Chapter 18

Zach boarded the plane to Javerton City, the torrential rain hammering against the tarmac. As the plane took off, the cabin was filled with murmurs of frustration from business travelers. "Of all days, it had to storm tonight. We have a major bid opening tomorrow—who knows if we'll even land safely!" "I heard the pilot say turbulence might be bad during descent…" Zach tuned out the noise. Every passing second felt like an eternity. His mind was a whirlwind of thought. Why had Serena returned to Javerton City? Who was the man beside her? Why was she still refusing to see him? The turbulence hit hard, jolting the aircraft. The captain's voice echoed through the speakers. "Ladies and gentlemen, please fasten your seatbelts. We are expecting turbulence and preparing for an emergency landing…" With each jolt, the turbulence grew more intense. Zach's heart pounded as passengers around him reacted—some murmuring prayers, others hurriedly calling their families or texting what could b