Tucked away in a corner office, Brian meticulously packed his suitcase, his mind racing with thoughts of the important business conference awaiting him in London.
As the son of a prominent businessman, he felt the weight of his family's expectations bearing down on him. This trip was important, a chance to prove himself worthy in front of the shareholders and elevate the Rowland family's standing in the business world. Every detail had to be perfect.
His father, Mr. Rowland, had suggested casually over dinner, "Why not take Linda along? You could both use a break. Consider it a mini-vacation after the conference."
Linda had seemed excited at the offer. "I could visit some galleries, maybe do a little shopping while you're at the meetings," she'd said, her eyes lighting up at the thought of a getaway.
But Brian declined immediately, not wanting any distractions. "I need to stay focused, Dad. This meeting is very important. I want to deliver results that would impress the shareholders."
Linda, though slightly disappointed, understood. Still, there was a part of her that had hoped this trip could be more than just business, maybe a way for them to bond well. Yet, as she helped him pack on the morning of his departure, she forced herself to smile, pushing her concerns to the back of her mind.
Brian's departure day arrived, and the air around them buzzed with anticipation. He moved with a practiced efficiency, ensuring all his documents and essentials were in place. Linda stood nearby, her fingers brushing over his clothes as she helped fold and pack the last of his things.
As he zipped up his final bag, Brian turned to her, a warm smile brightening his face. "I'll make sure I inform you of my movement while I'm gone," he said, pulling her into his embrace. "I'll call you every day, I promise."
Linda returned the smile, "Of course," she replied softly.
She watched as he made his way outside and stepped into the black car waiting to take him to the airport.
Brian's flight took off smoothly, despite the ominous clouds gathering overhead. As the plane ascended, climbing through the dense, turbulent air, the cabin began to shake slightly. Passengers exchanged uneasy glances as the aircraft jolted and swayed, the tension increased.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are experiencing some turbulence. Please fasten your seatbelts," the captain's voice crackled over the intercom, his tone calm yet firm.
Brian's pulse quickened as he gazed out of the small window. Dark clouds surrounded the plane, anxiety gnawed at him. What if something happens? he thought, tightening his grip on the armrest. He could see how worried and tense each passenger had on their faces. He tried to focus on the meeting ahead, but the unsettling feeling wouldn't leave him. His thoughts drifted back to his loved one, does this mean he won't see them ever again he asked himself
Without warning, the plane lurched violently. Screams filled the cabin, and panic rippled through the passengers. The lights flickered as flight attendants hurried to calm the chaos, their faces pale, betraying their fears.
"Brace for impact!" the captain's voice cut through the noise, full of urgency now.
Brian's heart pounded in his chest as the plane dropped. His mind raced with a jumble of thoughts—his mother, the meeting, His life, his ambitions, all his plans seemed to flash before him in those chaotic moments.
The plane spiraled downward, the alarms blaring, the screams deafening. For a split second, everything felt like it was moving in slow motion. And then, darkness engulfed.
Back at the Daniel mansion, Linda lay in bed, the deep sleep she had finally drifted into shattered by the sound of her phone ringing. Groggily, she reached for it, squinting at the screen as she saw Mr. Rowland's name flash before her eyes.
She had a surprise look on her face; why would Mr Rowland call her by this time of the day?
"Hello?" she answered, her voice thick with sleep.
"Linda," Mr. Rowland's voice was strained, almost trembling. "It's Brian. There has been an accident."
The words hit her like a punch to the gut. "What do you mean? Is he… is he okay?" she stammered, her heart pounding in her chest.
"We don't know yet," he replied, his voice tight with fear. "The rescue teams are still looking for him. The plane went down, there's no word on survivors yet."
Hours passed in silence. The search for Brian and the other passengers continued, but hope was getting lost each passing minute. Minutes turn into hours, hours turn into days, and days into what seems like forever.
The search and rescue teams had combed through the wreckage, though some were found dead, some half dead but Brian was nowhere to be found, not even his corpse.
Indeed, this was a very hard time for Rowland; the door of the mansion was left open to receive visitors who came to sympathize with the Rowlands.
The sound of notification from their phone was a cause of anxiety for them; they hoped and prayed that the search team could find him or his corpse so he could be laid to rest.
When Lisa heard the news, she couldn't believe it, she had to rush home but no one was home. She went to the Rowland family house to sympathize with them and stay with Mrs Priscilla cause she was losing her mind.
One evening, still lost in thought, Linda stood by her window, staring blankly into the darkness; she felt a profound sense of loss. The life she had once dreamed of living in the Rowland family in the future was fast fading, leaving her stagnant in a sea of uncertainty.
As the sun set, Linda knew she would have to confront her feelings and make a decision about her future, knowing that each step she takes now has a hand in molding her life, regardless of whether Brian would come back alive or not.