Success And Loneliness

Chapter 43

Joe's POV

I pressed the doorbell and waited, shifting my weight from one foot to the other. It was already past nine PM, and the night air carried a familiar chill. My heart pounded as I stared at the door, knowing everyone had to be home by now.

No response.

I pressed the bell again, this time longer. The door clicked open, and there stood Jia, her eyes wide with disbelief. For a second, she just gawked at me, her mouth slightly open as if her brain had momentarily short-circuited.

Then, all at once, she shrieked, "Big bro!" and lunged at me.

I barely had time to brace myself before she crashed into my chest, arms tightening around me like a vice. A second later, I felt something warm and wet on my shirt.

"Are you crying already?" I teased, pulling back to wipe her tears. "You saw me, what, few months ago? You should be used to my absence by now."

She sniffled, smacking my arm lightly. "Shut up. I missed you, okay?"

I smiled and kissed her forehead. "I missed you too, my crybaby sister. That's why I came to surprise you for your birthday."

Before Jia could say more, Mom appeared in the hallway, still wearing her apron. The scent of vanilla and cinnamon clung to her, and I knew she'd been baking. Probably for Jia's birthday. Her face lit up when she saw me, but something in her eyes told me she was holding back tears.

"You're home," she said softly, brushing flour off her hands.

"Yeah, Mom. I'm home."

She stepped forward and hugged me, her embrace warm and familiar, but brief. Almost as if she feared she'd break if she held on too long. When she pulled away, her tired eyes studied me. "You've lost weight."

"Or maybe I've just gained muscle," I joked, flexing my arm.

She chuckled, shaking her head. "No, definitely weight."

Before I could respond, a low, deliberate throat-clearing echoed from behind.

Ah. Here we go.

I turned to see Dad standing in the hallway, arms crossed. His face was unreadable, but the rigid set of his jaw told me everything. He wasn't thrilled to see me.

Well, that makes two of us, old man.

"Dad," I greeted, stepping toward him despite knowing he wouldn't make it easy.

He nodded once. "We weren't expecting you for another four months."

No 'welcome home.' No 'how have you been?'

I forced a smile. "I figured Jia's birthday was worth breaking my schedule for."

Silence.

He wasn't going to make this easy.

Luckily, Mom came to my rescue. "Oh, come on, Honey," she chided, shooting him a look. "Aren't you happy to see your son? He missed Christmas and New Year's with us. That should be punishment enough."

Dad exhaled through his nose, but before he could reply, Jia grabbed my hand and tugged me toward the kitchen. "Come on! We need to cut the cake before it melts!"

I laughed. "Cakes melt now?"

"Shut up, science boy. Let's go!"

As I was about to follow, I remembered something and stopped. "Wait."

I stepped outside to grab a box from the table, then returned and handed it to Jia.

She blinked at it before carefully peeling off the wrapping. The moment she saw what was inside, she gasped. "No way! You got me a...wait, you arranged this all the way from...?"

"Yep." I grinned. "Happy birthday, baby sis."

Jia squealed, hugging the box close. "You are the best!"

"I know," I smirked.

Dad, who had been watching from the sidelines, finally stepped forward and took a seat at the dining table. He didn't say much, but he stayed. That was progress, I suppose.

We lit the candles, sang the birthday song, and Jia cut the cake. Mom poured coffee, and for a moment, it felt like old times. Before things got complicated.

"I'm sorry I won't be able to spend much time with you," Jia said, licking frosting off her fingers. "I'm flying to New Zealand tomorrow morning to celebrate with my friends."

"New Zealand?" I raised an eyebrow. "Big move for a birthday celebration."

She grinned. "It's my twenty, Joe. I wanted to do something different."

Dad scoffed, shaking his head. "Spoiled kids these days. When I was your age, birthdays meant dinner at home, not vacations to other countries."

"Dad, when you were our age, dinosaurs still roamed the earth," Jia deadpanned.

I nearly choked on my coffee.

Even Mom smirked.

Dad just gave her a look but said nothing.

I chuckled. "It's fine, Jia. You deserve this trip. I'm only here for a day anyway. I'll be flying back tomorrow afternoon."

