The Love That Divided Us

David Anderson has everything money can buy except the woman he once loved. The sound of expensive champagne glasses filled the enormous ballroom as wealthy businessmen, politicians ,and influential personalities gathered to celebrate another successful year of the Anderson empire. At the centre of the celebration stood David Anderson, a man whose name commanded respect in the business ward. At fifty six, David had all that a man could dream of. He owned luxury hotels, shopping malls, several companies, and properties scattered across different countries. He frequently appeared on the covers business magazines, and his future was something people could only dream of possessing. Yet beneath his expensive suits and confident smile was a man whose name had been lonely for years. It had been several years since he buried the woman he loved. Seven years since the woman who had promised to grow old beside him took her last breath. Seven years since his mansions stopped feeling like home. For a moment he imagined what his life would have been like if Olivia his late wife was still alive. She would probably be standing beside him, smiling proudly at everything he had achieved. She had always been his biggest supporter. David spotted a tall, handsome young man dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. Rex Anderson. His only son and heir to the Anderson empire. At twenty two years, Rex had inherited his father confidence, intelligence and commanding presence. Women admired him, and business men respected him. David watched as his son greeted a few guests before making his way toward him . ‘’You’re late,’’ David remarked. ‘’I told you the event will take place at seven.’’ Rex smiled ‘’and I arrived before the celebration ended isn’t that good enough?’’ David shook his head ‘’one day, you’ll understand that punctuality is important.’’ ‘’One day I’ll understand for now let’s just enjoy the evening. David studied his son for a moment. Have you eaten?’’ ‘’Not yet.’’ ‘’Then get something to eat. You look like you’ve been surviving only on coffee.’’ Rex chuckled. ‘’You’re beginning to sound like mom.’’ The moment the words left his mouth, silence settled between them. David looked away. Rex immediately regretted bringing up his mom into the discussion. ‘’I’m sorry, Dad.’’ David shook his head. ‘’You don’t have to apologize for remembering your mother.’’ Rex nodded. For a few seconds, neither spoke. Then David placed a hand on his son’s shoulder. ‘’Come with me tomorrow I want us to have breakfast together. ‘’Is something wrong ?’’ ‘’Can’t a father spend time with his son?’’ ‘’Of course he can. But whenever you use that serious voice, I know something is coming.’’ ‘’Just be there.’’ They exchange smiles before Rex walked towards the dining area. David watched him disappear into the crowd. His son was no longer little boy who needed help tying his shoelaces. He was a grown man, Handsome, wealthy and capable of managing the family business. But there was one thing David believed was missing from his son’s life. A wife. And he intended to do something about it. The following morning sunlight streamed through the enormous glass windows of the Anderson mansion. David sat at the breakfast table, reading the business newspaper while sipping his coffee. The mansion was unusually quiet. A housekeeper placed a plate of pancake and scrambled eggs in front of him. ‘’Your breakfast sir.’’ ‘’Thank you Margaret.’’ ‘’You’re welcome sir.’’ David nodded before returning his attention to the newspaper. A few minutes later, footstep approached. ‘’Good morning father.’’ David lowered his newspaper. Rex walked into the dining room wearing a casual designer shirt and black trousers. ‘’Good morning. Sit down’s’ Expelled out a chair and settled opposite him. ‘’Why do I feel like I’m about to attend a business meeting. David folded his newspaper. ‘Because there’s something important I want to discuss with you.’’ ‘’Then go ahead. I’m listening.’’ David studied him for a moment. ‘’You are twenty two years old Rex.’’ Rex paused.’’okay?’’ ‘’You’re handsome, intelligent, financially stable and you have everything a man need to build a comfortable life.’’ But there’s something missing.’’ Rex resided an eyebrow. ‘’And what’s that?’’ ‘’A wife.’’ Rex nearly choked on his juice. He placed the glass on the table and stared at his father. ‘’Excuse me?’’ ‘’Father is this why you invited me for breakfast?’’ ‘’Yes.’’ Rex leaned back in his chair ‘’Unbelievable.’’ David frowned. ‘’What’s unbelievable about wanting to see my son settle down?’’ ‘’Nothing. But I didn’t know marriage had become a family emergency.’’ David sighed. ‘’Don’t make jokes about everything. I am serious.’’ ‘’So am I.’’ David leaned forward. ‘’I want you to start thinking about marriage. I want to see you with a woman who will love you, support you, and give this family another generation.’’ Rex looked at his father thoughtfully. ‘’And what about you Dad?’’ David frowned. ‘’What about me?’’ ‘’Yes, when was the last time you thought about finding someone for yourself?’’ David stared at his son. ‘’That’s different.’’ ‘’How?’’ Rex asked. I’m your father.’’ ‘’And you’re also a man who has spent seven years living alone.’’ David expression hardened slightly. Rex continued. ‘’You keep telling me to find happiness, but have you ever considered that you deserve happiness too?’’ David looked down at his coffee for a moment, his son’s words touched him deeply. But he actually dismissed the thought. That evening David returned to his room after dinner he had just finished reviewing some documents when he noticed that one of the drawer beneath his desk was slightly open. He was certain he had closed it earlier. He pulled it open and began searching through the old documents inside. Inside the drawers were property papers, business contracts, and several personal files. Then his fingers touched an envelope. It was cream-coloured, slightly faded, and carefully sealed. David froze. He recognized the handwriting immediately. His late wife’s handwriting. He slowly pulled the envelope out. His heart began to beat faster. At the front was five words written in her familiar handwriting. ‘’To my husband, David Anderson.’’ He stared at it for several seconds. He couldn’t remember seeing the envelope before. Carefully, he broke the seal and brought out the folded letter. The first line made his breathing uneven. My dearest David, If you’re reading this letter, then perhaps I’m no longer beside you. There’s is something I’ve wanted to tell you for a very long time, but I never found the courage to say it. David stopped reading. His eyes moved towards the photograph of Olivia on his desk. He looked down at the letter again and continued reading. But before he could finish the next paragraph his phone began ringing It was Mr. Collins. David reluctantly answered. "Good evening, sir. I'm sorry to disturb you." "What is it?" "There's an urgent matter concerning the company that requires your attention." David closed his eyes briefly. "Can it wait until tomorrow?" "I'm afraid not, sir." David looked at the unfinished letter. "Alright. I'll be there shortly." He ended the call and carefully folded the letter. He placed it inside his desk drawer, intending to read it later. Then he stood up, picked up his car keys, and walked out of the study. He had no idea that the letter he had just discovered contained a secret that could change everything he believed about his family. And he had no idea that his decision to open his heart to another woman would soon bring a storm into the Anderson mansion.