The kidn*pped Billionaire

Flight

Elani

A week before Mae’s graduation, I needed to go overseas for something very important and urgent. Tons of business meetings, partnerships, and engagements were waiting for me. There are other important matters that I need to face abroad. It’s upsetting that I would not be able to attend one of my child’s most important events. Being a mother is not an easy job. Especially when you are married to one of the richest men in your country. When I met Achellous for the first time, I was mesmerized. Not because he is really good-looking, but because of his wit and his passion in doing his work. But after all these years that I am married to him, I still don’t get why he makes our daughter’s life so hard. 

“Aki, I need to get up now. I have to catch my flight this morning.” Achellous hugged me tighter.

“Just stay with me here for a little longer.” I can never say no to him when he talks with his morning voice. 

“Honey, please. I don’t want to be late for my flight.” I insisted.

“Okay, my love.” He snuggled me real hard, kissed me on the forehead, and then let me go. 

“Thank you, my dear. I love you.” I kissed him on the lips, then got out of our bed. 

“I love you too.” Aki fell back to sleep. He looks so innocent. Like a child, safe and sound in his mother’s arms. 

I quickly grabbed my towel, then went to the bathroom. I ran the shower with the heater because it’s really cold today. When the water temperature was set, I showered. I have been experiencing a lot of chest pains lately. It started when Mae was only sixteen. Back then, my chest pains were not this severe, and I don’t experience it this often. But now, I feel it almost everyday. I cannot function well. I never told Aki and Mae about this, because I don’t want them to worry about me. I know that Mae would not like to have more burden to carry, and I don’t like Aki to blame Mae for what’s happening to me. I want to deal with this on my own. 

“My dear, are you done? I already finished preparing the clothes you will wear.” I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard Aki calling me out.

“Just a few more minutes, my love. Thank you.” When I finished showering, I wore the clothes Aki prepared for me. I saw him sitting on the side of our bed. He was scrolling through his laptop, doing some early morning work. 

“Really busy, Mr. Tala?” I hugged him from the side, and then kissed him on the cheek. I sat beside him.

“No. I’m getting stressed. I don’t have any work left because Amour did all of it.” He said in a serious tone. 

“Don’t get intimidated by our daughter, my love. She’s exactly just like you, she loves doing her job. Let her do it.” He looked at me, and cupped my face. 

“I am just afraid that she’ll drown, just like me.” He was quiet. He was sincere. 

“I’ll make sure that she won’t. I will always be here for you and Mae. I love you both.” I smiled at him and pecked on his lips. I stood up, and continued preparing for my flight. 

“I love you, Elani.” 

“I love you too, Aki.” 

Seeing Aki look like this is also very frustrating to me. I understand where it is coming from. But I don’t have time to feel like this. If I continue to feel sorry for him, I would be late for my business venture abroad-- which I kinda lied about. I’ll be going overseas not only because of business, but because of my health. I contacted my friends, who are apparently doctors, to assess me. I didn’t want to seek help here in Sta. Corazon, Aki will know about it. He has eyes everywhere. 

“Elani, I’ll go with you to the airport. I will drive you there.” Aki offered to drive me to the airport. 

“I appreciate the effort, but you don’t have to, sweetie.” 

“I must insist.” Aki never fails to be persistent, especially when it comes to me. He is such a sweet person, how I wish that he would also show it to our daughter. 

“If you say so. Thank you, my love.” I was finished preparing but Aki was still in his pajamas.

“Then let’s go.” Oh my gosh, he’s not really going to take a shower!

“No way! Take a quick shower first!” I chuckled. 

“Why? I smell good! No need for shower. And I will be going back to sleep when I come back home after I drive you to the airport.” We were laughing at each other. I love seeing Aki happy. It makes my heart flutter. 

“Never mind the shower! Let’s go, I am going to be late.” I grabbed Aki’s hand, then pulled him towards me. 

Throughout our drive to the airport, I was surprised how awake Aki was. Usually, he is really sleepy when he drives me somewhere early in the morning. But now, he sings along to the songs on the radio. His favorite songs are the songs by ABBA. He loves singing and dancing to it. I can feel the overflowing energy coming out of him. I always hoped that someday, he would also be like this to Mae. That he would show his soft side to our only child. 

“I love you, Aki.” I said out of nowhere. 

“I love you too, my Elani.” He kissed me on the forehead quickly.

I thought of asking him why he can’t be like this when Mae is around. But I know that if I asked him, his mood will change, and the following minutes of our drive will be as quiet as a peaceful night. I held back my tongue, I didn’t ask about it. I just watched him be his own self. Happy, free, and soft. 

“Here we are, my darling. I’ll carry your bags and other stuff. Carry on inside. I’ll catch up with you.” I nodded, and got out of the car. My chest suddenly felt heavy. I feel my heart aching. I hurried inside the airport so that Aki would not see me like this. I sat for a minute to catch up with my breath. Luckily, I felt better when Aki got inside the airport. 

“Let’s go. We arrived here just in time. I guess I’ll be seeing you next week. Please be nice to Mae. I love you always, my Aki.” I hugged him tightly. 

He didn’t say anything. He hugged me back, and pecked me on the lips. When we let go of each other, I waved him goodbye then proceeded to the departure area. I feel my heart aching slightly. I walked away from Aki’s sight quickly. 

“I hope I won't die during this flight.” I said to myself.