Fractured Hearts

chapter5

Five years later~

"Sorry for your loss." The mourners said, their voices filled with genuine sympathy.

"Thank you for coming." Dominic replied, his expression somber as he bid them farewell at the entrance of the bereavement center. He bowed his head respectfully, watching as the influential guests departed.

As the last of them disappeared from view, he turned back to find Rosie and Liam approaching him. Liam's face lit up with excitement as he spotted Dominic, and he quickly pulled his hand free from his mother's grasp, racing towards Dominic with an uncontainable enthusiasm.

Before Liam reached him, Dominic bent down, arms wide open. "My boy!" He exclaimed, scooping Liam up in a warm embrace. He lifted him high and settled him on his shoulder, walking closer to Rosie with a gentle smile.

"Sweetheart," he said softly, slipping his arm around her shoulders. "It's good to have you back in the city. Welcome back."

Rosie's smile faltered, her eyes dropping as she spoke. "It's heartbreaking. I couldn't make it back in time. I wish I could have seen Nelson's face one last time before he passed away," she said, her voice laced with remorse.

Regret and guilt weighed heavily on her heart, the long absence gnawing at her. It had been over five years since she'd left the country; -just a month after giving birth, and the thought of not being there for Nelson's final moments filled her with sorrow.

When Dominic received the emergency call about Nelson's cardiac arrest, she'd wanted to rush back with him, but Liam's school commitments had kept her anchored, hoping to return as soon as there was a break.

Dominic had reassured her over the phone that Nelson was responding to treatment, painting a picture of hope; only for the devastating news of his passing to shatter her a week later.

Dominic's grin was gentle as he pulled her close. "It's fine, dear. Nelson died with no regrets," he said softly, his words a balm to her frayed emotions. He knew just what to say to soothe her. "Nelson may be gone, but you still have a brother who'll never forsake you."

Rosie's smile was a quiet acknowledgment of his words, and as she met his gaze, memories flooded back of his unwavering support through life's toughest moments. From being a rock during her darkest days to standing by her even when she left the country with Liam, Dominic had always been there; a steady presence she could count on.

"You have me, and I'll always support you." He promised, his words, a reassuring constant in her life. Despite his packed schedule, managing the companies on her behalf, he always made time for her; setting aside five days each month to visit.

"Thank you, Dominic. Thanks for everything. Thanks for being the best brother in the world. Thanks for always being here for me." She said, her gratitude heartfelt.

Dominic's brow furrowed slightly, a hint of displeasure crossing his face. He'd warned her countless times to stop thanking him like that. "Stop this, we're family," he reminded her gently. "I must help. I'll do anything for you, Rosie."

Rosie's face lit up with a warm smile, but she shifted the conversation, her voice gentle. "When is the funeral starting?"

"Soon." Dominic replied.

Liam's voice piped up. "Dad, can we still visit all the beautiful places you told me about? I want to go to the beach in this city?"

Dominic's face softened as he smiled. "Of course, buddy. We'll go with Mom after the funeral," he promised, setting Liam down and cradling his cheeks in his palms. "What have you eaten today?"

Liam shook his head. "Nothing."

Dominic's brow furrowed, and he glanced at Rosie, his voice tinged with a mix of surprise and mild reprimand. "Why hasn't he eaten yet? Why're you starving my son?"

Before Rosie could respond, Liam jumped in, defending his mother. "Dad, it's not Mom's fault. I told her I don't want to eat until you're back. I want to eat with you."

Dominic's face melted at Liam's words, and he exchanged a look with Rosie, his expression softening. "Oops... okay, then, we'll apologize to Mum later," he said with a chuckle, holding Liam's shoulder with one hand and gently patting his head with the other. "Liam, Dad's busy now. You should eat with your mom."

Liam's face scrunched up in distaste; unhappy about eating alone when Dominic was around. "Dad…" he whined in a low, drawn-out tone.

Dominic mimicked Liam's expression and tone, his voice playful. "Son…" he called back, asking, "what do you want to eat?" His eyes sparkled with amusement, and he leaned down, his face inches from Liam's, waiting for his response.

"Okay, since you're busy now, chocolate will be fine," Liam said with a bright smile. "We'll eat together when you're free, Dad. I also have a gist of Henry from my school."

Dominic nodded. "Alright, go inside with Mom. I'll get you some chocolate."

"No," Liam refused, pouting. "It's boring staying with Mom. Let me go with you."

"Please, let–" Dominic tried to persuade him, but before he could finish, Rosie intervened, gently but firmly grabbing Liam's hand.

She pulled Liam close. "He'll stay with me."

"Hey, woman... You don't treat my son like that," Dominic's voice rose playfully as he teased, his finger wagging lightly toward Rosie's face. He turned to Liam, his expression softening into a smile. "Prince, stay with Mom for a while. I know she can be boring, but please, endure it for Dad. Okay?"

***

"Liam!" Rosie called, her high-pitched voice echoing through the hallway as she frantically searched for Liam. She had left him sitting alone in the hall for just a moment while she dashed to the restroom, and now he was nowhere to be found.

Panic began to set in as she scanned the area, her eyes darting left and right. Over twelve minutes had passed, and her anxiety grew with each passing second.

In her haste, she burst into a nearby room, hoping against hope that Liam would be there, safe and sound. Instead, she was met with an unexpected scene; a male and female staff member locked in a tender embrace.

Her eyes widened in surprise, and she let out a soft "Oh…" as she quickly realized her mistake. She apologized and hastily retreated, her face flushing slightly, her mind still racing with worry about Liam's whereabouts.

"Liam!"

She'd been dialing Dominic's number to check if Liam was with him, but his phone was unreachable, adding to her growing panic. As she rushed forward without watching her step, she stumbled onto Hannah, Dominic's secretary.

"Is everything okay, ma'am?" Hannah asked, her concerned tone matching the worry on her face.

Rosie's words tumbled out in a rush. "Liam... I left him in the hall while I went to the restroom, and when I came back, he was gone. I've been searching for over fifteen minutes, and I just can't find him anywhere." Her voice trembled slightly as she struggled to keep her composure.

"I saw him on the second floor," Hannah said, trying to provide more information. "He–"

"The second floor?" Rosie exclaimed, already turning to rush off. She hurriedly pushed through the crowd and dashed into the elevator, her heart racing with hope that she'd find Liam there.

***

Rosie scanned the second floor frantically, but Liam was nowhere to be seen. "Where are you, Liam?" She whispered to herself, her anxiety growing. Deciding to try the ground floor, she stepped into the elevator.

As she stepped out onto the ground floor, her eyes landed on a familiar scene; Liam standing beside a man in a suit, their backs turned to her. "Why does this man look familiar?"

Before she could place him, she quickened her pace, calling out, "Liam."

Liam's face lit up as he turned around, excitedly shouting, "Mom!"

The man beside him turned as well, and as Rosie's eyes met his, her jaw dropped in shock. "Archie?" She exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise. The man's hazel eyes mirrored hers, dilated in astonishment; equally shocked to see her.

"Rosie?!"