When a ray of morning sunlight lightened up the royal family villa, Felix was alone in his room. He sat still, thinking about what Dr. Antonio said to him that day.
'Your Highness, you must focus more on your opinion. If you feel like you can't live on without it, then you should fight for it. People tend to have different opinions.'
'Are you here running away and hiding from reality? If that's the case, you shouldn't do that. But if you're here to give some time for yourself, make use of it and after that, muster your strength and courage to face reality.'
'If you stay here with unfinished business, you won't be able to get better. But if you need time to prepare yourself, focus on that and think about what you wish for your future. A happy life with your loved ones? Starting over again? All those things are possible once you sort out everything that makes you stuck here.'
Will he be really able to do that? When Dr. Antonio said those words to him, he didn't think he had the courage to do so. He was scared of what he might encounter in the future!
Then he talked with Yelena yesterday. That stubborn woman. He couldn't understand why she still wants to be with him. After going through such things because of him, she still refused to give up. Her life was in danger because of him. Was he worth her life? He didn't worth any of the sufferings which he caused her.
He wasn't sure of what to do. He knows what Yelena wanted and he thinks the same too but... was he ready to fight again? More than a week ago, he was knocked out real bad. What if he ended up hurting everyone again? He didn't think he would be able to go through it.
* * *
Two Days Later
The news of TR Group having a new Chairwoman spread through the country rapidly like a wildfire. Even international news channels were talking about how the only daughter of Chairwoman Vanessa Arista suddenly showed up in the shareholders meeting, claiming her mother's position.
Of course, it's a given that many of the shareholders and executives opposed this but the mother's supporters were so firm in making her the Chairwoman. But still, Yelena called herself the Acting Chairwoman. She was there temporarily.
With her mother's share all transferred to her, Yelena Arista instantly became the biggest shareholder of the Group. What's more, she had the support of all her mother's followers and the greedy executives couldn't do anything but clenched their teeth in anger.
Yelena was in her office, thinking about how much her mother had paved a way for her. Her mother was so prepared for this time that she didn't even need to do much to become the Acting Chairwoman. But it's not over as the enemies of her mother won't stop in trying to prove her unfit for the position. However, she had no intention to give them what they want.
Then she heard the knocking on her office door. "Come in."
Jason Moravsky made his way inside and Yelena rose from her seat. "Have a seat." They both took a seat on the couch.
"How do you feel about assuming this office?" Jason Moravsky asked her.
Yelena narrowed her eyes at herself. "It's not bad but... I'm not comfortable with this business attire." She let out a light chuckle. A white buttoned-down shirt and a grey blazer with pants of the same colour; she never dressed this way before!
Jason slightly chuckled too. "You will soon get used to it. In the beginning, I felt that way too." He put a file on the small table. "This will be useful for you. It contains the performance of all our fields in the past five years. From electronics, construction, investment, apparel and hotels; it has all records there." He explained.
Yelena quickly took the file and opened it right away. All the figures and information in the file put her in awe! Did her mother really look after all these? It could never be an easy task!
"From now on, all those will be taken care of by you. As I said before, I will help you in every way possible but the final say is the power that belongs to only you. You did well in the meeting despite the little time you get to prepare yourself; so I'm sure that you will be able to do a great job." Jason stated.
Yelena opened her mouth but the sound of the knocking on her office door distracted her. "Come in." She responded.
Julia Corell walked inside the office and stood a few steps away from her. "Chairwoman, I received a call from the reception desk and they said that one man insisted to meet you. He says that he knows you."
"Did he say his name?" Yelena asked.
"No." Julia Corell paused and said, "I will tell them that you're busy. We don't - "
"Tell them to bring him here. If he knows me, I should meet him."
"Are you sure?" Jason promptly asked.
Yelena nodded and Julia Corell left the office.
Yelena wondered who it might be. She just assumed the office and someone came to meet her? She had no idea at all! Trying to not think much about it, she quietly takes a look at the file again.
After around two minutes, her office door was suddenly pushed open with quite a force. Both she and Jason Moravsky darted their eyes to the door at the unpleasant sound. When she saw who the man in question was, her eyes grew wide open and she abruptly rose from her seat.
The man approached her and judging from the look on his eyes, it was clear that he wasn't pleased with her. "What do you think you are doing here?!" He growled and his loud voice echoed in the vast office.
At the intrusion and disrespect shown to the new Chairwoman, Jason abruptly rose from his seat. "What are you doing? Don't you know where you are?" He snapped. What was this young man thinking?
Hearing the voice of the two men, Julia Corell quickly rushed in once again. She first turned to Jason Moravsky and she raised a brow. Was he angry? She never saw him this angry before! He was always too calm.
"Mrs. Corell, tell the security to take him away. Make sure - "
"There's no need for that." Yelena finally spoke up, making Jason stopped talking. Both the latter and Mrs. Corell turned to her with a bewildered face.
"What are you saying, Chairwoman?" Jason promptly asked.
Yelena didn't respond and looked at the man. She knew what made him angry at her. Then she slightly bowed. "I'm sorry for that, Deputy Commander. Please don't take it to heart."
Jason blinked and turned his attention back to the man. "Yelena, this is - "
"Jason." She called his name, interrupting him from speaking once again. Then she turned to the assistant. "Mrs. Corell." She addressed her. "I'm here temporarily. You already know that I still have not resigned and I'm still a soldier who is on a leave."
She glanced at Arias and continued, "This is the Deputy Commander of our division, the one who placed trust in me. So, he has every right to be angry or disappointed in me. Even if that happens, I won't tolerate any disrespect shown towards him." Her voice was calm yet firm and they understood that. "Please give us a minute. I need to talk with him."
Having no other choice, Jason and Julia Corell left the Chairwoman's office while Arias stood still, his gaze never left Yelena the whole time.
"I know why you're here but please have a seat first. I will - "
"Why did you do this? Are you trying to give up and chose this company?" Arias grunted though his tone had gone down a lot compared to before.
"I never plan to give up and it's still the same. I need to solve things here first, so - "
"Maverick died, Yelena." Arias hissed. "I will never allow him to die in vain." He firmly declared.
"I don't want that either, Deputy Commander. But for now, my mother and this company need me. I'm not just the younger sister of Marvin Arista but also the daughter of Vanessa Arista. I can't just still and watch while my mother is about to lose everything." Yelena heavily sighed. "It's not easy for me. I don't - "
"Then don't do anything. I will do it." Arias was blinded by his friend's death. Apart from all, guilt never left him ever since he heard the news of Maverick's death! He felt like he was about to go crazy!
Yelena's face turned pale at his words. Did he know something? What was Arias talking about?!
"What do you mean?" He barely uttered the words as she met his gaze. When she noticed his unyielding expression, she shook her head. This can't be!
Without saying anything, Arias turned her back at her and walked towards the door but... she grabbed him to hold him back. "Please tell me what you are talking about. You said that you will do it. Tell me what you know."