You Broke Us First

LI

charge. I'd lost no time in firing him for his incompetence. Afterward, I tasked Janice, my PA, with assembling a task force to not only rectify the financial mess but also t

buried in financial reports, I didn't bother checking the calle

y Mr. Bl

asked, "did you find something

." And he did

I can view the stretched out city skylines in all its magnificence. The view in front of me

there's no single trace of Emma Thompson anywhere," he said gravely. "No national ID,

ed, my voice barely above a whisper. "Is she... could she be...?" My heart was

ecord of it. The issue is that there's no digital footprint for anyone matching her description." He paused, letting that sink in before he continu

ung in the air, leaving me wit

our PI. Can I say some

o

n my head, not

three years goddamn it. If we haven't found her b

three years ago, I'd worked up the courage to visit her home, only to be met by a menacing figure and his timid wife. The man had strongly denied knowing anything, with a reddened face

ng." I hung up, but hours late

hone line, she burst into my office seconds later, face set in a determined expres

Anthony?" She

ase." I

to quiet down. I made an effort to distract myself by recreating my Gran's beef stew recipe in my high end kitchen, the aroma of sautéed veggies wafting through the air. However, the silence felt oppressive and was closing up on me, the resounding echoes of

a mask of annoyance and indifference as the woman

my tongue. It felt so wrong, nothing feels like her at all. I have been seeking a semblance of that one night for

rt her t

or do some

e oka

he thumping bass resonated through the room, despite the supposedly soundproofed walls, making my headache throb in time with the music's incessant beat. The air was t

he woman off me, "Ge

ha

me." My tone mirrored the

ooking unsuspecting target to leech off of. My head thudded back heavily against the couch, eyes closed, as I gazed up

s "Mother" flashed in bold letters. This had to be the fifth call of the day, with a flick of my finger, I rejected the call, sending it straight to voicemail. The temporary reprieve from the rin

He rushed over to open my door but I got to it before he could, not needing any of the unnecessary formalities. I slid into the back

ir? Home or

I murmured, my

came with being Julian Blackwood, the steel-cold CEO who ruled a billion

e bac

day Tony." I said

sure working

call me

you be fine alone?" Tony asked

tever this is." I reassured him steppin

plied, his eyes linger

today, the weight of my thoughts bearing down on me. I punch

wards it. Even though I knew better, I found myself digging out a plastic box, tightly sealed and hidden away collecting dust. I sat cross legged on the floor, unopened box in front of me like Pandora's box. It's been a long while since I'd allowed myself this self-punishing, desperate need f

wn back in laughter, those wild brown curls done in a messy bun with a few traitorous strands framing her beautiful face. She'd been on a baggy dark jeans and a hoodie, yet not even the

*

YEARS

bubbling over with excitement about a new friend she'd made. As she shared the story, I could remember sa

just jealous because I'm more capable of attracti

ome out as gay mother would probably shave off your hair and ship you o

my way, and the moment I had laid eyes on the girl that bewitched the camera, I was a goner. With a racing heart, I

us grin. "So?!" She asked wildl

rying to feign nonchalance, "she's okay." I spun my des

ing. "Okay?! You're

facade. "I'm not blushing. I'm just... all

ou should meet her." She scrunched up her nose, "Well, that'll probably be next year's camp. I won't be

t o

*

O

e delivery guy with tips, I placed the box of Chinese food on the kitchen counter, the potent aroma wafting through the

ore mellow drink. After I ate, I tidied up the kitchen after me, then fresh

but the tension between us was unmistakable. I couldn't shake the feeling that Ava blamed me for losing touch with Emma, even without her saying it. Ava's accusing

smiled, when my grandmother's voice came through on the other end. "Hey Gran, what are y

soft voice filled with warmth ca

I whispered , feeling a bit vulnerable but

sweet

ntle wrapped around me, soothing my frayed nerves. Mid sentence about some leafy greens I couldn't

y to catch up with some work."

thanksgiving together?" She suggested,

le to my face. "I would really love that, Gran, so much."

send me your flight details. I'll get your room

andma, I own a

" She replied with

d I promise to make up

love. Sleep tight ok

, she'd become our rock and safe space. She's honestly the only person, aside from Ava, I'd felt a true family connection with. We'd had no

o arrive faster; I'm so desperate for a break. And what