C3 Three

Liam

"The estimated budget for the project is 30 million dollars and it will run for 6 months, that is our proposal for the Divinity Garden Project," the vice CEO said, concluding the presentation. It lasted only about 30 minutes but felt like hours.

The contracting company gave him a round of applause, the looks on their faces indicating that they were satisfied with the presentation. Of course they were, my company is the best company that they could have chosen to handle their project. The project is brilliant and has a lot of potential but it could do with a name change.

"Mr. Miller, if we can reach a positive conclusion, when would you commence?" The general manager of the company asked.

"As soon as we get the funds," I replied professionally.

"Okay then, we would get back to you in about 12-24 hours," she replied and I nodded in acknowledgment.

We concluded the meeting, shook hands, and were escorted to the elevator. I could hear ladies in the elevator, squeaking and giggling. I can't blame them, I am Liam Miller, one of the richest businessmen in North America, I have all that going for me and I am a handsome 33-year-old and an ambassador for many popular brands. It’s no surprise that the ladies find me appealing.

"Finally, the fresh air of the outside world, It’s nice to be able to breathe air that is free of different perfumes and body mists, girls try so hard to get your attention, Liam," Ethan said, patting my back.

Very few people speak to me in such a casual manner, but Ethan is not just the company's vice CEO, he is also my best friend of over 15 years and a major shareholder in my company, the only other shareholder.

"Are you jealous man?" I asked and he scoffed.

"You know I don't care much for ladies' attention, I just feel like we would breathe better without girls embarrassing themselves before us," he said stuffing his hands in his pocket.

"Well, that's a ‘you’ problem, I quite like the unending adoration of the fairer sex," I said smugly.

"Spoilt!" He said and I chuckled.

"Nice presentation man," I said patting his shoulder.

"Of course, I'm the best at what I do and I didn't fly from NYC just to mess things up, bro.

"True, you are the best of the best," I said and he grinned.

"Let's get out of here before your internet wives see us," he said and nodded, chuckling.

We walked to my car where the two trusted bodyguards that I hired to keep the 'internet wives' away were waiting.

"So where are we going next?" I asked Ethan in the car.

"It is your call Liam, we are not meeting the guys till later this evening,"

"Okay, take us to the hotel," I told the driver.

"Liam…" Ethan said with a warning tone.

"What?" I asked with a puzzled expression growing on my face.

"Are you not going to check up on your mum?" He asked and I sighed before answering.

"No," I said resignedly.

"It's been over six months since you last checked up on them and you haven’t called in almost 2 months now, why don't you seize this opportunity to check in on them," he said and I sighed.

"That place reminds me of him," I said as memories of my abusive father flashed through my mind, I'm super glad he’s dead but I still can’t shake that feeling of him being there,"

"Why don't you get them out of there then?" he asked.

"Really?, Do you think they'll let me?" I said in despair.

"Why not? You can just bring them to New York City with us, you can clean up one of your houses for them," he said.

"What would my mum think? I'm like a bad child at the moment, all I do is send them money. No calls, no visits," I said raking my hands through my hair.

"Trust me, man, it is for the best, just try," he said patting my shoulder and I nodded.

I gave the driver the house address and he drove us there.

We got down in front of the house and I half expected to see my dad on the porch sipping whiskey like he always did when he was alive, but there was nobody there. The porch was empty, and the chair my father used to sit on had been removed.

I pressed the doorbell and a few minutes later my younger sister opened the door, she hugged me tightly the moment she saw me when I released her she ran inside leaving Ethan and me at the door.

"Mooooom, Liam’s home!" I heard her scream.

I couldn't help but smile, we entered and sat on the couch waiting for her to return with my mum.

"Liam?" My mum called the moment she got downstairs, I noticed she moved slowly and carefully but I didn't think much of it until she told Isabella to go get her glasses, hearing this, I looked at Isabella and she shook her head. She went upstairs for the glasses and she came back a few minutes later with them.

"Liam!" My mum exclaimed after putting on the glasses, I hugged her and she patted my back.

"My son, it’s been a while. How are you doing?" She asked as we took our seats.

"I'm fine,"

"I'm jealous ma'am, I'm here too," Ethan said and my mum chuckled.

"Ethan darling, how are you doing?" She asked smiling.

"I am fine thank you, I see you are aging backward, Mrs. Miller,"

"You flatter me, darling," my mum said and we laughed.

"Stop flirting with my mum," Isabella said smacking Ethan lightly.

"Isabella, would you please get some snacks for your brother and his friend?"

"Sure mum," she replied then she left for the kitchen, I excused myself and I followed Isabella.

"Tell me," I demanded the moment I got into the kitchen.

"Chill bro," Isabella said and I glared at her

"Tell me, why does she need glasses, what's wrong?"

"You'd know that if you checked up on her," she said glaring right back.

"I know and I'm sorry for not coming, now tell me what happened," I said guiltily.

"Last month mum woke up and was unable to see anything well, she said everything was blurry, we went to the hospital and the doctor did some tests, the results came back and they said mum had temporarily lost her sight due to the beatings she received before. She seemed okay at the time but the effects are now catching up with her,"

"Oh Lord, he is dead and his actions are still affecting my mother, why didn't you call me?" I said weakly as I fell back onto the counter.

"You know she doesn't want you to worry about her, thank goodness you sent enough money for us to start treatment," she said and I sighed.

"Go and pack your bags and everything, you are both coming to New York City with me,"

"Finally!, A change of location, I knew something was going to happen when she came into the house today," she said making me frown.

"Who?"

"A pretty lady came to the house today, what was her name again?" She said and I watched her as she struggled to recall.