When love turned, it's back

CHAPTER 2

Three years had passed, and I had learned how to look like someone who had moved on.

I came back not because of memories, not because of guilt—but because my father was sick, and the company needed someone to take over.

“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” my brother asked as we sat in the living room, documents spread across the table.

“I’ve been handling bigger things in the States,” I replied calmly. “This won’t be a problem.”

He studied me for a moment. “Running this company isn’t easy Zeph since father trusted Ax—”

She stopped herself.

I didn’t react. “I know what needs to be done,” I said firmly. “And I’ll do it or you do it.

Later that day, I visited my father in his room. He looked smaller than I remembered, weaker.

“You didn’t have to come back,” he said softly.

“I’m your daughter,” I answered. “And this is our company. I won’t let it fall apart.”

He nodded, relieved. “You’ve grown strong.”

I smiled. “I had to dad.”The next morning, I walked into the office as the new head of operations. Heads turned. Whispers followed.

“That’s her?”

“She looks different.”

“More confident.”

During the meeting, one of the board members cleared his throat.

“There’s an old project we need to discuss,” he said. “It was originally handled by… Axcel.”

The name hit the room like a dropped glass.My pen paused for half a second.

“Is that relevant now?” I asked

“Yes,” he replied carefully. “There were unresolved issues after his arrest.

I closed the folder. “Then we’ll review the documents.I said coldly.After the meeting, my assistant approached me.

“You handled that well,” she said. “Most people would’ve reacted.”

“There’s nothing to worry about that,” I replied then I continue what I'm doing.

Days has passed and my dad was weaker and weaker the doctor also said that only a day's been left to him....

I guessed mom missed dad too that's why----my words been cut off when my brother spoke

I guess it is,we should let dad go that's what he wanted too were already old enough to take care of ourselves he said coldly

I nodded.

Ma'am,here's what you're asking for my secretary said then handed me the papers

So are you sure about it Zeph you're going to take care of the company

Yeah,if I will not take it then who's gonna take the company,you didn't want it ethier.

Ohh that's nice-phone rang

Yes you need something

Sir you're dad is dying you need to come over

Zeph our dad he's dying Let's go Hendrick said as he grabbed his car key

we're sorry ma'am,sir we tried our best to revive your father but he didn't make it Dr.Rivera said

Zeph started to cry and his brother assist him to sat down...Hendrick quickly wrapped his arms around Zeph, holding her tight as they both broke down in tears.

"I'm here,Zeph I'm here," he whispered, trying to comfort her sister.

Dr. Rivera, gave them a sympathetic nod. "I'm so sorry for your loss. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask."He handed Zephanie a tissue, and gently guided the two to a nearby chair.

As Zeph buried her face in her hands, Hendrick held him, letting the weight of their grief settle in.

"We'll get through this,Zeph. We're in this together," he said softly, his voice cracking with emotion.

The day of the funeral arrived, and the place was filled with family, friends, and acquaintances who had come to pay their respects. Zeph and Hendrick stood at the entrance, shaking hands and accepting condolences.

The service began, and the priest spoke of their dad's life, his kindness, and his love for his family. Zeph's eyes welled up as Hendrick's voice cracked as he read the eulogy.

"Dad was more than just a father; he was our mentor, our friend, and our guide. We'll miss him every day, but we'll keep his memory alive in our hearts."

At the cemetery, the sun beat down on them as they said their final goodbyes. Zeph dropped a handful of soil onto the coffin, feeling the earth mix with his tears. Hendrick put his arm around him, and they stood there, frozen in grief, as the words "Rest in peace, Dad" echoed through the air.

As they turned to leave, Zeph whispered, "He's really gone, Hendrick."

"I know,Zeph but we're here for each other. Always."

The brothers walked away from the grave, their arms around each other and comforting each other.

" Zeph" a man showed up holding a flowers,I heard your father's gone and I'm here to-----

Zeph's expression turned cold as he stared at Axcel,who stood before him, holding a bouquet of flowers. "What are you doing here?" Zeph said her voice low and venomous.

Axcel's eyes, once filled with charm, now seemed hollow and worn. He took a step forward, but Hendrick stepped in.

"You shouldn't be here, Axcel," Hendrick warned, his tone firm.

Axcel's gaze flicked to Hendrick, then back to Zeph. "I just wanted to offer my condolences. I knew Dad..."

Zeph's anger boiled over. "You have no right to call him dad,after what you did,you still have the guts to call him dad.

Axcel's gaze flicked to Hendrick, then back to Zeph. "I just wanted to offer my condolences. I knew Dad..."

Zeph's anger boiled over. "You have no right to call him dad,after what you did,you still have the guts to call him dad, shame on you....

"I really didn't do it... I was innocent, Zeph. I was wrongly accused."

Zeph laughed, a cold, hopeless sound. "Innocent? You spent years in prison, getting beaten up every day. You think you're innocent?"

Axcel took a step back, his eyes dropping to the ground. "I'm sorry, Zeph. I know I can't undo what's done. I just... wanted to pay my respects."

Hendrick intervened, his voice firm. "You should leave, Axcel. Now."

Zeph's anger seemed to dissipate, replaced by a cold, hard resolve. "Yeah, get out. Don't come near us again,or have you forgotten what I've said before...

Axcel nodded, his shoulders slumped in defeat. He turned and walked away, the flowers still in his hand, as Zeph and Hendrick stood there, watching him disappear into the crowd.

The air was heavy with tension as Zeph turned to Hendrick. "Let's get away from here, bro I want to rest