Suddenly the Past can't stay Past! Shamelessly crawling like a hideous snake to hunt you down’. These were the words from his late grandmother. Apparently everyone somehow knew his fate except him. His future was at stake and he didn't notice sooner.Maverick had always thought that he could escape all of this in a way..The weight of it pressed down on him, thick and suffocating.His Father's death was a random twist of fate. No more, no less. But the older he got, the more the pieces started to fit together in ways that made him question everything. He’d grown up with the picture of a man who worked too much, drank too much, and lived too fast, but who loved his son in the way that men who knew their time was limited loved.He remembered the day it happened like it was yesterday. He was depressed, crying for days, numbed, clutching the edges of his grief, because what else was there to do? But now something needs to be done.Now, sitting in his office rattled and perplexed, plann

Kendrick adjusted the cuff of his tailored jacket as he stepped out of the private terminal at Atlanta's airport. The cool evening breeze brushed against his face, a stark contrast to the tension brewing inside him. His wife had promised to meet him here. Yet, as his sharp gaze swept across the crowd, she was nowhere to be found. He muttered under his breath, “Where are you, Bridget?” After a final scan of the area and still no sign of her, Kendrick exhaled sharply and straightened his posture. “Perhaps this is for the better,” he said, masking the flicker of disappointment in his voice. With a curt nod to Xavier, who stood waiting by the car, Kendrick slid into the backseat of the sleek black sedan. As the vehicle pulled out of the terminal, Kendrick allowed himself a rare moment to absorb the familiar sights of Atlanta. The city, with its twinkling skyline and lively streets, had been his home for years. Yet now, after months away, it felt more like a distant memory than a plac

It had been a week indoors, and while everyone else seemed tired of seeing her sulk and lose herself over Kendrick’s death, Bridget didn’t think they truly understood. They didn’t know how important he was to her—or how deeply she felt his loss.“Your wife is losing herself over your death, Kendrick,” Xavier said, his voice heavy with concern.“Have you seen her lately?” Kendrick asked, fingers flying over his laptop keyboard with the precision of a typewriter. His eyes remained glued to the screen, not sparing Xavier a glance.“From a distance,” Xavier admitted. “They said she hasn’t left her room since the news of your demise.”Kendrick’s typing slowed for a moment before resuming. “Go see her. Buy some red roses and lilies. She loves those. Keep her company; give her comfort.”Xavier shook his head almost immediately. “There’s no way I’m doing that, Kendrick.”“You have to,” Kendrick insisted, finally looking up. His expression was calm but resolute.Xavier sighed and began pacing.

Bridget ran inside and collapsed onto her soft, queen-sized bed. Her sobs soaked a patch of the sheets as she turned over to face the ceiling, her tears refusing to stop.Everything felt so surreal. Everyone's acting so chill like Kendrick didn't mean anything to them… everyone just moved on so easily. It was like he was a fleeting memory—easily erased. Even his best friend, Xavier, had moved on like it was nothing.Her thoughts spiraled as she considered the grim reality of her situation. Her life was now at the mercy of Maverick, a man driven by greed. The endless possibilities of what he might do consumed her mind until exhaustion took over, and she fell into an uneasy sleep.°“How is she?” Kendrick asked the moment Xavier entered the room.Xavier shot him a glare as he shut the door behind him. “What do you think?”Kendrick didn’t reply. Instead, he took another sip of whiskey, his expression unreadable.“She’s miserable,” Xavier muttered. “She’s a shadow of herself, and Maverick

Before Bridget could reply, the bartender leaned forward again, undeterred. “Seriously, though. If you want to ditch this place, I can help.” He winked, his confidence irritating Bridget even more.“I don’t need your suggestions,” she snapped before turning back to Lisa. “Leave me alone Bridget, I'm fine. If you really care, go cry somewhere.” She shot, regretting those words immediately they came out. “I'm so sorry!” She apologized, trying to hold her hand.She fell on her knees and rubbed both hands as she begged Bridget. “I'm sorry” she mouthed.Bridget looked at her, tears gathering in her eyes. She felt terrible. She didn't expect this from her.“Hey—hey, Please, I'm sorry__ that came out wrong.” She said, holding her hand but Bridget moved and pulled her hand away.“Thanks for the trip.” She said, her tone was cold… tears flowed down her face freely as she walked away.“Bridget…” Lisa attempted to get up and go after her but the bartender held her back. “Let her be.” He said. “