Chapter 105 Chapter 105

Chapter 105 Chapter 105
Ahead of them lay a bright sky, the reward for those brave enough to fight for the ones they love. Exhausted but with hearts pounding with happiness, the only place they wanted to go was the familiar home of their best friends. There, they recounted the entire story.

Serenity laughed happily. "I’m so happy for both of you. Tony, you were incredible. I think this is the most beautiful ending possible. After all, a beautiful love deserves to be together."

Tony winked at Adele. "It was actually Adele’s last-minute psychological ploy. She threw her father into a state of confusion, which is how I managed to make it back from the brink of death in one piece."

Serenity asked curiously, "So, is your father still going abroad?"

Adele replied, "He’s leaving next week. He seems to have accepted Tony, saying, 'That Tony kid actually has something in common with me.' But he warned us that the sword match was only the first round. The second round, when he returns, will be a drinking contest. If Tony doesn't win, I still have to go with my father."

Tony’s face fell. "My alcohol tolerance isn't exactly great. What am I going to do?"

Vince, sitting nearby, let out a long, heavy sigh.

"Vince, what’s that for? Why the sigh?" Tony asked.

Vince clicked his tongue teasingly. "Nothing. You’ve already spent the night with her; aren't you completely exhausted? It’s better to live free like a basketball player. Sounds fun, right?"

Serenity blushed and pinched Vince’s arm hard. "What are you talking about? Stop lying."

Vince chuckled. "It’s the truth. I’m not lying."

Laughter filled the room. After so much turbulence, the young friends had finally found their own peaceful harbor.

One weekend afternoon at the mall, the warm orange glow of the setting sun bathed the delicate handmade crafts on display. Serenity stood before a glass case, her thoughts entirely focused on Vince’s upcoming birthday.

She touched the glass, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "How cute. The last time, I gave him gloves. I wonder if he’ll like the gift I chose this time."

A voice spoke up right behind her. "What are you looking for?"

Serenity didn't take her eyes off the handmade bracelet in the case, responding naturally. "I’m looking for a birthday gift."

"For my brother?" the person asked, a hint of a smile in his voice.

Serenity started and turned around, her eyes widening in surprise. "Ashton?"

Standing before her was the handsome teenager with the same friendly smile. Ashton nodded mischievously. "Long time no see."

Serenity laughed, feeling as though time had just skipped backward. "You’ve changed so much, I almost didn't recognize you. You look so mature now, and you seem much taller than your brother."

Ashton joked back, "Me? Maybe it’s just that you refuse to grow any taller. Do you want to grab a drink? My treat."

The two walked into a café right in front of the mall. Ashton toyed with his glass, his eyes clouded with worry. "How has my brother been lately?"

Serenity replied, "He’s doing very well. He’s much gentler than he used to be. You haven't seen him since last Christmas, right?"

Ashton shook his head, looking out the window. "I haven't. I’ve been busy with midterms lately, and I was thinking that while I’m still here, I should go see him one last time."

Serenity was surprised. "Ashton, does that mean you’re going somewhere?"

Ashton hesitated for a moment before letting out a sigh. "Didn't Vince tell you? I’m going to study abroad in Japan soon."

Serenity was stunned.

"He really didn't tell you? My mother wrote to him about it. I thought he would have mentioned it to you."

Serenity stared into space in silence. Vince truly hadn't breathed a word. Ashton continued, his voice heavy with sadness. "He must still be angry with Mother. Even now, she tries to contact him, but he won't pick up the phone. I don't think he’s moved past the past."

In Serenity’s heart, the pieces of the puzzle that were Vince became clearer. She blamed herself. Deprived of love, while his mother was always by the side of the younger brother, who had been in poor health since childhood. I really never paid enough attention to his feelings when he was carrying so much hurt. Even now, those wounds haven't healed.

Ashton took her hand, pleading. "Mother said that before she leaves, she wants to see him one last time. Could you talk to him? Ask him to meet her just once. Just one time."

Serenity squeezed his hand and nodded. "I understand. I’ll talk to him."

She knew that convincing Vince to face the past was like opening a door he had worked so hard to keep bolted shut for so long.
After parting ways with Ashton, Serenity walked along the sidewalk. The afternoon sun was fading, much like her own somber mood. She wondered how she would even begin the conversation without reopening old scars, yet still move a heart that had grown callous from the pain of the past.

—

In the principal’s office, the solemn atmosphere was interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Come in," Mr. Caleb called out, his focus still on the files on his desk.

"Sir, there is a call for you." The secretary came in to announce, looking a bit flustered.

Mr. Caleb looked up, frowning. "Who is it?"

"She said her name is Maggie Bell."

The name caused the pen in his hand to drop onto the desk. He knew exactly who Maggie was—a ghost from the past he had tried to seal away for so many years. He thought for a moment and then said, "Fine. Put her through."

"Yes, sir."

A beep signaled the connection. Mr. Caleb stared at the phone, his heart rate slowing. The collision of past and present was about to erupt, bringing with it all the family secrets regarding Vince that he had worked so hard to protect.