Chapter 55: The Crash

Jocelyn's POV

Wade drove Richard and me to the airport. I was so scared. It felt as though it was the last time I was going to see him.

"It's just a business trip, nothing to worry about," Richard had consoled me.

I was so worried. In my past life, Colton had murdered Richard by tampering with his flight.

Although I'd persuaded Richard to board a public flight and let go of his private jet, I still wasn't at peace.

I knew what Colton and Kylie could do. I knew how evil they could be.

We came down from the car and Wade went to check the bookings.

"Sir, your first flight just took off," Wade announced as he came back.

"What? Why?" I asked.

"We arrived early, so why did it take off?" Richard asked, irritation creeping into his voice.

"It was an emergency. The airport has refused to reveal further details, but you can take this other flight. It's going your way, just that it's an economy program for the masses," he said.

"Why would I board a flight with the masses? I had chosen my private jet, but Jocelyn persuaded me to follow the airport schedule. Now I have to fly with the poor masses?" Richard asked, clearly irritated.

It was all my fault. I felt guilty.

"I'm so sorry, Richard, but they're still going to stop at the country's airport and all you have to do is drive to the meeting," I said, trying to pacify the situation.

"You don't understand, Jocelyn. My partners will be there to welcome me, and if they see me arriving on an economy flight... Oh God, what a humiliation."

"You can't cancel the flight now, boss. You really need to be there on time," Wade said.

"Think about it. You are their boss and those partners respect you. It's a great honor to have you in their country. Don't you think flying with the masses shows compassion and equality? You're setting an example," I said.

Richard looked at me with a softened gaze, then compromised.

After a few affectionate hugs, Richard handed his briefcase over to Wade and entered the plane.

Despite the staring eyes of the onlookers, he walked majestically.

Most of them even bowed, greeting him. He patted them like the billionaire he was.

"God, please keep him safe," I prayed for the hundredth time as we drove home.

"He's gone, huh?" Lilian welcomed me at the door.

"Yes," I said quietly.

"Come on, dear. You look so worried. He's coming back. It's just a week," she said, patting my shoulders.

I tried to look happy, so I asked, "How's the preparation for the upcoming anniversary?"

"Very well, darling. But that's not why I'm excited!" she said.

"Why then?"

"Because after that is the paternity test!" she said, and my heart flew into my stomach.

The paternity test.

"Well, come. Let's sit together and watch some news," she said.

I sat down next to her and she went to get some drinks.

But I immediately regretted it.

The television screen flashed with breaking news.

"Breaking News: Flight AE7842 from Capital City International Airport to Geneva has crashed halfway to its destination. The aircraft went down approximately two hours into its journey. Emergency services are en route to the crash site. If you know any relations who booked this flight, kindly contact the airport authorities and wait for further updates as we work to retrieve bodies and identify survivors."

My world stopped.

The room spun around me.

The glass Lilian was holding shattered on the floor.

"No," I whispered. "No, no, no, no."

"Richard," Lilian gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "My son. My son was on that flight."

I couldn't breathe. Couldn't think. Couldn't move.

This couldn't be happening. Not again.

I'd changed everything. I'd made him take the public flight instead of his private jet. I'd tried so hard to keep him safe.

But somehow, Colton had still found a way.