Chapter 372: Missing!!
Dear Mama,
The days are getting closer.
Our wedding is this Friday.
Sometimes it still doesn’t feel real.
These days...
I’ve been meeting Grandpa every day.
He keeps saying he’s getting old.
But honestly...
He still has hobbies like a young man.
Just a few days ago he was admitted to the hospital.
Now...
He’s going to the gym every morning.
I honestly don’t know how he recovered so quickly.
I think...
He has become much more carefree after coming to this country.
I’ve never seen him like this before.
There is something different about him.
Without the weight of responsibilities on his shoulders...
He smiles more.
He laughs more.
He even jokes around.
For the first time...
I feel like I understand Grandpa a little better.
Today...
He told me something.
He said...
He wants to walk me down the aisle.
When he said those words...
I got emotional...
As for Miles...
What can I even say about your future son in law?
He gives me a new surprise almost every day.
Sometimes...
He actually makes me lose sleep.
I just found out he owns two more of the biggest companies in the country.
He’s also an Honorary General in the Army.
Can you believe that?
Because I still can’t.
The funniest part...
He still walks around wearing hoodies.
He still smiles like everything is simple.
Sometimes...
He looks so carefree.
Then I remember...
How much responsibility he’s carried since childhood.
And now his family.
His companies.
The people who depend on him.
Sometimes I wonder...
How many burdens he’s quietly carrying without telling anyone.
I’ve become another responsibility for him.
I want to become someone who shares those responsibilities.
Someone who helps carry them.
I want to become a good wife.
Just like you were.
Today...
I also met his college friends.
And many of his cousins.
He’s surrounded by wonderful people.
Kind people.
People who genuinely care about him.
Do you know...
Those kinds of people are incredibly difficult to find.
Just like him.
Sometimes...
I honestly don’t understand why someone like Miles chose me.
But...
I’m grateful every single day that he did.
Good night, Mama.
I miss you.
Love,
Chloe
..
She slowly closed the journal.
A long yawn escaped her lips.
"Haa..."
She looked outside the window.
Everything looked peaceful.
She carefully placed the journal on the bedside table.
Then...
Without thinking...
She picked up the plush toy resting beside her pillow.
Wrapping both arms around it...
She hugged it tightly.
A warm smile appeared.
"I wish you were here with me..."
She whispered softly.
"Just a few more days..."
"Then I can cuddle you as much as I want."
The moment the words left her mouth...
She froze.
Her cheeks immediately turned bright red.
"W... what am I saying?"
She buried her face into the plush toy.
"I should just sleep."
Embarrassed by her own thoughts...
She quickly turned off the bedside lamp.
Within minutes...
The room became quiet once again.
...
The next morning.. Sunday.
Pearl Villa welcomed another beautiful sunrise.
As always...
Miles had already finished his morning workout.
A towel rested over his shoulders.
He wore a simple black workout shirt and joggers.
Drops of sweat still remained on his forehead as he walked towards the entrance.
He had barely reached the front door...
When the sound of a car engine echoed outside.
A sleek vehicle slowly entered through the main gate.
Miles looked up.
"Hm?"
The car stopped near the entrance.
One by one...
The passengers stepped out.
Chase.
Cole.
Sophia.
Isabelle.
Miles smiled.
"Good morning."
Chase waved enthusiastically.
"Good morning, Big Bro."
Miles looked at the expensive sedan.
He raised an eyebrow.
"Fancy car."
Chase scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"Thanks."
"I’m honestly more of a bike person."
"But..."
"Big Sis said cars are safer."
Miles laughed quietly.
"She’s right."
His eyes then shifted towards Cole.
He looked exhausted.
Dark circles surrounded his eyes.
Miles smiled knowingly.
"Hangover?"
Cole rubbed his forehead miserably.
"My head hurts, Brother."
The girls immediately burst into laughter.
Isabelle crossed her arms.
"We told you not to drink that much."
Cole sighed dramatically.
"Worth it."
Then he looked at Miles from head to toe.
His eyes widened slightly.
"Brother..."
"You’re seriously well built."
"I can tell."
"You’re hiding a lot of muscle under those clothes."
He nodded confidently.
"You must’ve been extremely popular with girls."
Miles leaned slightly closer.
His voice became almost a whisper.
"Hey."
"Don’t say things like that in front of other people."
Cole blinked.
"...Why?"
Before Miles could answer...
Isabelle grabbed Cole by the ear.
"Ow!"
"You!"
She glared at him.
"Don’t fill the bride’s head with your stupid thoughts."
Then she quickly looked towards Miles.
"Sorry, Brother."
"He has a very big mouth."
Miles couldn’t help laughing.
"It’s alright."
He opened the front door.
"Come inside."
"Mom is making breakfast."
The group happily followed him.
...
Inside the villa...
Daniel had just entered the living room with a cup of coffee.
He noticed everyone immediately.
He was about to greet them.
But...
