Faux Vows, True Desires

Ethan and his mom took a stroll on the expansive lawn before heading back in.

When Janice returned, she was cradling a doll, a gentle smile gracing her face. She moved with grace and exuded an air of nobility. Looking at her now, no one would guess she was battling mental illness. But apart from Shirley, no one dared to approach her. Even Nathan only stood up from the sofa, but didn't walk over.

"Shirley, take my mom back to her room for some rest," Ethan suggested.

He saw his dad was still around, figuring he had something to say. So, he left his mom with Shirley. Although Shirley would sometimes comment on her condition, deep down she hoped for her to get better. In this house, very few genuinely wished for her recovery.

"Nathan, I'm gonna put baby to bed and get some rest. You should hit the hay early too." Janice no longer referred to her son as 'hubby', just calling him by his name instead.

Each time she called him that, Nathan would smile. Just as he was about to respond, he heard his son gently say, "Mom, got it. You get some rest. I'll take you for a walk tomorrow if I can."

Since Janice fell ill, the Blue family had kept her indoors, worried about being embarrassed and her causing harm. Ever since Lucinda went missing, Janice hadn't left the house for over twenty years. Fortunately, the Blue's yard was massive, so she didn't feel cooped up at home.

Watching his wife head upstairs with the doll and Shirley, Nathan's smile froze, reminding him of a scene twenty-some years ago...

"Dad, you got something to tell me?"

Ethan approached, his sneer evident upon seeing the lost look in his father's eyes.

After his mom fell ill, his dad and Madeleine had gotten quite close. Now, not only did the Blues, but the entire town of Skywatch considered Madeleine as the lady of the Blue household.

apart. His maternal grandparents and uncles were all gone, leaving only his cousin to keep the family afloat, barely managing. Over the

Madeleine was so

come to

wanting to explain something when he saw his son's mocking look. But

Nathan leading the way, no one could enter the study. It was off-limits to anyone but the Blues. Discussions in this study were safe from

lawn, a habit he

father and son didn't talk all

The streetlights, like loyal soldiers, guarded this piece of land, bringing light

study respectfully greeted them when they saw them

and wouldn't be swayed by anyone. They only took orders from Nathan, not

nodded, leading his

the study being made of wood, the interior was elegantly

glass of water for both of

taken over twenty years ago. The photo was old but well-kept. It still looked as if it was just taken yesterday. In the photo, Nathan and his

resembled his own father in his youth. His mom said his sister looked like their grandma, but as a few-months-old, Ethan couldn't put his cute sister's face and grandma's together. After all, the old lady was old. No matter how well-preserved, she couldn't

"Have some water."

glass of water

his

father and son, no need to be so formal." With a sigh, Nathan added, "Now you're the only child I have left.