Arthur Hendricks stepped out of the black limousine, the weight of his father's funeral heavy on his chest. He had come primarily to meet with the board members of the Hendricks Earthwise Consortium, but he couldn't deny the nagging feeling that he should be there for more personal reasons as well. The thought gnawed at him, burrowing beneath his skin like an unwelcome parasite.
The wraith's weight in Arthur's hands was nothing compared to the heaviness he felt in his chest. He approached the casket, noting the thick layer of fresh roses blanketing the dark mahogany. As Arthur delicately placed his wraith among the blossoms, he couldn't help but think of how much his father loved the scent of roses. A wistful smile graced his lips as he said a silent farewell.
He thought of those happy times he shared with his dad, his mom, Alicia, and his siblings, Nathan and Nathalie. They used to be a happy family back then when they were little until his dad became strict over him and his siblings, determined to shape them to be independent and self-sufficient and worthy of being Hendricks's heir.
As he stood before his father's casket, Arthur couldn't help but feel a strange blend of grief, anger, and resentment. He mourned the loss of his father yet couldn't shake the bitterness that had festered between them for years. And as he watched his estranged family members pay their respects, he wondered if there would ever be a chance to bridge the chasm that separated them.
"Your father was exceptional," a voice spoke behind him. Startled, Arthur turned to see Felix Stirling, one of the prominent board members of the Hendricks Earthwise Consortium.
"Thank you, Mr. Stirling," Arthur replied with a polite nod. "He dedicated his life to the company."
"Indeed, he did." Felix's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "I know it's not the best time, but I wanted to invite you to our meeting. It would mean a lot to us if you could share your thoughts on the company's future."
"Of course. I appreciate the invitation," Arthur agreed, trying to keep his emotions in check. "My father's work meant so much to him. I'll do my best to honor his legacy."
"Thank you, Arthur." Felix extended his hand for a firm handshake. "We're looking forward to seeing you there."
Arthur nodded, watching Felix walk away before returning to face the mourners. He greeted familiar faces and offered condolences, aware of the curious glances sent his way. Returning home after a year of estrangement, they were undoubtedly wondering what had brought him back.
As he moved through the crowd, Arthur found himself drawn into conversations about the Hendricks Earthwise Consortium. The board members shared their concerns, ambitions, and hopes for the company's future. Arthur listened intently, feeling a newfound sense of responsibility. This was his family's legacy, and he couldn't let it fall apart.
He knew why they were there; they had come to honor Robert, who had been their leader for almost 20 years. He had been the one who had brought them all together and made their business what it is today.
As he walked towards the other board members, he could feel the weight of the responsibility now on his shoulders. He had been chosen as the new chairman of the consortium, and he was determined not to let his father down. He owed it to Robert to continue his legacy of excellence, at least to the knowledge of some people. Robert was a good man but not as a father to him and his siblings.
"Arthur Hendricks," a voice called out, drawing his attention. He turned to see Harold, one of the board members of the Hendricks Earthwise Consortium, extending a hand in greeting. "It's been too long."
"Indeed, it has," Arthur replied, shaking his hand firmly. Surrounded by people who knew his father well, he felt both gratitude and shame for the year he'd spent apart from them.
"Your father was a great man," Harold continued with an earnest expression on his face. "He would be proud to know you're stepping up."
"Thank you," Arthur said, his throat tightening. "I can only hope to live up to his legacy."
"Ah, but do not forget that your path is your own," another board member chimed in, offering a supportive smile. "Your father carved his way, and now it's time for you to do the same."
Arthur nodded in agreement. He thought of the things he would change for Hendricks Earthwise Consortium. Ugly things that he wanted to end years ago, so he left EcoHarvest as the CEO.
"Mr. Hendricks," said one of them, extending a hand as soon as Arthur approached. "We're so sorry for your loss."
"Thank you," Arthur replied, firmly shaking the man's hand. "I appreciate your condolences."
"Your father was a great man," another board member said. "His leadership will be sorely missed."
Arthur nodded, struggling to keep his emotions in check as they discussed his father's legacy. He knew they were waiting for him to step up and take charge, but the idea of stepping into his father's shoes felt foreign and uncomfortable. Instead, he redirected the conversation toward their upcoming meeting.
"Shall we discuss the company's future at a more appropriate time?" he asked, his voice steady and assertive. "Perhaps we can schedule a meeting for later this week?"
"Of course," the first board member agreed. "We understand this is not the best time for such discussions."
"Thank you," Arthur said, relieved to have postponed the inevitable conversation. He returned to the funeral proceedings, trying to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions coursing through him.
He noticed familiar faces from his childhood – distant relatives, old family friends, and business associates of his father. And his eyes landed on Alicia.
"Arthur? You're here?" Alicia said as he saw Arthur.
"It's not what you think it is, Alicia. I am here for business," Arthur said sternly. It was good timing when he moved out of the board members group and was alone with Alicia.
Alicia was taken aback, her perfectly manicured nails tightening around her purse. "Have you completely forgotten Robert as your father? He is still your dad."
"Can't you see I'm here?"
"But you said it is for business. You keep telling me you don't see us as your parents anymore. That's cruel."
"That's what you and Dad taught to Nathalie and Nathan. Don't change the narrative. Alicia, I am not the type that you can manipulate. Not anymore."
Alicia narrowed her eyes angrily. "How dare you. I am still your mother, Arthur."
"Look, let's not do this here," Arthur said, forcing himself to remain calm. "I'm here for business and for Dad and to pay my respects. That's all."
"That's the first time I heard you call Robert, your dad, after a long time. I'm glad you managed to utter that today."
"Alicia, enough."
"Fine," Alicia huffed, her eyes narrowed into slits. "But don't think I'll forget this little exchange."
"Wouldn't dream of it," Arthur muttered under his breath as his mother turned and walked away, her designer heels clicking sharply against the marble floor.
Don't think you'll ever get away with all you did, Alicia. Arthur's eyes raged in anger as he knew it would take a little while before Alicia's judgment. He heaved a sigh to calm himself. He knew it was not the right time and place for Alicia to face her verdict.
The only reason keeping him fighting was the thought of reuniting with Helena when his family and company's problem would be solved. He missed Helena so severely that he saw her face even in his dream at night but knew it wasn't the right time for them to see each other and mend their relationship.