But unknown to him, their father was still watching, still listening, and still pretending. Every morning, Chief Williams mansion was quiet. Too quiet. Upstairs in his big room, the old man lay helpless on his soft bed. His face looked tired. His chest rose and fell slowly. His cough was deep and dry like something inside him was breaking.
His lips trembled as he whispered, “Uh, Rose, thank you, my daughter. Rose,” his last child, sat beside him, holding his hand gently. She smiled through her tears. “I’m not going anywhere, Daddy.” She wiped his sweaty face with a warm towel, helped him sip water, and carefully fed him pap with a small spoon.
Sometimes when he coughed too hard, she would gently rub his chest and cry quietly when he wasn’t looking. But what no one knew was that Chief Williams was pretending. He wasn’t really dying. He wanted to know who truly loved him and who was only waiting for him to die and take his wealth. One afternoon when Rose stepped out to rinse the towel, Chief Williams turned to the wall and whispered to himself, “Is this how my life will end? This family I sacrificed everything for. They don’t check on me.
They don’t care if I ate. Not even Agatha, my wife. I gave them my life, my sweat, my name. Now they are counting my days. They can’t even ask, “Daddy, how are you today?” A tear dropped from his eye as he groaned softly. Oh god, what did I do wrong? While the old man lay coughing upstairs, music played loudly downstairs.
Frank’s, his first son, had turned a guest room into a party zone. He drank wine, laughed with friends, and made loud phone calls like he already owned the whole house. He didn’t check on his father, not even once at the company. One morning, Franks walked into the company office like a boss. He stood before the board members and said proudly, “Good morning.
My father is very sick and won’t return from today. I’m in charge.” Some workers clapped a little. Others looked uncomfortable. Mr. Deo, an elderly man who had worked for Chief Williams for 28 years, stood up with respect. “So, Chief is still alive. Shouldn’t we wait for his words?” Frank slammed the table.
Are you telling me what to do in my father’s company? Miss Linda, another staff member, stood up slowly. So, we only want the company to be safe. Maybe form a team to support you until chief speaks. Frank’s turned to the HR manager. Fire all of them. I don’t want to see their faces tomorrow. Within minutes, security men entered and started escorting people out. Mr.
Depo shook his head. You’re sacking me? I served your father like a brother. I don’t care. Frank shouted. Get out. David, the second son, rushed into the office when he heard what happened. He stormed into the boardroom. What is wrong with you? He shouted. Why are you acting like dad is already dead? Franks leaned back in the CEO chair.
Wake up, David. Dad has 6 months. I’m just preparing ahead. You’re ruining everything he built. David shouted. “You think you’re smarter because you went abroad.” Franks snapped. David stepped closer. “Stop this madness or I’ll stop you.” Franks pushed him. David punched him in return. Security rushed in and dragged them apart.
Later that day, Rose heard about the fight. She was heartbroken. She called both of them into the living room. With tears in her eyes, she said, “Why are you two fighting? You know daddy is not well. Why are you fighting over his money and company when what he needs now is our love? Did daddy not give us a good life? Has he not sacrificed enough for us? Why betray him now? Franks looked down.
