Shattered Illusion

Chapter One

The heavens let down its downpour heavily that morning. The sky had given a subtle warning earlier but no one took it seriously, hence it got a lot of them stuck at places they were supposed to be at that time; some at the tea shop, some at McDonald's, and some at a friend’s office. For Alexander Wilson, it was the latter.

“Goodness gracious!” Alex stamped his foot and placed his hands across his waist. His breath curled in small ephemeral clouds. “It’s like the Arctic outside!”

Even the coat that he was clad in could not save him from the frosty, chilly weather out there. His friend and lawyer, Ben Miller, chuckled.

“Coffee?” Ben offered, gesturing towards the steaming pot, emitting a warm aroma contradicting the freezing weather. The room had begun to get quite warm.

“Yes please!” Alex threw his arms in the air. Coffee was never an option for him. It was quite something he always wanted and needed, more like liquid sunshine to warm up his body and day. It was always the special blend; Columbia beans roasted to perfection.

Throwing his head backward, Alex leaned against the leather chair that had also been attacked by the chilly virus. It was cold, refrigerator standard.

A knock on the door, however, made Alex jolt back into reality. He had almost begun to seep into the dream world.

“Here....” Ben offered him the warm mug which he embraced with his finger. It was hot, but it was just the perfect heat to kickstart a warm day. Ben settled into his chair before asking whoever it was to come in.

His chair creaked in protest as he tilted himself back further, a lazy grin across his face as the door swung open. The lady at the door entered the office with so much confidence and the brisk efficiency of a woman on a mission.

Her steps quickened, her heels clicking a decisive rhythm on the hard marbled floor. Her lips curved into a thin smile but eventually, words tumbled out of her mouth, punctuated by apologies and explanations, contradicting her initial expression of confidence, as she tried to fill Ben on the details of her reasons for showing up late.

The rain had stopped, thankfully, and Alex had just one thought. To finish his coffee and return to his office. He had so many tasks at hand and listening to tales between his friend and his secretary was the last thing he wanted to do.

“Any news from the media house?” Ben supported his chin with his hands. His gaze held a steely lint, unwavering its belief. He nodded, confirming something positive this time around.

“I am sorry to disappoint you sir, but there has still been no news. She hasn’t been found. No one has shown up.” The lady announced. Such a beauty yet the deliverer of negative news!

The smile Ben had held faltered, slowly trailing away. His eyes dimmed, and a sigh escaped his lips, a soft note of deflation. He had expected to get positive news after so long, yet nothing was forthcoming.

“They have, however, decided to publicize it even more and make sure everyone gets to hear about it. it will be sent out to the papers and every media house possible.” She offered and he nodded, dismissing her immediately.

“Tell me....” Alex started, his legs crossed across each other. Not like he wanted to eavesdrop in their conversation, but the news had not just eluded him. He was in the same room after all. “Another difficult case you have to handle?” He questioned, raising his brows and sipping the last content of the coffee. It had gotten quite cold rather quickly, opposing his will. There was nothing he could do to revive it than to have it in time.

“Not exactly a case....” He lifted his head and leaned towards his table. He shrugged and let out a sigh. “A client of mine who had been a long-time client, by the way, passed away a couple of weeks ago.” He responded.

“I am so sorry for that great loss.” Alex placed his hands across his chest. He sure did know what it meant to miss a very good and regular client. No other one would be able to match up with their energy. “My condolences...” His voice was softer this time.

Now, he had used more time than he had proposed.

“Thank you.” He halted and took a sip of his coffee. Before he passed away, he handed over a task to me. Now, this client of mine.... ex-client of mine is ... was quite wealthy and had a lot to his name and had willed everything to his niece whom he hadn’t seen in years... about fifteen years.” He leaned backward, amused by his own story. He had expected the look on Alex’s face as that was what had formed on his when he got to hear about it too; shock and disbelief.

“He doesn’t even know how she looks. All he has is a childhood picture of her,” Ben added.

“That is quite ridiculous”. Alex threw his arms in the air. It just did not make any sense. “How can someone give his property to someone he has not seen in years?” His brows arched in confusion. It was not his business anyway, but seeing his friend worry over it, he had to step into the picture.

“I was just as shocked as you are...” Ben shrugged and got up, heading to the window.

“He doesn’t have a relative? A wife, children, friend, anything?”

“Not at all. Aside from his business life, he lived in solitude. No one.”

“And you decided to help him without knowing anything?” Alex questioned in disbelief. He sure did think Ben was way smarter than that.

“I had no other option but to accept to help him, coupled with the fact that he pleaded with me to help him out. I could not reject an old man’s dying wish. I had to.” He let out a sigh and leaned against the pane.

“And now? You are stuck. Stuck with an old man’s wish which he might never be able to fulfill. What if you do not find her?” Alex folded his arms across his chest.

“We will find her. I am trying to stay positive.” He let out a sigh and returned to his seat. He had begun to get uncomfortable. The task was becoming a formidable battle in his heart.

“And what if you don’t find her? Have you ever thought of the possibility of such? What if she does not live in this state anymore? What if she does not live in this country anymore? What if she stays in a remote place?” Alex probed with concern.

He still could not comprehend how Ben could take on such a task. He was a renowned and well-trained lawyer. How could he let his emotions cloud his thinking, putting him now in a greater mess?

“She does live somewhere, and she will be found. Besides, he gave me a childhood picture of her and some information that could help me find her.” He defended so hard. He knew within himself that Alex was right and was trying so hard to prevent himself from looking foolish, but what could he do after all? The deed had happened. He just had to find her.

“And if she has gone under the knife? Do you know how some women these days are obsessed with beauty? She could have gone under the knife to enhance her appearance?” Alex questioned even more. His question continued to make Ben quite uncomfortable, and he did wish he had not spoken about it at all.

“If we do not find her after a long time, the property will be donated to charity in her name. I am, however.....” He halted. “Trying to keep a positive thought. She will be found soon, and I am quite certain about it.”

“And you will live in guilt of not being able to fulfill the old man’s wish. Worst of all, what if she is dead?”

Now, that was the last straw that broke the camel’s back. Ben had been trying so hard to hold himself together, but Alex kept on complicating it over and over again. He was not making it any easier for him.

Ben was quiet for a while, staring at Alexander who still wasn’t ready to back down. Tucking his hands into the pockets of his trousers, he stood upright, lowered his head, and raised it to meet Alex’s gaze.

“It’s been great catching up with you. I appreciate your company on this rainy day. However, the rain has stopped, and I indeed have a deadline looming before the sun shines. I believe you have a lot of work in your office too. I will walk you out.” Ben stretched.

“Of course, I do. It was fun talking to you and thanks for the coffee.” He chuckled and

Ben did the same. They had a lot more to do than discuss the ‘lucky’ woman.