Chapter 47

**Lucas Pov**

When I mentioned our unplanned vacation to Enrique. I saw how he disliked the idea of leaving for vacation. He has just become aloof, antisocial, and very timid since the day she left us.

"You're not looking for Mama, and then you can go on vacation? I don't want it; it's just you!" My son replied auspiciously. I want to discipline him, but on the other side I know my past mistakes. It hurts that I am criticised because of what I have done in the past.

"This is just once, Enrique, son... This is what your grandma wants. You know how stubborn your abuela is. She won't let us say no to her request." I reassured her while we were at the table eating breakfast.

He looked sharply at me. "If you want, you can do it. I say no, and that is final! I don't want to, so it is final!" He shouted while grumbling. I'm also losing patience... But I don't want to get into an argument with my son.

In fact, I owe him a lot. I miss him so much as a father. I did so many wrong things. Something that made my son hate me even more, even now. That we seem to have lost our light in life. I have to be strong because the pillar must not give up.

They only have me. If I give up, there will be no further progress for us.

To get my son to agree, I thought of a way. This is not a lie, anyway.

"Son, when you go on vacation with me, I will hire better private investigators to find your mom, Zara. I promise to you, just go with me for a vacation," I said. My son seems to think first.

"Okay, I agree. But you should promise and not dare to lie to me, dad. Or I will do something you don't want again," said my son with a threatening look. My child is so feisty.

Our daughter Zara is already a teenager. This is the time he needs both of our guides. I wish you were there by our side. I want you to come back to us.

I need you, Zara; I can't carry this family alone. I am not as strong as you, my love. We need your guidance, dear. Really needed.

Yes, son, just pack your things and we will leave for the island; we could get into trouble if we do not obey your grandma." That is an actual fact. Mommy is too naughty.

She let Artemis handle my company for a while; after all, her husband was her assistant. Our vacation won't last long either. This is just for the sake of my mother's dilemma. I just can't figure out how bothersome her stubbornness is at times.

I am planning to have a vacation on the island Giselle aforementioned. I searched for information about that certain island, and it looks fascinating and enjoyable to visit. I mean, the white sand and the sea are paradise, I can call it. Maybe I need a vacation to be more active when I return to work.

After lunch, I called Mary.

I gave her some reminders that she should tell Artemis. There are important matters that they cannot afford to forget. It should be so that when I come back, there will be no disappointment or extra work for me. Or else the vacation will just be a futile remark.

Mary, for the meeting with our investor, Mr. Valdez, give an advance to sister Artemis so that she can review the content and internalise how she will present it. I want you to guide her, and there must be 100 percent assurance that we can get the investment... It will be a huge help for us," I said while preparing my suitcase. I can't afford to be late for our flight.

She sighed on the other line. "Don't worry, sir, we can handle it. Just mind your vacation, relax, and enjoy the rest of your week. Give yourself a little time to breathe, sir. It's not a sin for a Blackwood to take a vacation sometimes. No sir?" I chuckled.

Okay, Mary, I trust you. I need someone to take this down. My email and line are still open for any verification or questions. Don't be ashamed to disturb my vacation," I said, laughing.

I first went in front of the mirror. Does my beard seem to be getting longer? I remember before that Zara hates when I have unshaven hair. So to look handsome, I have to shave my beard.

It's not that long, and everything is set for my son and my vacation. I didn't realise that Enrique was getting taller. I hope Zara can see this too. He will be happy to see our son grow up.

I suddenly miss her, but I know that someday our paths will cross again, and if that time comes, I won't let him go anymore. I'm too stupid to let go of the woman who gave me a complete dream.

I will spend and invest money, effort, and love in her. Just to make her realise that I love her more than my life. She is my sunshine. Sooner or later, she will be the only reason for me to wake up.

We got into my son's van. Our private plane is ready. There is not much traffic on the road. Our travel is going smoothly. It looks like we're going to enjoy our vacation. I heard there are a couple of water activities on the island and at the resort if I had booked a reservation.

I miss going to the beach. I still remember the times when I went to Boracay to pick them up. That day, I realised that I could not let them go. Because they are already part of my life. I cannot afford to lose them, or I will lose myself.

When we got on the plane, my son and I didn't blink. He is busy listening to the music. I'm excited to bond with my son. I remember how he used to love swimming. I taught him to swim.

That is also the reason why he got the varsity at their school for swimming. You can say I am a proud dad.

We reached the island by boat after disembarking from our private plane. I was not greeted with disappointment. Because the island is really beautiful.

The sea is a vibrant colour of emerald green and sapphire blue. The island itself is a breath-taking scene. The resort is accommodating and world-class in beauty. There are lots of foreigners and visitors here. It seems to be peak season for vacationers.

The wind is cold, but the heat is warming too. It must be nice to go fishing later, huh? Maybe we could have our father and son bond later.

After we checked in and put our stuff in a big room that was a presidential suite, we ate at a restaurant. My son ate well. I never thought that he loved-I mean, extremely loved-seafood.

We had a good meal, and after that, we dropped the food down by the sea. We are greeted by the unusual silence again. "Dad? Have you given up on Mom? Is she really not coming back? Should I stop hoping to see her again?" none of my son's own questions

Even I get the heavy emotion my son has been dealing with for a long time. The pain we have been feeling for many years is no joke. It's like we've been in a trance for years.

I know that he saw me and answered me. I shook my head, and that was my real answer.

"I have never lost hope, son. I know that sooner or later we will meet her again. And if that opportunity comes, we will not let your mom disappear anymore. Let us both do our best to give her a reason to stay. Okay?" I said this while Enrique messed up her hair.

I seemed to lose a deep thorn when I saw my son smile. He might not still totally forgive me, but this is the first step.

I let my son go outside while I walked around the island. The crashing waves sound enticing. The air and ambiance of the whole place are relaxing.

I was surprised with a gasp when my son, Enrique, came to me. I let him catch his breath first.

before he talked.

"You should see this, Dad! Hurry up!" he said, and my son suddenly pulled me away.