Chapter 22
Author: MAUIDR
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

Weeks become months. Vere awakens early on that particular morning while his wife Mira is still asleep, and it is a sunny morning. Vere enters their spacious mansion's living room after softly leaving their bedroom. Vere has many fond recollections of his mother watching her favorite films in the living room. 

Pictures of his mother that document many events in her life and her love for him adorn and surround the space. Vere still mourns the loss of his mother, and he often wishes that only he could go back in time and spend time together. He continues to be committed to his job, which he started with his mother as his inspiration and his strength.

Vere drew in a deep breath and then quietly uttered to himself, a resolute look in his eyes, "This is the way life is, but I must keep pushing forward, confronting the challenges that lie ahead."

 His words brimmed with unwavering determination, serving as a personal affirmation that he wouldn't shy away from life's unpredictable journey, regardless of its highs and lows. 

Seated in the living room, surrounded by the cherished memories of his mother and the weighty responsibilities he bore, Vere understood the importance of not succumbing to grief or uncertainty.

 Instead, he made a conscious choice to forge ahead, driven by an unyielding resolve to tackle whatever obstacles fate would throw his way. In his heart, Vere carried the belief that with resilience and perseverance, he could navigate the winding and often unpredictable path of life, finding purpose and meaning amidst the challenges.

 This moment of self-reflection fueled his determination to seize each day with courage, knowing that he possessed the inner strength to overcome whatever life presented to him.

After that moment of silence, Vere's cell phone rang, he hastily answered it, his heart pounding with anticipation. James's voice on the other end was charged with urgency. "Vere, you won't believe what I've just uncovered about the Fuentez Family company," James exclaimed. Vere's eyes widened as he listened intently to James's revelation, the weight of the information sinking in. "This could change everything," Vere muttered to himself.

James unleashed a bombshell when Vere and he continued to talk about the continuing inquiry into his in-laws' business.

 "Someone has access to their accounts as part of this ongoing investigation," James disclosed. Vere was shocked.

 Incredulous, he said, "Oh, really? Can't believe this James, do you think that's possible?" And how does this occur? And who is behind this do you think?

 “Mr.Vere, we want to look into it further," James said in a worried tone. "We need to conduct a deep investigation to get to the bottom of this." 

Vere was silent at that very instant as his mind raced with ideas of how the Fuentez Family business, always at risk to collapse, would be affected by this news. James's voice on the other end of the phone asked, "Mr. Vere, are you there?" James said.

 "Yes I am,  James Okay," Vere answered and eventually agreed. 

"Try to investigate the manager and supervisors. They're the only ones in that company who have knowledge about the company's accounts." Vere added.

 However, just as Vere was giving instructions to James, Mira, who had unknowingly awoken and approached Vere from behind, suddenly interjected. "What company are you talking about? And why are you discussing managers?" 

Vere was caught off guard, having been completely unaware of Mira's presence. He turned to face his wife, his mind racing to find a suitable explanation for her questions.

At that moment, Vere quickly diverted the conversation and told Mira, "It's about my company, dear. We're currently facing some issues in the office, and that's why I'm discussing it with James to get things sorted out."

 Mira, her face etched with confusion, responded with a question, "Why is your company having problems, my love? It's never had any issues before because you always invest your time and focus all your attention on it."

Vere let out a deep sigh and opened up to Mira about his recent preoccupation with his mother's health troubles. 

He spoke with a heavy heart, "My love, I haven't been as attentive to the company lately. I've been at the hospital, taking care of my mother during her final days." Did you forget About it?"

 Mira's demeanor softened as the gravity of the situation sank in. She wore a sympathetic smile and said, "Of course, I'm truly sorry, my love. I completely understand now." I forgot to consider that. We'll get through this together." 

Vere returned his smile, grateful for her understanding and support, knowing that their bond would help them weather whatever challenges lay ahead.

At that moment, Vere leaned in and kissed Mira tenderly.

 After an hour and a leisurely breakfast, he bid farewell to Mira as he headed to the office. Vere was in a hurry to discuss and resolve the pressing issues before his in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Fuentez discovered the impending collapse of their company. 

He wanted to spare them, as well as Mira, from unnecessary worry. As he drove, about ten minutes away from home, Vere suddenly realized he had left behind the documents James had given him. 

Overwhelmed by concern, he made a U-turn and hastily drove back to the mansion, hoping to retrieve the crucial paperwork before Mira noticed his absence. However, as he approached their bedroom, he overheard Mira's loud voice on the phone, sounding somewhat angry. 

Vere came to a halt outside their door, standing frozen in place, listening to her conversation. He soon grasped that she was discussing their company's dire situation, and he realized the impending collapse was imminent. He continued to eavesdrop, not wanting to interrupt her. 

After some time, when the conversation seemed to have ended, Vere knocked gently on the door and then entered as if he hadn't overheard anything. Mira appeared somewhat surprised by his sudden return.

 "My love, were you there all this time?" she asked.

 Vere responded casually, "Nope, I just arrived. I forgot something."

 He headed straight over to a nearby cabinet, reached for the white folder with documents inside and retrieved it. And then planted a kiss on Mira's cheek.

 "I have to head to the office again. See you later my love," 

Vere said with a smile and gave a wink to Mira, trying to hide the turmoil within him. That time As he left the room, Vere couldn't help but feel the weight of the impending crisis on his shoulders.

And there's a thought on his mind that Mira has knowledge that their company is about to collapse. And it seems that Mira is hiding something from him. He knew that the challenges ahead would test not only their relationship but also the fate of the company that meant so much to Mira's family. 

As Vere drove back to the office, his mind was consumed by what he had witnessed and heard during Mira's phone conversation. That time while driving Vere couldn't help but think about the identity of the mysterious person and was really that person she had been speaking about on the phone weighed heavily on his mind. He tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his thoughts racing.

 Vere had always placed immense trust in Mira, their relationship was built on open communication and transparency. This sudden deviation from their norm had sparked curiosity and concern deep within him. The questions circled in his mind like a relentless storm. Who could Mira have been talking to, and why had she chosen to discuss their company's crisis without informing him? 

Vere's intuition screamed that there was more to this situation than met the eye. He couldn't shake the uneasy feeling and believe that their lives were on the cusp of uncharted territory. As this is what he has witnessed. With every passing mile, Vere's determination to uncover the truth grew stronger. 

He knew he had to confront Mira about the enigmatic conversation and discover what she was concealing from him. But for the time being, he kept his attention firmly on the road ahead, resolute in his commitment to confront whatever awaited him when he returned to the office. 

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