Chapter 11: Two Hopes
William leaned back against the leather seat of his car, closing his eyes as exhaustion finally took hold. He had been on the move ever since his private jet landed nearly twenty hours ago, and now, at long last, he was on his way back to his family's old mansion.
The day had been nothing short of grueling. Not only had he spent hours maneuvering through the city, dodging relentless paparazzi eager to snap a shot of his unexpected return, but he had also been forced to confront the very reason that had brought him back in the first place—one that demanded his immediate attention.
I suppose it makes sense, William thought, rubbing his tired, stinging eyes as he loosened his tie. I left after that incident and never once looked back. Never even hinted that I'd return. But now that I'm here, I'll have to brace myself. Once the news spreads, there won't be a moment's peace.
He exhaled a slow, weary sigh and turned his gaze toward the rain-streaked window. The rhythmic drumming of the downpour against the glass filled the silence, stirring an unwelcome memory. It had been raining that night, too—the night he left for the airport, abandoning everything behind him. The storm had raged just as fiercely, as if trying to wash away the remnants of pain still clinging to his heart.
Outside, the city was still cloaked in darkness, but even through the hazy veil of early spring rain, the route home was etched into his mind. The years had done nothing to dull his familiarity with it.
"Be careful at this intersection," William said to the driver, his voice calm but firm. "There are always reckless idiots who try to speed through when the road's clear."
"Noted, sir," the driver responded with a nod.
William closed his eyes once more, hoping to steal a few moments of rest. The soft pitter-patter of the rain against the car lulled him, offering a brief, fragile comfort against the storm still raging inside him.
Suddenly, the driver slammed on the horn and swerved sharply to the left. The tires screeched against the pavement as the car jolted to an abrupt stop. William's body lurched forward from the impact, his head nearly colliding with the front seat's headrest.