Unexpected Journeys

"Ladies and Gentlemen, prepare yourselves for a remarkable moment as we welcome our youngest CEO, the dynamic Mr. David Rosewood— or should I say, our visionary President David!" The room erupted in thunderous applause, a wave of excitement sweeping through the audience as David confidently strode to the front, and graciously bowed in response to the roaring cheers.

"Thank you all for coming together this evening and contributing to such a warm and inviting ceremony. Your support means a great deal to me. I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Rosewood, as their dedication and efforts have truly paved the way for my presence here today. It is my commitment to ensure that the Dawn group, a legacy entrusted to me through generations, is effectively maintained and continues to thrive in the future." David said with a warm smile, bowing respectfully to the crowd, who responded with enthusiastic cheers and applause, their joy palpable in the air.

Diamond gently brushed away a tear of joy as she watched her son engage with the other businesspeople and shareholders of the Dawn Group. The sight filled her heart with pride, knowing how far he had come and how much this moment meant to him. "Grandma, are you okay? You look a little teary," Lisa asked with her big, innocent eyes sparkling up at her.

Diamond smiled softly and said, "Lisa, I can assure you that those are tears of happiness." She chuckled gently, wanting to convey her understanding.

Lisa couldn't help but feel drawn to David as he approached her, seemingly unaware of her grandmother's words. It was as if she had finally found someone she had been searching for. With a burst of excitement, she jumped into his arms, and he was quick to catch her. "Uncle David, you promised you would grant me a wish when you became CEO, remember?" she asked, her eyes shining with hope and anticipation. David laughed, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, I do! Just don't expect me to rush out and get you a jet or a mansion!" He locked eyes with her, the playful challenge hanging in the air.

Lisa grinned, a twinkle of confidence lighting up her face. "Come on, we both know you'd whip out your wallet for that if I asked!" Her playful remark sent a wave of laughter rippling through the adults around them, their amusement adding to the electric atmosphere. "Lisa, could you come here for a moment?" Phillip asked gently, trying to get her attention. But she stayed focused on David. "If I ask you to come to my parent-teacher meeting, you'll come, right?" Lisa asked him, her eyes full of hope. Phillip's heart ached at the sight. She was asking David because he had let her down. He had taken a day off to attend his brother's ceremony and would be leaving soon after. He hadn't planned for this, and now, the weight of his decision felt heavier than ever.

"How could I ever say no to my favorite little niece? It's a yes from me," David said with a warm smile, winking as he gently lowered Lisa to the floor so she could stand on her own.

"Really? You'd do that for me?" Lisa asked hesitantly, her voice tinged with doubt as if she feared he might change his mind.

"Of course, I will," David assured her, his tone light and sincere. Then, with a glance, he turned to greet the guest who had been patiently waiting nearby.

Phillip, unable to hold back the wave of emotions, quietly excused himself and stepped outside into the garden. The cool air hit him, but it did little to calm the storm within. As he stood there, the weight of his loss pressed down on him, filling the silence with an ache he couldn't escape. He tilted his head up toward the sky, searching desperately for solace, for a sign—anything to make it all feel bearable again. But the sky offered no answers, only a vast emptiness that mirrored the hollow in his heart.

He turned back toward the mansion, its warm lights spilling out into the night, a stark contrast to the cold, heavy emptiness that weighed on him. The lively glow seemed almost cruel, mocking the turmoil within him as if the world inside carried on untouched by the pain that consumed him.