A Meeting With Smith Couple

Jude mindlessly drove his Lamborghini on the highway until he came to the well-known pier, Santubong Pier. He took a deep breath before he slowly alighted from his car and walked aimlessly on the pier before he came to stood still, a hand in his pocket. Looked beyond the edgeless sea, to the horizon of the blue sky as the images earlier flashed through his head like a projection of a movie.

John and Rose? He remembered clearly John used to confess to him that he loved a young girl and he was intended to wait until she finished her schooling to officially introduced her to him. He was elated when he knew about it. But… up till now, he never had the chance to get to know the said girlfriend. John… John… Who was she? Was she Rose Smith? The frustration kept on swelling deep in his core that he let out a brutal grunt.

"Have we ever met before, by chance maybe?" Jude snapped. He closed his eyes trying to recall the time when Rose suddenly asked him about him… It was when Rose was almost subdued by Devon on the night they were having family dinner. And he remembered he told her they were never met each other until the night he saved her.

"I meant maybe years ago?" She seemed as if she was reluctant to believe that she never crossed path with him upon hearing his response.

"Not even years ago. It was practically zero chances dear. I was in the army back then. Why did you ask?" Jude looked at her, curious with the questions asked. Rose shook her head slowly.

Rose… Honey… What was the secret that you hold deep in your heart? Jude sighed desperately. He reached for his cigarette that he brought along and lighted it. The smoke puffed heavily into the air as Jude exhaled the smoke.

It didn't seem adding to the scenario. Jude frowned for a while. He sighed. If it is true that John and Rose were a pair of lovers, then why didn't Rose mention about this before? It was as if she didn't have any inkling about John. For instance, she asked if they were ever crossed path before when they were not. And she also never mentioned about Gregory, her own eldest brother. She only talked about George. Now, why was that? What exactly happened to Rose before?

He glanced at his watch. It was almost time to meet up with his soon to-be father-in-law. He quickly extinguished the remaining cigarette and walked back to his car. Maybe he should just ask him about the matter.

Imperial Banquet.

Jude was having his wine when Mr. Smith arrived. But he was not alone. Even Mrs. Smith appeared together with him. He quickly stood and gestured both of them to take their seats before the waiter went off to get their orders ready.

"I'm sorry for being rash and invite the two of you to come at this moment, uncle, auntie," Jude said apologetically and raised his wine before he gulped down the wine. Mr. Smith too, raised his own wine glass and drank them.

"I believe both of you might have the slightest idea of the reason I invited you to join me for the dinner," Jude firmly said. At the same moment, two waitresses and a waiter entered, brought their dishes and placed them on the table before they scurried away.

"But, before we talk about what should we discuss about, let us have a dinner first. Please, help yourself," he gentlemanly inviting Mr. and Mrs. Smith to dig in and enjoyed the dishes.

A short while later.

Jude put aside his chopsticks and took a sip of his wine before turning to Mr. Smith who did the same. Mrs. Smith could only look on while slowly chewed her food.

"Feel free to say whatever bother your mind, Jude. Sooner or later, we are family after all," Mr. Smith muttered. Jude tilted his head slightly before he leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table. He clasped his hands together.

"I think you have the explanation regarding the matters happened revolved around Rose. Firstly, she was drugged, then someone targeted her life? Why is this happening? Not only that," Jude paused. He diverted his eyesight to both of them.

"You never talked about your eldest son, Gregory Smith," Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith stunned. They never anticipated somehow someone would question them about their dear son, Gregory. It had been five years since the day he died. Shot dead.

Mrs. Smith felt as if there was a huge lump in her throat. She tried hard to console her own heart. She looked at her husband, nodded her head. Mr. Smith sighed and grabbed her hand. Gently squeezed it as a motion to console her. He knew it was a complete wrench to his wife to talk about it, especially to the strangers, for all these years. That's the reason she had withdrew herself from taking part in any social services.

Jude who studied them felt a sudden despair too. He some sort of understood the meaning of the gestures. The Smith couple might not willingly to talk about Gregory, he understood it well. But somehow this particular name related to his own brother's demise. And he needed to get to know all of it.

"Uncle, Auntie, I'm sorry for asking about it. But I really need to understand. This concerning Rose and me in the future. And also because of my late brother," he uttered firmly.

"We understand, Jude. Hence, I will tell you tonight," Mr. Smith paused and inhaled a deep breath before he slowly let go.

"Gregory was the eldest, before George and Rose," his hand on the glass shook slightly and it caught Jude's sight. Jude gently patted his hand, as a gesture to console him.

"To cut it short, Gregory was the best for CEO because he always quick in his thinking and the best decision-maker. He knew which deals would bring massive profits to the company. But, somehow…" his voice shook. Jude offered him a glass of water and he gulped down swiftly then looked at Jude, appreciatively.

"There were people who were jealous of his feat. And… they scheme against him. Even sent hi threats upon threats. But he never wavered. He stood on his ground. Until one day, when Rose accidentally…" this time he took a longer time to calm down his chaotic heart when he recalled the moment. It was supposedly something that was worth to value, to talk about. But not any longer in Smith's family when the calamity strike them.

"Uncle?" Jude patiently waited for him to finish his line. Mr. Smith blinked his eyes. Mrs. Smith who was quiet at first began to sob.

"Rose was the one who had accidentally created the G20… And when the enemies knew about it, they were targeted her life. And Gregory was meeting with his counterparts when someone called him and told him about the scheme against Rose on that night. In the end, he was…" Mr. Smith clenched his fists. The pang of desperation and pain was clearly written on his wrinkled face. Mrs. Smith quickly excused herself and rushed outside.

Jude who was momentarily stunned when he heard him, looked at him in surprise. Rose was the one who invented the drug? He leaned against the chair, clenching his fists. That was why people went after his Rose's life? Seriously?

Jude abruptly stood and left the banquet room. He walked aimlessly down the corridor until he stepped out of the Imperial Hotel. Inhaling the breezy evening wind deep into his chest, his heart was calling out one name – Rose… His Rose… He closed his eyes slowly and her cheery smiles overlapped with her playful yet seductive smiles were all that filled his head. The way she hugged him and kissed him. Rose.