The assistant studied his boss’s face before nodding and turning to leave–only to bump straight into Jenna standing in the doorway.
“Mrs. Phillips.” His startled greeting caught Elijah’s attention.
Elijah quickly grabbed a throw blanket and moved toward his wife. “Hey, why are you up? Cold? Baby giving you trouble?”
He wrapped the blanket around her shoulders, rubbing her hands for warmth.
Jenna gave him a soft smile, though concern laced her voice. “Couldn’t sleep without you. Thought I’d check in.” She paused. “I overheard something about Gloria leaving the country. Is it my fault?”
Her eyes filled with tears as she ducked her head.
Elijah pulled her into his arms, pressing a kiss to her hair. “Come on, this has nothing to do with you. She’s just being dramatic. Don’t waste your energy on her.”
Anxiety still showed in Jenna’s eyes
Elijah brushed
as
she clutched his shirt. “But her dad trusted you to watch out for her. What if something happens?”
away her tears, his voice hardening. “Maybe a reality check would do her good. Teach her not to take off whenever she feels like it.”
Jenna hadn’t expected such coldness toward Gloria. As she rested against his chest, a victorious smile spread across her face, hidden from his view.
Never come back, Gloria.
Despite his dismissive words, Elijah kept searching for Gloria in secret.
But each time he asked for updates, the answer remained the same: nothing.
Week one: nothing. Month one: nothing.
After another dead–end report, Elijah dismissed his assistant. Once alone, he collapsed back in his chair, massaging his temples.
He’d foolishly believed Gloria was just sulking about his marriage. But weeks had passed without a single trace of her.
Suddenly, he remembered all those times she’d told him she was over him. Even that conversation with his mother about leaving–he’d heard it all but written it off as attention–seeking.
It seemed everyone had taken her seriously except him.
Elijah glanced at the corner of his desk where a photo of him and Gloria once stood. After her confession, he’d trashed it, replacing it with his wedding portrait.
Looking around, he realized his office had once been filled with traces of her presence. Now they’d vanished–just like her.
After staring at the empty corner, he picked up his phone to call her father. He had to own up to losing the man’s daughter.
But before he could speak, an automated voice answered: “The number you’ve dialed is no longer in service.”
Dread washed over him as his mind went blank.
He sat frozen, phone in hand. Despite their age difference, he and Gloria’s father had always been close.
Why would he be blocked?
As Elijah tried to make sense of it, his assistant returned carrying a large box.
“Delivery for you, sir. Courier said you need to open it personally.”
Elijah stared at the box before motioning for it to be placed on his desk
His heart hammered as his fingers touched the cord. Something told him opening this would change everything.
Chapter 10
After hesitating, he slowly untied it and lifted the lid.
What he saw inside made him freeze in shock.
