Chapter 413
Hector''s new room was just up the stairs, nestled in a quaint corner of the two-story Victorian house that Natalia and Magnus
called home. As he lugged his suitcase up each step, Natalia''s voice followed him, tinged with a hint of mncholy.
"There''s your room, Hector. Make yourself at home. I''m sure the memories wille back before too long,” she said, her voice
echoing in the empty hallway. She knew better than to dwell on the painful past. The heart-wrenching stories were best left
buried.
Brushing off the gloom, Natalia put on a cheerful face. "Don''t worry about remembering everything. What''s forgotten is probably
not important. The main thing is you''re back safe and sound. That''s all that matters. Just get used to life around here and
remember we''re your family.”
"Yeah, we''re your family," Magnus chimed in, with a protective re that left unsaid words hanging in the air. “And don''t you dare
think about making a move on my wife.”
Of course, while he didn''t voice this out loud, his actions spoke volumes, and he was certain Hector would pick up on the
unspoken warning.
Hector sipped the ss of ice water Natalia had handed him, swallowing the bitter taste that lingered in his throat. "Thank you,”
he murmured.
"What are you thanking us for? We''re family," Natalia replied, quickly shifting gears. "Now, why don''t you change out of those
clothes and toss ''em out? Get yourself a fresh haircut, and | bet you''ll look and feel like a new man."
Hector nodded in agreement, and Natalia''s eyes crinkled with happiness. It was just like the old days when Hector would agree
to anything she suggested.
"Mama, I''m home!"
The silence was broken by the front door swinging open as little Jonas burst into the room, beaming with joy. "Mama, it''s been a
whole week! I''ve missed you so much! Did you miss me?"
“Of course, | missed you, sweetheart!" Natalia replied, realizing it was the weekend and time to cherish moments with her
beloved son. "Hungry? Should | whip up something for you?"
Jonas shook his head and snuggled into Natalia''s shoulder, then noticed Hector sitting across the room. "Who are you? Uncle
Hector?"
Hector nodded gently. "Yes, but I''m afraid | don''t remember you."
Jonas hopped off Natalia''sp, eyes wide with recognition. "You are Uncle Hector! Oh my gosh, you''ve lost so much weight!
Uncle Hector, do you know how cool you were that day you saved me from falling off the deck? | was totally in awe!"C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.
Hector forced an awkward smile, not recalling any of the heroics Jonas was praising.
“Uncle Hector, where have you been all this time? Mom was so worried about you; I''ve seen her crying in secret."
Hector''s gaze clouded for a moment. "I''m not sure. | think a wave swept me to a deserted ind, and | was rescued by the
people there."
He pressed his lips together, remembering the inhumane conditions he had endured on the ind. But he had survived and
found his way back to the voices that brought him peace.
Wrapping up his story quickly to avoid worrying Natalia, Hector concluded, "After | recovered, | started wandering on a yacht and
finally made it here."
Although he didn''t share the full extent of his trials, Natalia could sense his hardship through his eyes. To avoid dwelling on the
past, she scolded Jonas lightly, "Alright, let Hector rest. I''ll get started on lunch."
Jonas stuck out his tongue at Natalia''s retreating figure, then turned to Hector with a mischievous gleam in his eye. "Uncle
Hector, can you teach me how to fight? So | can protect Mama when | grow up."
Magnus, who had been quietly observing, suddenly felt threatened in his role as a father. "Hey, kiddo, your old man''s got some
moves, too, you know!"
Jonas nced skeptically at his dad. "Dad, your skills are just for fun. But look at Uncle Hector''s muscles!"