The following day, Felix was awakened by the ringing of his phone, piercing the morning tranquility. Opening his eyes, he found his luxurious room bathed in bright morning sunlight, the grand mansion glistening in the golden rays, casting an opulent glow. Blinking sleepily, he stirred and fumbled for his phone on the gold-plated nightstand as the insistent ringing continued. A glance at the screen revealed it was almost 8 am, and the caller ID displayed Peter's name. With a groan, he answered, his voice rough with sleep.
'Peter,' he mumbled.'
Peter reminded him of his trip to America and the urgent meeting he needed to attend. With two hours remaining until his flight, Felix knew he had some time before heading to the airport.
'Understood,' Felix replied, ending the call and glancing at the clock in his room. He tossed the phone back on the nightstand with a sigh. Two hours remained before his flight, a sliver of time before the whirlwind of travel claimed him. Knowing he had a bit of time, he didn't rush to get out of bed. Instead, he indulged in a luxurious stretch. Suddenly, his eyes were drawn to a photo of Chioma, which he had set as the screensaver on his phone. He couldn't help but gaze at the picture repeatedly. Audrey had sent him the photo two days after he had met Chioma, and he had happily used that photo as his screensaver ever since. Despite Chioma wearing a simple blue shirt and sporting a messy bun, Felix still found her utterly adorable. A gentle smile formed on his lips as he reached out to lovingly caress the picture. He leaned closer, a soft sigh escaping his lips as he pressed a kiss to the screen, almost as if he could bridge the digital divide.
Felix loved Chioma deeply. Even though she had hurt him by not revealing she was already in a relationship, which he acknowledged was partly his fault, he couldn't stop loving her. At the same time, he resented her for being in love with another man instead of him. He had tried his best to forget about her, yet she occupied his sleepless nights. He had never loved any woman except Chioma. How could he simply let her go? How could he bear to see her in the arms of his cousin? Felix felt trapped in a dilemma, as if he were living in torment. He had agreed to go on this business trip to America, hoping it would distract him from thoughts of Chioma. Could love be easily forgotten? Felix believed it was impossible to let go, but he would do his best, perhaps for the sake of his brother.
The memory of the day he learned about Michael and Chioma being a couple flashed through his mind, but the pain and heartbreak no longer felt as intense. He tried to convince himself that such a scene had never occurred.
Later, Felix entered the bathroom to freshen up. Once he was ready, he grabbed his already packed luggage and made his way out. Descending the stairs, the polished marble gleaming under the morning light, he found Peter waiting for him in the opulent living room.
'Good morning, Sir Felix,' Peter greeted him as soon as he appeared.
'Morning, Peter,' Felix mumbled, his voice carrying the usual mesmerising tone. 'Ready to go?'
Peter nodded, a hint of concern flickering in his eyes. Felix, however, couldn't meet his gaze. He was already focused on the escape this trip offered, the desperate hope that distance could finally numb the ache in his heart.
Felix followed Peter out the door and into the waiting black Rolls-Royce, sinking into the plush leather seats. As the sleek car glided away from the mansion, Felix allowed himself a single, fleeting glance back. The rising sun cast a golden glow on the opulent building, but it couldn't penetrate the darkness clouding his heart. The journey to America had begun, but the real journey—the one towards healing—was only just starting. The question lingered: Would this journey help him forget Chioma? Was it truly possible to let go of a love that ran so deep? He shut his eyes, a single image flashing through his mind—Chioma's smile, a ray of sunshine breaking through the storm raging within him. Felix squeezed his eyes tighter, willing the image away. He had a job to do, responsibilities awaiting him on the other side of the ocean. And perhaps, when he returned, things would look a little brighter.
With Peter behind the wheel of Felix's black Rolls-Royce, he drove Felix to the airport before returning to Moon Corporation.