THE PROMISE
IN THE LANCHSETER PALACE
Two men were sitting in the living room and talking with some seriousness and grievances. "Why are you so pale, Shane?" asked Adrian Lanchester, the current head of the Lanchester family. With a dull and pale looking face Shane Cassiano answered " It's time to follow my Lia" Being worried about his best friend and brother Adrian consoled him saying " Don't say like that, Brother, Everything will be fine." Amongst all this, Avery Lanchester the mistress of the Lanchester family and wife of Adrian Lanchester came with Baby Evelyn who is not more than a few months old. She greeted them and the environment changed to a lighter tone. Seeing his daughter playing freely in Avery's arms Shane stated his worry " I don't know how my little angel will survive without me and Lia." Hearing him Adrian patted his shoulder giving him strength. With a voice full of encouragement Avery said " Brother, please be strong for your children." Shane sighed knowing his time is near. After glancing his daughter's face and looking at the letter in his hand " Please summon Aldrich and Brandon." Adrian gave a slight nod to the servant, indicating to carry on the request.
After a few minutes, both Aldrich and Brandon were present in the living room. Sensing her brother, Baby Evelyn giggled for his attention. Seeing the antics of Evelyn brought a smile on everyone's face. Avery passed Evelyn to Brandon, who in return was met with babbling and babyish talks of his sister. Brandon, carefully secured his baby sister in his arms and seeing her sparkling eyes and toothless smile, kissed her forehead. Aldrich, the son of Adrian and Avery was looking at Evelyn with a gaze of protectiveness. Shane looking at his children spoke with urgency and determination " Son, come here." Brandon frowned hearing his father's tone but compelled.
Before he could reach, Shane yelped in pain and stumbled down. Seeing his father down in pain, Brandon passed Evelyn to Aldrich and ran towards his father to hold him. " D..Dad!" shouted Brandon holding his father's hand. Avery and Adrian had already called for the emergency service and stood beside Shane and Brandon. Shane holding his pain looked at his son and caressed his face " S..Son, I..l love both you a..and princess. G..Give this l..Letter to p..princess when s..she turns eighteen." Shane handed the letter to Brandon and glanced at his daughter. Aldrich understanding his gaze came forward and held Shane's hand. Looking at his children, especially Evelyn, Shane said to Aldrich " P..Promise me, you'll take care of her." Aldrich looing at Evelyn in his arms with a assuring tone said " I promise, uncle. She will be the only one to rule this devil's frozen heart. She will be my bride. This is the word of Maximilian Aldrich Lanchester."
Hearing the assurance and determination in his voice, Shane breathed his last. The whole room fell in sadness. Brandon shouted for his father with tears in his eyes. Avery hugged Adrian and cried for the loss of her brother. Evelyn sensing her father's death cried hardly asking for him. Aldrich consoled the both Cassiano siblings who just lost both their parents. After calming Evelyn down and giving her to the servant, Aldrich went towards his best friend who has became emotionless. He held his hand and said " Bring it out, Bran." Hearing Aldrich, Brandon broke down releasing his pain. Aldrich stood by his side till he was calm and stable.
The funeral of Shane Cassiano was held with only them around and was later announced to the public. The public expressed their grievance of losing an amazing pillar of their country. The mourning lasted for three days with messages of condolences from near and dear. After the mourning period was finished and everyone were trying to return to their normal lives, a servant came running while panicking and shivering. Aldrich asked coldly " What happen?" The servant with her head down broke the news of missing Baby Evelyn. The whole palace went silent and cold. Aldrich's eyes turned red hearing the news and roared making everyone flinch and kneel. " Seal the palace and find her, Now!"