It had been over a year since Juan Carlos last saw his father. A promise had been made, a promise to visit after a business trip, but life had a way of pulling them in different directions.
His father, Mr. Sebastian Carlos, had always been a man of adventure. After retiring from The House of Carlos, he had embraced a lifestyle full of travel and exploration, often whisking himself away to distant places at a moment's notice.
Juan missed him. More than he cared to admit. His father had always been his guiding force, not just in business, but in life. And now, with so much going on, he felt the absence keenly. The weight of the business, the unexpected challenges, and his growing feelings for Gabriella, he needed his father's wisdom.
Sitting in his sleek office, the sound of the bustling city below fading into the background, Juan picked up his phone and dialed the number he knew by heart.
It rang twice before his father's deep, familiar voice came on the line.
"Juan, my boy! It's been a while. How are you?" Mr. Sebastian Carlos' tone was warm, and despite the distance, his voice had a grounding effect on Juan.
Juan smiled softly. "I'm good, Dad. Busy as always. How about you? When are you coming back to Behinton?"
There was a pause on the other end of the line. Juan could hear the subtle rustling of papers, or maybe it was his father moving around.
"Well," Mr. Carlos started, "I had planned to return soon, but you know how it goes. One place leads to another, and I get caught up. You could say I'm in the middle of something important. But Behinton is calling me. I'll be back before you know it."
Juan's brows furrowed in curiosity. "Something important? What's going on, Dad?"
"Ah, just some old business. Nothing you need to worry about." His father's voice had a playful edge to it, but Juan knew better. Mr. Carlos wasn't one to be vague without reason.
"I hope it's nothing serious," Juan said, his tone a mix of concern and teasing. "You've always had a way of getting yourself into trouble."
"Trouble? Me? Never." Mr. Carlos chuckled. "But I promise, I'll be back soon enough. I'll make time for you, Juan. Let's not let too much time pass between visits. I'll make sure of it."
Juan leaned back in his chair, the familiar warmth of his father's voice easing some of the tension in his shoulders. "Good. I've missed you, Dad. It's not the same without you here."
"I've missed you too, son. But I've got a few things to wrap up here. Stay strong, alright? And don't let those distractions pull you too far off course. You've got a lot riding on you now."
Juan's gaze shifted to the framed picture of his father on the wall, the man who had built the empire Juan now ran. A legacy to uphold. "I know, Dad. I'm handling things. But... it's not easy."
"You'll do fine. You're your father's son, after all."
Juan chuckled. "I'll hold you to that, old man."
"Of course," Mr. Carlos said, a hint of pride in his voice. "Now, I'll get back to my little adventure here. But remember what I said. I'll be back soon."
Juan nodded, feeling the weight of the conversation settle on him. "Alright, Dad. I'll be waiting."
The call ended with a click, and Juan sat in silence for a moment, contemplating his father's words. He hadn't realized how much he needed that connection. His father's reassuring presence was something he hadn't fully appreciated until it had been gone.
It was strange having everything at his fingertips but still feeling like something was missing.
He thought about Gabriella and the complexities of their growing relationship. And then, of course, there was the looming threat of Gentle King, who wasn't letting the past go easily. Juan's mind raced, but for now, he could only focus on one thing: when his father would return.
Juan stood from his desk and walked over to the window, his thoughts drifting. He hadn't had a real conversation with Mr. Carlos in months. Maybe he was right.
Maybe it was time to reconnect, both with his father and with the things he was neglecting in his personal life. A promise had been made. Juan Carlos was determined to keep it.
A few hours later, Juan Carlos sat back at his desk, absorbed in the usual whirlwind of work.
The steady hum of his office's activity seemed distant as his mind kept returning to the conversation with his father earlier. He was looking forward to seeing him again, but he didn't expect it to happen so soon.
The sound of the office door opening broke his thoughts, and Juan's head snapped up, his heart skipping a beat.
"Surprised to see me, Juan?" Mr. Sebastian Carlos stood in the doorway, a playful grin on his face. His presence filled the room immediately, exuding the familiar, comforting aura that Juan had missed for so long.
