chapter three

As Marcus Xavier sat in his car the memories of the past flooded back, threatening to drown him. Five years ago, he had been a different man. Fueled by ambition, he had neglected the woman that showed a smile full of passion and understanding ' I guess it was all a way to make me think that she loves me ' he hated the fact that she acted so soft yet caring but still left him in the end

Yes he knew that it was all his fault leaving her to bear the weight of their crumbling marriage and it was all because of his actions towards her . It wasn't until the ink on the divorce papers dried that he realized the gravity of his actions.

His phone chimed, jolting him from his reverie. It was a message from his assistant, Alexander Mark, a faithful friend since college.

"Running late, Boss . Traffic's a mess. Be there soon."

Marcus sighed, grateful for the distraction. Alexander Mark was the third generation second grandson of the Luke family well known for their diamond accessories and jewelries , even though he was greatly loved by the Luke family and hold his position as the second grandson , Alexander Mark didn't like the idea of living in his mother's shadow since she is the daughter of Luke who married a well known professor but he passed away due to heart attack when Alexander was just six years old which made Alexander and his mother move back to the Luke family Mansion .

Alexander knew that the Luke family is only his mother's family and so he chose a different field of study and decided to build himself and that's when Marcus Xavier came to the picture ,his good and close friend since college . Alexander decided to work at X-Zade and when his done setting himself he will leave the company . which was what Marcus agree on .

Alexander wasn't just a friend to Marcus but also a brother which was a rare source of solace in his life now, a pillar of support in this sea of regrets. They had weathered many storms together, and Marcus knew he could confide in him.

As he sat in his car, the cityscape whizzing past, he couldn't shake the memories of his former wife. She had been a beacon of light in his life, a gentle soul that he had callously mistreated. The pain of their separation still stung, compounded by the fact that she had left the country after the divorce, leaving no trace behind.

Arriving at the office, Marcus was greeted by his respective employees of different sectors of his company . The day seemed to stretch before him, a monotonous parade of meetings and emails. He longed for a respite, a chance to escape the relentless tug of his regrets.

Alexander Mark arrived, disheveled and apologetic, his tie askew. "Sorry, Boss. The traffic was horrendous."

"No worries, Alex ," Marcus replied, offering a weary smile. "Let's dive into this mess."

As the day just began , Marcus realizes that KxT have not sent any feedback regarding the agreement of him buying the company

" Alex can you check on what's holding back KxT , it seems like their hesitant regarding the deal " Marcus Xavier said as he viewed some paperwork

Alexander Mark understood what Marcus said and he knew it was odd for a company who are begging them to buy their company " I'm on it just give me a sec but I think we should attend the meeting with the chain brokers which is starting any moment from now " Alexander Mark said

Thinking for a while Marcus decided to go to the meeting since he had a lot to discuss which the chain brokers " sure let's go " and with that they felt the office and went to the meeting room

In the midst of a particularly dull meeting, Marcus's phone buzzed. It was a message from his mother madam Xavier , a string of digits that seemed to beckon from his mind upon why his mother wants to see him eventually

"Meet me at the old mansion, Marcus. - Mom "

His heart raced, his breath catching in his throat. Could it be ? About Liana ? His mind raced with possibilities, the years of regret and longing coalescing into a single, fragile hope.