Jules's POV
Manila,Phillipines at nine in the morning. The city is busy. Students, worker,professionals are heading to there workplace. But the Laurent house is peaceful. The breakfast served at the table,
I'm eating in peace but there always some peace breaker like God personally hates me.
My phone buzzed. I looked up. It's Athena. My secretary. Or my all secret keeper and only friend since the day I shifted here. But what she want now. Let me have my breakfast without any fuss. Anyway I have to answer the phone. If she message or call me at my breakfast time then it should be important.
"Good morning boss!"
I received the call.
"Good morning. Wait why are you calling me boss? "
"Because apparently you are. You are bossing me while I'm having first meal of the day. Don't you have fear before commit this kind of sin in the first morning? "
Athena sighed dramatically.
"Sorry my lord! But this is serious. "
Her voice transformed from teasing to seriousness.
My spoon dropped. The sound of the sharp collision of the spoon and ceramic plate echoed in the empty living place.
"What happened? "
A small silence.
"Your father called. Your grandma has a stroke this morning which is night at there place. She has been hospitalised. He wants me to inform you. "
I choked on the air. My grandma. The only person in the world who actually saw a human in me, a child. She's suffering. I've to be there.
Book the immediate flight. And you're coming with me. Postpone all the work schedule. Talk to Ben, ask him to handle. I'll try to coordinate from there.
"I've confirmed the tickets. I booked an extra because I can leave you alone in this situation. "
In the whole tension situation her last words felt like a cool breez. My eyes are filled with tears, my lips pressed together to compress the sob. I finally tried to maintain the voice but it's came out trembling.
"Thank you."
"Get ready. We have the flight in four hours. "
She understands always understands. The call hanged up. I lost my appetite. The food left on the plate. I stood up frantically. My legs feels like jelly. But I have to do it.
I headed to the bedroom. I packed my laptop, charged my phone, powerbank packed. Took out some clothes from my wardrobe and placed in the already filled trolley bag. I can't find another bag now. I'm in hurry no time to do precise packing. I shoved the cloth on the bag from Hawaii, I visited one week ago. I forget to unpack. OK got lazy. But I don't have time. I rushed to the washroom.
The cold shower eased the tension a little bit.
I ran through my bedroom here to there. Managed a decent outfit to travel and visit the hospital out there.
A soft pink blazer suit with a ponytail. I just did skincare. Left with my bag and luggage.
The cab arrived. I settled myself. I checked my phone for further messages. Athena shared the flight details.
Josephine Anastasia Laurent .
Athena D'Souza.
But why do I feel something wrong. Maybe its for grandma. But it different. I feel my chest tightening. Why? I feel terrible. I should trust my instincts. It's never betrayed. Okay for once. But that doesn't count right! I should have a backup before everything fall apart.
The most suspicious thing is the call from London. It's not at all normal. Okay I got the reason. But they called Athena not me. That's twist my stomach weirdly. Even today they prioritise their ego.OK stop overthinking. Just inform.
I unlocked my phone. Reached for the number which always comes to my aid.
Wrote the message.
I'm flying to London. I've no time to inform or discuss. On my way. Grand Grandma have a stroke. They informed Athena. I feel something off. I'll inform after landing. Be prepared.
The cab arrived at the airport. I don't know what to feel. I could feel my body moving forward but my mind taking two steps back. I sighed deeply. I have to face it. I can't hide always.
I was lost in thoughts. A soft hand landed on my shoulder. I looked back.
Athena.
Looking like a sunshine like always. She keeps my to the ground when the world wants me to evaporate. Her presence calms my nerves down, loosening the tighness building on my chest. She hugged me gently.
"Let's go. It's time for boarding. "
I moved with her. The plane take off. The humidity, the smell of knowing everything left behind. The beachy breeze is going to meet the cooling stones.
I took out my laptop. Maybe work can help me to divert the mind. The flight hour was long. Athena reads her book leaning on her sit beside me. But never leaving the side. She made sure I drink water, have food.
After the time the flight attendant announced our landing. I quickly packed my laptop. I turned to Athena finding her dozed off. I wake her up.
The plane landed. The cool London air embraced us on chill. The airport isn't busy now. The sun is rising now. We headed out the zone looking for a cab.
Athena's phone rang. She picked the call.
Her face shifted.
She doesn't exchanged any word. She looked at me.
"Let's go to hotel. "
She grabbed my hand. Moved to the cab line.
I stopped her before she get into the car.
"Why are we heading the hotel? We should go to hospital first. "
She looked at me. Her face is cold. Her voice felt like knife.
"They trapped us Jules. "
"What! "
The voice left before I could control. She nodded.
"There's something big going to happen. "
She stood close to me. Make a eye contact. Her voice goes even more cold.
"And this time you wouldn't run. "
I could see the tension grew in the London air. My heart stopped. Not really.
I took a pause.
"They started the game Athena. After five years if they think they can use me again. This time I'm not gonna be the pawn or the queen. I'll be the player."
I headed the cab. I leaned with the seat. Athena looking at me. I sighed deeply.
"What time they want us to visit? "
She replied in professional tone.
"At ten in the morning. "
I looked at my watch. It's 6'30.
"Let's go to hotel. Have a nap. I need to relax for some time to actual function the brain. "
Athena just nodded.
Another part of London. A mansion in a private area gor those people who are rumoured to run the world where the powers bow.
The white and gold design and the vast lawn area with garden, swimming pool and private ground constantly screaming the liberty of the owner.
In the palace, the west master suit is awake only this time. His eyes staring the grey sky before sunrise, finger tapping on his lap.
The phone buzzed. Notification popped.
The flight landed.
The owner of the suit stand up. His long, broad silhouette showcasing his power that making him among the people who can ruin anything just by flicking the fingers.
The sun rises. The room is glowing with the calming light. His predatory eyes set outside. A smirk forming in his pink lips.
"Five years! Worth it. This time no one could stop me. Few hours to go. "
He leaned in the couch. Slowly closed his eyes.