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?" His brows furrowed

in, no nanny,

things to check out at the company, and I’ll be back before long," she

be free days?" he pressed, his natural curiosity getting the better of

test is successful, I’ll take you and your brother to the park. It will be a fun-filled day, I promise." Her warm smile disarmed

hair. "You’re already so big, yet you still have

questions...you’re the one who set the example. Otherwise, how would you end

chuckled, slipping an arm around Nuela’s

made her leave

Nuela shot

kid brother?" he asked, already sensing the request

his head awkwardly, his gaze

wanted him

nights they both spent at the company. But he still

"Your dream book."

the haunted

a date

darling. Mom will make it

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

end of it. Luke waited and waited but his parents never returned and that was the last time he saw

his brother sat on the steps, waiting faithfully for their

a group of strangers arrived, their eyes

sure of who they were or

steps ready to

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

was certain, he hasn’t met her before

he demanded while his gaze took in the faces of

your mother’s friend," she

was warm and kind as

make it back home so I was on the way and she asked me to pick

another man cut through the moment, sharp and

a pity, but your parents are

still a child. How could you give him such news?" The lady queried, anxiously she pulled them into her

what was said was lost

the stories of their life took a

husband visited them a

ask the woman her name but her response had been clipped and soft. "Siri."

stopped coming and nobody visited again. Not even the uncles and aunts that had always visited

about them, the future bleak, he fled the orphanage with

jobs while he sneaks back to check on his brother