Forsaking the Years of Longing novel Chapter 45

Chapter 15

He wasn’t addicted to smoking and barely smoked at all, often finding himself coughing until his head spun when he did.

But now, he didn’t want to stay clear–headed.

Over the past few days, he had repeatedly wondered–if he died, would Linda come back to see him one last time?

But he didn’t dare. He was afraid that even in death, he wouldn’t see her.

Thankfully, Linda hadn’t disappeared from the world entirely.

They still had the company they built together. Every game was the product of both their efforts, a culmination of their shared dedication.

Each game was like a child Linda had poured her heart and soul into.

He needed to stay alive to care for them, to protect their legacy. Someday, she would return.

As the cigarette burned down to its end, he leaned back against the driver’s seat, staring up at the ceiling.

“Linda, I’ll take care of the company. I’ll wait for you to come back.”

He exhaled deeply, just about to start the car when his phone suddenly rang.

“Ring–ring–ring-”

The urgent tone pierced the air, almost like a warning.

He slid his finger across the screen and answered, only for his secretary’s panicked voice to come through the line-

“Mr. Martin, bad news! Madam donated all her shares in the company–you need to come and see this!”

“What?”

Ivan’s mind exploded, the news crashing into him like a thunderclap.