Chapter 87: The Armstrong Family
Atlas's POV
Just two more days until Helena's wedding. I've been restless and on edge all day. I really can't figure out what Helena's thinking - I don't know if she wants to marry Knox or not.
Unable to sit still, I impulsively drove to somewhere not far from The Lockwood Manor.
After parking the car, I sat quietly inside and started smoking. I didn't know what I was doing here, or what I could change even if I saw Helena.
But right now I just wanted to be closer to Helena, even closer. Maybe only then would I feel a little better.
Soon, I noticed something odd - there were quite a few people coming and going from The Lockwood Manor. It looked pretty lively. What was going on?
I got out of the car and walked to the villa entrance, only to discover they were hosting a party today.
I laughed bitterly to myself. Here I was, wallowing in self-pity, while Helena was at home enjoying one last celebration before getting married.
She must be happy right now, right?
I sighed, wanting to leave, but then stopped.
I stayed quietly in my car until midnight. After the last guest left, I couldn't help but send Helena a message.
She called back quickly. Hearing her slightly tired voice on the phone, I felt a pang of heartache. I wanted nothing more than to hold her in my arms and comfort her.
I suppressed the impulse and chatted with her casually, pretending everything was fine.
After hanging up, looking at the pitch-black night, I became even more certain - if Helena really goes through with the wedding the day after tomorrow, I'm definitely going to take her away.
I can't just stand by and watch my beloved Helena marry a shameless person like Knox.
After making up my mind, I stubbed out my cigarette and drove away.
When I woke up the next morning and checked my phone, I found several missed calls, including a few from Nancy. That's when I remembered I'd promised to visit her place.
After thinking it over, I sent her a message saying I'd come to her house for lunch. Then I got up, got ready, bought some gifts, and headed to The Armstrong Villa.
The Armstrong Villa was located in the old town. As the city developed, more and more young people moved to the new district, leaving behind only nostalgic old folks.
The Armstrong Villa was said to be over a hundred years old, carrying the history of the Armstrong family.
Nancy's father, Miguel Armstrong, had been living here since his retirement. The climbing roses wound around the iron gate, their branches swaying gently, looking very festive.
When I rang the doorbell, Nancy came to open the door herself.
"Atlas, you're here!"
"Yes, where's Mr. Armstrong?"
I handed over the gifts I'd bought. Nancy pointed toward the living room, "He's inside waiting for you."
I nodded and walked toward the living room. Halfway there, I ran into the housekeeper, Verity.
When Verity saw me, she smiled warmly, "Mr. Lancaster, you're here. It's been so long since we've seen you."
Verity had worked at The Armstrong Villa her whole life and watched Nancy grow up. After she got older, Miguel stopped letting her do much work and even hired someone to take care of her specifically.
But Verity could never stay idle - she still insisted on cooking for Miguel every day.
"Verity, how have you been feeling lately?"
Seeing my concern, Verity beamed, "Very well, thank you for asking."
She pointed inside, smiling, "Go on in. Mr. Armstrong has been waiting for you."
"Alright." Following her words, I walked inside.
"Atlas is here! Perfect timing to play a couple games of chess with me!"
The chessboard was already set up on the table. Seeing that Miguel had been waiting specifically for me, I agreed while taking off my suit jacket. Nancy quickly took my coat from me.
"Just one game though - we need to eat soon."
Nancy warned us first, worried we'd get too absorbed in chess.
Miguel pointed at Nancy and said quietly, "You hear that? She's starting to boss me around now."
"Dad, are you talking bad about me again!"
Hearing this, Nancy put her hands on her hips, not letting it go.
Seeing her like this, Miguel laughed heartily and quickly denied it, "No such thing! I didn't say anything."
Then he pointed at the chessboard, "Atlas, let's start."
On the chessboard, black and white pieces alternated as Miguel and I went back and forth.
After a while, Miguel burst out laughing, "Your chess skills have improved a lot!"
"Looks like you've been studying hard in private. Good, very good!"
"Mr. Armstrong, the food is ready. Why don't we eat first?"
Hearing Verity's voice, Miguel quickly waved his hand, "No, no, I lost this round. I need one more game."
"No more games! What did you just promise me!"
Nancy walked over and took Miguel's arm, firmly pulling him to the dining table.
"Sit down, we're eating now!"
Miguel shook his head helplessly, "Nancy, look at you - Atlas comes over, and you turn into this, even bossing me around!"
Nancy didn't respond, just distributed the utensils to everyone.
When she wasn't looking, Miguel somehow produced a bottle of wine from under the table, sneakily opened it, and quickly filled his glass.
Turning around and seeing what he was doing, Nancy quickly stopped him, "Dad, what are you doing? Did you forget what the doctor said?"
"Nothing gets past you. Atlas is here today, I'll just have a little - just two glasses, it's fine."
"No, only one glass!"
Nancy said, snatching the bottle away.
Miguel was so frustrated that he was fuming, but there was nothing he could do about Nancy.
He pointed at Nancy, "Atlas, look how fierce Nancy is. No wonder she hasn't found a boyfriend after all this time."
As soon as Miguel finished speaking, Nancy's face turned bright red.
She glanced at me briefly, then stamped her foot, "Dad, if you keep talking nonsense, I won't let you have even one drop!"
"Alright, alright, I won't say it. You're really too fierce."
"You're still talking!"
Seeing Nancy wouldn't let it go, Miguel had to surrender.
"Okay, okay, I'm done. I'm really done this time. Come on, Atlas, sit next to me."
Miguel waved me over. I obediently walked over and sat beside him.
"Fine, since Nancy won't let me drink much today, I'll just watch you drink. It's okay, you drink."
Miguel poured me a glass. I picked it up, clinked glasses with him, then drank it down in one gulp.
During the meal, Miguel chatted with me about various things.
"Atlas, haven't you been away from The Lancaster Manor for quite a while? A few days ago, I ran into your grandfather, and he asked about you."
My hand paused while picking up food. I said calmly, "I've been busy with company matters and couldn't get away. That's why I haven't been back."
"You need to find a better work-life balance. Are you so busy you can't even go home? You should still go back and visit when you can."
Miguel was earnestly advising me. I knew he meant well.
But home.
My heart ached. Ever since my mother died, I haven't had a home anymore.
But then I remembered a rumor I'd heard a few days ago about that brother of mine. Thinking of this, a cold smile appeared on my lips. Maybe I should go home and see what happens.