Chapter 112 Chapter 112

Chapter 112 Chapter 112
After parting ways with Serenity, Tony and Adele walked together under the long shadows of the trees. Their friend's story still haunted them.

"Once Vince makes a decision, it’s very hard to change his mind," Tony said suddenly.

"Are you saying you don't have faith in the future for Vince and Serenity?"

Tony looked into the distance. "To be honest, given the time spent apart, the private space, the geographical distance... no one can predict how human feelings might change. Distance doesn't kill love, but it makes people forget how to keep each other warm."

Adele shook her head in disagreement. "But I still believe happiness will come to them. Serenity and Vince have gone through so much together. This is the time to harvest the sweet fruit of their love. Surely that fruit won't slip through their fingers."

Tony looked at his lover and gave a sad smile. "Maybe, maybe not. But both you and I hope it will, right? So let’s just hold onto that hope for now."

The wind blew, making the leaves rustle as if they agreed with their silent vow. In this battle for love, Tony and Adele had become the keepers of the flame, ready to face any upcoming hardships alongside their friends.

In his solemn office, Mr. Caleb was buried under a pile of paperwork when a knock sounded at the door.

"Come in."

"Sir, your son is here to see you."

"Alright, I’ll be right there."

Mr. Caleb walked out to the waiting area and found his son sitting in quiet contemplation. He spoke first, his voice tinged with surprise. "It’s rare to see you in my office. Did you come to see me for something today?"

Vince looked up. "I’ve come today to ask you for something unreasonable."

Mr. Caleb sat down across from him. "You should know that I’m different from your grandmother. Whatever your request is, I’ve never thought of them as unreasonable."

Vince spoke. "Then please allow me to go to Japan with my mother."

The air seemed to freeze. Mr. Caleb was stunned for a few seconds before asking, "You’ve already decided."

"Yes."

"Do you feel that by doing this, you’ll regain what you’ve lost?"

"Perhaps."

Mr. Caleb looked at his son, recognizing a sorrowful maturity in those eyes. "But what about your grandmother specifically? Do you not care about her either? Does this mean you’re giving up your inheritance?"

Vince smiled sadly. "I never intended to inherit the family business or become a future principal, as you said. I think I would only end up disappointing you and Grandmother. Why not just end it all here, right now?"

"True, I know you wouldn't care about that. So, I will grant your wish. I’m not losing a son, am I?"

Vince looked at the father who had always protected him in silence. "No, you will never lose me. Dad, I’ll reluctantly let you hug me."

Mr. Caleb wrapped his arms around Vince. It had likely been a very long time, since Vince was a child in need of protection, that he had felt this—the sensation of holding his son in his arms. Warmth spread between the two men, a silent but loving farewell, while outside, a new storm was just beginning to brew for Serenity’s love.

After leaving his father’s office, Vince went to Kelvin’s house. Henry, Leo, Kai, and Joan were already there in the living room. They sat in silence; no one spoke.

Joan was the first to speak up. "Why does everyone look like they’re at a funeral. If there’s something on your mind, just say it."

"Why?" Kelvin asked abruptly, his eyes fixed on Vince.

"Who knows?" Leo shrugged in reply, his helplessness evident.

"It really makes no sense." Kai rubbed his temples while Henry merely shook his head, pressing his lips thin in silence.

Vince stood in the center of the room, facing the brothers who had stood by him through thick and thin. He spoke, his voice resolute. "Whatever. I didn't come here to ask for your opinions. I’ve already decided. I’m going to Japan."

Kelvin seemed triggered; he rushed forward and grabbed Vince by the collar, shouting. "How can you just abandon us like this. We’ve been together all these years, and now you just want to walk away. What was all the affection we gave you for, then? I can't take back the way I feel about you, so from now on, I’ll think of you as my best memory. But why are you going there? No, you have to tell me the reason."

Joan quickly ran over to pull Kelvin’s hand away. "Can you calm down. Do you have to scream like that just to be a man?"

She turned to Vince, her eyes shimmering. "Vince, I won't ask you those same questions. But if I were Serenity, I would want to ask. Are you really so heartless that you can just leave her like this? How can you bear it? You know exactly how much she has sacrificed for you."

Vince stood still, letting Kelvin grip his shirt, letting the reproaches surround him. His heart ached every time he heard Serenity’s name. He closed his eyes, trying to stifle a sigh. "How can I bear it?" The question felt like a thousand needles piercing his soul.
He was leaving not because he had stopped loving her, but because he couldn't go on living with the guilt of turning away his broken mother. He chose to carry the responsibility of blood, even knowing the price was tearing apart the heart of the girl he loved most.

Vince pulled Kelvin’s hands off him, his voice hoarse. "I’m not changing my mind." Then he walked out the door, leaving behind gazes full of disappointment.

In the living room of Mr. Caleb’s house, Mrs. Briona sat motionless on the sofa. The door opened, and a weary Serenity walked in.

"I’m home. Mom, why are you sitting here alone? Where are Uncle Caleb and Vince?"

"Your uncle went to visit your grandmother, and Vince went to his friends’ house," Mrs. Briona replied.

"Kelvin’s house."

As Serenity started to head upstairs, Mrs. Briona stood up to stop her, her expression grave. "Serenity, I have something important to tell you. Please, stay calm. Vince... he has decided to go to Japan. Uncle Caleb called to tell me this afternoon. I thought I should tell you before Vince gets home."

Serenity froze. Even though she had mentally prepared herself since the meeting at the restaurant, hearing her mother confirm it still felt like the floor had dropped out from under her. It felt as if a vital piece of her life had just been lost, something that could never be recovered.