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.

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

in, no nanny, no interruptions, just Nuela at

to check out at the company,

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

to the park. It will be a fun-filled day, I promise." Her warm smile disarmed him instantly that he found it difficult to

but his father entered, ruffling his hair. "You’re

the example. Otherwise, how would you end up researching?" he retorted

Nuela’s shoulders.

at the culprit who had successfully made her

you?" Nuela shot

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

crouched down beside him, while his father scratched his head awkwardly, his gaze anywhere

that moment they wanted him to

nights they both spent at the company. But he still asked, "What’s in

"Your dream book."

the haunted house." They answered in

have a date

will make it up

and a few set of instructions, three-year-old Noah was left in

waited but his parents never returned and

the steps, waiting faithfully for their parents

group of strangers arrived, their eyes heavy with

they were or why

in his embrace he took the steps ready to bolt

lifted his gaze to her face as he struggled to place her face from the faces in

met her before but knowing his

you?" he demanded while his gaze took in the faces of the other

your mother’s friend,"

voice was warm and kind as she spoke to

couldn’t make it back home so I was on the way and she asked me to pick you

words of another man cut through the moment,

it’s a pity, but your

child. How could you give him such news?"

rest of what was said was lost on

that day, the stories of their life took

orphanage, the young lady and her husband visited them a few times with so many gifts promising to take the

woman her name but

Not

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

the streets, doing all sorts of odd jobs while he sneaks back to check on his brother