Chapter 1
The night was dark and the highway was wet. Rain fell in steady sheets, making the road shine like a black mirror. The car moved fast, its headlights cutting through the water.
“ I think the steering wheel as stopped working sir!” Charles the driver shouted, his voice shaking. He quickly pressed the pedal, but it felt empty too, like pushing air.
“What do you mean the brake isn’t working!” Oliver yelled back. He grabbed the handle above his seat, his knuckles white. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest.
Both brothers were sweating, the cold air from the vents mixing with the heat of fear. Their breath came in short bursts. In that split second, images flashed through their minds— Noah saw his fiancée’s smile, Charles saw his children’s faces. They knew the car was going to crash.
The car jerked from left then back to the right like a headless chicken. Charles kept trying to turn the steering with all the might he could gather at that point but it felt like a heavy rock was placed on it, it just wouldn’t move.
The car hit the rail of the bridge. Metal screamed as the vehicle flipped, sending them up into the air. For a moment everything was weightless, then the car slammed back down, glass breaking and rain flooding the inside.
They laid still, the sound of rain the only thing they could hear. Their eyes met, full of shock and regret to each other. The world around them was dark, but the rain kept falling, washing over the wreck.
•A WEEK AGO•
The phone rang in the study as Noah walked in with a cup of coffee in his hand, its shrill tone cutting through the stale air. He stared at the screen, his jaw tightening as he watched his brother’s name flash across the display. He took a breath, feeling the familiar knot of frustration and longing twist in his chest, and answered.
“Hello”
“It’s been five years, Noah,” Oliver said, his voice low.
“Five years since you left this family. I know you and Mom aren’t on good terms, but you can’t keep acting like you’re not part of us. Dad’s tenth death anniversary is coming up. I don’t care what excuse you have—you have to be there.”
A sigh slipped through the speaker, heavy with resignation. Noah’s eyes, usually bright behind were clouded with a mix of pain and resolve.
“Look, Oliver, I love Dad and I’ll always carry him in my heart,” Noah replied, his tone softening for a moment before hardening again.
“Not attending his remembrance doesn’t lessen that love. I’m staying away because I don’t want to ruin the day. Mom and I can’t be in the same room without trouble, so it’s better if I don’t come.”
“We can’t keep going like this,” Oliver said.
“If trouble happens, we’ll settle it like the family we are.”
Noah let out a bitter laugh, the sound echoing. “Tell that to Mom. She disowned me because I don’t want to be part of the family business. They already have you—why do I have to be there, too? The business isn’t just ours; it’s been run by the Benjamin family for generations. We have uncles, aunts, cousins who can handle it. Why the obsession with me? And she has no respect for my profession. She thinks I’m wasting my time just flying across the world, even after I built my career with blood, sweat, and tears. She blacklisted me everywhere, and you expect me to sit at the same table and break bread with her? Hell no!”
A flicker of guilt crossed Oliver’s face, quickly masked by determination. He glanced at the empty chair across from him, imagining his brother sitting across him like it was years ago before he left home.
“Talking about the extended family, you know how they feel about Mom,” Oliver said quietly. “She hates them, and they don’t like her either.”
Noah’s eyes narrowed, a flash of anger cutting through his weary expression. “Well, I understand them.”
“Come on, Noah, whatever grievance you have, she’s still our mother,” Oliver pressed, his voice softening. “Just this once, please. Imagine not meeting your nephew and niece since they were born. You left home right around the time they were born. They only know they have an uncle; they don’t know you in person. And what about your fiancée? Isn’t it time you introduced her to the family? You don’t want to get married behind our backs, do you?”
A small, humorless smile tugged at Noah’s lips. “There’s no way I’m bringing Nora anywhere near Mom.”
Noah’s shoulders relaxed a fraction, relief mingling with the lingering tension. “You know what? I’m going to come, but only for my cute nephew and niece, okay?”
Oliver let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. “Good. We’re finally on the same page. When will you be arriving? The remembrance is in three days.”
“I’ll have to check my flight schedules and see if I can swap shifts,” Noah replied, his mind already racing through possibilities. “It’s sudden, so I’ll talk to my colleagues and let you know once I land.”
“Alright, I guess I’ll see you soon,” Oliver said.
“Yeah, see you soon,” Noah answered, hanging up and feeling the weight of the conversation settle like a thin film over the study.
He stared at the empty doorway, the silence of the room pressing in on him. Then, a soft rustle caught his ear and Nora his fiancée appeared, her nightgown whispering against the floor as her hair fell in a loose cascade over her shoulders.
