The Billionaire's Regret { Regret Series #1}

CHAPTER SIXTY-EIGHT

I PROPOSE YOU TRAVEL OVERSEAS

The sound of a pounding headache pulled Charles from his slumber, forcing his eyes open to a room swirling with blurred edges. As he attempted to regain focus, he caught sight of the familiar figure of David, perched on a chair near his bed. With a mere glance, Charles conveyed his confusion, silently questioning what his friend was doing at his house this early morning.

Ignoring Charles' inquisitive gaze, David raised a hand, beckoning him to drink the steaming bowl of hangover soup that sat on the bedside table. "Take this, Charles," David said, his voice firm but tinged with genuine concern. "Your recent behavior has been worrying to say the least, and it's time we had a serious discussion."

Charles begrudgingly reached for the bowl, its aroma promising some comfort in his current state of disarray. Sipping the soup, he felt the warmth spread through his body, thawing the remnants of the night's revelry. Refreshed, he glanced at David, their eyes locking, and silently acknowledged his readiness to delve into the pressing matters at hand.

After a quick but much-needed freshening up, Charles descended the stairs to find David patiently waiting for him in the study. The room, usually a retreat filled with intellectual pursuits, now seemed charged with an air of tension. The weight of David's worries hung in the air like an invisible veil, thickening the atmosphere.

David motioned for Charles to take a seat opposite him. As Charles settled into the chair, he noticed David's eyes scanning his face, searching for a sign of comprehension and acceptance. Gathering his thoughts, David began to speak, his voice measured, brimming with the concern of a concerned friend.

"Charles, it pains me to see the depth of anguish that has gripped you recently," David said, his tone gentle yet resolute. "The issues between you and Kathleen have become all-consuming, overshadowing everything else in your life. It's affecting you, poisoning your spirit. I've given it considerable thought, and I believe a change of scenery might be exactly what you need."

Charles furrowed his brow, a mixture of confusion and apprehension sweeping across his face. He had never entertained the idea of leaving his current surroundings, especially when there were unresolved matters with Kathleen tugging at the strings of his heart. How could a mere geographical shift bring him peace?

"I propose that you travel overseas, Charles," David continued, his voice earnest. "Allow yourself a break from the constant reminders of your past mistakes, foolishness and the weight of your current troubles. Explore new lands, immerse yourself in different cultures, and give your mind the space it needs to heal before you can think of trying to win Kathleen back."

Charles swallowed hard, the gravity of David's words sinking into his weary soul. Despite the resistance building within him, he couldn't help but recognize the validity in David's suggestion. How could he continue on this path of self-destruction when it ultimately led to nowhere but misery?

Trapped between the doubt in his mind and the hope burgeoning in his heart, Charles weighed his options. His gaze fell upon David's face, and in that moment, Charles made a decision that would alter the course of his journey.

"I... I understand," Charles finally replied, his voice laced with resignation. "You're right, David. I can't keep suffocating beneath the weight of these issues. Perhaps a change of scenery is exactly what I need to find some semblance of peace. But what of Kathleen?" he asked, his voice wavering with unspoken longing.

David sighed, his gaze shifting to a distant point beyond the study window. "Kathleen will always hold a place in your heart, Charles," he said, his voice tinged with sympathy. "But for now, it's vital that you focus on healing yourself. Time will reveal what lies ahead for both of you."

With a heavy heart, Charles nodded, acknowledging the truth in David's words.