Building The Strongest Family

Chapter 414: Emily’s Quiet Truth [ 1 ]

The lounge was one of the most peaceful corners of Dominion Sanctum, tucked away on the east side of the main mansion.

Tall glass walls provided a view of the lower gardens, while soft golden lights filled the room with warmth.

The carpeted floors and inviting chairs made it a perfect place to unwind, and the shelves adorned with Emily’s favorite books added a personal touch.

A light breeze drifted in through the partially open balcony door, bringing with it the delicate fragrance of blooming flowers from the gardens below.

Emily stood at a small counter, carefully pouring hot tea into two white cups. Her movements were slow and deliberate, as familiar to her as an old melody.

Across from her, Arthur lounged on a plush sofa, his suit jacket thrown aside. For a change, he looked relaxed, his gaze wandering to the gently glowing lights in the garden outside.

The ambience was tranquil and secure, nothing like the hectic boardrooms and war rooms filled with endless streams of global data. In this moment, Arthur appeared more like a man taking a well-deserved break after a long journey.

With a tray in hand, Emily approached him with a warm smile. "Here you go," she said gently. "Drink it while it’s still hot."

Arthur nodded as she set a cup in front of him. He brought it to his lips and took a small sip, the simple flavor grounding him in a way he hadn’t expected.

Emily settled into her seat across from him, and for a brief moment, they enjoyed the silence together.

Outside, the garden lights twinkled softly in the night breeze, and the leaves rustled gently, creating a serene background that wrapped around them like a comforting embrace.

Emily studied Arthur’s face closely,a connection that only family could truly understand.

"You look tired," she observed softly.

He managed a faint smile. "I’m fine."

"You always say that."

He fell silent once more.

After releasing a sigh, Emily set her cup down. "You’ve created an empire that’s making a difference in the world, Arthur."

Her voice remained steady but carried a hint of tenderness. "But I need to ask,are you still happy?"

Arthur didn’t answer right away; his gaze drifted towards the gardens, where a drone buzzed past on its patrol, its blue lights flickering like far-off stars.

Emily waited patiently for him to find the right words,not wanting to rush him. She had known Arthur since they were kids, long before titles became burdens and he found himself leading their fractured family.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally set his cup down.

"Do you remember," she asked softly, "the time we were in Aurelia?"

Arthur raised his eyes to meet hers; though his expression didn’t change, something flickered behind his gaze.

"You were just twenty-two back then," Emily continued gently. "Things were falling apart, your father was gone, and your mother..." She paused, gathering her thoughts before continuing in a hushed voice.

"We were under threat, our businesses were being dismantled, piece by piece, until we had almost nothing left."

Arthur stayed silent, swept up in the flood of memories that rushed back to them both.

Emily stared down at the table, her hands clenched together. "I still remember those days," she said quietly. "You didn’t cry or lose your cool. You kept us all together when we were on the brink of chaos."

Arthur’s jaw tightened at her words.

Meeting his gaze, she said, "We were a small family on the verge of collapse. Anyone observing could have thought our story was over. But you held us up."

That memory hung in the air between them, raw, quiet, and undeniable.

She went on, "You were only twenty-two, Arthur, but you took on burdens that seemed much older than your years. You handled fear, loss, and responsibility, all at once."

Arthur leaned back in his chair, seemingly staring into the past replaying in his mind.

Emily’s tone softened, becoming both tender and honest. "And look at all you’ve achieved since then. Just a few years ago, we were struggling for our next meal. Now, the world turns to you for direction."

He breathed in deeply,slow and methodical,still silent.

Finally, he spoke in a soft voice. "I don’t pursue happiness; I pursue stability,for all of you."

A look of concern crossed Emily’s face as she softly said, "But by doing this, you’ve become someone I barely recognize." Arthur’s gaze sharpened,not from anger, but as he contemplated her words.

"Do you really believe I’ve changed that much?" he asked.

"Absolutely," Emily replied without missing a beat. "You’ve become distant and harsh,tougher than steel. Your choices might protect countless lives now, but somewhere along the line, you stopped taking care of yourself."

He didn’t argue with her. Leaning in, she said sincerely, "You’ve saved us,you’ve protected our family and even countries,but don’t lose yourself in the process."

Her voice trembled slightly at the end as she reached across the table to cover his hand with hers,a gentle gesture he seldom allowed himself to enjoy. Surprisingly, he didn’t pull away.

"You saved us, Arthur," she said softly. "But we don’t want to lose you."

Arthur stared down at their clasped hands. For the first time in ages, something broke through his usual calm demeanor.

"I think I might be losing myself already," he murmured quietly.

Outside, the wind whispered through the garden, making the leaves shiver and the lights sway gently as if responding to its touch.

The night felt more tender and inviting, as if it were giving them the freedom to speak openly. Despite the tears welling in her eyes, Emily managed a small smile.

"So let us remind you that you’re still human."

Arthur looked up, surprised by how her words stayed with him. Slowly, he nodded,a small motion, yet full of significance.

Emily gently squeezed his hand and gave him a simply but comforting smile.