Chase quickly placed a finger over his lips.
Then quietly pointed towards Elena.
She stood near the dining table arranging dishes.
Her back faced the entrance.
Daniel instantly understood.
A smile appeared on his face.
He nodded silently.
Chase carefully tiptoed across the room.
Everyone else watched while trying not to laugh.
Elena spoke without turning around.
"Miles said some guests were coming today."
"I wonder who they are."
Chase slowly walked behind her.
Then...
He gently covered both of her eyes with his hands.
"Guess who?"
Elena paused.
"Hm?"
She smiled.
"Miles?"
She listened carefully.
"No..."
"That’s not his voice."
She tilted her head.
"Do I know you?"
Chase dramatically sighed.
"Not fair, Aunt."
He slowly removed his hands.
Elena turned around.
The moment she saw him...
Her eyes widened.
"Chase!"
"You’re here!"
She immediately noticed the others standing behind him.
They all waved cheerfully.
"Good morning, Aunt!"
A warm smile spread across Elena’s face.
Without warning...
She reached out and gently pulled Chase’s ear.
"You naughty boy."
"Playing pranks on your aunt?"
"Why didn’t you call me first?"
"Oww!"
Chase laughed while pretending to suffer.
"Sorry."
"Sorry, Aunt."
"I wanted to surprise you."
"We even took an entire week off."
Elena pretended to remain unconvinced.
"Oh really?"
"You think I’ll melt just because of that?"
Chase immediately raised both hands.
"I surrender."
That only made Elena smile even more.
She released his ear.
Then gently cupped his face with both hands.
"You’ve become thinner."
"You aren’t eating properly again."
Cole immediately pointed at Chase.
"That’s true, Aunt."
"He’s an incredibly lazy eater."
Chase turned towards him in disbelief.
"Traitor."
The room instantly filled with laughter.
Daniel walked over smiling warmly.
"So..."
"How are all of you doing, kids?"
Close relatives had already started arriving early, wanting to help with the preparations instead of simply attending the ceremony.
Silvey had arrived in the morning with Kate
The drawing room had become a temporary planning headquarters.
Monica stood in front of a large whiteboard.
Lists covered nearly every inch of it.
Guest seating.
Music.
Photography.
Flowers.
Transportation.
Emergency backup plans.
Nothing escaped her attention.
Around her...
Chase, Cole, Sophia, Isabelle and Silvey enthusiastically volunteered for different responsibilities.
Every few minutes...
The serious discussion would dissolve into laughter because Hope or Asher interrupted the meeting with another childish question.
It somehow made the atmosphere even warmer.
...
Miles had just finished helping Daniel move a few boxes into storage when Chase suddenly appeared.
"Big Bro!"
Without waiting for an answer...
He grabbed Miles by the wrist.
"Come with me."
Miles looked confused.
"...Where?"
"You’ll see."
A moment later...
Miles found himself sitting in the middle of the drawing room.
Completely surrounded.
Isabelle sat directly opposite him.
A notebook rested on her lap.
A pen was already uncapped.
Sophia sat beside her, looking unusually serious.
Cole leaned comfortably against the sofa, trying not to laugh.
Miles slowly looked around.
"...Should I be worried?"
Chase proudly folded his arms.
"We have questions."
"Please cooperate."
Miles looked at the circle surrounding him.
"...This feels like an interrogation."
"It is."
Everyone answered together.
Sophia looked down at a small list.
"First question."
"What is her favourite colour?"
Miles answered thinking
"Umm...Blue."
Isabelle looked up from her notebook.
"You don’t sound very confident."
Miles scratched his cheek.
"Well..."
"I’ve never actually asked her."
"But..."
"I’m pretty sure I’ve seen her wearing blue more than any other colour."
He thought for another second.
"Especially light blue."
"Dresses."
"Scarves."
"Hair accessories."
"So..."
"I’ll go with blue."
Isabelle wrote something down.
"Reasonable answer."
Sophia continued.
"Favourite flower?"
That one was easy.
"Daisies."
"She likes daisies."
Another note.
"Favourite music?"
Miles smiled.
"Asian pop."
"And..."
"Piano."
"Violin."
"Those are probably her favourites."
Sophia nodded.
"Good."
The questioning continued.
Favourite dessert.
Favourite season.
Favourite movie.
Favourite book.
Favourite vacation destination.
With every question...
Miles became less certain.
Half of his answers ended with...
"I think..."
"Maybe..."
"I’m not completely sure..."
Eventually...
Cole laughed.
"Brother..."
"It looks like your future wife is going to scold you."
Miles looked genuinely confused.
"For what?"
"For not knowing her favourite movie character?"
He shrugged.
"Is that really important?"
Isabelle immediately nodded.
"Oh..."
"Believe me."
"It is."
She pointed the pen at him.
"And another thing."
"Never."
"Ever."
"Forget important dates."
Miles blinked.
"What dates?"
