The Memory Keeper: The Sin In Our Name

Rain's POV

The conference room buzzed with muted chatter as I walked in, clutching my tablet tightly. The year-end meeting was one of the most important events for Stanton Enterprises-every head of operations and all the investors were gathered, ready to hear the reports and plans for the next fiscal year.

But I wasn't just thinking about the agenda. My thoughts drifted to Khai and Ella. I braced myself for their presence, knowing I'd have to face them today.

As I settled into my seat near the center of the room, I scanned the faces around me. Everyone was here-except Khai.

The meeting began, the first presentation projected onto the screen as the COO introduced the report. My mind, however, was half-listening. I couldn't stop glancing at the door, my pulse quickening with each passing minute.

Where was Khai?

Midway through the first presentation, the door suddenly swung open. All eyes turned to the entrance.

There she was.

Khai stepped inside, her usually commanding presence dimmed. Her tailored suit hung a little looser on her frame, and the dark circles under her eyes were stark against her pale complexion. She looked like she hadn't slept in days, and it was painfully clear she'd lost weight.

For a moment, the room felt like it stood still. Her gaze briefly swept across the room before landing on me. She froze for a second, her expression unreadable, and then quickly looked away, her jaw tightening.

I swallowed hard, willing my heart to steady itself.

She took her seat at the head of the table, nodding apologetically to the COO. "Apologies for being late. Please, continue," she said, her voice hoarse yet steady.

As the meeting resumed, I couldn't help but steal glances at her. Every so often, I'd catch her staring at her notes, her hands trembling slightly as she jotted something down.

Ella, seated a few chairs away from me, seemed oblivious to the tension. She smiled occasionally, offering insights and comments during the discussion. I tried not to let my anger bubble to the surface, keeping my focus on the reports, but the weight of everything was suffocating.

When it was Khai's turn to present, she stood, clutching the edges of the table for support. She walked to the front, her movements slightly slower than usual.

Her voice was clear and professional, yet there was an uncharacteristic vulnerability beneath her words. It was subtle, but I noticed it. Everyone noticed it.

As she spoke, I wondered if she was falling apart just as much as I was. The realization didn't bring me any comfort. Instead, it left me feeling hollow, an ache growing in the pit of my stomach.

By the time the meeting ended, I was emotionally drained. I quickly gathered my things, determined to leave before anyone could stop me.

But as I reached the door, a familiar voice called out, "Rain, wait."

I turned, finding Khai standing a few feet away, her eyes pleading.

"Can we talk?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I hesitated, my grip tightening on my bag. "Not here."

She nodded, a flicker of hope crossing her face. "Please. Just give me a moment."

For reasons I couldn't fully explain, I nodded. But deep down, I knew this conversation wouldn't be easy.

Khai's footsteps echoed faintly behind me as I made my way to my office. I walked briskly, my heart hammering in my chest as I prepared myself for the conversation I knew was coming.