Forever My Love Ch. 02

As fast as he'd seen him, he got his coffee and started heading out, walking out gracefully. The man was a bit of a distance from him, but he clearly his steps, so beautiful, so poise. And then things started getting weird. With every step the man took, David felt a feeling of familiarity.

Then a hazy image starting forming in his head. He could see himself following someone, like a flashback, but he couldn't remember any of it. Unconsciously, his feet began moving, following the man. He didn't know where he was going or what he wanted to do but all he knew was that he had to follow him.

His feet felt heavy as he followed the man, not minding where he was going. He couldn't help feeling like he had done this before, but in a different place... a mall. He didn't quite know why he couldn't shake the feeling off that whoever the man was, he was connected to his past.

As the images flashed, David started experiencing a headache... it was as if someone was pounding on his head.

He stopped in his tracks and massaged his head slowly but it couldn't go away. When he looked again. The man was heading for the exit.

"Shit!" He said under his breath.

He began walking fast but when he got out, he couldn't see the man anymore. He walked around to see if he could spot him but there was no sign of him. He was gone and so were the images he had been seen.

"Who was that guy?" He said under his breath, trying to shake off that feeling. "Why did I feel like I know him from somewhere, like he's connected to my past? Why did I feel like this has happened before?"

Lots of questions with no answers. But before he could go further, he felt a hand on his shoulder that almost made him jump. When he quickly turned, he found Jim staring at him like he'd seen a ghost. He looked worried.

"Baby, are you okay? You seem like you just saw a ghost."

"Errr... I am okay." He said sheepishly, trying to put up a smile. "I just felt a headache all of a sudden and needed some air."

"Really?" Jim gasped, placing his hand on David's forehead. "Your temperature seem to be a little high. This could be serious."

"No, I am fine." He reassured. There was no way he was gonna tell Jim what had happened because he was gonna misinterpret the whole thing and overreact. "Where's Michael?"

"Inside." He gestured.

"Alright, can you get him and take him to the car?" He asked softly. "I'll just get the order and meet you there."

"Sure!" Jim smiled sheepishly. He felt so uneasy. "I will get him."

With those words, he went back inside to pick Michael. David remained there for a few seconds, looking around to see if he could spot the man but there was no sign of him. Who could he be, he thought as started heading back inside.

***

David was in the beautiful garden, seated on a swing with his legs crossed. He had his eyes on the fountain of water that seemed to soothe his soul. His mind was still on what had happened to him in the afternoon.

As he was so lost, he felt a hand on his shoulder and he abruptly moved his head and found a big smile waiting for him. It was Amber and she looked like she was ready for sleep. She was already in her Pajamas.

"Hey there, tiger." She said happily. "How are you doing?"

"I am fine. How are you?"

"I am good too." She said as she sat beside him, staring at him. "I just put Michael to sleep. Noticed that you wouldn't be able to do it since you were awfully quiet during dinner."

"Thanks, I am grateful." He smiled, taking her hand in his.

He then became awfully quiet afterwards. Amber kept on staring at him, waiting for him to say something but he wasn't.

"Hey!" She cupped his cheeks. "What's wrong? You don't seem fine."

"I am okay." He put up a smile.

"You're not fooling anyone with that smile." She raised an eyebrow. "I noticed that mood when you came back from lunch. Don't tell me Jim picked an argument with you again. Why does he keep doing this?" She snarled, shaking her head. "What did he do this time?"

"Nothing!" To say David was surprised would be an understatement. "He was nice to me and we actually had a good time with our son."

"Then what?" She shrugged. "Talk to me and get me out of my misery."

"Fine!" He sighed, turning to face her. "I don't know how this is gonna sound but..." He paused and took a harsh breath. "Have you ever experienced a moment... like Déjà vu.... I don't even know what to explain." He combed his hair with his fingers, feeling a little nervous. "Okay." He sighed, staring at her. "Something happened today at the restaurant when I was getting Michael's ice cream."

He stared at her and could see that she was paying attention.

"There was a guy that stood a distance from me. He was ordering some coffee but when I heard his voice..." He paused as the memories flooded him. "...it was like it opened something in my head, it sounded so awfully familiar. Something told me that I had heard that voice somewhere, but I couldn't remember."

