Alton's POVKneeling before my son's funeral, my chest tightened as I gazed at his picture resting on the altar. I had only been gone for a few days, never imagining that my world would shatter upon my return.As soon as the plane touched down in Massachusetts, I rushed to Solana's house, only to find it empty. Mary and Arthur's house, too. Seeking answers, I asked their neighbours, and that's when I received the heart-wrenching news—my son was gone.I drove to the address of the funeral home they had provided, and upon arrival, my heart shattered into pieces. "I'm sorry," I whispered, my gaze fixed on my son's picture."I'm sorry," I repeated, the words echoing through my mind.Guilt, pain, and anger consumed me. Solana was right; I blamed myself for our son's death. If I hadn't insisted on that DNA test, maybe Atlas wouldn't have had an attack. Perhaps he would still be alive today.Kneeling before my son's funeral, I paid no mind to the prying eyes and whispered conversations of
Solana's POVMorning arrived, and I hadn't slept a wink. Mary kept urging me to rest or at least take a quick nap, but I stubbornly refused. Instead, I found solace in staring at my son's photograph.I didn't want to prolong this funeral any further. Today would be the last day."Solana, you should eat," Mary offered me a plate of food, but I merely smiled at her.She sighed deeply, placing the food to the side. "Let me know if you need anything, okay?" she said. I smiled and nodded in response.Tears no longer streamed down my face, but my chest felt tight, and my heart shattered into pieces. I was merely breathing, but I no longer felt alive because the reason for my existence had already departed.I felt as though I had lost my purpose.Attending my son's funeral was a torment no mother should ever endure. It felt as if I had died alongside him. The child I carried in my womb for months and watched grow had been snatched away without warning. It was the most excruciating experienc
Solana's POVAs morning arrived, Arthur and Mary accompanied me to the airport. The weight of leaving behind the place that had been my home for the past five years hit me hard, and tears welled up in my eyes as soon as I stepped onto the plane. This was the place where I had raised my son and where his memories lingered.Once the plane took off, I wiped away my tears, leaned back against the seat, and tightly closed my eyes, mentally preparing myself for the new life that awaited me in New York. Kris had no idea about my plans to fly there, but I knew I could count on her. I needed her help for a fresh start—a place to stay. She was the only person I knew in New York, and I hoped she would be willing to offer me shelter while I searched for a job and began rebuilding my life.After a few hours in the air, the plane finally touched down, and I took a deep breath, mustering the courage to step out into the bustling streets of New York.Carrying my luggage, I exited the plane and scann
Alton's POVI buried myself in work, hoping it would serve as a distraction, but it proved futile.I feigned strength, putting on a facade that I could handle everything, but deep down, I am on the edge of giving up with each passing day.During breakfast, my mother spoke up, breaking the uneasy silence."I attended Atlas's funeral the other day..." she began.I looked at her, eager for more details."His ashes were brought to Solana's house," she added.I nodded, acknowledging that Solana deserved to keep our son's remains."Son..." she hesitated, reaching out for my hand.I could sense that she struggled to express something."Solana came here the day you and Allison flew to New York..." her voice wavered as she started.I stared at her, waiting for her to continue."She pleaded with me to see you..." she finally confessed.My grip on the utensils tightened.I regarded her with a furrowed brow, confusion clouding my thoughts."What did you do, Mom?" I asked, my anger rising.I could
Solana's POVAs Kris saw me, she immediately pulled me into a tight embrace, her eyes brimming with excitement and joy."Are you alone? Where is Atlas?" she inquired, and at the mention of my son's name, the sorrow I had been suppressing surged through me.I mustered a sad smile. "He died," I managed to say, my voice breaking, and the tears I had held back began to stream down my cheeks."Oh my God," Kris exclaimed, panic evident in her eyes. She held me tightly, comforting me with gentle caresses.After a while, we broke the embrace, and I surveyed our surroundings. All eyes were on us."Let's go to your unit," I urged Kris, gesturing towards the elevator. She nodded without hesitation.Together, we pulled my luggage, making our way to her unit. As we entered her unit, Kris guided me to the couch.She disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a glass of water. Taking a seat beside me, she handed it to me, and I mustered a grateful smile before taking a sip.Setting the glass o
Alton's POVI glanced away abruptly when I spotted Solana, not expecting to see her there. The desire to approach her and talk to her overwhelmed me, but I held myself back. I couldn't risk approaching her because I knew I wouldn't be able to stop myself from begging her to take me back. So, I settled for stolen glances.A genuine smile adorned Solana's face as she conversed with a child seating beside her. He appeared to be the same age as our son, Atlas, which explained Solana's fondness for him. My chest tightened as I imagined Atlas in the child's place. I could sense that Solana felt the same way, for I saw longing in her eyes as she looked at the child.After some time, a man joined their table. Solana lifted her head, and our eyes met once again, causing me to quickly avert my gaze. "Are you okay, Mr. Sanders?" Mr Lim inquired.I looked at him and nodded, pretending that everything was fine."You seem preoccupied. Is something bothering you?" he asked, concerned.I shook my
Solana's POVWorking at a coffee shop for a year helped me save enough money to open a physical store in the A & S shopping centre. The mall had recently opened, so the rent was affordable, allowing me to slowly achieve my dream.I decided to quit my job at the café and dedicate all my attention to my newly opened store. On the opening day, Kris volunteered to help me. She had done me so many favours, and I had no idea how to repay her kindness."Do you think I can sell at least one item today?" I asked Kris, my voice tinged with fear.Kris walked towards me, placing her hand on my shoulder. She made me look directly into her eyes and gave me an assuring smile."If no one buys anything, which I highly doubt, I'll buy a piece for you as your avid fan and customer," she said, making me laugh."Thank you," I said, tears welling up in the corners of my eyes."Just make sure you give me a discount," she added playfully.I nodded my head and smiled at her.Kris continued to check the rack
Alton's POVAs I stepped into Sebastian's bar, I accidentally bumped into Allison at the entrance, leaving me with no choice but to walk alongside her. We made our way towards the bar counter, and I took a seat on a bar stool while she settled beside me."It's great to see you again, Alton. It's been years, right?" she asked, her face beaming with a bright smile as if our last encounter had been a pleasant one.I glanced at her and simply nodded. I don't have the energy to engage in conversation, so instead, I ordered my usual drink, scanning the bar for any sign of Sebastian."Where's Sebastian?" I asked, turning to one of the bartenders when I couldn't spot him."He's in the VIP room, sir, on the right wing," he replied. I nodded when I heard his response and patiently waited for my drink before making my way towards the VIP room. Allison followed me, despite my complete indifference towards her.Upon entering the VIP room, I saw Sebastian enjoying drinks with our college buddies