Dad suddenly set his fork down, his tone turning sharp. "So why waste your time coming here for nothing?"

The room went silent.

I clenched my jaw. I knew this was coming.

"Honey," Mom started, but I raised a hand to stop her.

I met his gaze, steady. "I came because I wanted to. Because I missed my family. And because Jia's birthday matters to me."

His eyes searched mine for a moment before he sighed, rubbing his temples.

Mom squeezed my hand. "I'm glad you're here, son. And do me a favor. Drop Jia at the airport tomorrow morning so I can go to the spa. I need some time for myself."

I arched a brow. "You? The spa?"

She smirked. "I deserve it."

"Fair enough," I laughed. "And in return?"

"I'll drop you at the airport," she winked.

Ah. Clever. This way, I'd have time to see Tina before my flight.

After clearing the table, I picked up my bag, ready to retreat to my room, when Dad called my name.

"Joe, can we talk?"

I paused, exhaling slowly.

Here we go.

I dropped my bag in the corner and sat across from him. He leaned forward, linking his fingers together. A serious talk stance.

"I'm sorry for being harsh," he said. "I just... I just want you to learn everything you can and expand the business."

I nodded, waiting.

He continued, voice softer now. "You are my only hope, son. Jia. She wants to see the world. But you... you can build something here. Something real."

I sighed. "Dad, I know you want me to take over. But you have to trust me. I'll make you proud. Just... be patient with me."

For the first time in months, I saw something soften in his eyes. He reached over and patted my hand. "I do trust you, Joe."

The lump in my throat was unexpected. I cleared it quickly, standing up before things got too emotional. "You should take your meds. And I need sleep."

Mom was in the kitchen, clearing the dishwasher. I leaned against the counter, watching her work with the same care and precision she always had.

"Why don't you hire a maid, Mom? I hate seeing you working like this," I suggested, crossing my arms.

She straightened up, placing the last plate in the dishwasher, and turned to me. "You're right," she admitted with a sigh. "Soon, I'm going to look for one."

I raised an eyebrow. "Wait... what? You actually agreed this time?"

Mom chuckled, shaking her head. "Don't look so surprised. I know you've been telling me for ages, but maybe it's time I listen."

That was new. Normally, she'd brush it off, insisting she wanted to take care of her family herself. Maybe she was finally realizing she deserved a break too.

I kissed her cheek. "Goodnight, Mom."

"Goodnight, sweetheart."

As I walked upstairs, I noticed Jia's door slightly open. Peeking inside, I found her still packing.

I knocked on the doorframe. "Don't be late tomorrow, or you'll miss your flight," I teased, smirking.

She twisted her neck to glare at me, then stuck her tongue out like a five-year-old before going back to stuffing clothes into her suitcase.

Shaking my head, I entered my room and flopped onto my bed. "Ugh, I missed you," I mumbled, hugging my pillow. There was nothing quite like your own bed after days away.

I pulled out my phone and messaged Tina: Hey, I'm in the city. Let's meet up tomorrow.

No reply. I checked the time. 11:30 PM. She must be sleeping, I thought, setting my phone aside. I changed into my pajamas and slipped under the sheets, letting the comfort of home lull me into sleep.

A voice pierced my dreams.

"Joe, I'll be late if you don't get up!"

I groaned, pulling the blanket over my head. Who dares disturb my beauty sleep?

Thud. Thud. Thud.

The banging at my door got louder.

"Big bro, I'll miss my flight!"

I blinked, disoriented. My room. My bed. Then it hit me. I was home, and Jia was supposed to leave today.

I sat up groggily, rubbing my eyes. "Already? Is it morning?" I mumbled. No idea when I drifted off last night.

"Joe!" Mom's voice this time.

"I'm up! I'll be down soon," I yelled back, grabbing my phone. Five missed calls from Tina.

Crap.

I dialed her as I grabbed an outfit from my closet and headed to the bathroom.

"Hello?" Her voice was exciting.

"Hey, sorry, I missed your calls. My phone was on silent," I explained, turning on the faucet.

"Where are you?"

"Back home. Flying back this afternoon. I was thinking we could meet up for a while? I'm dropping Jia off at the airport first, then I'm free."