She began counting on her fingers.
"Birthdays."
"Anniversaries."
"The day you first met."
"Your first date."
"Your engagement."
"Every important memory."
Miles slowly leaned back.
"...I’m in trouble."
Monica overheard the conversation and smiled.
"Boss."
"Don’t listen to these children."
Everyone protested at once.
"We’re not children!"
Monica ignored them completely.
"Chloe is very mature."
"You don’t have to remember every tiny detail."
She smiled knowingly.
"And honestly..."
"A few little quarrels are healthy."
"No relationship is perfect."
Chase dramatically sighed.
"Not fair, Big Sis."
"That’s old fashioned."
"It’s the new trend now."
Sophia immediately nudged him.
"Shh."
Monica slowly turned towards him.
"Oh?"
She folded her arms.
"So..."
"Are you calling your sister old?"
Chase immediately straightened up.
"N... no."
Monica smiled sweetly.
"Tell me then."
"Have you ever dated anyone?"
Silence.
Chase stood up.
"I think..."
"I should run."
Monica pointed towards the sofa.
"Sit."
"...Yes, Big Sis."
He quietly sat back down without another word.
Everyone burst into laughter.
Monica looked at him for a moment.
Then...
Her expression unexpectedly softened.
"You’ve grown up."
Chase smiled faintly.
"I missed you, Big Sis."
His voice became quieter.
"This place..."
He slowly looked around Pearl Villa.
"It feels peaceful."
He smiled.
"I miss living with family like this."
A brief silence followed.
Then he added almost absentmindedly,
"...I wish Grandpa was here too."
The cheerful atmosphere paused for just a second.
Miles quietly looked towards Monica.
Monica also looked at him.
Neither of them said anything.
Both understood exactly what Chase didn’t.
The relationship between Elena...
And her father...
Still hadn’t healed.
Before the silence became uncomfortable...
Cole lightly punched Chase’s shoulder.
"You traitor."
Chase rubbed his arm.
"What?"
Cole pretended to be offended.
"So we’re not your family?"
"You make it sound like living with us is miserable."
Sophia folded her arms dramatically.
"Exactly."
"We’re deeply hurt."
Chase immediately waved both hands.
"No."
"I didn’t mean that."
"You know what I meant."
The room gradually returned to laughter.
...
Just outside the drawing room...
Elena had been walking towards everyone carrying some snacks.
She slowed her steps.
The words...
"I wish Grandpa was here too."
Had clearly reached her ears.
She stopped.
For a brief moment...
Her fingers tightened around the tray.
"...Father..."
The single word escaped her lips so quietly that no one inside heard it.
...
Far away...
Inside the beautiful mountain region of Belovoir.
The peaceful Winslow Estate overlooked endless forests and distant peaks.
Grandmaster Lucian stood beside the large windows of his study.
Several reports rested on the desk behind him.
His usually calm face carried visible concern.
A soft voice spoke from behind him.
"Grandpa Lucian..."
A teenage girl stood quietly near the doorway.
Ivy.
She looked no older than fifteen or sixteen.
She nervously clasped both hands against her chest.
"Were you able to contact her?"
Lucian slowly turned around.
He immediately understood who she meant.
"Thea."
He smiled reassuringly.
"Don’t worry, Ivy."
"I’m sure she’ll be alright."
"Perhaps she’s occupied with something important."
"And simply can’t contact us yet."
He spoke with confidence.
"Your sister is strong."
"I’m certain she’s safe."
Ivy nodded.
But her fingers remained tightly clasped.
"Sister..."
She quietly whispered to herself.
"Please be alright."
Lucian gently changed the subject.
"Tell me."
"How was school today?"
Ivy blinked.
Her thoughts were obviously still elsewhere.
"It..."
"It was good, Grandpa Lucian."
Lucian smiled warmly.
"I saw your test results."
"They’re excellent."
He gently patted her shoulder.
"Keep working hard."
"You’ll definitely make your sister proud."
Ivy smiled faintly.
But...
She remained unusually quiet.
Lucian noticed immediately.
He looked at her for a moment.
Then smiled.
"You know..."
"I received a call yesterday."
Ivy finally looked up.
"From Olivia."
Her eyes instantly brightened.
"Really?"
"Big Sister Olivia?"
"I miss her so much."
Lucian chuckled.
"So does she."
He continued.
"She said that after this school year ends..."
"You can move to Star Harbor."
"You’ll attend high school there."
"And..."
"You’ll be living with her."
For the first time that morning...
A genuine smile appeared on Ivy’s face.
"I really want that."
"I miss her."
Lucian smiled back.
"So do I."
He watched Ivy happily imagine her future.
Yet...
Even as she smiled...
Every few moments...
Her eyes drifted towards the window.
Towards the distant horizon.
Her heart remained with someone thousands of miles away.
Lucian quietly noticed.
His own gaze slowly moved towards the mountains beyond the estate.
Where are you, Thea?