If it weren’t for Lottie, his own mother probably wouldn’t even want to see him.
“Let’s go visit my grandpa,” Charlotte said. She’d been running around nonstop between Solenia and the Isle of Veil, barely finding a moment to visit him.
“Okay,” Anthony answered quietly.
She actually wanted to see Robert too, but every time she did, it brought back memories of her mom… If her grandpa found out her mom was still alive, he’d be so happy.
...
The Gates Estate was quiet, almost heavy with silence. In one of the rooms, a memorial plaque sat on a table. It read “In loving memory of my wife.” Above it hung a black-and-white photograph, but it only showed the blurry outline of someone’s back. On each side of the plaque, bouquets of fresh red roses stood out against the dark sandalwood.
Robert lit a stick of incense, holding it in front of his chest for a moment before placing it in the burner. The curling gray smoke filled the already somber room, making it feel even more mournful.
He reached out and gently touched the photo. His tired eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Winnie, I came to see you again. With Nora by your side, I hope you’re not too lonely.” He leaned on the table, and his voice caught as he spoke. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of Lottie.”
He still didn’t understand what he’d done to deserve this kind of life. His wife had died at only thirty. When he met Winnie, she was just twenty-five. Five years later, her health took a sudden turn for the worse, especially after giving birth to Nora. By the time Nora turned five, Winnie’s body gave out and she passed away.
And now Nora… Just like her mother, gone far too soon. He couldn’t help but blame himself for not protecting their daughter.
Lost in his sorrow, Robert barely noticed the butler’s voice coming from the doorway. “Sir, Charlotte and Anthony are here to see you.”
The second he heard Charlotte’s name, Robert wiped his tears away and forced a smile as he walked out to greet them.
That evening, Anthony and Charlotte joined Robert for dinner.


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