She hesitated. "Uhm... okay, let's meet at one o'clock. It's my lunch break."

"Perfect. See you then. Love you."

"Love you too," she said, and we hung up.

I got dressed quickly and rushed downstairs. Mom and Jia were already loading luggage into the van.

I headed to the kitchen, craving coffee. Mom, ever the mind reader, placed a hot cup in front of me along with a plate of pancakes.

She smiled. "I know you love pancakes."

"Best mom ever," I declared, taking a bite.

Jia plopped down beside me, and Mom served her breakfast too.

"Happy birthday, little sis," I said, sliding a small pouch across the table.

She blinked, then grabbed it eagerly. Jia had always loved getting gifts. Big or small, expensive or cheap, it didn't matter. Her excitement was always the same.

She pulled out a delicate necklace. The pendant was engraved with our names. One side "Jia," the other "Joe."

Her eyes welled up. "You got this for me?"

I nodded. "I got Tina one for her birthday and thought you'd like one too. Now you can't ever forget your annoying big brother."

She jumped up and hugged me tightly. "I love it! Thank you!"

"If you two are done with your emotional drama," Mom interrupted with a smirk, "I suggest you get going, or she'll miss her flight."

Jia laughed, wiping her eyes. "Okay, okay. Let's go."

The traffic had cleared up by the time we left, so we made it to the airport on time.

After dropping Jia off, I drove to Justin's office. He had started his internet business, and his dad. Who once pushed him to take over the family business was finally supporting him. Well, sort of. His stepmom had made sure her son got the company, so Justin was forced to carve his own path.

I walked into his office, grinning. "Can I come in, sir?" I teased.

Justin looked up from a thick black file. He was in a crisp suit, looking like a proper businessman. I almost did a double take.

"Who are you, and what have you done to my lazy, reckless friend?" I asked, crossing my arms.

Justin smirked, tossing the file onto his desk. "I decided to join the real world."

He stood up and pulled me into a brotherly hug.

"You look good in your MD's chair," I remarked.

He chuckled. "All thanks to Tamara. She turned my life around. She came into my life like a beacon, brightened it, and now, here I am. Responsible and successful."

I raised an eyebrow. "Tamara? You mean the Tamara?.

"The very one," he said proudly.

"Damn. She must be a miracle worker."

Justin laughed. "No, just be patient. And scary when she needs to be."

"Sounds like you're whipped."

"Totally."

I shook my head. "Never thought I'd see the day."

"You and me both," he admitted. "But in all seriousness, I'm lucky to have her. She believes in me more than I ever believed in myself."

I smiled. "I'm happy for you, man. You deserve someone like that."

"Speaking of relationships," Justin smirked, "how's Tina?"

"Good. Meeting her in a bit."

"Ooh, so you two are still in the long distance phase?"

I rolled my eyes. "We've been trying to."

"And yet, I bet you still get excited when you see her."

I didn't dignify that with an answer.

Just then, my phone buzzed. Tina: About to go on lunch break.

I stood up. "I gotta go, but I'm proud of you, bro. Keep being this responsible version of yourself."

He grinned. "No promises."

We exchanged another hug, and I left, driving off to see Tina.

And maybe. Just maybe. I was a little nervous.

Tina's POV

When my name was called, I took a deep breath and slowly walked toward the stage. My hands trembled as I accepted the award, the most incredible thing that had happened to me since I joined the firm. I looked around, feeling the weight of every gaze. Were they admiring my success or the outfit I was wearing. It was peach colored, knee-length dress with long lantern sleeves that Trisha had chosen for me? She said it complemented my dark brown skin perfectly, cinching at the waist with a belt that accentuated my figure.

Applause echoed in the room, louder than the pounding of my heart. The crowd seemed happier than I was. My legs shook beneath me, despite the low-heeled pumps I had worn for comfort. As I stepped down, I heard Trisha cheering from behind, her voice a beacon of warmth in my whirlwind of emotions. I was chosen as the best trainee. Finally, our first placements were over.

