Echoes of the Past
“Ranya,” Vivian called impatiently. “I’m sorry, but I can’t refuse. Yang proposed to me, and you expect me to turn him down?” “Vivian, please,” Ranya begged, holding her wrist pleadingly. “I promised I would be so good to you. I would take over Father’s company if that would make you stay. You can’t leave me.” “And to think you thought I was leaving you because you were still struggling is annoying. I’m telling you this because I don’t want you to see it in the news. I love Yang, and I’m marrying him!” Her voice echoed in his head, especially the last word. Now she’s back, and he’s still hopelessly in love with her. The reason he couldn’t move on or open his heart to another was because of her. She had returned, making many promises never to leave. A slight knock on his door interrupted his thoughts. He turned slightly towards his secretary, who silently walked in and dropped a file on the table. “The prime minister booked an appointment, sir,” she announced, stepping back after dropping the file. “Why?” Ranya asked, not turning his face away from the transparent wall of his office. The night view of Texas sparked numerous thoughts in his mind. “Did he mention the purpose of our meeting?” “Yes, sir,” she replied curtly. “He said to take up a case he’s involved in.” “Did you send him the payment criteria?” “No,” she responded, her voice tinged with a hint of fear. “Why?” “Why are you leaving out that part? We always inform every client of that information," he demanded. “Explain.” “I’m sorry, sir,” she apologized, bowing slightly. “I didn’t because he’s your father, and...” “And you assume I will render my service to him for free?” Ranya interrupted, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Answer me, Valerie.” “I’m sorry, sir,” she begged, bowing repeatedly. “I’m sorry, sir. I will put a call across to him and inform...” “Cancel the appointment,” he ordered, turning his face back to the view. He would be meeting Vivian soon, and he wanted to avoid getting annoyed or upset. Any hint of emotion could ruin his day, and seeing his father was the last thing he wanted. “What... I mean, sir?” “Valerie, get out of my office and do as you’re told.” “Yes, sir,” she answered, turning to leave, but his voice made her stop and turn. “The lady, the last one who left here some hours ago... What was her reaction when she left?” Damn it! He had been curious. Extremely curious after Calista left. Her blank expression stirred emotions he couldn’t quite grasp. Asking Valerie was out of place, but he needed to know if Calista bottled her feelings only in his presence or if she displayed emotions while walking away. So, he had to find out. What bothered him even more was her hasty withdrawal of the money he gave her. What was she up to? He had to know. “Sir?” she asked, wearing a look of confusion. “Never mind,” he announced, waving her off. “Get out.” “Yes, sir,” she bowed again before closing the door behind her. A long sigh escaped his lips as he walked towards his chair, finding the view a little boring compared to the numerous questions piling up in his heart. His cell phone rang, and he stretched his hand towards it, a hint of amusement crossing his face at the caller. “What?” he stated, resting his head on the chair. “You asked your secretary to cancel the appointment with your dad!?” The voice screeched across the phone. Ranya scoffed, taking the phone off his ear and dramatically putting it on speaker. “I didn’t cancel any appointments with my dad, man. I canceled with the Prime Minister.” “They’re freaking the same person here, Ranya. Your dad can be the Minister, the CEO, and the chairman. Are you trying to get me fired?” “Come work for me, Damian. I pay way better than any corporation or company in Texas.” “You’re nuts. I can’t see myself calling you boss or, worse, taking orders from you,” Damian declared between gritted teeth. “Your call," Ranya said with a smile. After being betrayed by his love, Damian was the only one who could make him smile. “You really have to consider, or you will be sending your half-brother to jail,” Damian advised. Ranya sighed, turning the phone repeatedly between his fingers. “If this is a family issue, why use the status here?” “I advised him to, and I freaking made the call. I know you’re professional, and family is the last thing you want to indulge in.” “Saying ‘freaking’ on a call like this is unethical,” Ranya winced, rubbing the back of his neck with his hands. He took a quick glance at the wall clock; it was already late. “Does that mean you’re meeting with him?” Damian asked, a hint of excitement in his voice. “If that son of his is involved in a serious crime, I will do everything in my power to ensure he is held accountable and faces imprisonment.” “No. It’s just some political scheme to stop the chairman from winning the election. I promise it’s nothing criminal,” he replied, scoffing. “You wouldn’t know any of this since you chose to be an outcast. You should at least read the news.” Ranya’s lips curled into a tight, murderous smirk. Damian could only say those words miles away from him. “Send the files to the secretary. I’ll see if it’s worth playing with,” he replied, ending the call. For his father to swallow his pride and come to him for help meant he had proven himself as a son capable of being anything beyond the shadow of his wealthy father. He devoted himself to his work and his love for her. When she left, all he had left was his determination to succeed. Now that she has returned, he has proven his father wrong and emerged victorious. He stands again, walking towards the glass. It is the only thing, aside