A Love Lost In Shadows

Diana sat down on the chair next to her mom's bed as she sobbed quietly holding on to Mabel, her mother's hand. She placed her head gently on the bed as she continued sobbing remembering how it all happened. Her father, Dave, and Mabel were both involved in a ghastly car accident. They wanted to get something from the grocery shop when it happened. Luckily for her, she had gone to a friend's birthday party that fateful evening, she didn't go with her parents. She saw the news on the headline when she got home that night as she ran to the hospital they were admitted to. Sadly, she was told her father's body got burnt, and the accident caused an explosion. Her mom then fell into a coma and hasn't woken up since then. She cried harder as the memories came afresh. No matter how hard she tried to forget about it. It was a really painful experience to witness. She tends to act crazy sometimes just because she wants to hide her pain and suffering from the outside world. "Mom I've missed you a lot, I would do anything to make sure I keep paying your bills. Keep fighting Mom, don't give up Mom, please. I love you so much, Mom." Diana stuttered trying hard not to break into another round of tears. "Excuse me, ma'am, the doctor would like to see you in his office." A nurse with a very bushy eyebrow said to Diana, she nodded as she sniffed before exiting the ward. "Good day Miss Vaige, let me go straight to the point, your mom isn't responding to treatment because of the drugs she is taking. We need to prescribe a new set of drugs whose cost is higher than the previous drugs. She needs to be monitored, we are planning to transfer her to another hospital with better facilities. But you haven't deposited any money for this month's treatment. I suggest we should discharge her if...." The doctor said with his hands placed on his desk as he stared at Diana. " No, please don't Sir. I would look for a much better-paying job, just give me a week please" Diana said almost falling to her knees in tears, her hands clasped together as she pleaded. The doctor thought for a while before nodding. Diana stood up slowly, thanking him then exited his office with traces of tears on her face as the doctor stared after her shaking his head pitifully. * "The meeting would take place in the next thirty minutes." Lucas, Henderson's secretary informed, holding on to a neat stack of files on his right arm. Henderson sat still, his features, screaming perfection as he nodded, a cold expression on. Lucas bowed and left afterward. Henderson sipped from his coffee as he stared at his wristwatch glancing back to the files on his magnificent luxury desk. His spacious office had soaring ceilings and expansive windows which offered breathtaking views of the city. Just then, Lucas returned. "Boss, the car is set, we leave in ten minutes". Lucas, Henderson's secretary said as he bowed straightening his suit. "Have the members of the board been informed about this impromptu meeting?" Henderson said his voice as cold as ice, as he raised an eyebrow making him look intimidating. "Yes boss, I made sure I informed them earlier," Lucas replied stuttering at the same time bowing. He was scared of his boss with his cold gaze but didn't want to resign. He just loves his job, he knew that beneath that cold demeanor, was a soft-hearted character. Henderson waved his hand signaling him to leave and Lucas didn't wait a moment before scurrying out of his office. He leaned back on his swivel chair, closing his eyes as he began hearing those torturous voices. "Take off your pants pretty boy." "Don't prove stubborn, or I will tie you to a pole and lash you with my special chain" Different pictures began playing in his head as his eyes fluttered open and he jerked up from his seat. He was already sweating profusely even with the air conditioner functioning. It took like three minutes to calm his madly racing heartbeat as he returned to his seat taking out pills from his drawer and he hastily swallowed them using a glass of water. This was how it had always been, darkness makes him relive his dark memories so he finds it hard to sleep. He sleeps lightly only when he takes pills. Lucas returned telling him that it was time as he grabbed his suit jacket and his phone before stepping out of the office with Lucas following closely behind him. They got out as Lucas opened the door. Henderson got in shutting the door himself. Lucas also got in as Steven, Henderson's driver drove off. They got to one of Henderson's hotels where the meeting was taking place. Henderson stepped out elegantly putting on sun glass, his aura dominating the area. Some passersby stopped walking to catch a glimpse of this imposing figure, he was just too perfect to be ignored. Ladies kept gasping continuously, some dramatically fainting as they drooled over Henderson's handsome features. He took off his glasses running his hand through his hair as he walked in elegantly followed by his bodyguards. That single action from him made some girls faint for real. He was just too hot. It was something he was used to, girls screaming, gasping, and fainting just at the sight of him. The meeting began with Lucas giving a presentation on the new game preparing to be launched. The board members are at each side of the table with Henderson at the top centre. They all seemed focused as they nodded their heads, Lucas ended his speech as he was applauded. Just then, the big screen changed automatically. What’s this, people staring at each other?