IMDD CHAPTER 222 [SEASON 4] (Patreon)

A/N: Sorry guys, but before reading this chapter, please re-read the ending line in chapter 220 and also whole chapter 221. There’s something I changed, so please check it out again. Sorry again for this. >.<

…

Seven years later...

A private plane touched down gracefully on the runway.

Bodyguards immediately encircled Eva the moment she emerged from the plane. She was a vision of power, donned in slick black pants and a tailored suit that whispered elegance. Her once flowing locks now rested just above her shoulders in a chic style, framing a face of poised sophistication.

The entire airport seemed to pause. Heads turned in unison to capture a glimpse of her. Even the onlookers who don’t actually recognize her hastily retrieved their phones from their pockets and bags and took pictures and videos of her.

It wasn't just admiration that she commanded; she radiated authority and embodied sophistication, a female alpha who captivated the gaze of both men and women alike.

All of a sudden, paparazzi and reporters flocked towards her like moths to a flame. They pushed and jostled, cameras flashing, microphones thrust forward. But Eva's bodyguards, precise in their duties, acted as an impenetrable wall around Eva.

Even as the chaos grew, Eva remained unflinchingly composed, striding forward as though she was in her own silent world.

However, the questions grew louder and more pointed, piercing the air with rumors and accusations.

“Mrs. Acheron! Please answer us. Is it true that Gage Acheron, your husband, is actually long dead and the Acherons have just been hiding it for seven years now?!”

“There’s a rumor spreading that your marriage to Gage is suspicious. It is a fact that Gage Acheron seemed to have suddenly disappeared around the time your marriage with him was announced. What can you say about this?”

“Miss Eva, where is Gage Acheron? Where is your husband? It’s been seven years since his disappearance. Is he really dead?”

“Have you seen the conspiracy theory about this issue that is spreading all over the internet?”

“Please say something. If you don’t say anything, everyone will believe the rumors are true.”

Suddenly, a woman from the audience screamed. “She definitely killed the CEO to have all of his wealth and position! I’m certain about it! She’s a murderer! Psycho!”

Still, Eva continued her regal march. Her head was held high, and she showed no signs of being bothered at all.

However, as soon as the car door closed behind her, the facade Eva maintained cracked. She drew a shaky breath, the turmoil of emotions she held at bay rushing to the surface.

Her secretary cast a worried glance in her direction. “Ma’am, are you okay?” she asked hesitantly.

“I’m good,” Eva replied with a curt nod before shutting her eyes and leaned back against the plush seat.

When Eva opened her eyes again, they stared unseeingly at the car’s ceiling.

Seven years. A timespan that felt both an eternity and a fleeting moment. Seven years since Gage left. Despite every resource at her disposal and every unturned stone, Eva failed to find him.

Not a day had passed where she hadn’t sought for him, yearned for a sign, a trace, any indication that he was still a part of the world she inhabited. Yet, there was nothing. Absolute silence met her pleas.

Every search, every inquiry in the past seven years led to a dead end.

…

Eva quietly made her way into the sterile hospital room, where George, looking frail but with a spirit undiminished, was being treated.

It had been two years since George decided to halt the mission to find Gage. He was absolutely heartbroken when the five-year search for his grandson led to nothing. But thankfully, the elder eventually accepted everything and began to finally move on.

Upon seeing her, George mustered a weak smile. "You look weary, Eva. You should head home and rest. Despite how things look," he gestured at the hospital room, "this old man isn't kicking the bucket anytime soon."

Eva moved to sit by his side, her tone gentle. "Let me stay a while—"

George interrupted her with a playful wag of his finger. "I won't have you wasting the little free time you have on me. Tell me, how’s it going between you and DeLuca?"