Chapter 1064

Soon, Adrian arrived at the family home in Cloudanville. Before he entered the house, he spotted the old acacia tree in the courtyard, its blooming, snowy white flowers stirring his childhood memory. He remembered that it was him and Henry who planted the tree together. He estimated that it was twenty years old by now. “What brings you here, Adrian?” As soon as he walked into the courtyard, Cecilia, who was hanging up the laundry, noticed him and hurriedly walked over. Adrian replied, “I’m here to visit Grandfather.” “He’s inside. Come in!” said Cecilia hastily. Adrian nodded and walked into the house. Harold was sitting in the house watching television. He looked like he had aged significantly compared to when Adrian had first come back. Adrian walked up to Harold as Cecilia said, “Father, Adrian’s here.” Harold abruptly turned his head and he shook when he saw Adrian. He jumped up from the sofa. “You’re here, Adrian,” he said. Adrian nodded. Not having much to say to Harold, he placed the gift he brought on the table. “I just came back from Serpent’s Haven and decided to drop by for a visit. How are you? Are you getting used to living here?” Harold used to drive luxury cars and live in a mansion. Now, he was living in his secluded family home. It was indeed a little getting used to but he felt that living out his retirement here was a pretty good option. He said, “Yes, Adrian. I’m fine. Take a seat. I saw you on the television.” Adrian pulled out an ATM card that he passed to Cecilia and said to her, “Consider the money in the card my token of appreciation. Take good care of him because I probably won’t be visiting often.” Cecilia smiled awkwardly and said, “You’re War Legate Draco and have important matters to attend to. Don’t worry. There’s me and Faye. You don’t have to worry about your grandfather. We’ll take good care of him.” “Great then. I’ll be going now,” said Adrian. “I’ll send you off.” Cecilia hastily followed. Harold did not go outside. He was too ashamed to be in his grandson’s presence. Adrian should have stayed for some time as it was rare for him to visit the family home, but the place felt nothing but unfamiliar to him now. He had planted the acacia tree with Henry when he was a child, and the tree had grown so tall in twenty years while Henry was gone. Adrian had lost his connection to the place. *** After leaving Harold’s home, Adrian returned to Swallowston. He headed for Mount Mann Cemetery to visit Henry’s grave. After having been through the battle at Serpent’s Haven, Adrian now had a better understanding of being alive. To most people, the reason to be alive was to be with their loved ones and enjoy the wonderful world. However, the world was cruel to many. Even after exhausting every means, Adrian still failed to change the world completely. He had done everything he could. Adrian stood before Henry’s grave and bowed a few times. Then, he stood there for a while before leaving with Gloria. He was about to get into the car upon exiting the cemetery when Gloria suddenly convulsed and almost collapsed to the ground.