The hatred never fades

Listening to Lisa's words, Adam decides to keep the truth hidden from Eron and Aryan for months. They don't want the children to feel mental pressure at such time. And once everything settled, Adam knew the time had come.

One quiet evening, he called Eron into his study.

Knock knock.

"Uncle…" Eron's voice was cautious. "May I come in?"

Adam smiled faintly. "Come in, no need to be so formal."

Eron stepped inside, unsure. Adam gestured toward the couch, taking a seat beside him.

"Want some snacks?" Adam offered, stalling—clearly uncertain how to begin.

"No thanks," Eron replied, cutting to the chase. "Why did you call me?"

Eron... I had good news and bad news for you." Not knowing if there any good news actually Adam continued. "Which one you like to hear first?"

"Bad one." Without much thoughts, Eron replied.

"Your father got into a major accident few months ago and got paralyzed from lower body." Adam nervously speaks not knowing how he might take it.

"OK, so what the good news?" Because of having no such emotional bonding with his father, Eron take it normally.

"Your father contacted me few months ago. And he wished to take you to Germany as his heir." Adam saw Eron's expression shifted, it clearly shows he doesn't want to.

"No one is forcing you," came a quiet voice from the doorway.

Startled, Eron turned. Lisa stood there, arms crossed, but her voice held none of its usual coldness.

"If you don't want to go," she continued, "You don't have to. You can stay."

"Yeah," Adam added gently. "We'll support whatever decision you make. Don't feel pressured."

Eron looked between them, uncertain. "Can I really stay here… if I choose to?"

"Yes," Lisa said simply, before Adam could even open his mouth.

Without thinking, Eron hugged Adam and then Lisa. She stiffened in surprise—but before she could react, Eron pulled back.

"Sorry," he mumbled, flustered. "I… I got a bit excited."

Adam gave him a reassuring nod. "Think about it and let us know."

As Eron stepped out, Adam turned to his wife with a teasing smile. "Lisa… everything okay?"

"What?"

"I mean… for a moment, it's doesn't feel like you. Do you finally begin to see Eron as our family?" Adam curiously asks.

"Shut up," she muttered, but the edge was gone from her voice.

"Lisa, how long are you going to ignore your own feelings? You begin to accept him…"

Lisa looked away, voice heavy. "Adam… My personal feelings have nothing to do with this. I'm doing what any responsible adult should do. That's all this is. Don't read into it." Adam's smile faded as she continued. "The hatred I carry… it'll never fade.

Because he's the son of that woman—the one who ruined my life… the one who killed my child." Her voice cracked. "If I try to forget, it reappears to my mind every time I see Aryan.

He lost his parents… because of her."

"Lisa…" Adam reached for her, pulling her into a hug. She didn't resist.

Her voice cracked, softer now. "It takes a big heart to forgive, Adam. And I'm just… not that big-hearted. Not when it comes to her."

In his arms, she let the tears fall.

Few moments passed before her voice returned, quieter now. "Adam, is it really possible for Eron to be here? Eron's still underage and we never legally adopted him."

Adam sighed. "Don't worry too much. There is always a way to solve problems. If he wants to stay, we can talk to his father or we can figure out any other solution."`

...

The next day, boredom out of nothing to do, drove Aryan, Eron, and Marco out for a walk. The sun was mild, the streets quiet—until Marco's eyes lit up.

"Guys, look! What a cute puppy!" he exclaimed, crouching down to feed a fluffy stray dog some snacks from his pocket. Marco had a soft spot for puppies.

Eron smiled, stepping closer. "Aww, it is cute." He reached out to pet it. "It's fur's so soft!"

Seeing Aryan keeping a distance from the cute pup, Marco picks the puppy and move forward to Aryan. He knows, Aryan doesn't like to touch animals, that much. "Isn't it cute! It's so fluffy, touch it."

Aryan's eyes widened in panic. He immediately stepped back and almost climbed onto a nearby bench. "I don't want to… please keep it away from me."

"What? How can you be so stone hearted?" Marco teased, holding the puppy out like a peace offering. "Don't you feel anything when you look at this precious baby?"

"It looks cute but...I like all living creatures from a safe distance of ten steps," Aryan declared, using Eron as a human shield. "Please, take it away!"

"Come one, Aryan. You'll be fine, just one pet. I swear, your perspective will change forever." Marco clearly enjoys the situation.

"I don't want to… Why forcing me? Eron help…" Hiding behind Eron, Aryan speaks.

"Brother Marco, stop…" Eron stepped in, holding out a hand to block him.

"Stop? No way. I'm going to cure his problem today." Marco grinned.

Understanding Marco won't step down, Eron turned to Aryan. "Brother, give me your hand."

"What? No!" Aryan backed up.

"You trust me, right?" Eron insisted, gently grabbing Aryan's hand. "One stroke. That's all. Just think of it as a teddy bear."

With Marco holding the puppy and Eron guiding his hand, Aryan finally touched the soft fur. He flinched at first… but then paused. The dog licked his finger, wagging its tail. Aryan blinked.

"Oh," he said softly.

"See? It's not bad, right?" Eron smiled.

"You want to try holding it?" Marco asked, already preparing for the handoff.

Aryan gave them both a warm, sweet smile—then turned and bolted down the path without another word.

"Brother... " Marco and Erom burst out laughing and followed him.