Chapter Nine

Michael’s POV

I loosened my tie and glanced at the clock hanging on my office wall. 8:15 PM. It had been a long day, and all I wanted was to get home, take a shower, and get some sleep. I picked up my briefcase and was about to leave when my phone suddenly rang.

Adrian. I frowned slightly before answering. “What is it, Adrian?” “Michael, I found something.” I stopped walking. “What did you find?” There was a brief silence on the other end. “It’s about your parents.”

My grip tightened around the phone. “What about them?” “I think I’ve finally found something that could tell us what really happened that night.” My heart skipped a beat.

“What are you talking about?” “The CCTV footage, Michael. The footage from the night your parents died.” For a moment, I couldn’t speak.

“What?”

“I’ve been investigating the accident for months. I contacted someone who specializes in recovering old surveillance records. We traced the cameras installed along the highway that year.” I slowly lowered myself into my chair.

“Are you telling me you found the footage?”

“Not exactly. The man was able to retrieve the video record from an old backup system. He’s still processing the file, but he confirmed that the footage exists.” I swallowed.

“Have you seen it?” “Not yet. I’m waiting for him to send it.” “Then why the hell are you calling me before getting it?” I snapped.

I rubbed my forehead. “Adrian, are you sure it’s from that night?” “Yes. Same date, same location, and around the exact time the accident happened.” My chest tightened.

That night. The night everything changed. Suddenly, I wasn’t sitting in my office anymore. I was Ten again.

Rain.

That was the first thing I remembered. Heavy rain beating against the windows while thunder shook the entire house. I remembered standing near the staircase, staring at the clock. 11:47 PM.

My parents were supposed to be home hours ago. I had called my mother several times, but she wasn’t answering. Then my phone rang. It was my father. “Dad, where are you?” I asked immediately. “We’re almost home, son.” “Mom isn’t answering her phone.” “She’s right here. Don’t worry.” I heard my mother’s laughter in the background.

“Michael, sweetheart, go to bed. We’ll be home soon.” “But it’s raining heavily.” “We’ll be fine, darling.” Those were the last words I ever heard from her.

An hour later, two police officers appeared at our door. I remembered the older officer removing his cap. I remembered my grandmother screaming. And I remembered asking the same question over and over again. “Where are my parents?” Nobody answered me. Not until the officer finally said the words that destroyed my life. “I’m sorry, son. There was an accident.” I shook my head. “No.” “Your parents didn’t survive.” “No!”

“Michael!” Adrian’s voice dragged me back to reality. I blinked. My hands were trembling. “Michael, are you listening?” “Yes,” I whispered.

“I’ll send you the footage immediately I receive it.” “Make sure you do.” “And Michael?” “What?” “Whatever is in that video, you need to prepare yourself.” I stared at the photograph of my parents sitting on my desk.

“I’ve been preparing for years, Adrian.” I ended the call. For several minutes, I remained seated, unable to move. An accident. That was what everyone had called it. But I had never believed it.

Not when my father’s company collapsed shortly before his death. Not when people who once called themselves his friends suddenly disappeared.  I clenched my jaw. If that footage contained what I suspected, someone was finally going to pay.

By the time I arrived home, it was almost nine. I handed my briefcase to one of the maids and headed toward the dining room.

Grandmother was sitting at the head of the table, while Chloe sat opposite her. They were having dinner. Chloe looked up when I entered. For a brief second, our eyes met.

Then she quickly looked away. “Michael!” Grandmother smiled. “You’re finally home.” “Good evening, Grandma.” “Come and sit. There’s still food.” “I’m not hungry.”

“Nonsense. You’ve been working all day. Sit down.” I sighed. Arguing with my grandmother was a battle I had never won. I pulled out a chair opposite Chloe and sat down.

A maid immediately served me dinner. “How was work?” Grandmother asked. “Fine.” “Just fine?” “Yes, Grandma.” She shook her head.

Then Grandmother suddenly smiled. “Oh, Michael, guess who called today?” I barely looked up. “Who?” “Your sister.” My fork stopped halfway to my mouth. “What did she want?” “She’s coming back from the States soon.” I frowned.

“When?” “She hasn’t decided on the exact date, but she said it won’t be long.” I sighed. “That girl never tells anyone anything until the last minute.” Grandmother laughed.

“She’s your sister. What did you expect?” I shook my head. Then I noticed Chloe staring at me. Her eyebrows were slightly raised. She looked genuinely surprised. Of course.

Nobody had told her I had a sister. I looked directly at her. “What?” She blinked. “Nothing.” “You look surprised.” She hesitated. “I just didn’t know you had a sister.” “Well, now you do.” She nodded quietly.

After dinner, Chloe excused herself and went upstairs. I stayed behind for a few minutes before returning to my room. I took a shower, changed into my nightclothes, and climbed into bed.

But sleep refused to come. Every time I closed my eyes, I heard my mother’s voice. We’ll be fine, darling. I turned onto my side. Then the sound of rain began echoing inside my head.

Thunder. Screeching tires. Breaking glass. I squeezed my eyes shut. “No,” I whispered. But the memories wouldn’t stop. I could see headlights cutting through the darkness. A car spinning. My mother’s voice calling my name.

“Michael!” My breathing became uneven. I gripped the bedsheet. “Mom?” My entire body began trembling.

“Mom, where are you?”

I tried to open my eyes, but I couldn’t escape the nightmare. “Don’t leave me!” Suddenly, there was a knock at my door. “Michael?”

I couldn’t answer. Another knock followed. “Michael, are you okay?” The door slowly opened. Footsteps approached my bed.

Then I heard her voice. “Michael?” A hand touched my shoulder. “Michael!” Her voice grew louder. “Michael! Michael!”