from his work, that gives him peace. He looks over the city, wondering if she’s out there. “Ranya.” A very familiar voice called, sending a chill down his spine. He turned and quickened his pace to catch the woman running towards him. “Ranya,” she said, pushing herself firmly into his hands. Her scent—the very one he had dearly missed. “Vivian,” he called, winding his arms firmly around her waist. “You came.” She disentangled from the hug, her hands on his shoulder. “Yes.” “You’re just as beautiful,” he complimented, releasing his hold on her. “When did you leave Beijing?” Vivian smiled, releasing her hold on his shoulder and walking over to the other chair, her eyes roaming the vicinity. It’s been three years, and little has changed. A sign that he hasn’t truly moved on. Vivian had been married to one of the richest men in the world. However, his wealth paled in comparison to Ranya’s three years ago. Ranya was wealthy but still struggling to keep a hold of things at that time. But the Ranya standing elegantly before her now is the richest lawyer in the US. A billionaire who used to and is still in love with her. “Yesterday. Goodness, I told you I would be leaving Beijing for Florida yesterday. You sent Damian to pick me up, remember?” “Oh,” he uttered, forcing out an apologetic smile. What the heck is wrong with him? He loved Vivian and felt extremely comfortable with her, but this sudden uneasiness toward her made him feel weak. Vivian noticed. She knew and understood why he felt that way. She left him heartbroken; he had begged and called tirelessly until he stopped, seeing she was truly marrying Yang. “I wanted to surprise you. I know we’re supposed to meet tomorrow, but I couldn’t wait. I missed you so much,” Vivian said, her eyes teary as she gazed deeply into his brown eyes. “I missed you too, Vivian,” Ranya responded, moving closer to her. He wanted to touch her but stopped. For some reason, that word didn’t feel genuine. He used to miss her—for years, for the past three years, the past two years, and the past year. But now, they felt like mere words. This is the moment he had dreamed of—the day he had wished she would come back to him. And now that she’s here, where’s the excitement? Her smile broadened as she clasped his hands. He hesitated, feeling the urge to pull away. If he does, he will lose her forever, and he’s certain he can’t live with that. “Kiss me, Ranya,” she requested, her eyes on his lips and then his face. “Kiss me now to prove you missed me as much as I missed you.” Her lips. He stared at them, his gaze lingering on her succulent lips, which had always aroused him in the past. He refrained from kissing anyone else all through the years because he feared it might replace the memories he had with her. He didn’t kiss anyone, not even Calista. Calista... he refrained almost immediately as her name echoed, earning a furrow from Vivian. “Is there another woman, Ranya?” she demanded, hurt shown on her face as she locked eyes with him. Her blue eyes begged for a clear answer. “No!” He replied almost immediately, having no time to think it through. “No, Vivian...” He wanted to say more. To tell her the truth, while she was away, there was another woman who kept him sane and prevented him from losing himself, but she was nothing to him. Calista was nothing but a mere toy. “Then kiss me,” she urged, pushing him back into her arms.“You’re not doing that, are you?” Emily asked, her voice a little high-pitched, as they were currently in one of the biggest lounges in Texas.She owned a lounge called ‘The Place.’When she decided to name it THE PLACE, Calista laughed out loud, wondering why she chose such a weird name for a bar. What she didn’t know was that her friend actually meant it; she wanted everything to stand out, including the name.Emily’s smartness caught her attention when she went to a friend’s party in college. She knew just how to attract the right person, and her friendly gestures towards everyone captured her attention.“How did your family take it?” Emily asked, nodding her head at the loud music. “I mean, it will be a lot, given the time frame.”“I didn’t give them enough time to process it, Emmy. We’re moving out the day after tomorrow, and that’s it.”“I kind of find you cruel,” Emily added, her voice sounding displeased. “You can’t snatch off a life because you’re afraid he might not come loo
The beeping sound of the elevator distracted her thoughts yet again.She vividly remembered the first time she had come here. The elevator had opened, and she had walked out, feeling repulsive with each step she took towards the apartment.After entering the passcode, the one he had asked her to choose three months into the contract, he had wanted her to have access, warning her always to wear a nose mask whenever she visited. Those rules she had adhered to diligently over the years.The door beeped, and it opened. She pushed it open and as she stepped in, the familiar smell of him hit her sense of reasoning, and for some minutes, she felt like breaking down.He had made it clear that it was a contract. A contract with no strings attached. It was so unfair she had to feel this way, and with determination, she decided she was not coming back to his apartment again.The living room was extremely spacious and lively. It used to be gloomy and depressing until she couldn’t bear its emptine