“Hey, baby, did I wake you?” Noah asked, his voice a little hoarse from the late hour.
Nora slipped into the room and settled onto his lap, her hand looping around his neck. She brushed a kiss against his cheek before pulling back, eyes bright but curious.
“Was that your brother on the phone?” she asked, tracing a lazy circle on his chest.
“Our dad’s tenth death anniversary is coming up soon,” Noah said, the words feeling heavier than he expected. “He wants me to be there.”
Nora’s brow lifted. “I see. You told him you’d go, right?”
He hesitated, the tip of his tongue catching on the syllables. “Well… I… did,” he admitted, voice wavering. “But I might just tell him something came up.”
A small, encouraging smile tugged at Nora’s lips. “No, baby, you have to go. I know you and your mom aren’t on good terms, but you can’t let that ruin the family’s day. Maybe this is a chance for you and her to finally settle things.”
Noah let out a short, humorless laugh, his eyes flickering with a mix of pain and amusement. “My mom and ‘settle’ in the same sentence? That’s funny. The only person who could handle her is dead, and now she does whatever she wants.”
Nora’s expression softened, and she squeezed his hand. “Either way, you have to go. Promise me you’ll be there.”
He let out a sigh, the weight of the promise settling on his shoulders. “Baby, we finally got a break at the same time, and now this has to happen? What about the plans we made to spend quality time together?”
“We’ll have plenty of time later,” she said, her tone gentle but firm. “But this comes first, okay?”
Noah’s shoulders slumped a little, a hint of sulk in his voice. “Plenty of time… like you’re not about to disappear for a month and I won’t be able to reach you?”
Nora’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned in, her lips brushing his ear. “How about I give you something to remember me by for the next month?” she whispered, a flirty edge to her tone, tugging at the strap of her nightgown.
He chuckled, the tension easing just enough. “What dangerous game are you playing now?” he asked, kipping kisses along her jaw.
Nora giggled, the sound light and echoing off the walls. “That’s ticklish, Noah—stop!” she laughed.
*BACK TO PRESENT*
*Earlier in the day*
The phone buzzed in his hand, and Noah answered without looking.
“Hey baby, I just arrived at the family estate. I’m heading to Oliver’s place now,” he said.
Nora’s voice floated through the speaker, curiosity threading her words. “I thought you were going straight to the main house?”
“Nah, the remembrance is at the old family house. It was Dad’s favorite place when he was alive. I’ll swing by Oliver’s first, then we’ll go together. I have no business at the main house,” Noah replied.
“Babe—” Nora began, but Noah cut her off.
“Baby, I just got here. Oliver doesn’t know I’m coming, so I have to go now, okay? I’ll call you later. What time’s your flight?”
“It’s in thirty minutes. I’m waiting in the lounge,” Nora said
“Okay, love, take care of yourself. I love you so much and safe travels. Please call me when you land before you get to the no connection area” Noah said.
“I will and I love you too, sweetheart. Try to have a good time,” she whispered before the line went dead.
Noah slipped the phone into his pocket, pulled his backpack over his shoulders, and stepped toward the house. The front door creaked open a fraction, and a mischievous smile tugged at his lips. He eased it wider, trying not to make a sound as he slipped inside.
A sudden crash echoed from the hallway, followed by Oliver’s angry shout.
“What is wrong with you?! This is why I can’t stand you!!!!” Oliver bellowed.
A woman’s voice, shaking with fury and pain, cut through the chaos. “Why are you still married to me if you can’t stand me?! I gave you the divorce papers already, I’m tired!!! I want out!!!! And I’m taking the kids with me!! There’s no way I’m letting them grow up with a narcissistic piece of shit like you!!!!”
Noah’s heart hammered. He raced up the stairs, the sound of his own footsteps drowned by the rising argument.
“What did you just call me?” Oliver snarled, unbuckling his belt.
“Of course, go ahead and hit me again! It isn’t your first rodeo,” Beth spat, her eyes wild.
“What did you just call me?” Oliver raised the belt, his face a mask of rage.
Noah’s voice cracked the tension like a gunshot. “What are you doing?!”
Oliver froze, the belt slipping from his hand. An awkward, forced smile flickered across his face. “How… how are you here, Noah? I thought your flight was three hours away.”
“I just asked what you were doing,” Noah replied, his tone sharp with fury and disappointment.
“Oliver, you… you hit women? You hit your wife? How? Where did this come from? Mom and Dad never raised a hand to each other. Where did you learn this?” Noah’s voice trembled, a mixture of disbelief and hurt.
