Burnt Memories and a New Hope
970 Words
Eleanor returned to the palace after a long day of work and quietly headed to her room. She changed her clothes to finally rest, then lay down on her bed and sank into a deep sleep filled with exhaustion and awaited comfort.
The next morning, in another part of the palace, the grandeur was evident in its details that hinted at ancient times. Yet, despite that, the palace retained its splendor and modern elegance. In one of the rooms, a handsome man was restless on his bed, preparing to wake up. He slowly got up, went to the bathroom to wash, and then headed down to the breakfast hall.
His steps were steady, and his eyes expressed a desire to start a new day. He found his family gathered at the table waiting for him. He liked the family atmosphere even though his family was not the one he had ever dreamed of.
Ethan sat at the table next to his father, who was leading the meeting, opposite his sister Sophia. His brother Leo’s seat was empty as usual. Ethan said in a calm voice,
“Good morning.”
Richard Lancaster, the father, replied,
“Good morning, son. Come and have breakfast with us.”
Ethan sat beside his father and glanced toward the empty seat, then asked,
“Where is Leo today?”
Richard replied wearily,
“He’s probably fooling around at one of the nightclubs as usual.”
Ethan said firmly,
“That boy needs to change. He can’t keep living like this.”
His father asked,
“And how do you think we can change him?”
Ethan answered helplessly,
“I don’t know, Dad. I don’t know.”
Sophia said quietly,
“Why not try having him work with you at the company?”
Sophia was an attractive girl, with natural calm features and no makeup, resembling Korean beauty and Chinese intelligence. She was in her first year at university, quiet and trouble-free, spoiled by the family as the only child.
Ethan liked his sister’s idea and said,
“That’s a great idea. What do you think, Dad?”
Richard calmly replied,
“It’s a good idea, but you have to convince that failure to commit.”
Elsewhere, Leo was in one of the nightclubs, drinking and getting drunk as usual, not caring about anything. Suddenly, he received a call from his father. He answered, knowing what would happen:
“What is it this time?”
Richard said angrily,
“Come home immediately.”
Leo responded sarcastically,
“Why? I don’t want to leave these girls.”
His father replied coldly,
“If you’re not here in minutes, I’ll erase the last memories.”
Leo panicked and shouted angrily,
“No! I swear if you do anything to her, I’ll destroy you.”
Richard hung up. Leo got up quickly, left everything, got in his car, and drove recklessly. Suddenly, he hit an old man. He didn’t care and continued driving.
People gathered around the elderly man who was in a pitiful state, took him to the hospital, and called the police.
When Leo returned home, he headed to his room, where he found his father sitting, holding a box of matches and a photo album belonging to Leo.
Leo entered the room quickly, grabbed the album with both hands, hugged it, and said angrily while looking at the matches,
“What were you going to do, you scoundrel?”
Richard said,
“I was going to burn what was left of your past memories so you could live in the present and forget. You have to forget. She’s the one who destroyed you.”
Leo angrily turned his back to leave the room,
“She’s not the one who destroyed my life. You did by killing her. I will never forgive you.”
Richard paused to listen to his son’s words, then left without looking back.
Leo held the album, opened it. The pictures were of a woman in her forties, Leo’s mother, Victoria. Leo cried bitterly over the ruins, then got up, went to the bathroom, took a shower, left his room, and then the palace.
At the same time, Ethan headed to the company, working on the merger deal between his company Lunex and the company Viora.
Ethan led the deal without his father’s knowledge. After finishing the contract terms, his secretary came to tell him he had a meeting in 15 minutes.
He responded firmly,
“Alright, prepare the necessary papers.”
Ethan stood in front of the large window of his office, looking out over the city. Skyscrapers loomed on the horizon, but his mind was far from the view, busy with thoughts—not only about the deal but also about his family.
He remembered his mother who had passed away years ago, leaving a void and heaviness in his heart. He was always the responsible son, carrying burdens others couldn’t bear. He loved his father but disagreed with the way he raised Leo or ignored Sophia’s feelings.
He sighed deeply and thought of his brother Leo, wishing he would return to how he was before drowning in anger and despair.
He told himself,
“Maybe there’s still hope... if only he gives himself a chance.”
His phone rang, interrupting his thoughts.
“Yes?”
“Sir, the investors have arrived and are waiting for you in the hall.”
He hung up, put on his calm smile, and headed to the meeting. He knew this deal could be a turning point—not just for their company but for his entire life.
He entered the meeting room confidently. All eyes turned to him, silently wondering,
“Who is this man who carries the world on his shoulders, yet walks as if he owns it?”
To be continued...
- Writer
