5

Chapter 5

Confusion.

Self-doubt.

Suspicion.

Apprehension.

Those few words were not enough to express the series of emotions coursing through his mind after hearing the man in the red suit speak.

"…Huh?" This word did manage to convey some of it, though. "You… You believe me?"

'Is this a prank?' 

He knew just how unbelievable his story was. If someone else were in his shoes, he was sure they wouldn't have believed it ten times out of ten.

'Or is it not?'

Looking into the old man's eyes and seeing the seriousness in them, another series of thoughts flooded his mind.

'That's a relief, but if he really does believe me, then why?'

Knowing his girlfriend's grandfather as long as he did, he knew what kind of person he was.

He was good to his loved ones and very kind to the marginalized. He had a soft spot for family, loved ones, and the weak.

However, he was still a ruthless and calculative capitalist. 

When it came down to money or any serious matters, he became akin to a modern-day demon king.

His heart would take the backseat, and uncanny rationality took the wheel.

His daughter was missing, and her being in danger was very likely, the possibility of her getting harmed rising with each passing second.

So, how could he accept such an absurd story so easily without good reason?

"Why?" Cassian couldn't help but voice his inner doubt and curiosity.

"…What do you mean 'why'?" Mr. Whyte folded his hands with a sigh, feigning ignorance as to what Cassian's question meant.

"…Believing me. Why do you believe me?" Cassian's doubtful gaze threatened to bore a hole in the old man's head. "Everyone else believes I was spouting some cock and bull story for various reasons. They all have their own speculations. Yet you readily accepted my words. The overbearing CEO I know isn't an irrational person. Especially not when it comes to money or worse… his kin."

The man remained silent, staring back into Cassian's eyes with some intensity that would cause many experienced top dogs in the business world to reflexively take multiple steps back in reaction to the phantom pressure.

Yet the college student didn't flinch; he stood his ground.

"Your line of thinking is not wrong." The old man finally spoke, shutting his eyes tightly and opening them again before adding, "Though you aren't completely right either."

Cassian's brow furrowed as he tried to unravel the meaning behind his words. He was broken out of his focus when he felt a hand on his shoulder—Mr. Whyte's left hand.

"There are both rational and emotional aspects to it," The old man clarified, his look softening to reveal the care he felt for the college student his granddaughter had introduced him to. "The latter being due to the fact that I see you as my own grandson. My 'kin' as you termed it."

Cassian's gaze also had a subtle change, hinting at the fact that his heart had been undeniably impacted by the man's words, mannerisms, and actions.

"I know how much you truly care for my grandchild. I saw it all," He said. "I wouldn't be me or a good grandpa if I didn't at least try to discern the intentions and capabilities of someone trying to court her."

Cassian could only nod slightly as though in a daze. He understood the old man's meaning. 

When he started dating Martha, or possibly even before that, Mr. Whyte had probably come to know of him and his proximity to his grandkids, even routinely visiting their mansion.

Afterward, he probably ordered for his background and history to be dug up as well as for him to be monitored and possibly tested for ill intent or potential threat.

He wasn't completely surprised though; neither was he upset. 

He would even be shocked and possibly disappointed if something along those lines wasn't done since agents of misfortune targeting celebrities, the wealthy, and powerful people for various reasons were nothing new.

In fact, such attempts are quite common in any era.

"…Grandpa John." Cassian's heart had grown so relaxed, he reverted back to calling him in the familial manner he usually used in private after growing close to the old man.

"It's ok," The old man said, pulling the college student in for a hug, patting his back tenderly. "The [Apotheosis Seekers], they'll pay. Whoever they are…"

Cassian could swear he could not just hear but feel the venom in the old man's voice.

On one hand, he shivered, thanking his stars that he was not on the receiving end of the man's ire. And on the other hand, he was hopeful that Mr. Whyte would be able to help him see his girlfriend again.

The god of time did as usual; the clock ticked on. And like that, minute turned into hours, then days, weeks, months, and years.

A decade.

In all this time, the family came to accept the fact that Martha was gone and probably never coming back or dead somewhere. 

However, this didn't mean that they had forgiven him and he was back in their good graces.

Well, 'forgiveness' was not exactly the best way to put things. In actuality, there wasn't anything for him to be forgiven for.

They all knew he was not in the wrong.

They simply gave him the cold shoulder as he was a living, breathing, and walking reminder of their loss.

It took time, but he grew used to it—their stance not the fact that his girlfriend was gone.

All this time, he appeared to be one trudging through life carrying heavy baggage and burden.

He had pushed everyone aside and focused solely on the job he had gotten in Mr. Whyte's company. It wasn't due to nepotism but solely due to his competence.

He was a hard worker.

'Worked to the bone' really suited him like a glove. 

Even when he got advances from various women, Esther included, he turned them all down with various excuses, some believable, others eliciting skepticism, and others flat out outlandish and ridiculous.

In truth, it wasn't that he was grieving.

No.

He was still strongly holding on to the possibility that Martha was not dead.

He believed that she was still alive somewhere, somehow.