed away on the day before Christmas.
What a time of the year, truly.
As they held expectant eyes towards Zayn, the young man takes a deep breath in and says,
“I will take over the company. Let me start after the week after new Years.” He says.
That means… 7th of January will be the coronation of Young Master Zayn as the CEO of Johnson Group.