6

Chapter 6

BRYCE WINSTON 

‘Mr. Charleston went on an emergency business trip this morning’

My fingers clenched around the steering wheel as I sped down the road. 

Business trip? No. He can't leave. He's got to tell me where the hell my wife is before he leaves. 

Lewis's text came in. 

I'd asked him earlier to look into the country Nolan was traveling to since I wasn't able to get words out of his secretary at his law firm. For ‘confidentiality’.

‘I couldn't find anything either, Mr. Winston. I tried to use our source from the immigration service, but they couldn't find anything on Mr. Charleston or Mrs Winston’

I stepped on the brake pad and brought the car to a loud screeching halt, my eyes fixed on the text.

What's going on? How is it possible? Did they not leave the country? Or perhaps they left under a different name?

I squeezed my eyes shut and shook my head, swallowing the lump in my throat.

It's not possible. They couldn't have prepared a different name in twenty four hours. 

Could it be the latter?

A sharp pain shot through my head, and I groaned, rubbing my temple.

Fuck! I might collapse if I don't get back to the hospital, but there's no way I'm going back without finding out where Nora is first.

I started the car and drove to the airport anyway. Who knows, I might be able to find something.

I got to the airport minutes later, and started searching through the terminal, combing my way through the crowd until my limbs were heavy and almost numb. Still, I didn't stop. 

I stopped to catch my breath, and my phone suddenly started ringing. 

Lewis. 

I picked on the first ring. 

“I found something, Mr. Winston." 

“Speak." 

“I got a call from our source at the immigration. He found out that the ticket was purchased privately—”

"Give me the details.”

There was silence on the other end for a moment, then, "There's no destination country on the ticket.”

"What?” My jaw dropped. "How is that possible?”

If there's no destination, then that means… He's with Nora.

I choked on my breath at the realization, my fingers curling into my palms.

Why is he going this far? Taking Nora away.

"I think Mr Charleston paid someone to do it. I don't know…" he sighed. “Something is weird." 

“Why are you looking into Mr. Charleston by the way? Did something—" 

“I don't care how you're going to do it, Lewis. Find something. Anything." Then I ended the call before he could say anything else.

I continued searching around.

A few minutes later, I got another text from Lewis, saying he was sorry. He couldn't find anything else, and Nolan’s flight took off thirty minutes ago.

My knees buckled, and I stumbled, but quickly held the nearest rail for support.

I stared at the text, my heart leaping in my throat. It felt like I was watching my life crumble before my eyes.

Is Nora really gone? Is this the price I have to pay for how I treated her?

Pain exploded through my head, and I let out a wince, holding my forehead as I stumbled back and forth.

“Mr? Are you okay?" A faint voice echoed in my head before my eyes caught the blurry figure of someone standing before me.

"Are you sick? Do you need to go to the hospital?” The person asked, placing a hand on my shoulder.

I blinked and shook my head, trying to snap out of it.

My vision cleared for a moment, and I managed to stand on my feet.

“Thank you. I'm fine.” I managed to say, shrugging the stranger's hand off before dragging myself away. 

I got to my car and breathed out shakily, my hands trembling on the steering wheel.

A few minutes had passed before I drove off.

I got home and paused in the foyer as Nora's beautiful smile welcomed me.

“Nora?" My voice cracked barely above a whisper. “Is that really you?" 

“Honey… You're home…” She walked up to me with that smile she always had on each time I came home.

“Did something happen? You look pale.” Her eyes swept over me with worries.

“I'm not seeing things, right?" My lips trembled as I moved closer to her, my hands already moving to touch her. "No…ra. I'm sorry. I…”

"I'm sorry…" I closed the distance between us and as I lurched forward to hug her, my arms closed around nothing, and I dropped to the floor with a loud thud. 

I lifted my gaze. Nora was not there. It was just myself.

I opened my mouth and closed it back, tears burning at the sides of my eyes.

“Honey… Why are you still there? Come on, dinner is ready.” I was barely getting over what just happened when her voice came from the dining room, and even though I already knew it wasn't real, I stood up and stumbled forward.

My legs stilled in the living room, fingers curling tightly into my palms as I watched her set the table like she always does.

She paused and looked at me, grinning from ear to ear.

“I made your favorite food, honey. You'll love it." She chuckled, beckoning on me to come over.

A drop of tears slid down my cheek, and I quickly wiped it with the back of my palm. 

"You are not real… You are a fake. Stop messing with my head, please.” I whispered, but still, I found myself moving towards her, part of me hoping she was real. That I could touch her even if it was just for a second.

I reached out to touch her face, and just like that, she faded into thin air.

My hand dropped to the chair before I dropped to the floor and stared at nothing.

I don't love her? 

I scoffed. If I didn't, why the fuck does it hurt this much? Why do I feel like I'm about to die without her here?

What a fucking joke. I've been lying to myself for years.

Yes, I deserve this. Every bit of the pain, but how long do I have to endure this? It's only been twenty-four hours and it already feels like I'm about to die. 

My phone buzzed, and I hesitated before reaching for it.

Sandra;

‘I just got discharged from the hospital. Can I come over to your place? I'm scared I would fall sick again if I stay alone’

Anger rose in my throat as I read the text…