The commotion drew glances from everyone nearby. Aaron cleared his throat a few times and looked over. "Simon, you seem out of it."

Simon kept his head down, staring at the blood on his palm where his fingernails had dug in. He masked the bitterness in his eyes.

“Just... family stuff getting to me,” he muttered.

The room fell silent again, everyone quietly focusing on their food.

After dinner, Walter called Dylan aside.

"Go check on your mother. Is your back any better?"

It still wasn't fully healed-just scabbed over.

"Yeah," Dylan replied.

He wheeled himself toward the family shrine. The chapel was a long way from the main hall, down several echoing corridors. Above the door, an ornate plaque read "Ferguson Family Chapel." Inside, a few golden prayer cushions were spread out. Mrs. Ferguson was already kneeling on one, her back straight and composed.

The incense burning here was a special blend-its scent was unique, impossible to find anywhere else.

"Mother," Dylan called softly.

paused on her prayer beads. She opened her eyes slowly,

few days ago. Are

"I'm fine."

of incense, and placed it in the

be starting rehab for your legs?"

him and sighed when she saw his expression. "You used to talk so much more, Dylan. Always so gentle. Ever since

faded, and she knelt back

blame your father and me for what we did back then? Someone had to make a sacrifice so you could be here. You weren't the one who lost everything -you're the lucky one. Your

her fingers, her voice softer, as if lost

life depends on it. He thought being sent away was a test, that if he just worked hard enough, someone would eventually come for him. I've never

her back, lips

of the Ferguson family. That was his fate. For his sake-and yours-you need to hold onto

down at her

resting quietly on the arms of his wheelchair, eyes lingering on the

to the real reason she'd

was always meant to be

is your future wife. As for the woman who caused your injury, you said she saved you overseas, so we let it go. But if you insist on marrying her,

meet your brother ever since you found out about him. It's been over twenty

he

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