Chapter 45
**Chapter 45: The Brutal Truth p>
In a distant city, the air felt thick with unspoken tension.
“Mother? What brings you here? You should be at home, taking care of yourself,” Nathaniel questioned, his voice laced with surprise and concern as he spotted Bianca in Oakridge City.
“What am I doing here?” Bianca gasped, her heart racing as she laid eyes on her son inside the Navy vessel cabin. The sight of him sent a shiver down her spine.
She scrutinized Nathaniel, and a wave of anguish washed over her. The boy she once knew had transformed in just four weeks. His hair was a wild tangle, unkempt as if he hadn’t bothered to smooth it down or even find solace in sleep. The clothes he wore hung loosely on his frail frame, a stark reminder of his alarming weight loss. Deep shadows clung to his eyes, a testament to the sleepless nights he had endured.
He hadn’t returned to Velmon City since the fateful day he learned that Eastwind Air 1061 had vanished, taking with it the life of Serena Kline.
Serena.
His ex-wife.
Her former daughter-in-law.
And the daughter of Victor Kline.
While Nathaniel’s friends-Timothy, Peter, and Dennis-had made their way back home, he remained trapped in a cycle of grief and despair.
He didn’t need to voice it; his actions screamed his heartache.
Sorrow enveloped him like a heavy cloak, suffocating and relentless.
Bianca’s heart ached for her son, Nathaniel Thorne, who was deeply mourning the loss of Serena.
“Are you truly going to destroy yourself over the daughter of the man who took your father from us?” Bianca’s voice cracked, a mixture of anger and pain lacing her words. She couldn’t fathom the depth of her son’s sorrow, and it hurt her to see him like this.
Rumors had reached her ears that Nathaniel was hardly eating.
By day, he immersed himself in search operations, sometimes even joining diving expeditions, putting his life at risk in the treacherous depths of the sea.
By night, he was glued to his emails, sifting through sales reports, and engaging in meetings with his executives.
For three long weeks, Nathaniel had managed only one or two hours of sleep each night.
After Bianca’s outburst, Nathaniel stood up, his silence more telling than any words could be. “Let me take you home, Mother. This place isn’t good for your health. You shouldn’t be surrounded by such despair,” he murmured softly, his voice devoid of its usual warmth.
“You won’t even respond?!” Bianca exclaimed, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
Nathaniel paused, caught in the moment as he slipped on his jacket. He turned slightly toward her, but his lips remained sealed. Instead, he gathered his bag, laptop, and some documents, his demeanor dull and lifeless. “Let’s go,” he finally said, the words almost a whisper.
His silence pierced Bianca’s heart deeper than any defiance could have. She knew how much he loved her; he had witnessed her struggles, her pain, and the sacrifices she had made. He had not only seen her hardships but had shared in them, carrying the weight alongside her.
Upon their arrival in Velmon City, Nathaniel’s first priority was to take Bianca to the hospital for a check-up. As luck would have it, Dr. Allen Holt was on duty. He had recently been appointed as a consultant at Grand Mercy Hospital’s Neurology Department.
Dr. Holt examined Bianca’s vital signs. After a thorough evaluation, he turned to Nathaniel, offering a reassuring smile. “Your mother is stable, Nathan. There’s no need for concern. She’s responding very well to her medications p>
“On the other hand The doctor inhaled deeply, his gaze shifting to Nathaniel. “You look like you’ve been through hell p>
“As long as my mother is okay, Doctor, I’m okay,” Nathaniel replied, his tone flat, stripped of all emotion. To Bianca, he seemed to exist in a shadow of himself, a mere shell of the vibrant man he once was.
“Clearly, that’s not the case,” Dr. Holt countered gently, concern etched across his features.
Yet, Nathaniel remained silent, standing up to thank Dr. Holt. “I’ll take my mother home now,” he stated, his voice lacking any hint of warmth.
During the drive back, Bianca felt a flicker of hope as she dialed Vanessa’s number. Perhaps Vanessa could reach Nathaniel in a way she couldn’t—convince him to let go of the past, to forget about Serena.
When they arrived at her mansion, Vanessa was already waiting, her expression a mix of worry and concern. She rushed to Nathaniel’s side, her voice softening, “Nathan, you you look exhausted p>
“I’m fine,” he replied curtly, his tone betraying no hint of the turmoil within.
“Do you want to talk? Nathan, I’m here for you. You can talk to me,” Vanessa pressed, her words echoing Bianca’s hopes.
To Bianca’s dismay, Nathaniel gently pushed Vanessa away. “I don’t need anyone. Just go home, Vanessa,” he replied, his voice firm yet devoid of anger.
“Clearly, you’re still worried about Serena. I understand,” Vanessa continued, her voice soothing and empathetic. She was about to say more when Nathaniel’s frustration boiled over.
“No! You will never understand!” he shouted, his jaw clenched tightly. “Please, just leave me alone p>
With that, he stormed up to his room, slamming the door behind him.
During dinner, Nathaniel remained locked away, isolated in his room. The maids brought him food, but returned with the dishes untouched, a silent testament to his grief. One maid reported to Bianca, “Mr. Thorne only requested toasted bread p>
1.n
The following morning, Biancal awoke to the troubling news that Nathaniel had left in the early hours. The driver informed her during breakfast, “Nathaniel went to his marital home with Serena He mentioned he wanted some time alone and wouldn’t require my services p>
How could Nathaniel bring himself to return to that house?
Bianca felt a wave of uncertainty wash over her.
Her heart ached for her son, and with a heavy spirit, she decided to visit her
husband’s grave.
She needed to talk to Neal.
Kneeling before the tombstone, she felt the weight of her sorrow. “Neal. What should I do? Nathaniel obviously loved Serena. I’ve known it all along. Was I wrong to feel this way? Can I accept her when But I her father was the one who caused your death p>
Tears streamed down her face as she traced the name etched into the marble, her heart breaking all over again.
“I’ve missed you so much.” Her voice trembled, tears pooling on her chin. “All these years without you p>
“I wish you were here to help me with Nathan p>
Bianca lost track of time, enveloped in her thoughts and confusion about how to navigate her son’s heartache.
Suddenly, the driver behind her cleared his throat gently. If anyone had witnessed their family’s turmoil, it was him.
“Ma’am,” he said softly, “I
understand why you held onto your anger. You wanted to protect your husband’s memory But… is the price worth? Nathaniel loved Serena He was at his best with her. And you, more than anyone, know the pain of grief. Should he have to suffer the same fate as you p>
“What would—what would your husband do if he were still alive?” the driver asked,
then immediately regretted his words, realizing they were out of line. “I’m sorry. I know it’s not my place p>
“I suppose it doesn’t matter now,” he added quietly. “With all the passengers of Eastwind Air 1061 still missing, I guess Serena is also gone p>
Bianca didn’t scold her driver, but his words lingered in her mind. She thought of her husband, Neal—a kind man, yes, but also one of strong principles, always standing for what was right, no matter how painful the journey.
It all boiled down to a single, brutal truth she had been avoiding.
Had she truly acted in Nathaniel’s best interest?
Or had her thirst for vengeance clouded her judgment so completely that she could
no longer discern right from wrong?