He got up from the swing and took two steps, staring at the sky.

"It was so beautiful but scary at the same time. My heart was racing." He added. "My hands began shaking and I developed a headache."

"What?" Amber rose. "How's that possible? Did you see the guy's face?"

"No! Unfortunately, I didn't get the liberty of seeing his face." He denied. "But funny thing is when this guy started going away, there were these... these..." He didn't know how to explain. "...these hazy images in my head. I was in a mall following a guy. I suddenly developed this yearning in my heart that I couldn't quench. I don't know what happened but I followed this guy and lost him."

Amber felt a shiver go down her spine.

'I followed him but I found out it wasn't even him. I was pretty sure it was my mystery boy.'

Amber went down memory lane to five years back when David had been pursuing Ben.

"I could have sworn that had happened before but I can't remember anything." He turned and placed his hand on her shoulder. "I got so confused and didn't know what to do. There have been so many questions that I have no answers to."

'Oh my God,' Amber thought. 'Could it be possible? Ben? Could it have been him after all these years? No one has heard from him or seen him in five years. We don't even know if he's still alive or where he is. Could it be that David met Ben without knowing it was him? That's the only explanation, but I can't be sure.'

"Amber?"

"What?" Amber gasped, getting out of her thoughts.

"Are you okay?" David asked, staring at her like she'd grown another head. "Why did you zone out? Did you even get anything I said?"

"I... I did." She gasped, shaking her head. "David!" She took his hands and squeezed them. "I am pretty sure that it was nothing. What you saw is probably your mind playing tricks on you. Maybe it has happened before but there is no knowing. Remember what the doctor told you, right?"

"I know but...."

"No, buts...." She blocked his lips with her fingers. "Remember what happened last time you tried to think hard? I don't want you to suffer like that again." She reassured. "If what happened to you today is very important, give it time, it will come back to you naturally." She got closer and smiled. "Promise me that you won't think about this, David. Please!"

David knew it was gonna be hard to do what his sister was asking. But he didn't want her to be worried about him.

"Alright, I promise."

Amber smiled sheepishly, pulling her brother into a hug. "Thank you so much, David. I love you so much and I care about you."

"I love you too."

The hug didn't last too long but they held each other's hands. They talked for a while and David felt much better. They headed back inside the house laughing and having fun. As soon as they entered, they found Claudia in the living room with Jim. They both seemed so excited.

"There you are." Claudia said excitedly, coiling her arms with his. "I was wondering when the both of you were gonna come inside. I have some very good news."

"Good news?" David sounded surprised. "I hope everything is okay."

"More than okay." She enthused, literally jumping like a child. "Tomorrow evening, the chocolate King himself, Gustavo Martinez is having a grand party to celebrate the 21^st anniversary of Juan Martinez Chocolate Hive. I have been trying to get in touch but finally I managed and guess who has been invited as the special guests?"

David was confused.

"You?"

"All of us." She laughed, gripping his arm harder. "I just got off the phone with his P.A and he just confirmed that Mr. Martinez would love to have a meeting with me."

"What?" He sighed, a frown appearing on his face. "That's good news, but I don't think I am gonna be in attendance. You know how much I hate parties, mon."

"I know, baby." She cupped his cheeks and smiled. "But I wouldn't ask you to attend this if this was not important."

"But..."

"I reached out to Mr. Martinez and proposed a business deal." She chuckled nervously. "He agreed to have a discussion at the party and if we do not jump at this, we're not gonna have this opportunity again. This is a very big company and the biggest producer of chocolates throughout the continent. It will be a very big deal and we cannot miss it. Being President, I am asking you to be there so you can discuss this because you might be working closely with him."

David got nervous all of a sudden. "But mom..."

"Babe!" Jim chimed, holding his hand tightly. "Mom is very right. This will make a big deal and I wouldn't be asking you too if it wasn't important. Think about it, if we get it, it will mean a lot for our son. You know how much he loves chocolates. Now he's not only gonna be eating them, but he'll also be able to see how they're actually made. If not for anything, for the sake of our son. You can do this, can't you, my love?"