"Dad?!" Juan rose from his chair, blinking in disbelief. "What are you doing here?"
Mr. Carlos chuckled, stepping into the office with a swiftness that belied his age. "I figured it was time to come home. Couldn't stay away any longer." He walked over to the desk and clapped his hand on Juan's shoulder. "I've got something planned, son. I prepared a yacht for a few hours. Let's get out of here."
Juan's eyes widened. This wasn't exactly what he'd expected for a reunion. "A yacht?" he asked, surprised by the sudden shift in plans.
His father winked. "Yep, a yacht. I figured we could use some time to ourselves. Just like old times. But before we go, give Vina and Teeto a call. We'll make it a family outing."
Juan's mind was still processing the surprise, but the thought of being on a yacht with his father and Vina and Teeto too, sounded like just the break he needed. He had barely seen them both outside of business hours lately, and it would be good to spend some time together without the weight of work hanging over them.
"Alright, I'll call them," Juan said, already reaching for his phone.
"Good man. Let's make it a day to remember." Mr. Carlos clapped his hands together, a glint of excitement in his eyes.
Juan quickly dialed Vina first. The phone rang, and after a few seconds, her voice came through the line.
"Juan?"
"Hey, Vina, guess what?" he said with a grin, his mood already lifting. "Dad's back. He's got the yacht ready for a few hours. You in?"
Vina paused, surprised. "Wait, what? Dad's back?"
"Yep, and we're heading out to the water. It's going to be a good time. You and Teeto should join us. It's been a while."
She sighed, the sound of her amusement coming through the phone. "Well, you know I'm never one to say no to a good time. I'll call Teeto. We'll meet you there."
"Perfect," Juan said, hanging up.
The next call went to Teeto. It rang once, then twice, before Teeto's cheerful voice picked up.
"Juan! What's up?"
"You won't believe this," Juan said, a grin still tugging at his lips. "Dad's back in town, and he's already planning a yacht trip. He's been prepping it for a while, and he wants us to come. You in?"
Teeto laughed. "A yacht? That sounds like something you'd do."
"I know, right? You in or not?"
Teeto paused for a moment before responding, "When and where? I'm all in."
Juan smiled, feeling a sense of relief that Teeto was on board. "Meet us at the marina in an hour. Don't keep us waiting."
"Got it, man. See you soon."
With the calls made, Juan glanced at his father, who was already heading toward the door, eager to get things moving. "They're coming," Juan said. "Vina and Teeto will meet us at the marina in an hour."
"Great. Let's get going then!" Mr. Carlos grinned and slapped Juan on the back, leading him out of the office.
The two of them walked down the stairs of the building and made their way to the waiting car. Juan couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement.
A yacht trip with his father, Vina, and Teeto sounded like the perfect escape.
For once, everything felt lighter. There was no talk of business or family drama, just the promise of a carefree few hours.
As they drove through Behinton, the familiar sights of the city became a blur, and Juan let himself relax, knowing that soon they would be out on the open water, away from everything.
The marina was buzzing with activity when they arrived, the salty breeze carrying the sound of waves crashing gently against the docks.
Juan Carlos stepped out of the car, feeling a lightness in his chest as he took in the familiar scent of the sea. He glanced over to where the yacht was moored, its sleek, white hull glistening in the afternoon sun.
"Now this is what I'm talking about," Mr. Sebastian Carlos said with a satisfied grin, leading the way toward the yacht. His enthusiasm was contagious, and Juan found himself smiling as they walked.
Teeto and Vina were already there, waiting by the gangplank. Vina stood with her arms crossed, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings, while Teeto stood next to her, looking laid-back and relaxed as always. As soon as they saw Juan and his father, they both waved.
"Finally, you guys show up!" Vina teased, a playful smirk on her face. She stepped forward and gave Juan a quick hug, then nodded toward Mr. Carlos. "Glad to see you, Uncle Sebastian."
