Chapter 23 – Homecoming
Author's POV
Philippines – Mariano Mansion
A black luxury car slowly entered the gates of Mariano Mansion.
The servants immediately lined up outside.
The front door opened.
Jaspher Mariano stepped out, followed by Reycee.
After months of searching...
They were finally back in the Philippines.
The mansion doors opened.
A familiar voice echoed through the hallway.
"Mom!"
"Dad!"
Percy walked downstairs with his usual confident grin.
Without hesitation, Reycee wrapped him in a warm hug.
"We missed you so much."
Percy smiled.
"I know."
"How could anyone survive without the most handsome son in the world?"
Reycee laughed and lightly pinched his cheek.
"Still full of yourself."
"Confidence is a gift."
Jaspher chuckled before placing a hand on Percy's shoulder.
"My son."
"It's good to see you."
Percy's smile softened.
"It's good to have you back, Dad."
The three of them shared a quiet moment before walking into the living room.
Once everyone was seated...
Jaspher placed a folder on the table.
"I didn't come here only to see you."
Percy looked at him curiously.
"You found another lead?"
Jaspher nodded.
"Yes."
"The girl we've been searching for..."
"I believe she's connected to JJM Enterprises."
Percy's playful expression faded.
"So..."
"You're finally close."
Jaspher looked down at the old photograph of Jay.
"I can feel it."
"This time..."
"I won't lose her again."
---
London – St. George's Hospital
Bright white lights filled the emergency department.
Doctors and nurses hurried through the corridors.
The doors to the emergency room swung open as Keifer was rushed inside on a stretcher.
Medical staff immediately surrounded him.
"BP is stable."
"We need imaging."
"Notify the surgical team."
Outside the treatment area...
Honey Ryder stood frozen.
Kegan paced back and forth, unable to hide his worry.
Mr. Ryder arrived only moments later.
"How is he?"
"The doctors are still examining him," Honey replied quietly.
Mr. Ryder looked through the glass toward the treatment room.
His expression grew heavy.
"He still has an inheritance ceremony waiting for him."
Honey folded her hands tightly.
"Let's just hope he wakes up soon."
Silence settled over the corridor.
No one spoke.
Everyone waited.
---
Somewhere far away...
The future of one family was finally beginning to come together.
While another...
Faced an uncertain tomorrow.
To Be Continued...
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Author's Note
Two families...
Two different journeys...
One is moving closer to a long-awaited reunion, while the other is hoping for good news.
What do you think will happen next?
Thank you for reading! ❤️