David remained standing there for what felt like hours, thinking and trying to understand the whole thing. He knew Jim was right. Being part of a company like that wasn't only gonna be beneficial to him as a businessman but as a father as well. He knew very well how much his son loved chocolates.

"Alright!" He raised his hands like he was surrendering. "I'll attend the party, but I am not gonna be able to spend a lot of time."

"Yes!

Claudia acted like she had hit a jackpot.

"I promise that it will be worth every minute you're gonna spend there."

She threw her arms around him and pulled him in a tight hug.

"Now come, I have something I need to show you."

They went to sit and began talking.

***

David and his family arrived in the fancy looking room, sporting expensive looking decors all around the room with beautiful flowers all around. There were tables that had all kinds of foods, except for chocolates. Attending an event for a chocolatier, they'd have expected to see a lot.

Everyone at the party wore a new dress or suit that made them look like kings and queen. David wore a black tuxedo that made him look super sexy with his hair gelled and combed backwards. He had his hands coiled with his husband who seemed to be holding him tightly like his life depended on it. He wore a white tuxedo, making them look like a power couple.

They were with Claudia who killed it with a black designer dress with a slit from the thigh, making her look classy. Her hair was curled and her face was graced with makeup. Amber was in attendance and she looked amazing, holding on to Isaac and they looked sexy together.

Elena, the queen of parties was also in attendance with her husband. Cameras were all over them, taking pictures.

As soon as they entered, greetings were being exchanged with other businessmen and women. A sweet melody was drifting through the busy atmosphere and waiters were passing around, serving the guests. David got so nervous that he felt his palms begin to get sweaty and his heart began racing.

Although he wore a smile, deep inside, he knew he wanted to run away from that place. But he had promised and besides, he loved his son so much. He couldn't wait to break the news that they were part of a chocolate company.

It didn't take long before Claudia spotted a very handsome looking man who seemed to be in his late 40s or early 50s. He wore a black designer's suit with a silver-gray shirt inside and black shoes. His well shaven dark hair with gray highlights and a beautiful smile made him look even younger. She didn't need to be a genius to figure out that he was the man of the night. She had seen a few pics of him. After all, she had done her research. He was busy talking to some people.

With a deep breath, she walked to him.

"Excuse me!" She said with an almost seductive smile. "May I just speak to him for a second?"

The man turned and faced her. She offered her hand and he received it gracefully.

"Finally nice to mee you, Mr. Martinez." She said happily. "This is one of my happiest moments as a businesswoman."

"Nice to finally meet the iron lady too." Gustavo spoke in a deep enticing voice. "I have heard a lot about you."

"Nice things I presume." She laughed, a little too loud.

"Of course," He returned the same energy. "You're one of the most influential women in the business world of this country, Mrs. Paola. Pretty sure everyone has heard of you. It is a pleasure." He leaned and kissed her hand.

"The pleasure is all mine." She chuckled, holding her hands together when he let go. "Then you must know why I am here, Mr. Martinez."

"Of course." He nodded. "Would you mind taking a seat with me?"

"Not at all."

They went to a table and sat, discussing business matters. David and Jim joined them but they didn't go further before a very beautiful woman took the stage and began talking in the microphone.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," She greeted happily. "Thank you very much for accepting our invitation and being a part of this celebration. We're very grateful.

To start off the evening, a few words from our President, CEO, and Owner of Juan Martinez Chocolate Hive, Mr. Gustavo Martinez."

Everyone began clapping as Gustavo rose from his seat and went to the front.

"Thank you everyone, for celebrating our 21^st year anniversary in this business." He announced. "I started out as a humble cocoa farmer armed with a dream. And now, after millions of chocolates sold and reigning as the number 1 chocolate manufacturing company, not only in this country but the whole continent, I can happily say that we have surpassed our dreams, beyond our wildest expectations."

Everyone cheered.

"It's not been easy and I wouldn't have made it this far alone." He chuckled, getting a little emotional. "My success would be meaningless without my family. My father who always encouraged me to reach for my dreams." He chuckled happily. "Unfortunately, he passed on years back but he contributed more to my success than anyone. My wife, who couldn't be here with me today and my heir, my handsome son, Carlos. I love you so much, son."

