He first read the article regarding Clifford and Ingrid's interview earlier which is also a surprise to him. But what caught his attention was the picture under it that shows a car accident.

CLIFFORD AND INGRID BRIGGS WERE INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT AFTER THEIR LIVE INTERVIEW.

John's knees wobbled that makes his knees fold and he sits down on the nearest chair. His face feels hot and he gently ma.s.sages his nape because of stinging pain. His wife keeps on crying so he tried to calm himself fearing that he may be attacked by hypertension.

"John, I need to go to Diamond country now. My daughter needs me there. And I want to bring here in Vienna after so that I can take care of her personally."

"I'll come with you, but you cannot decide for her because she's already married." Rose fell silent and thought about her husband's words. Then she remembered their incoming grand opening.

"But John, how about the resort? You cannot just leave immediately. You're still in the middle of the preparation."

"I'll arrange everything first and then we'll both leave the country. The grand opening could wait, my daughter and son-in-law's life is more important. I couldn't allow such event while they're in danger. We'll have the grand opening if the Briggs are all here, especially my daughter and my grandson."

Rose submits to her husband's decision without complaint though deep inside her she wanted to fly right away. But she couldn't go against her husband's decision, so she waited for him and started to pack their things.

♥…♥…♥

Lance busied himself with work. He wanted everything to be near to perfection because this resort is a welcome present for Ingrid. He is the one who designed and plan the place.

His heart aches at the thought of Ingrid. He still loves her but he no longer has a chance to win her heart because she's already married. The Howards hid it to him but he overheard John and Cliff's conversation over the phone. Clifford asked the old man's consent regarding their secret marriage and Clifford wanted to surprise Ingrid during the wedding reception with their presence. John was delighted and enthusiastic about it.

Lance felt a stinging pain in his heart and without more ado he left and went straight home drowning himself in alcohol. He cried the whole time until his voice becomes hoa.r.s.e. His servants look at him with such pity and waited for him to pa.s.s out from drunkenness before they took him to his room and washed him.

Even as they carry him he kept saying 'I love you, Ingrid. Please love me, too'.

Fortunately, days later, he slowly accepted defeat and just focuses on his work as the business partner of the Howards. Even though he's hurt but he never lashed out the Howards but he continued to work even though he's still hurting inside.

"Maybe someday I can meet someone I could love more than you Ingrid, maybe not. Or just be happily watch you grow old and be the best uncle of your children and I'll die single." he said as he stared at the picture of Ingrid on his bedside table.

His train of thoughts bring to a standstill when his phone rings. John Howard called.

"Uncle John, good evening…"

"Lance…" the man paused. "…I need some favor to ask…" Lance sensed something in John's Howard's voice. It's shaky.

"Just tell me whatever it is uncle John I'm willing to do it…"

"Lance, Rose and I need to go to Diamond because Clifford and Ingrid met a car accident and the last report stated that she's in critical condition. I'm sorry but I have to leave the preparation of the grand opening in your capable hands and I decided to postpone it until Ingrid gets better."

Lance was stunned. "G.o.d…" and he became speechless and tears fell freely from his eyes.

"Lance, are you alright?" the man choked as he tried to hold his tears.

He gulped first before he answered. "Ye-yeah, uncle Cliff. How did it happen?"

"I still don't know because I can't get through the Briggs as of the moment." The man's voice seems frustrated.

"Just calm yourself uncle John, just leave the work here to me and I'll follow you after I arrange everything here."

"Okay Lance. I need to hang up. Thank you very much." Lance shoulders hang low and his shed tears once again.

♥…♥…♥

The Howards arrived at the hospital where the couple were confined. They were fetched with the Briggs and together they went to the hospital. The women hugged each other for comfort, while both men just stared at their wives holding their emotion.

"How are they, Clint?" John could not help it but ask so that he would prepare his mind.

Clint heaved a short but heavy sigh. "The doctor said that they are out of danger but they needed to undergo CT scan to check for internal bleedings. As for the incident, the police will arrive later for the report."

John felt relieved of the news. Upon arrival the reporters swarmed again to their side asking the same questions.