CHAPTER 1
THREE DAYS LATER
William Knight sat behind his expansive mahogany desk, surrounded by an air of authority that matched the luxuriousness of his office. His piercing blue eyes scanned through the files before him, his mind engrossed in the intricate details of his business empire. The weight of responsibility pressed upon his shoulders, but he reveled in the power and control it afforded him.
Just as he was about to delve deeper into the papers, his assistant's voice broke the silence, filtering through the intercom on his desk. "Mr. Knight, Dr. Ross is here to see you. Shall I send him in?"
William paused for a moment, his mind racing to recall the name. Dr. Ross... Dr. Ross... Then, like a flicker of recognition, a memory surfaced. Marcus, his dear friend and mentor, had spoken of a young man whom he had taken under his wing, paying for his education and paving the way for his success. This must be the same person.
"Of course," William replied, his voice laced with curiosity. "Send him in."
The door to the opulent office swung open, and Dr. Ross entered with a sense of purpose. His demeanor exuded a blend of professionalism and gratitude as he approached William's desk. The two men locked eyes for a moment, and a flicker of recognition passed between them.
"Dr. Ross," William greeted warmly, rising from his chair.
"What a pleasnt surprise. It's been quite some time. Please, have a seat. What brings you here today?"
Dr. Ross took a seat, his eyes conveying a mix of respect and determination. He cleared his throat, composing himself before speaking. "Thank you, Mr. Knight. It has indeed been a while. I apologize for the sudden visit, but I felt compelled to come and speak with you."
Motioning towards an empty chair, William extended a welcoming gesture, inviting Dr. Ross to take a seat. As the doctor settled into the chair, William positioned himself behind his desk, a symbol of authority and responsibility.
In the midst of the contemplative silence, Dr. Ross shattered the stillness with an urgent tone in his voice.
"I understand your busy schedule, Mr. Knight, but what I'm about to show you cannot be delayed any further. It demands immediate attention and resolution."
William's interest was piqued, and he leaned forward attentively. "Please, go on. What is it that you need to discuss?"
Dr. Ross reached into his briefcase, retrieving two files, their contents representing a decade of untold stories and hidden truths. He placed them on the desk, a tangible weight to accompany his words.
"Mr. Knight, these files hold the answers to what has transpired in the last ten years, a period during which you were 'unavailable.' I implore you to take the time to review them, to truly understand the extent of the events that have unfolded."
Curiosity mingled with a touch of trepidation in William's gaze as he glanced at the files before him. He couldn't deny the surge of emotions that swirled within him—questions, regrets, and a flicker of hope for redemption.
"What are these files?" William asked, his voice filled with a potent mix of determination and uncertainty.
"Aurora Johnson," Dr. Ross replied solemnly.
The mere mention of Aurora's name stirred a whirlwind of thoughts within William's mind. Memories long tucked away surged forward, threatening to overwhelm him. He whispered her name softly, feeling a weight settle upon his heart.
"Aurora," he murmured, the syllables carrying a profound sense of unfinished business.
Dr. Ross nodded, understanding the flood of emotions that washed over William.
"I urge you to examine these files, and I hope that you can find it within yourself to seek a resolution."
Dr. Ross's gaze lifted, capturing the sight of tumultuous emotions swirling within William's eyes.
"I stood by your side when Marco Sir took his final breath," Dr. Ross spoke softly, his voice laced with the weight of their shared memories. "I remember the weight of responsibility he entrusted to you. And now, I believe it is time to honor that responsibility."
His words struck a profound chord within William, igniting a wellspring of remorse. The weight of his late friend's legacy loomed heavily, compelling him to confront the ghosts of the past and pursue a path of redemption.
A heavy silence enveloped the room as William's gaze remained fixed on the files before him. He felt a profound sense of being adrift, consumed by the weight of the past and the uncertainty of the future.
Rising from his chair, Dr Ross added "I trust in your judgment, and I trust your ability to make the right decisions." With those parting words, Dr. Ross left the office, leaving William alone with the weight of his past and the responsibility that had long remained dormant.
As he looked down at the files resting on his desk, William felt a mix of trepidation and determination. He knew that delving into Aurora's story would uncover painful truths and force him to confront his own shortcomings. But he also knew that it was a journey he had to undertake, not only for Aurora's sake but also for the memory of Marco, the man who was like a brother to him.
As William paced restlessly in his opulent study, next to his bedroom, his eyes fell upon a files that lay on his mahogany desk, beckoning him with its mysterious allure. One bore the name 'Thomas Johnson,' a name that once resonated with friendship and trust. But now, a mix of curiosity and unease compelled him to delve into its dark secrets. Overwhelmed by a sense of trepidation, William had been unable to summon the courage to open the files, fearing the unsettling revelations they might hold. Until now.
With trembling hands, he opened the file, unleashing a storm of revelations that shattered his perception of the world he had known. Page after page, the evidence unfolded, painting a grim portrait of Thomas's nefarious activities. Embezzlement, money laundering, fraud—the crimes were not only shocking but also deeply personal, a betrayal that pierced William's heart like a dagger.
Yet, amidst the sea of incriminating documents, another folder lay in wait—a name etched upon it, delicate and fragile as the soul it represented. It whispered of unspeakable pain and hidden suffering—Aurora Johnson.
As William delved into Aurora's folder, his eyes widened in horror and his heart ached with a pain he had never known. The documents unfolded like a macabre tale of torment—medical reports spanning years, bearing witness to a young woman's journey through a living hell. Each entry was etched with the indelible scars of physical abuse—broken ribs, head injuries, fractured bones—a symphony of suffering that had unfolded within the supposed sanctuary of their own home.
Guilt surged through William's veins, choking him with remorse.
How could he have been so blind in the pursuit of expanding his business, that he forgot about Aurora? He had made a promise, a sacred oath to Aurora's late father, to protect and care for her. But in his relentless pursuit of wealth and power, he had forsaken that solemn vow, leaving her vulnerable to the cruelties of the world.