“You won’t understand,” Oliver muttered, looking away.
“Understand you hitting your wife? No, I’ll never understand. I thought I knew you. What changed these past years? The Oliver I knew wouldn’t hurt a fly. Maybe that’s the past now. I came to surprise you, but I’m the one getting the biggest surprise,” Noah said, his face a mask of disappointment.
“I’m sorry, Noah. I know I’ve let you down,” Oliver whispered, his shoulders slaving.
“I’m not the one you should be apologizing to. Apologize to your wife. In fact, you should be behind bars. Get out of my face!” Noah shoved past him, moving toward Beth, who lay curled on the floor, trembling.
“Are you okay?” Noah asked, helping her up gently.
“Do you want to press charges? I can get you a good lawyer,” he offered, his voice softer now.
“Noah!” Oliver snapped, stepping forward.
“What? You think I’ll support you because you’re my brother? This is why I left this family in the first place because there is no way Mom doesn’t know about this. Would she turn a blind eye if it were her own daughter?,” Oliver retorted, his anger flaring again.
“I said I’m sorry,” Oliver muttered, his tone meek.
“Fuck off, asshole!” Noah snapped, his frustration boiling over.
“Do you need to go to the hospital?” he asked Beth, his concern overriding his anger.
“I’m okay, thank you, Noah. It’s been a while—good to see you again,” Beth said, managing a weak smile.
“Sadly, I can’t say the same for my brother. I’m sorry, Beth. And I think you should sign those divorce papers! If you want to punch something, sign up for a boxing class!!,” Noah added, a bitter edge to his voice as he turned to leave.
“Noah!” Oliver called after him, voice softer now.
“Noah, please don’t go. We haven’t seen each other in years. We should catch up at least.”
Beth said as she stood up from the couch, her eyes pleading.
“It’s fine, Beth, we can do that some other time. I don’t think you’re in the right condition for that now,” Noah said, his tone gentle but firm.
“Please, Noah, I insist. Besides, the kids will be back from school soon. You should meet them—they’ve been so excited to see you since we told them you were coming,” Beth urged.
“Okay then. I’ll wait for the kids. I came here for them anyway,” Noah replied, a faint smile breaking through his tension.
“Thank you,” Beth whispered, relief evident in her voice.
******
“Thank you for the hospitality, Beth, and I had a good time with the kids. I’ll see you guys at the old house, right?” Noah said, his calm smile returning.
“Yes, we’ll be there shortly,” Beth answered,
“The car is ready, we should leave now” Oliver announced, slipping on his coat.
“And what makes you think I want to sit with you in a car for the next one hour?” Noah fired back, a flash of sarcasm in his eyes.
“I said I’m sorry, Noah. I know you don’t drive and you’d want to take an Uber. Uber can’t get past the main gate of the old house, remember? Dad’s rule—only family cars can pass through. It’s like a thirty minute walk from the main gate to the old house. You can’t possibly walk for thirty minutes, can you? Please, I’m begging,” Oliver pleaded, his voice low.
“Fine! But don’t talk to me,” Noah said, his tone stern as he walked toward the front door.
“Make sure the kids are well‑dressed; it gets chilly at the old house because of the trees,” Oliver whispered to Beth before stepping out.
“Master Noah! It’s good to see you again after so many years!” Charles, the family driver, greeted with a wide smile as he opened the car door.
“I see you haven’t changed, Charles. ‘Master Noah’ makes me feel like an old man on his last leg. Call me Noah, okay?” Noah replied, a hint of amusement softening his features.
“I can’t do that, Master—” Charles began, but Oliver cut him off.
“Let’s go,” Oliver ordered.
They slipped into the back seat, Charles revving the engine. The car pulled away, the evening air rushing past.
“Where are your convoys? I know you pack a bunch of them when you go out. No bodyguards, huh?” Noah said, sarcasm dripping.
“Why would I need bodyguards at a family gathering?” Oliver replied, a thin smile forming.
“Who knows? For people like you who aren’t likable, it’s easy to make enemies,” Noah muttered.
“Noah—” Oliver started, but Noah cut him off.
“Please don’t talk to me.”
The ride settled into a heavy, deafening silence. Suddenly, the car jerked violently.
“What’s going on, Charles?” Oliver asked, alarm sharpening his voice.
“I… I have no idea, sir,” Charles stammered, his hands trembling on the wheel. “I think the steering wheel has stopped working, sir!”
