Chapter 3 Death Anniversary

Ashley massaged her temples staring at her PC. A deep frown settled on her perfect brows. No matter how hard she tried to concentrate on her work, she just couldn't for reasons best known to her.

A knock fell on her door after which it was opened by a young man.

"Ma'am you've got to see the news. It's really urgent"

Ashley gave a nod of approval. She watched her personal assistant pick up the TV remote control and turned on the large flat screen TV in the office.

"Ma'am, the Reynold's are currently facing a huge scandal alongside the Millers. This could be our perfect opportunity to boost our sales even more. They will be too occupied dealing with this scandal

At that point Ashley lost focus on what Lucas her P.A was talking about. Her eyes were glued to the TV where the photo of an oddly familiar young man was being displayed at one side of the screen.

Her heart pounded hard. It was him!

"He is a Reynold. That explains everything. Lucas I want you and Sharon to set up a meeting with the investors as soon as possible"

Lucas nodded and turned around to leave.

"And Lucas. Prepare six bouquet of white lilies, I have to pay a visit to the cemetery"

As soon as Lucas left, Ashley was left to herself again. She returned her gaze back to the screen with a blank look.

Today was her family's death anniversary. The day that snatched her happiness was today. It still felt surreal to her.

A single tear escaped from her left eyes recalling how desperate she was at that moment but no one tried to help her out.

She had to watch her family perish in that fire that still remained a mystery to everyone till today.

***

Ashley got out of the car first followed by her personal bodyguard. She held three bouquet of white lilies while her bodyguard held the remaining three.

She had a black scarf around her head and also a dark sunglass. Today was just as dark as her outfit.

As she stepped through the rusted iron gates her footsteps echoed through the silent rows of weathered headstones, each one telling a story of love, loss, and remembrance.

She had walked this path countless of times, yet today felt different. The leaves beneath her feet seemed to crunch with a deeper sadness, as if nature itself was mourning alongside her.

She stopped before a simple granite marker, its surface etched with words that seemed to hold the weight of a thousand tears.

"John and Emily Brown

Beloved Parents and Partners

Forever in Our Hearts"

Her eyes lingered on the names, memories flooding her mind like a bittersweet tidal wave.

The smell of smoke still lingered in her dreams, a haunting reminder of that fateful night. The fire had ravaged their home, leaving nothing but ashes and sorrow.

Gently, she traced the letters with her fingertips, feeling the familiar ache in her chest. Her parents' faces, forever etched in her memory. She recalled their laughter filled evenings, warm embraces, and guidance that had shaped her into the person she was today.

With a quiet reverence, she laid a bouquet of lily one of her mother's favorite beside the grave.

For a moment, she stood there, suspended between grief and remembrance. Ashley's eyes closed, and she whispered,

"I miss you both so much. You have no idea how tough my life has been without you in it. But I know you're together, watching over me and probably still guiding my path like always" A lone tear escaped, rolling down her cheek like a promise to hold their memory close.

"And like every year I promise you all. I would find out whoever is responsible for your deaths and I'd make sure they pay dearly for it!" She declared through gritted teeth.

Ashley knew that her family's death wasn't just an accident as the police had claimed. It was infact murder. Someone was behind that fire that ravaged her home and she had vowed to her parents grave that she'd find the culprit soon.

She walked slowly to the next grave which belonged to her little sister. She dropped a bouquet of lilies on the grave.

"I missed you the most little sis. I miss our banters and little fights"

Unable to contain her tears anymore, she fell on her knees wailing her lungs out.

Life was meaningless without her family around her.

***

Two days later.

The scandal between the two families grew even worse as they tried to pin the blame on each other. To make matters worse, Ethan was nowhere to be found.

He ran away from his home to escape the wrath of everyone, there was currently no news channel that wasn't talking about his disappearance.

At the Reynold's home, everyone was tensed. They all stared at one particular person who might have the slightest idea of Ethan's whereabouts.

James shuddered shaking his head "I swear he didn't tell me where he went. I haven't been able to contact him either, you can check my phone"

He stretched his phone to anyone who was willing to check it out but since none of them took a step forward, he placed it back into his pants pocket.

"I've had enough of Ethan's incompetence! how could he be so immature to run away at every slightest situation?!"

The room fell quiet, no one wanted to get into the bad books of elder Reynold right now.

"But he did mention something to me the night before he disappeared"

All eyes fell on James again like he was some delicious candy they all wanted to have. He hated to do this to his best buddy but Ethan had left him with no other option. The situation was already getting out of hands and it needed to be fixed quickly.

Meanwhile...

Ashley watched the buildings and cars moving past her. She was on her way to the office to meet with her investors.

The new project they launched two days ago was doing well than expected and that was because of the scandal between her two main business rivals.

She had managed to knock off the Millers from her competition, now it only remained the Reynold's group.

Her company and the Reynold's were the top biggest company as of now.

Her phone rang out and she picked it up placing it against her ears.

"Yes Lucas. I'll be there soon-

Suddenly the car halted causing her to launch forward against the driver's seat in front of her. the car's tires made a loud screeching noise on the ground.

Ashely's hand flew to her chest in shock.

"Have you lost your mind?!"

"Ma'am... I think we hit someone"

Ashley's eyes widened. Her company was doing too great to be involved with any bad headlines. She rushed out right after the driver had stepped out.

The driver was quick to rush towards the young lad who was knocked down to the ground. His eyes widened at the familiarity.

The noise the car made was loud enough to alert the attention of passerby on the street who all rushed to the scene.

"What happened? is he alright?"

Ashley's eyes fell on the figure who was still on the ground and at the same time he looked up to meet her eyes.

"You!" They both pointed out in surprise.

Ethan's lips curled into a smile. What a small world they lived in.

He suddenly held his ankle groaning out in pain.