George, where are you? George!!!
George, where were you all night? Do you even care? How many calls and texts I sent you! When will you change?
He was lying on the table with his head down, fast asleep, unaware of everything. Diana's voice disturbed his sleep.
"I went to Alex's house, Mom," he answered Diana indifferently after glancing at her once.
George was the only child of his parents. After his father's terrifying death, he became lonely and started behaving strangely. He was no longer the same George. He had completely closed himself off. Once, he was his parents' obedient and intelligent son, popular among friends, someone with a bright personality who ruled everyone's hearts. But now, he only went to Alex's house because Alex insisted many times.
Strange thoughts were swirling in his mind, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't stop them. He thought maybe it was because he was stepping out after so long that such thoughts were coming to him.
Lost in thought, he suddenly said in a loud voice, "I will go out from now on!"
His mother, who was scolding him while leaving, was startled by his voice.
Listen George, if you're going to waste your time loitering around with Alex, I won't allow it at all. You need to look after your father's business.
Mom, I am handling Dad's business. You know I wanted to study further, do something else. I was never interested in business, but still, I'm managing everything.
He wanted to continue his education after graduation.
George, look, you can't run a business sitting at home. It's a good thing Mr. Simon is taking care of everything.
Mom, I trust Mr. Simon. He's not only Dad's old friend but also his personal secretary in the past.
You're right — we can trust Mr. Simon blindly. But still, you should start going to the office from tomorrow. Better that than wasting time with Alex.
Saying this, she shut the door and left the room. George just took a deep breath and sat quietly.
---
🌅 Next Morning
The soft sunlight was freeing the room from darkness and falling on the beautiful hazel eyes.
"Mia, wake up sweetheart. Aren't you going to college today?"
Simon placed a coffee mug on the side table as he gently tried to wake her up.
"Dad, today is a holiday" Mia sat up suddenly after hearing his voice.
"Oh, sorry sweetheart. If you had told me earlier, I wouldn't have disturbed your sleep."
"It's okay, Dad. I had to get up early anyway." Mia said with a soft smile. She looked quite excited today.
Mia was Simon's third daughter. He had two older daughters and one son, Andrew, who was five years younger than Mia. She got along well with Andrew — they both loved and fought with each other a lot.
Mia was 18, everyone's favorite, cheerful, and charming. Her smile and innocence could bring life to even a withered flower. She was her father's right hand.
Mr. Simon was often sick — a diabetic patient — and had the responsibility of the entire office on his shoulders. Mia often went with him on weekends or during vacations to help him with his work.
Today, she was thinking of visiting the office again.
"Dad, I'll come with you today but will return early because it's my friend Sofia's birthday this evening."
"Okay sweetheart. And from tomorrow, Sir George will be joining us too."
Mia was surprised. After two years, what suddenly woke Sir George up?
Noticing her deep thoughts, Simon gently shook her shoulder.
"What's wrong, sweetheart?"
Mia came out of her thoughts.
"Dad, isn't Sir George strange? After all this time, he suddenly remembered his duties..."
"No dear, he's not strange. After what happened with Jackson, anyone in his place wouldn't have been able to recover so easily."
Mia nodded in agreement.
Simon became quiet again, lost in the sorrow of his friend. After all, they were childhood friends, and had always been there for each other.
"Alright, I'm going now. You get ready quickly."
"Okay, Dad."
As soon as Simon left, Mia grabbed her clothes and went to take a bath.