Chapter 226


    Alex’s physique was nothing short of impressive, the sort that even a professional fitness trainer might


    envy. His only w was the patchwork of scars,rge and small, that crisscrossed his back. Though


    they were old, they remained stark against his skin.


    Around his neck, he wore a simple red cord, from which dangled a small wooden charm, polished to a


    shine through years of wear. Such charms were typically worn for protection by children under the age


    of ten, yet Alex clung to his as if it held some deeper significance. The red of the cord had faded, but it


    was clean and well–kept.


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    After a long shower, Alex emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a ck silk robe that hinted at the


    sculpted abs beneath.


    He let his damp hair air dry as he settled down at his desk, ready to draw.


    His childhood injuries had left him with fragmented memories, and sometimes a sudden sh of


    recollection wouldpel him to capture the fleeting images on paper.


    Soon, the page was filled with a haunting scene: a frail boy sat huddled in a corner, his gaze vacant,


    his skin marred by numerous scars. Before him stood a little girl, bending down as if speaking to him,


    offeringfort to ease his pain. She was his sole beacon of hope in the darkness.


    Staring at the drawing, Alex’s eyes were a well of unspoken torment, which only began to dissipate as


    he took the wooden charm from around his neck and rubbed it between his fingers.


    The next day, Kendrick arrived at the Yeager householdden with gifts. Anthea had agreed to his


    request to be his god–granddaughter, but the consent of her parents was still essential – a matter


    of basic


    respect.


    Upon arrival, Kendrick discovered that Anthea came from a single–parent family, raised by a devoted


    mother and an uncle. “Please make yourselffortable, Kendrick,” said Carole, weing him


    warmly.


    Nanson busied himself preparing a pot of tea for their guest. Kendrick replied with a smile, “Thank you,


    Annie’s Mom, your home exudes warmth andfort.”


    And he meant every word. The Yeager residence was a cozy three–bedroom home, a stark contrast to


    the cold, sprawling estate where Kendrick lived, whichcked the warmth of a true family home.


    “Here’s your tea,” Nanson offered, cing a steaming cup before Kendrick.


    “Thank you,” Kendrick said, taking a sip before asking about Anthea. Carole informed him she had


    gone for a run and would be back soon.


    After exining the purpose of his visit, Kendrick was relieved to find that Carole and Nanson were not


    at all surprised, as Anthea had already shared the news with them.


    Carole responded with a smile, “Kendrick, Annie never had the chance to know her grandfather. Now


    that you be her grandfather, we see it as a blessing for her. I couldn’t be happier.”


    Kendrick felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He had been concerned that Carole might object, but her


    open–heartedness exceeded his expectations.


    For lunch, Carole prepared a spread of homestyle dishes, and Kendrick found himself enjoying a meal


    that felt like home. It had been ages since he had partaken in such aforting feast, and he found


    himself wishing he didn’t have to return to the Capital City for the Christmas‘ festivities, for he would


    have dly