Secrets Unveiled

1457 Words
“Wait,” Nathan’s voice rang out, firm and unyielding. His eyes burned with questions that had been locked away for years. “Explain everything to me first. What really happened? Dylan said you were attacked by criminals, that you ran toward Aunt Dasy’s house and left me with her. But you didn’t leave my brother because he was sick? How did you escape those men? And why didn’t you ever come back for me? Why send Dylan only to visit, instead of taking me home?” The room fell silent. His words hung heavy in the air, slicing through the grandeur of the William estate like a blade. Lord David William, the patriarch, lowered his head. His shoulders trembled as he fought back tears. “Yes, Nathan. Everything Dylan told you is true. Years ago, when those men chased us, we believed leaving you with Uncle Stuart and Aunt Dasy was the only way to keep you safe. We thought we could run faster, draw the danger away. But Mac… your brother… he was ill. We couldn’t bear the thought of burdening Stuart and Dasy with his fragile health.” Beside him, Lady Hilda William nodded, her eyes glistening. “It was the hardest choice we ever made.” David’s voice cracked as he continued. “We survived because Stuart bought us time. He stood against those men, delaying them long enough for us to flee and call for help. When reinforcements arrived, we wanted to return for you. But then… we thought of Stuart. He was a man of integrity, humble and responsible. We believed he could raise you to be modest, grounded, not spoiled by wealth.” Hilda added softly, “We feared that if you grew up in luxury, you might become arrogant. Stuart and Dasy could teach you simplicity, humility.” David’s tears finally spilled. “And then your grandfather fell gravely ill. He was heartbroken—one grandson sick, the other missing. We sent Dylan to visit you, but after you finished primary school, I told him to stop. You were growing older, and I feared you’d start asking questions. We wanted you to grow strong, wise, resilient. To endure insults without anger. To learn patience.” His voice broke completely. “Forgive us, Nathan. Forgive us.” Aunt Dasy reached out, her hand resting gently on Nathan’s back. “You hear them, don’t you, Nathan? Your parents never stopped thinking of you. And I… I never minded raising you. You became my child. I loved you as my own. Caring for you was never a burden—it was my joy.” Nathan’s face was wet with tears. He bent down, pressing his lips to Aunt Dasy’s hand. “Aunt… why didn’t you ever tell me? Why didn’t you say I still had parents?” Her eyes softened. “Because I promised them. I swore to keep you safe. If those criminals were still searching, secrecy was the only shield. But now… look at you. You’ve grown strong. You can protect yourself. You’re no longer that helpless child.” Nathan lifted his head, his voice trembling but resolute. “Thank you, Bibi.” Then, turning to his parents, he spoke the words they had longed to hear. “Father. Mother.” Their faces lit up with joy. “At last,” David whispered. “You called us by those names.” Nathan’s tone hardened again. “You said you hid my identity for safety. Fine. Then keep it hidden. I will continue living with Aunt Dasy. Do not announce me to the media. Let the world remain ignorant.” David nodded solemnly. “If that is your wish, we will honor it. But take this card—it will cover your needs.” Nathan accepted the sleek black card. “Alright, Father. But promise me something else. Buy Aunt Dasy a proper house. Her old one is crumbling.” Aunt Dasy shook her head quickly. “No, Nathan. That house holds memories of Stuart. I don’t want to leave it.” Nathan’s gaze was firm. “Trust me, Aunt. This is for your health. And Father—don’t make it a mansion. Nothing flashy. We don’t want suspicion.” David smiled faintly. “Agreed. But Nathan, I also heard you’re working at a small company?” Nathan nodded. “Then I will appoint you as the new Director of Willems Group.” The words struck like thunder. Gasps filled the room. Willems Group was worth hundreds of millions, even if it wasn’t the family’s crown jewel. “What?!” Nathan exclaimed. “Father, I don’t know how to run a company. I’m not ready.” Aunt Dasy chimed in, worried. “He’s too young, sir.” David raised a hand. “I trust you. Stuart and Dasy raised you well. And you won’t be alone. I’ve prepared a secretary and deputy director—Selena Stone.” The name carried weight. Selena Stone was renowned for her brilliance. She had graduated university at nineteen, c*m laude, and quickly rose to prominence. Her beauty was matched only by her intellect—sharp features, captivating eyes, and a presence that commanded respect. “Selena Stone? The famous one?” Nathan asked, incredulous. “Yes,” David confirmed. “She will guide you. I am old now, Nathan. It’s time I enjoy my years with your mother. You must step forward.” Nathan hesitated, then nodded. “Alright. I’ll try. For you. For Mother. So you can rest.” David’s smile was radiant. “I never imagined my son would be so kind. Thank you, Dasy, for shaping him.” Aunt Dasy bowed her head humbly. “Tomorrow,” David said, “go to Willems Group. Selena is expecting you.” “Alright, Father.” News traveled fast. By evening, whispers spread across Reymore Vile. A new director was coming to Willems Group. Was it the mysterious heir of the William family? No one knew his face. Curiosity burned through the city. After leaving the William estate, Nathan and Aunt Dasy returned to Stuart’s old house. They packed slowly, carefully. Every item carried memories—photographs of Nathan as a child, trinkets from Stuart’s life. Aunt Dasy paused often, her eyes misty. Nathan placed a hand on her shoulder. “Bibi, we can visit Uncle’s grave anytime. Don’t be too sad. You still have me.” He forced a laugh, awkward but sincere. The next morning, Dylan waited outside. “Dylan? Why are you here?” Nathan asked. “I was ordered to escort you to your new home.” Nathan shook his head. “No need. I’ll take my scooter with Bibi. I know the place—Lotus House Paradise. And I must keep my identity secret. If you escort me, people will suspect.” Dylan bowed. “As you wish. But call me if you need anything. My number is in your new home.” Nathan smiled faintly. “Thank you, Dylan.” They rode off together, Nathan and Aunt Dasy, the old scooter rattling beneath them. Lotus House Paradise was a quiet neighborhood on the city’s edge. Wealthy, but not ostentatious. Houses lined the streets neatly, cars parked in driveways. When they arrived, Aunt Dasy gasped. “Nathan, this house is beautiful! It’s so spacious. Too big for just us. You should find a wife, hehe.” Nathan blushed. “Bibi, stop. It’s only 240 square meters. It’s fine for us.” “Just admit you’re shy,” she teased. “I want grandchildren!” Nathan laughed nervously. “Let’s explore the house first.” They spent the day wandering through rooms, marveling at the polished floors, the wide windows. Nathan found Dylan’s card on the table and pocketed it. That evening, a knock echoed at the door. Nathan opened it to find several neighbors smiling warmly. “Hello! We heard you just moved in. May we introduce ourselves?” one asked. “Yes,” Nathan said politely. “This is my aunt, Dasy. We moved in this morning.” The women giggled. “Such a handsome young man! If my daughter weren’t married, I’d match her with you.” Nathan chuckled awkwardly. “I’m Nathan William. Pleased to meet you.” None of them realized he was the hidden heir of the William family. “You’re welcome here,” they said kindly. “If you need help, just ask.” Nathan smiled. “Thank you. You’re very kind.” Then, suddenly, a voice cut through the cheerful air. “Hey! Why are you all crowding around that poor man’s house? He’s nothing but trash!” The words struck like venom. The neighbors froze, turning toward the source of the insult.
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