Chapter 2 02

02

The day went on, and I still couldn't accept that my beloved father was dead. It felt like yesterday when we were just talking and laughing at our own goofy jokes-those stupid puns he loved so much, the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled, the way he'd nudge me and say, "Lighten up, son. Life's too short to be serious all the time."

Now here I was, standing in a dark suit that didn't quite feel like mine, surrounded by people who knew him in ways I didn't. It hurt every time I thought about it. My chest felt tight, like something heavy was pressing on it, and no amount of deep breaths could make it go away.

But I guess that's part of the process in moving on.

As expected, I received a lot of condolences from different people. They came in waves-some with heartfelt words, others with the same scripted lines they probably gave at every funeral. "He was a great man." "He'll be missed." "Stay strong." I smiled politely, nodded when I needed to, but it was like I wasn't really there.

There were several people who tried and did their best to comfort me. Some of them were old business partners of my dad-names I never even heard before, men and women who wore expensive suits and smelled of rich cologne. They offered kind words and strong handshakes, but their eyes were always calculating, like they were already wondering what I would do with my father's empire.

And at that moment, I had to step up. Act like I had everything figured out and that I was ready to lead the company.

Because I had no time to be weak in front of all these people.

Or so I thought.

Because as soon as my father was completely buried beneath the ground, when the last clumps of earth were dropped and the final prayers whispered, that's when it hit me. Like a freight train crashing into my chest, I realized he was truly gone. And everything I'd been holding inside-the anger, the grief, the sadness-all of it came bursting out.

It started with a single tear. I didn't even feel it coming. Then another, and another. And suddenly, I wasn't just crying-I was breaking. My shoulders shook as I tried to breathe, and I turned away, wiping at my face with my sleeve like a child.

So much for trying not to look weak, huh.

I sighed and wiped away the tears, frustrated with myself for unraveling like that. But at the same time... it felt real. It felt right. Like my body had finally caught up with my heart.

People started to leave, slowly trickling out of the cemetery, giving me final nods or pats on the back as they passed. I barely noticed them. I was too distracted to realize that I was now the only one left standing in front of dad's grave.

I don't know how long I stood there. Time didn't seem to exist. It could've been ten minutes or an hour.

Eventually, I felt a few gentle pats on the shoulder and quick hugs from the last stragglers. One of dad's cousins gave me a small squeeze before stepping away with teary eyes.

And then, as I blinked away the last of my tears, I noticed movement in the distance. My sister, Katie, was waving at me as she climbed into her boyfriend's car. She gave me a small smile-sad, but brave. Just like dad used to say about her.

I waved back, then turned to look at dad's grave one last time.

"May you be in peace, Dad," I whispered. "In a place where you'll always be happy."

My voice cracked, but I pushed through it.

"I love you so much. I could only hope to be as great as you in the next years to come. I'll do my best to make you proud. I'll always look over Katie... just like you always told me to."

My eyes started to sting again, but I held the tears back this time. I had said what needed to be said.

"I'll miss you every single day. I love you, Dad. And I'll see you soon, you old geezer."

« Adam, let's go. » I said without looking back.

Adam was someone assigned by my father to watch over me since I was in high school. He was more than just a bodyguard-he was a constant presence, a silent protector. I used to find him annoying, always following me around, giving subtle warnings when I did something reckless. But now, in a strange way, his presence felt like the only thing that hadn't changed.

Adam nodded in reply, not needing to say anything else, and started walking toward the car parked a little ways off.

I followed behind him, my shoes crunching softly against the gravel path. The sun was starting to dip lower in the sky, casting golden light through the trees, as if nature itself was trying to mourn alongside me.

Adam reached the car first and opened the door without a word. I slid into the backseat and settled by the window, leaning my head against the cool glass.

The engine rumbled to life.

I reached for the button by my side and pressed it, rolling the window down. I needed some fresh air.

The wind rushed in, brushing my face with a comforting chill. It tugged at my hair, cooled my skin, and somehow, it made me feel just a little lighter.

We drove in silence for a while. The soft hum of the car, the rustling wind, and the fading light-it all blended together into something surreal.

Then Adam broke the silence.

« Sir, I think you already know this, but I just want to remind you... as the firstborn son of Peter McKinley, you will lead the company. »

His voice was calm, steady. It wasn't a question. It wasn't even a suggestion. It was a fact. A truth I couldn't run from, even if I wanted to.

I turned my head slightly, watching his reflection in the rearview mirror. He didn't look back. His eyes were focused on the road, hands steady on the wheel.

"I know," I replied softly.

There was a long pause. Then, "I just don't know if I'm ready."

Adam didn't answer right away. When he finally spoke, his voice was low. "Your father believed you were. He saw something in you. Even when you didn't see it yourself."

I stared out the window again, letting those words sink in.

Dad had always believed in me. Even when I screwed up. Even when I didn't deserve it. He never gave up on me.

And now, it was my turn.

I didn't know what the future would look like. I didn't know how to be the leader my father was. But I owed it to him-to his memory-to try.

"I'll figure it out," I said quietly. More to myself than to Adam.

"I'll make him proud."

Adam gave a slight nod. "That's all he ever wanted."

The rest of the ride was quiet. But this time, it wasn't heavy. It was thoughtful. Determined.

The wind still brushed my face, but now it didn't just feel like a breeze. It felt like a promise.

A promise that I wasn't alone. A promise that I would carry on. And maybe, just maybe, a promise that he was still watching.

Somewhere.