CHAPTER THREE
1134 Words
THE PROMISE THAT CAN'T BE BROKEN.
Richard Sterling sat quietly on the plush couch in his study, his gaze fixed on an old framed photograph resting in his hands.
The picture captured four smiling adults standing side by side. Beside them were two children, a young Adrian and a cheerful little Clara.
It had been taken years ago, when life was simpler and everyone believed the future would unfold exactly as they had planned.
A heavy sigh escaped his lips.
"I miss you, my friend," Richard murmured, gently tracing the edge of the photograph with his thumb.
His heart was torn between two promises.
One was the promise he had made to his late best friend, to unite their families through the marriage of their children.
The other was the unspoken promise every father makes to his child to support his dreams.
Adrian had dreamed of becoming a soldier since he was a little boy. Nothing had ever changed that dream.
Richard closed his eyes.
"His dream shouldn't be his priority right now," he whispered to himself. "He's the only son of the Sterling family. One day he'll inherit everything I have."
The sound of gentle footsteps pulled him from his thoughts.
His wife, Eleanor, walked into the room carrying two cups of tea. She placed one on the table before sitting beside him.
"You're thinking about Adrian again, aren't you?" she asked softly.
Richard nodded.
"I'm confused, Eleanor."
"I know."
She rested her hand over his.
"Our son's dream means everything to him. But I also know you can't bring yourself to break the promise you made to your best friend."
Richard looked down at the photograph once more.
"I gave him my word."
"And I believe he would have done the same for us," Eleanor replied.
Silence settled between them for a few moments.
Finally, Richard stood up.
"I've made my decision."
Eleanor looked at him.
"I'm going to the Hart family today."
She slowly rose to her feet and smiled.
"Then let's go together."
“Eleanor, before we leave, call Adrian and tell him to come straight to the Hart's mansion, immediately after his workout”. Mr Sterling said.
" I'll do that right away honey,” Eleanor responded.
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Meanwhile...
At the Hart residence, Clara sat peacefully on the balcony with a novel resting on her lap.
The cool morning breeze gently played with her long hair as she turned another page.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
She frowned slightly.
"Who could that be this early in the morning?"
Closing her book, she hurried downstairs.
As she opened the front door, surprise filled her beautiful face.
"Uncle Richard... Aunt Eleanor..."
A warm smile spread across Eleanor's face.
"Good morning, my dear."
"Good morning, ma. Good morning, sir."
"How are you today?" Eleanor asked.
"I'm doing well, ma."
"That's good to hear."
"Please come in," Clara said politely. "I'll call my mother."
Richard nodded.
"Thank you, dear."
Clara led them into the living room before excusing herself.
She hurried upstairs and stopped outside her mother's bedroom.
Knock.
Knock.
"Mom?"
"Yes, Clara. Come in."
Mrs. Hart looked up from arranging clothes inside her wardrobe.
"What is it, dear?"
"Uncle Richard and Aunt Eleanor are here."
Mrs. Hart blinked in surprise.
"They're here?"
"Yes, Mom."
"I wasn't expecting visitors today."
She quickly adjusted her dress before smiling.
"Tell them I'll be downstairs in a moment."
"Okay, Mom."
A few minutes later, Mrs. Hart entered the living room with a welcoming smile.
"Richard... Eleanor... What a pleasant surprise."
Richard stood up respectfully.
"It's been a long time, Sophia."
"It certainly has."
After exchanging greetings, everyone took their seats.
Clara served tea before quietly sitting beside her mother.
For a few seconds, silence filled the room.
Richard exchanged a glance with Eleanor before clearing his throat.
"We didn't come for a casual visit."
Mrs. Hart's smile faded slightly.
"I thought as much."
Richard carefully placed the old photograph on the center table.
The moment Mrs. Hart saw it, her expression softened.
"I remember this day."
"So do I," Richard replied quietly.
"It was the day we made a promise."
Clara looked from one adult to another in confusion.
"What promise?"
Eleanor smiled gently before turning toward Clara.
"My dear, ever since you and Adrian were children, our families hoped that one day you would become husband and wife."
Clara froze.
For a second, she thought she had imagined those words.
Her heart began pounding against her chest.
She had loved Adrian for years.
She had admired him from afar, celebrated every achievement in silence, and hidden her feelings because she knew he only cared about becoming a soldier.
She never imagined this conversation would happen.
Seeing Clara's silence, Eleanor misunderstood.
She moved closer and held Clara's hands lovingly.
"My dear, I know this is unexpected."
"But I want you to know something."
"You've always been like a daughter to me."
"You are kind, respectful, intelligent, and caring."
"If anyone deserves to stand beside Adrian, it's you."
Clara lowered her eyes as a faint blush colored her cheeks.
"If you agree to marry my son," Eleanor continued warmly, "I promise you'll never regret it."
Those words made Clara's heart ache.
If only Aunt Eleanor knew...
She didn't need convincing.
She had already given her heart to Adrian years ago.
The only problem was...
Adrian had never given his heart to her.
He wanted the army.
Not marriage.
Mrs. Hart noticed the conflict in her daughter's eyes.
"My dear," she asked gently, "what are you thinking?"
Clara forced a small smile.
"I..."
She paused.
"If this marriage will honor the promise our families made..."
"...then I have no objection."
Eleanor's eyes sparkled with happiness.
She immediately embraced Clara.
"Oh, thank you, my dear."
"You've made us so happy."
Richard smiled with relief.
For the first time in days, the burden on his heart felt lighter.
Mrs. Hart reached for her daughter's hand.
"I know this isn't an easy decision."
Clara smiled softly.
"I'll do my best."
Deep inside, however, she whispered a silent prayer.
Please... let Adrian accept me.
Even if he never loves me the way I love him.
Just then,
The front door opened with a loud bang.
Footsteps echoed through the hallway.
Everyone turned toward the entrance.
Adrian walked into the living room wearing his jogging clothes, his face still glistening with sweat.
He stopped the moment he saw everyone gathered together.
His eyes landed on the old photograph lying on the table.
A terrible feeling settled in hi
s chest, he knew something was wrong.
His jaw tightened.
"What exactly is going on here?"
No one answered.
Richard slowly stood to his feet.
"Adrian..."
"We were just discussing your marriage."
Adrian's face turned cold.
"My... what?"
The room fell into complete silence.
- Writer