A very handsome man rose from the chair and walked to the front. He looked a lot like Gustavo, just a little darker than him since he was mixed. He had his dark hair in a high fade, his beards well shaven and a beautiful smile on his face. He wore a grey suit that seem to fit him perfectly. Both men and women had their eyes on him.

Reaching the stage, he hugged his father tightly. The hug didn't take too long and he went back to his seat.

"This day isn't just a happy day for me because I am celebrating the 21^st Anniversary of my company..." He continued. "...it is a happy day because along with announcing our company expansion in this country, we're also launching a new chocolate, a new brand and something that I can say has been created with blood and sweat."

He gestured and a number of waiters walked in the room with trolleys on which there were chocolates in glass. The bar looked very beautiful, neither too dark nor light. They had different colors, some brown and white, others brown and black and others all brown. As the trolleys moved, the aroma that filled the room made everyone's mouth water and if they couldn't see it with their own eyes, they'd have mistaken it for perfume.

"Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce to you, one of the best chocolates this company has produced." He paused and turned, pointing to a wall. "Allow me to introduce to you, Leah!"

As soon as he spoke, a huge banner appeared on the screen with the words "LEAH" on it. Everyone began clapping loudly and they stood up, even becoming louder. The picture had a lot of chocolates with a happy looking child.

"This chocolate is very unique and very special." Gustavo continued.

As he spoke, the waiters began serving the guests and everyone that tasted it couldn't help but moan. The chocolate was truly unique, one of the best they had tasted. The sweet taste of the chocolate felt like heaven. It danced all over their taste buds.

"I don't have much to say but I'll allow the creator of this brand to give you all the information." He added. "This person has been in my life for a few years but it feels like he's been with me my whole life. Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to welcome the maker of this beautiful chocolate and senior Vice president for operations."

Everyone began cheering. They were all looking around to see who the person was but there was no sign of him. Few seconds passed and then a minute but there was no one going to the stage. Everyone stopped clapping and began talking among themselves, wondering why there was no one going on the stage.

Gustavo was confused because he was so sure that the VP was at the event.

"I... I am so sorry ladies and gentlemen." He announced. "It seems like he's not here yet. So..."

Before he could finish his sentence, a man was seen hurrying towards the stage. He wore a sky-blue shirt with a black skinny jean and black sneakers. He had his long pitch-black hair with golden highlights tied in a sleeked back ponytail.

He reached the stage and gave a quick hug to Gustavo before he whispered something to him. No one saw the young man's face as he had his back to them. Gustavo smiled and went back to the microphone.

"Sorry about that, ladies and gentlemen." He apologized with a smile. "Allow me to introduce to you, the producer of Leah, Mr. Benjamin Henandez."

The moment he said that, the young man rushed to the microphone and smiled, revealing his face to everyone. They all began clapping loudly, not just because of the chocolates but because he was gorgeous. He had a beautiful smile on his face, one people rarely saw.

But not everyone was clapping. There was Elena was staring at the young man like she had seen a ghost, a strange feeling washing over her. She felt like her heart was about to explode out of her chest, her terror making it impossible for her to breath.

'How could this be possible?' She thought as her heart raced, failing to control her quivering palms, her eyes wide with panic. 'No! This cannot be happening. I am pretty sure he died.'

She robotically moved her eyes to her husband who was staring at Ben. All the noises were muffled as suddenly, a cloud of sadness descended on him. He felt a sharp pain in his chest that he couldn't describe and thumping sound in his ears.

'You're not my son.' His voice echoed. 'From now on, I'll only concentrate on Jim just like I should have from the very beginning.'

Five years, he had been feeling horrible for five years. Seeing his son again brought a lot of emotions and regrets to him.

Claudia could have sworn she was dreaming of that moment, a nightmare. She could have bet her life that she was dreaming because from what she knew, Ben died years ago. So it was not possible that he survived. She was paralyzed to the spot, the menacing aura holding her in a tightening grip.