Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

Chapter 382: Years ago...

"He left the country? Not even taking his assistant with him but instead his COO? Funny." He smirked coldly.

The subordinate hesitated briefly before continuing. "It seems to have been an impromptu decision. He attended Santiago’s banquet, and before long, he was gone."

"I suppose that must be for the summit. Based on estimates, it lasts for five days... an approximately one-week trip."

He inhaled deeply, his eyes flashing with a dangerous glint. "That should give me enough time to unravel and settle some scores."

The man leaned back in his chair, his hand pausing mid-motion. The younger boy sitting nearby turned his gaze toward him, uncertainty clear in his expression.

"Brother, what is going on?

Are you investigating Davis Allen?"

"Aren’t you his assistant?"

Questions churned in the boy’s mind, but every time he sought answers, his brother would only push him away, urging him to "live well."

For years, Luke had forced him to live abroad, his life reduced to schooling, eating, and sleeping, while he himself carried all the weight. The gap between them was filled with unspoken truths.

"Brother, can you really talk to me? Haven’t you shielded me enough? At least let me know what it is you are doing... or what you are going through." His voice trembled with frustration.

Luke glanced at his subordinate and waved dismissively. "You can go. Keep an eye on his wife."

The man nodded silently and left.

The younger boy quickly dragged a chair forward and sat down, his warm eyes fixed firmly on his brother. His stance was clear, he would not be leaving until he had answers.

Luke rubbed his temple as he stared at his mother’s miniature figure who was his brother.

His voice was heavy with restrained grief.

"Noah Norman, I only hoped you could live well and never be tainted by this dark side of life."

"Brother, I know you wanted the best for me," Noah pressed softly, "but I also wish you had the best for yourself. Wouldn’t that make me happier?"

Luke took a deep breath, his gaze settling on this brother of his who had been the reason of his living as he fell into memory.

Years back, the weather was still clouded when Nuela tapped him gently, her soft hand brushing across his brow.

"Wake up. Mom and Dad are about to go out," she whispered, her voice tender and soothing.

Luke stirred, sitting up groggily, rubbing his eyes as a quiet yawn escaped his lips.

"Sleepyhead, wake up," his mother teased.

so early. Today’s Saturday, right?" His

their household routine that Saturdays meant sleeping in, no nanny, no interruptions, just Nuela at home to

Saturday, sweetheart. But I’ve got some things to check out at the company,

the company? Aren’t Saturdays supposed to be free days?" he pressed, his natural curiosity getting

worry. After the test is successful, I’ll take you and your brother to the park. It will be

entered, ruffling his hair. "You’re already so big, yet you still

the example. Otherwise, how would

an arm around Nuela’s shoulders. "I suppose I learned from

glared at the culprit who had successfully made her leave her intended field of

blame it on you?" Nuela

"So... my kid brother?" he asked, already sensing the request

him, while his father scratched his head awkwardly, his

they wanted

both spent at the company. But he still asked,

"Your dream book."

haunted house."

back into bed. "I have a date with friends. Do I really have

it up to you,"

of instructions, three-year-old Noah was left in the care of his brother as they

was the end of it. Luke waited and waited but his parents never returned and that was

fell. Luke and his brother sat on the steps, waiting faithfully

eyes heavy with pity as they whispered

of who they were or

the steps ready to bolt into the house

called softly, successfully halting him. He lifted his gaze to her

her

took in the faces of the other persons with

mother’s friend,"

and kind as

offered to take them with her. In her words "your mom couldn’t make it back home so I

another man cut

but

How could you give him such news?" The lady

rest of what was said

day, the stories of their life

husband visited them a few times

one of their visit, he had managed to ask the woman her name but her response had been

wasn’t long and they stopped coming and nobody visited again. Not even the uncles and aunts that

the future bleak, he fled the orphanage with the hope of securing

jobs while he sneaks back to check on his