“Mr. Ranya Windsor,” Damian said confidently as he walked towards Ranya, his face no longer masked with anger but replaced with a smile. Ranya looked up from the system as the well-dressed man in a blue suit approached his table.“You’re not kidding me, are you?” Ranya asked, gesturing towards the system on the table. “This is a cafe, not your office.”Ranya scoffed loudly, shaking Damian’s outstretched hand, and whispered, “The last time I checked, we were supposed to meet for work. I agreed to this cafe meeting because I know you brought him with you. I can only avoid unnecessary drama by choosing to meet in public.”Damian laughed and took a seat across from his friend. Damian Lillard was Ranya’s cousin, and he chose to work for him due to his political agenda. Being the Prime Minister’s personal assistant had many advantages for a politically minded person like Damian.“I see you’re avoiding questions about Vivian,” Damian remarked, staring intently at Ranya, whose expression turn
“Did she sanitize this?” Ranya asked, wearing a puzzled look as he stretched the empty paper towards Valerie. She took it and brought the blank sheet to her nose.She coughed slightly, perceiving a deeper scent than expected. “It’s sanitized, sir. The card is too,” she replied, handing the sheet back to him.He accepted the blank sheet, bewildered by why she would send it along with his keys.“Sir, are there any threats of any kind? Should I inform the police?" Valerie asked, watching her boss intently. She couldn’t help but wonder what business he had with the lady in shades.She did not say anything when she arrived because Mr. Windsor had already informed her that a lady would be returning his card, and she was to take it.“I thought I gave her a week?” he asked, walking into his office, scanning through the sheet in his hands to see if she left any hidden message. Valerie watched her boss walk away with surprise overly written on her face. She had never seen that look on him befor
“Is your heart made of stone, Calista?” he mumbled to himself, hastily finding his way into the empty home. It wasn’t completely empty, as he had presumed. The house still looked luxurious and well-fashioned, but the things Calista had bought to make the house less cold and frightening were gone. She had brought colors to his home, and her absence made the whole place feel extremely out of place for him. It felt quiet, making it look less like home.With his heartbeat pounding loudly against his chest, he roamed the entire house seeking something connected to her—a single item she must have touched or something he had gotten for her—but he found nothing.He walked through the rooms, his footsteps echoing in the silence. The apartment was filled with memories of moments shared and emotions felt. He searched for any sign of her presence but found nothing. No lingering scent, no personal belongings. It was as if she had never been there.Before she came, his home was void of colors. The
“Mr. Windsor,” Valerie called, her breath shaky and her eyes avoiding him. Ranya’s face furrowed in displeasure as a web of inquiries filled his mind.Despite his internal conflict, he was determined to meet with Vivian to address and resolve any misunderstandings, knowing he had to confront his inner turmoil to prevent further harm.“What, Valerie?” His voice was cold and dismissive. “What is it?”“I’m extremely sorry, sir, but while you were away, the Prime Minister came.”“What?” Ranya asked, casting a dreaded look at her. “Did you?” He stared at her and then at his office door. “You’re not saying you let him wait for me?”“I couldn’t stop him, sir,” she replied, following closely behind him as he walked faster yet calmly into his office, anger visibly exuding from his entire being. He opened the door to his office, and there he was, standing elegantly, watching the view of the city, his broad shoulders turned away from them.Ranya’s angry eyes bore deeply into Valerie, causing her
“California isn’t all bad, really,” Willie MacQuoid said, munching on a ramen burger. Ever since they arrived in Los Angeles, she had fallen in love with the city’s unique culinary delights. “You all just said California; nobody told me we’re coming to LA.”“I told you,” Mr. MacQuoid replied, sitting across from her at the dining table, his eyes on the magazine gifted to him by a friend he met on the plane. “I’m good with locations.”“Dad, you need to try this. No one will believe how magically delicious it is until you have a bite,” she persuaded, pushing the burger towards him with an encouraging smile.Mr. MacQuoid forced his eyes away from the magazine, nodding his head while eyeing her emphatically. “There’s no way I’m eating a burger made of noodles.”A long, throaty laugh escaped Calista’s throat as she walked into the dining room holding a dish filled with chicken-fried steak, its sweet aroma filling the whole room.“Don’t feed Dad those crispy things. We left Texas, but we sh
“You are the rude brat from the airport,” Willie interjected stubbornly, despite the glares from her mother.“I remember you,” his husky voice laced out, walking closer to the family. “How am I having just limited people here? I asked for twenty, and I have just four.”Mr. MacQuoid stared, stunned by his extreme arrogance. But having worked with such people, he knew how good they could be. He squinted, trying to identify where he had seen the cute face before.Anthony turned to Mr. MacQuoid, displeasure evident on his face as he watched him intently. “I bet you’re their leader since you’re the eldest. Where are the rest of you? And please make sure she...” he pointed at Willie, “...does most of the cleaning. Now get to work.”Calista stared, her lips partly open as he walked to the sofa, sitting comfortably while he rubbed his temple in agitation.Willie scoffed loudly, her eyes staring daggers at him. Mrs. MacQuoid seemed to be tongue-tied, as a slight smile played across her lips.T