"Same here, Vina. It's been too long," Mr. Sebastian said warmly, pulling her into a hug. Then, with a chuckle, he added, "And you, Teeto, always looking like you own the place."
Teeto grinned, shrugging as if the compliment didn't faze him. "Just enjoying the good life, Mr. Carlos. How've you been?" he asked, offering a firm handshake.
"I've been good, Teeto. But today's not about business," Mr. Carlos replied, giving Teeto a wink. "Let's get on this yacht and have some fun."
The group boarded the yacht, the luxury of the vessel striking Juan as soon as they stepped inside.
The deck was polished to perfection, and the interior was lavish everything from the comfortable seating to the modern bar, and the panoramic windows offering a view of the endless sea. It was the perfect setting for a relaxing escape.
After a round of drinks, everyone settled in. Mr. Sebastian poured drinks for himself and his son, while Teeto and Vina helped themselves to chilled glasses of wine. They all raised their glasses for a quick toast.
"To family, to friendship, and to good times ahead," Mr. Sebastian said, his voice booming in the open air.
"To good times!" everyone echoed, clinking glasses.
As the yacht started to cruise along the calm waters, the conversation shifted to more relaxed topics.
They talked about old memories, how they used to spend summer days at the beach when they were younger, or the family trips they took together before business and responsibilities took over.
It was only when the drinks began to flow a little more freely that Mr. Sebastian decided to stir the pot. He leaned back in his chair, surveying the group with a mischievous gleam in his eyes.
"So, tell me," he said, taking a slow sip of his drink, "Why is it that all of you are still single?"
Vina nearly choked on her wine, giving her uncle a sharp look. "Really, Uncle Sebastian? You're going to ask that?"
Juan let out a light laugh, leaning back in his seat. "I think we all know that the question is coming." He glanced at Vina, who looked uncomfortable and slightly flushed. "But seriously, Dad, we're still young. No rush, right?"
Teeto, who had been quietly nursing his drink, gave a knowing smile. "You're right, Juan. But I can't speak for the rest of you. I don't know about you guys, but I'm waiting for the right one."
"Waiting for the right one?" Mr. Sebastian raised an eyebrow, looking at Teeto with a knowing glance. "And who might that be, if you don't mind me asking?"
Teeto shifted uncomfortably in his seat, avoiding his father's piercing gaze. "Just... you know, someone who gets me," he said, trying to keep the mood light.
Vina gave him a sidelong glance, a small smile on her lips. "I think we all want someone who gets us, Teeto. But that doesn't mean we have to stay single forever."
Juan could sense the tension between them, the unspoken words that hung in the air. He decided to keep things moving. "You're right, Vina. But I'm not going to rush into anything either. There's no harm in being single for a while."
Mr. Sebastian chuckled, watching his son and the rest of them carefully. "It's just funny to me that you all seem to have the same idea, waiting for 'the right one.' But do you even know what 'the right one' looks like? Because the right one doesn't always come when you expect it."
The conversation shifted as they all considered his words. Teeto, as always, didn't say much, his thoughts clearly racing in his head. Vina sipped her drink, pretending not to be interested but clearly listening intently.
And Juan, well, his mind drifted toward Gabriella for a moment. He couldn't help but wonder if the right one was right in front of him, though it seemed he'd have to wait for the right time.
"You know, maybe you're right, Dad," Juan said after a pause, looking at his father. "Maybe we all just need to stop waiting and see where life takes us. It's not always about finding the perfect person; sometimes it's about seeing where things go."
"Exactly, Juan," Mr. Sebastian said, nodding. "You've got to be open to possibilities. Life's too short to wait for perfect moments."
As the yacht continued its leisurely cruise, they all began to relax further. The mood shifted into an easy rhythm, with laughter filling the air. The conversations flowed naturally, talking about everything and nothing at all. They all seemed to forget about their worries for the day and enjoy each other's company.
But as the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the water, Juan couldn't help but think that maybe his father was right. It wasn't just about waiting for "the right one." Sometimes, it was about taking risks and seizing the moments before they slipped away.