I searched for her in every nook and corner of United States. I know she cannot run away outside the country without hassles from security and identity. My senses drive me crazy like a psycho. I feel incomplete without her. You are my life, Ana. The fragrance of your body is still alive in my breath. I lived in darkness all through my life but you acquainted light in my life. I need you. I cry out endlessly for days together.

My house is in a mess. I don't allow my servants inside as I heard one of them call my wife a whore and that she left me for the sake of another man. The dangerous statement echoed in my heart again and again and I became an alcoholic within a few months that Ana left me. I drink like a cow and smoke everything which I get in hand. I started doing drugs but nothing seems to sate me. And at the end of the day, I return home again smelling her everywhere.

My life became meaningless. I do not have any control over my mind and I fire my employees for simple issues. No doubt I have been called names at my back for a ruthless, heartless, and senseless boss. But I don't care. I am living in this world just because God has yet not decided to award me death. On a day I was caught by my security handling a bottle of sleeping pills through the inbuilt cameras in the house. He immediately took away the pills from my hands in spite of my insistence and called my parents.

My mother ended up in depression hearing the news and forced a promise from me that I would never again get suicidal. Since then like a small boy I have been living with my parents. My dad has been taking care of our businesses and is assisted by my brother. My mom keeps her tabs on me like I am a two-year-old infant and feeds me like I am a child. I still do not have any clue about Ana. I am left destroyed by every ounce of my existence.

After repeated persuasion by my parents, I am out today to my office after almost nine months of seclusion. I place myself on the black leather chair which I used to worship like a God at a particular period of time and look around. After a few minutes, I ease myself on it and did not know when sleep took over me.

I open my eyes and they casually fell on the table before me where there was an invitation from Perth Institution of Business Management.

I bring the envelope closer and there was a thump my heart. Looking at the familiar and perfectly crafted letters on the pure white envelope, my stance goes on a haywire. I begin to read the contents when I hear my office intercom beep. My secretary asks my permission to connect the call to the event organizer of Perth Institution of Business Management.

I had been a philanthropist since the time I took over our family business. My company donates money to the academics of poor and intelligent students. I have been a part of many fundraising charity events to uplift the downtrodden, handicapped, and  child education which is a matter of concern in the American economy.

My heart beat could be heard to my ears. Anticipation warred with my senses. I connect the receiver and hear the melodious voice which occupied my every dream since last nine months. I was dumbfounded. Is this a reality or just another dream? But I compose myself when I hear the name and kept my curious thoughts away which still bring shrills down my body. "Good Morning Mr Hazelwood, I am Mrs Samara Marve speaking to you from Perth Institute of Business Management. Our institution will be privileged to have your presence as our chief guest on the charity and fundraising event 'Light in Darkness' organized...." I did not allow her to complete. The voice brought a sort of uneasiness in my nub. I let her know I would be attending the function and cut the call abruptly.

That was a very narrow escape. Can two people be so similar to each other with no bond or family connection? First it was the beautifully written cursive letters and then that voice which still brings waves of unsaid excitement in me. I pace the room pulling my hands into fists. 'That couldn't be her.' I let out a frustrated sigh but my heart doesn't seem to accept. I went to the bar adjacent to my office and poured a glass of scotch to ease my senses.

"That cannot be her." I grip my hair tightly and scream at the top of my lungs to establish the fact within me. Yet there was still a small whisper in me that said I could be fallacious.

Chapter 27

Ana's pov

I have been living in Perth for more than a year now. I miss Ulrick so much. I delivered a beautiful baby girl after seven and a half months. She looks just like her father, with round green eyes, soft black hair, and a small pointed nose. Her beautiful pink lips are as delicate as Rose petals just like his, which makes me miss him even more.

"You look just like your dad, baby," I tell her in merriness. She makes a baby sound making her little pink lips round the size of a ground nut hinting to me, that she likes it when I speak about her father. I tickle her and she gives me her beautiful toothless smile with her eyes twinkling in joy like the stars in the night sky.

I left him for a safe life for our daughter but he is always in my mind reigning my heart and soul. He keeps my dreams beautiful where we were a happy family making love and enjoying every moment.