Echoes of Us

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

“Everyone, this is my lovely daughter Elina, and I would like her to succeed me as the CEO of the company.” A resounding clap erupted in the hall.

She gave a speech and there was applause by the guests present. Mr. Munroe hosted guests at his house to celebrate Elina’s new position. Jamie didn’t particularly want to attend, but out of respect for Mr. Munroe, he decided to stop by. Upon arrival, he deliberately avoided Elina, but she seemed to pop up everywhere. Seeking solace, he made his way to the pool area, which was quiet and cool, bringing to mind thoughts of Sofia. He hoped she was doing okay.

“What are you doing here alone?” a soft voice broke into his reverie. Damn, she has finally found me, he thought.

“I just love how quiet and cool it is here. Congrats, anyway, Elina, the CEO,” he teased, trying to keep it light. Elina’s cheeks reddened, revealing her beautiful smile.

"Thank you, Jamie. Here's to that!" They lifted their glasses and toasted. Then, they each took a sip from their drinks.

“Jamie, I know you still resent me for our past, but I want you to know that I’m deeply sorry and that I’ve changed. I still have feelings for you; if only we could work things out,” she said, caressing his beard gently.

Jamie swiftly pulled her hand away. “Elina, I’m happy for you, but I don’t think there can be anything between us. Whatever relationship we can have is strictly business. Goodbye, Elina.” With that, he turned and walked out. Elina’s once-happy expression slowly faded to pale disappointment as she realized it would take more effort than she thought to mend their friendship.

Jamie, feeling unsettled, recognized that the conversation with Elina had reopened old wounds. He considered going home, but that would only provide more time to dwell on painful memories. Instead, he opted to head to a club to drink and try to have some fun.

Alarm ringing... ringing...

With his eyes still closed, he reached out to silence the alarm, only to notice a figure next to him. As he opened his eyes, the sleep evaporated instantly when he realized there were two women in bed with him, and they were entirely n***d. Confusion washed over him; he had no recollection of inviting them over, and his memories felt hazy. A sharp pain pulsed through his head, and all he could think about was getting the ladies out of his house.

He swung his legs over the side of the bed, quickly threw on a robe, and began to wake the women.

They groaned, requesting to be left alone, but he pressed on, insisting they needed to leave for their own safety in hopes of frightening them. To his surprise, it worked; they hastily dressed and then demanded money.

"What money?" he asked, bewildered.

"The money for last night," one of the women replied. Wanting them out as soon as possible, he chose not to argue. He paid them off, and they left in a hurry.

Buzzzzz… Buzzzz—the phone vibrated…

Jamie sprinted out of the restroom to grab it.

“My man, I haven’t heard from you in ages! How was the party yesterday?”

“Which one?”

“Wait, you went to more than one party without inviting me? That’s just unfair. Anyway, how was Elina’s Munroe party? Did you hook up with her?”

“Bruh... seriously? I wasn’t joking when I said I’m not into her anymore. She’s in the past.”

“Really? You want to miss out on such a beautiful girl? No worries. But please, drop her a line for me. Let her know I’m single and searching...”

“Is that why you called me at this hour?” He hissed, suddenly feeling a sharp pain in his head. “Ouch!” he exclaimed.

“Are you okay?” Mike asked, concerned.

“I’m fine. We’ll talk later,” Jamie replied, hanging up. He took some medication and decided to go for a walk.

Jamie was running through the park, relishing the fresh air and the laughter of children echoing nearby. His gaze fell upon a couple of kids chasing after an ice cream truck, their faces lit up with joy. A smile crept onto his face, reminding him of his own childhood. He and his friends would scrimp and save for a weekly ice cream treat, and on those rare occasions when they couldn't afford it, their disappointment turned to tears.

Lost in nostalgia, Jamie paid little attention to the elevated pavement ahead. Suddenly, his foot caught, and he tripped, tumbling to the ground. A sharp pain radiated around his toes as he glanced around, hoping no one had witnessed his stumble. Just as he straightened himself, he caught sight of a hooded figure standing off in the distance, watching him intently.

“Could they be onto me again? I thought this was over,” he murmured, a chill creeping up his spine.

He quickly got back up and continued his run, but his instincts screamed that he was being followed. With every step, he felt the weight of unseen eyes on his back. Heart racing, he quickened his pace and veered towards a crowded area. He glanced over his shoulder but the hooded figure had vanished. Relieved, he thought he had escaped, but an unsettling feeling lingered in the air.

As he circled back through the park, he chose the lonely bypass for a shortcut home. Suddenly, out of the shadows, a figure lunged at him. Before he could react, a brick connected with the back of his head, sending him crashing to the ground. Pain exploded in his skull, and darkness swirled around him as he struggled to stay conscious.