Usually, Aldo would be fast asleep at thiste hour. But he was awake, seated in the host’s chair,


    clutching his cane, and staring into the void.


    Rowan, still in his military uniform, was seated on a side chair, two seats away from Aldo, his head


    bowed.


    Wesley, known for his Lightheartedness, was slumped in his chair, his usually cheerful face clouded


    with thought.


    A sense of unease gripped Loraine’s heart. It was a rare sight, seeing all of them together, ever since


    she had left to marry Marco.


    ninjanovel


    As Aldo Lifted his gaze and spotted Loraine, a grin stretched across his face. With effort, he raised a


    hand in a wave, still grinning. He called out, “Lorrie,e over here. We rarely get the chance to


    meet.”


    Loraine’s presence was like a breath of fresh air, stirring life into the previously stagnant atmosphere,


    and the three formerly quiet men all had twinkles of delight in their eyes.


    Their gaze was drenched in affection. When their eyes Landed on her, it seemed as if they were


    yearning for someone else through her.


    A lump formed in her throat, and Loraine nestled against Aldo’s knees, crying softly.


    “Grandpa, I regret my actions. If I hadn’t impulsively left earlier, our family would have had the chance


    to be whole… I was away for three years. My absence caused pain to you, to Rowan, and to Wesley…”


    She’d spent thest three years devoid of familypanionship.


    Her love for Marco was what sustained her during those sleepless nights. But, Marco, far from


    providingfort, had only caused her anguish. In the end, she was left with nothing.


    Aldo gently stroked her hair with his warm, weathered hand, speaking with a raspy chuckle. “Silly girl,


    no need for apologies. Ever since your parents passed away, you’ve been our most cherished gem.”


    As the topic arose, the three men, each of a different age, appeared somber. Aldo let out a sigh and


    continued, “Grandpa is growing old, and


    I can’t escape the weight of your parents’ passing. I’ve been burdened for over a decade, but you,


    Rowan, and Wesley, are still young. It’s time to find some relief.”


    He turned to his only two sons. Rowan and Wesley averted their gazes, trying to conceal their tears.


    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    “Stubborn kids… We’re all stubborn. It’s been over a decade. Even if it’s difficult to believe, you must


    ept reality. The dead are gone, and the living should not carry the weight of their absence forever.”


    Loraine bit her lip, clutching the hem of her clothes.


    She knew that Aldo who said those words was the one who found it hardest to let go.


    Perhaps it was because he had seen the pocket watch Loraine had found, which had stirred up


    emotions, or maybe it was because of his advancing age that he felt an urgency. He didn’t want his


    sons and granddaughter to remain anchored in the past Like him.


    Aldo exhaled deeply, gazing at Loraine with tenderness.


    “Lorrie, the anniversary of your parents’ passing is nearing. Many years have slipped by, and it’s time


    we Let them rest in peace.”


    Embracing Aldo tightly, Loraine whispered, “Grandpa…”


    She grieved for her parents, but therger part of her sorrow came from knowing how much her Loved


    ones suffered on this day.