Chapter 140: Where could they have gone?

Marcus

I walked quickly along the harbor sidewalk, my eyes searching for my mother and Adrian in every direction. They had disappeared as if the ground had swallowed them, and there was no trace of them. My heart beat with worry, not because I was afraid for them, but because I did not like leaving things without an explanation.

“Where could they have gone?” I muttered to myself as I raised my phone to call them again.

The calls went to voicemail without anyone answering. I looked around and saw my parents, Kai and Miran, looking for me too. Kai was pointing at me from a distance, his face showing signs of hunger and boredom.

“Marcus, aren’t we going to eat? I’m hungry! We’ve walked a lot today.” Kai came toward me, wiping his forehead from the heat of the sun.

“Yes, I’m hungry too. We’ve also walked a lot without stopping,” I sighed, trying to hide my worry.

“Look over there, that restaurant looks nice. It’s beside the beach too, the view will be amazing.” Miran pointed to a place a few meters away.

“Good idea, sweetheart, let’s go there.” Kai smiled at her, wrapping his arm around her waist, before turning to me. “Marcus, don’t worry about Evelyn. She must be walking somewhere. She’ll come back when she gets hungry. She’s not a child.”

I looked at them, then at the sea, trying to reassure myself with his words.

“I’m just afraid of what’s in my head,” I whispered to myself. “Right, there’s no need to worry.”

“What did you say, Marcus?” Kai raised his eyebrows, asking curiously.

“Nothing, Dad. I said let’s go. I’m really hungry!” I shook my head with a fake smile.

I passed them and walked ahead with quick steps, feeling the light strands of my hair lifted by the sea breeze. I knew that when I passed a woman on the street, she would turn to look at me with admiration, and that was happening now. I wasn’t interested.

“Ah, your son acts exactly like you! Look, he walks and pushes his hair back just like you do, darling.” I heard Miran laughing behind me.

“Of course he’s like me, he’s my son. But his facial features look more like Evelyn.” Kai laughed, looking at me proudly.

“Yes, he definitely looks like her. Those eyes, that nose, all of it is from Evelyn.” Miran nodded.

We entered an elegant restaurant on the waterfront. Soft music played in the background, and the servers wore elegant suits and welcomed the customers with great respect. I still wasn’t used to this luxurious treatment, and I felt a little uncomfortable.

Miran was wearing an elegant summer dress, carrying a small bag and wearing a hat to protect her face from the sun. When we entered, a female server came over and took her bag with a respectful bow. Kai was wearing luxurious summer pants and a light shirt, while I wore shorts and a simple summer shirt, but I felt that everyone was looking at us.

“What do you think, Miran? Do you like the restaurant?” Kai looked around the restaurant and smiled comfortably as he sat down.

“Of course, it’s very beautiful. Look at the sea, it’s refreshing and wonderful, isn’t it, Marcus?” Miran nodded as she looked toward the horizon.

“Yes, it’s very beautiful.” I looked at the blue waves. “But why is everyone looking at us? It makes me nervous.”

“Because you’re my son, Mr. Kai’s son. They know who we are here.” Kai smiled arrogantly.

For a moment, a little pride filled me as I saw envy in the eyes of some of the servers. It was a strange feeling, being the son of a man with such status. I smiled, trying to take in this new reality.

“So, what do you want to eat?” Kai asked as he sat down.

“I want seafood. Since we’re by the sea, that would be great, Dad.” I answered excitedly.

“Good idea, Marcus. Let’s do that.” Miran nodded.

“I don’t like seafood very much, but for my son, so be it!” Kai complained a little.

We all laughed, and I felt the warmth of family surround me. Something was still occupying my mind. I took my phone from my pocket and saw several calls from an unknown number. I stopped for a moment, stood up, and moved a little away from the table to call the number back.

“Marcus, why have you taken so long? I’ve been calling you for a long time!” When the other side answered, I heard a soft, gentle voice.

“Sorry, but I didn’t know who you were.” Confusion ran through my veins.

“Did you forget me? I didn’t expect that. You were begging me to call you, Marcus...” I heard disappointment in her sigh.

My confusion grew, and a spark suddenly lit up in my mind. That kind woman who had helped me on the day I fell. Her voice, her accent, everything started coming back to me.

“My angel...” I whispered in shock and happiness. “It can’t be. Are you really calling me?” I felt overwhelming happiness wash over me.

“How are you, Marcus?” she laughed on the other side, her voice beautiful like a melody.

“I’m fine. God, I can’t believe you actually called me. You didn’t seem very interested in the idea when we met.”

“I remembered to ask about your injury. I’m sorry I didn’t call sooner, but I was going through a difficult time.” She paused for a moment before speaking.

“It’s okay. What matters is that you did, miss.” I laughed lightly. “It’s a small injury, don’t worry. I’m really fine.”

“But I’m the one who caused it. I’m very sorry about that.” She insisted.

“Don’t be.” I spoke while feeling warmth fill my heart. “Why don’t we meet later? I mean, I want us to have a drink together if that doesn’t bother you!”

“Oh, that’s unexpected... but why not? Where are you now?” She was silent for a moment before asking in surprise.

“I’m not in the city right now.” I looked out at the sea. “When I come back, I’ll call you right away. You’ll come, won’t you?” I asked with great happiness.

“I will, don’t worry. I owe you an apology. I was busy and couldn’t call.”

“It’s okay, it’s okay.” I hesitated for a moment before asking, “You called only for that reason? I mean, there isn’t another reason?”

The other woman was silent for a little while before speaking in a quiet voice. “Actually, that’s not the only reason. I mean, I just wanted to talk to you. I’m sorry, I didn’t think you were out of the country. I think I bothered you.”

“Don’t say that!” I said quickly. “It’s okay. I was thinking about you all the time. I thought you didn’t want to talk to me, but I was wrong. I’m really happy you called.”

“I’m happy that you understood my situation too... Marcus.”

“Marcus!” Before I could reply, I heard Kai calling me from a distance.

I looked behind me, then returned my attention to the phone. “Okay, I have to go now. My dad is calling me. I’ll call you later. Please answer me, okay?”

“I will. Take care of yourself!”

“You too!”

I ended the call feeling incredibly happy.

“I can’t believe she really called me...”