"You have to throw us a party," Trisha beamed when I returned to my seat, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

I stared at the crystal glass trophy in my hands, its cool weight grounding me. I had spent countless hours in my office, hunched over my laptop, drowning in work, not because I was ambitious, but because I needed a distraction. A distraction from missing Joe. From the gnawing loneliness that clawed at my chest every night. People here thought I was a hardworking trainee, and I was but the real reason was far more painful.

Joe's absence had driven me into my work. His absence was the reason I won this award.

I smirked bitterly. Behind my success was the emptiness he left behind.

"What's wrong? You don't look excited," Trisha asked, nudging me gently.

"I'm just overwhelmed," I lied, forcing a smile.

Edam approached where we were sitting, his tall frame imposing yet familiar. He extended his hand, congratulating me, then exchanged a fleeting look with Trisha. His interactions with her were always professional, never lingering, never personal.

"I'm hosting a farewell party for all the trainees, so make sure you're all there," he said, his tone even.

I glanced at Trisha. Her expression shifted. Tonight, she was going to tell Edam everything.

We made our way to the bar, grabbing cocktails as staff and administrators mingled around, offering their well wishes. Yet, the celebration felt distant, like I was merely a spectator in my own life.

"We need to leave," Trisha whispered, her voice urgent.

We excused ourselves, claiming we'd see everyone at the party later. Trisha had asked for my help packing her things and moving them back to her apartment. Veronica was okay with Trisha moving back in, which was a relief.

"I won't stay long at the party," I told Trisha as we loaded the last of her bags into the car.

"Why?" she asked, wiping her forehead.

"I want to give you and Edam privacy when you tell him everything."

She sighed. "I understand."

At the party, the atmosphere was charged with an energy we couldn't match. There were more people than we expected, including management staff who had overseen our training. We smiled, we made small talk, but inside, we were somewhere else.

Edam approached again, his demeanor unchanged, but his eyes lingered on Trisha a moment longer this time. I saw her take a deep breath.

When he left, she whispered, "I don't think I can do this. I can't break his heart."

I met her gaze. "Do you have any other choice?"

She shook her head. "No."

"Then tell him before it's too late."

She swallowed hard. "Yeah."

After lingering for a while, I excused myself. "I'll see you tomorrow at your place. Good luck. Keep me updated," I said, pulling her into a tight hug. She needed that.

I took an Uber home. The night was getting warmer, yet inside, I felt cold. I collapsed onto my sofa, checking my phone. No messages from Trisha yet. But there were plenty from Mom, Dad, and Shawn, all trying to call me earlier. I texted them, promising to call tomorrow.

Then, one message caught my breath. It was from Joe. A heart emoji attached to the picture of my trophy that I had sent him earlier.

I hesitated, my fingers hovering over his contact. I wanted to call him. I wanted to hear his voice. But then his words echoed in my mind. I won't be here for summer. I'll return when university resumes.

We had only spent two hours together the last time he visited. Two hours during my lunch break. Then he left. I thought he'd stay longer, but he flew back that same afternoon.

I remembered how he had picked me up from work, how we had driven to a secluded place I had never been before. There was no one around. Only the distant hum of passing cars. We sat there, catching up, before we lost ourselves in each other. A passionate kiss. His hands on me. The way we made out in the back of his car, wild and desperate.

But then, a thought crept in, sharp and unwelcome. Is this all our relationship is now?

The last time I visited him, it was the same. A brief, passionate moment. Then goodbye. Was that all we had left? No deep conversations, no lazy mornings in his arms, no laughter over coffee?

I missed lying next to him, listening to his heartbeat. I missed the smell of his cologne, the way he whispered my name. I missed us.

I wished he were here tonight, celebrating with me. But he wasn't. He never was.

I was alone. And for the first time, I wondered. Is this how it will always be?

My chest tightened. This long-distance relationship wasn't working. It was trapping me in my loneliness, stretching the distance between us further with every passing day. And deep down, I knew Joe wouldn't stay here after graduation. He had dreams, places to go. And I... I wasn't part of that plan.

Tears threatened to spill, but I hugged myself tightly, seeking comfort in my own arms. I wouldn't cry. Not tonight.

Then my phone dinged. A message from Trisha.

I told him.

____________________________

"Success may open doors, but loneliness is the price we sometimes pay for walking through them alone."