the hope for light

Mr. Caldwell sat in his study, papers and his computer spread across the table before him. His mind weighed heavily on the latest reports from the company's management team.

They had informed him of the urgent need to repair the aging machines before they broke down completely. Still pondering how best to handle this, he made the decision. "Carry out all the necessary repairs," he typed in a quick email to his management team.

As soon as he hit send, his phone buzzed, displaying an incoming call from John.

His heart skipped a beat. John had only extended the equipment contract as a gesture of goodwill during this turbulent time. Mr. Caldwell knew that if John was calling, it wasn't likely to be good news.

"Hello, Mr. Caldwell," John greeted, his tone calm but with an unmistakable edge. "How's the company holding up?"

Mr. Caldwell exhaled slowly. "To be honest, John, things are more complicated than ever. James, one of my former employees, has betrayed me and is trying to take over the company. I'm doing all I can to fix the situation, but it's been a struggle. I just need a bit more time to clear some debts before fulfilling your order."

John's tone turned cold. "I gave you this contract to support you as a friend, but business is business. I don't care about your debts or this James situation. When the time comes, I expect the equipment delivered—no excuses."

Mr. Caldwell swallowed hard. "I understand. I'll get it done," he replied quietly.

John ended the call without another word, leaving Mr. Caldwell staring at the phone in despair.

The weight of his obligations bore down on him, especially with his promise to settle Mr. Greyson's payment the next day. Mr. Greyson wasn't the kind of man to tolerate delays, and his stern reputation only added to Mr. Caldwell's mounting anxiety.

I have to pay him first, he thought, running a hand through his disheveled hair. The company still has enough materials to keep operations running temporarily. If I can generate some revenue quickly, maybe I can repay John's equipment advance… somehow.

But the plan felt shaky at best, like walking on thin ice. His debts and obligations loomed like a storm cloud over his thoughts.

A notification beep interrupted his spiraling thoughts. Checking his phone, he saw a reminder from the bank to clear part of his outstanding debt before the end of the month.

He sighed deeply, scrolling past the message until his eyes landed on an earlier notification—a message from Ethan. He'd ignored it before, assuming it wasn't urgent. Now, curiosity gnawed at him.

Could the boy know something useful? Or… could he know where Sophia is?

He opened the message, but its vague content only left him more perplexed. After a moment of hesitation, he typed:

"What do you want from me, kid? If it's about Sophia, I don't know where she is right now. If you know where she is, call me—I have something important to tell her."

His thumb hovered over the send button. If Ethan knows something, it might help me. Maybe with Sophia's assistance, I can navigate this mess. I need someone I can fully trust. Finally, he sent the message and leaned back in his chair with a deep sigh.

Meanwhile, at the shopping mall…

Ethan walked alongside his mother, Audrey, as she excitedly moved through the aisles, holding up items and asking for his opinion.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he discreetly checked it. A message from Mr. Caldwell.

His heart skipped a beat as he read the words:

"If it's about Sophia, I don't know where she is right now."

Sophia's missing? The realization hit him hard, his pulse quickening. He reread the message, hoping he'd misunderstood.

His first instinct was to call Mr. Caldwell immediately, but when he looked up, he saw his mother's face glowing with joy. She deserved this moment.

He forced a smile and slipped the phone back into his pocket. Not now. I'll call him when we get home.

Still, the questions wouldn't stop swirling in his mind. What happened to Sophia? Where could she be?

Audrey approached, holding up a jacket. "What do you think, Ethan? Too much?" she asked, her voice light and playful.

He managed a genuine smile. "It's perfect, Mom. You should get it."

Her face lit up as she nodded and continued shopping, unaware of the storm brewing in Ethan's mind.

When Audrey finished selecting her items, she glanced at Ethan hesitantly. "Is all this too much? Should I put some things back? I don't want to use up all your money."

Ethan grinned. "No, Mom. If you want more, go ahead. Don't worry about the bill—I'll take care of it."

Audrey beamed. "Okay," she said softly, her gratitude shining through as they headed to the checkout.

Ethan paid without hesitation, scanning his phone to complete the transaction. Audrey let out a relieved sigh, her initial fear of overspending dissipating.

In the car ride home…

Audrey studied Ethan with a curious smile. "Son, I didn't know you had so much money. You didn't even look at the price tags—just scanned and paid like it was nothing."

Ethan smiled faintly. "It's all thanks to Mr. Maxwell. Dad was rich, so as his son, I'm rich too. I just want to take good care of you, Mom."

Audrey's smile faltered slightly as her gaze turned distant. "I never thought I'd see you again after the day you escaped the orphanage."

Ethan stiffened, his head snapping toward her, but she continued.

"You know, I only left you there because I wanted you to have a better life. I grew up in a mess—chased out of my father's house at fourteen. He had eighteen kids and couldn't take care of any of us. My stepmothers treated me like a slave."

Her voice trembled as she recounted her painful past. Ethan listened silently, his emotions a mix of sympathy and discomfort.

Audrey paused, her gaze softening. "I didn't abort you because I knew you'd be my hope for a better future. I'm sorry for the life I left you with, but I always intended to come back for you."

Ethan leaned over and hugged her tightly. "It's okay, Mom. That's all in the past. I'm just grateful you brought me into this world."

When they got home, Audrey thanked him again. Ethan smiled warmly. "You've thanked me enough, Mom. You're welcome."

He excused himself to his room, his heart racing. Dialing Mr. Caldwell's number, he waited for the call to connect.

As the phone rang, Ethan's thoughts raced. What's really happening? What don't I know yet?