Chapter 4 - NEW BEGGINING

★–[Villa Borghese Gardens|Rome, italy| 10:09 Am| September 09, 2030 |15 years Later]--★

The leaves rustled softly.

A young man sat alone on a worn bench, staring into the sky.

Older now. Taller. Quieter.

But in his heart—still that same boy.

> Jacob (remembering):

"Son… if someday you can't finish your studies—just promise me one thing…"

"Don't return to this kind of life."

> Jacob (smiling faintly):

"Don't worry, Mom… I'll finish school.

And one day—I'll be someone. I'll make you proud."

His eyes shimmered with tears, but his lips held a soft smile.

Suddenly—

> Voice (calling out):

"Hey, Jacob! Don't just sit there! Come on—your mom made steak. Your favorite!"

> Jacob (turning, smiling warmly):

"Coming, Dad!"

He stood up, brushing the dust from his jeans.

> Another voice, from a distance:

"Jacob! Come and eat!"

He looked toward the picnic table where an older couple waited—

an Italian family who had taken him in.

They weren't perfect.

But they gave him something he hadn't felt in years.

A second chance at family.

Jacob sat on the chair to eat, facing his adoptive parents at the table.

The table i set . Warm food, soft lighting, and the smell of roasted tomatoes fills the air.

> Giuseppe (gentle): "Why don't you seem to have any appetite?"

> Isabella (softly): "I know that look... You're thinking of your mother again, aren't you?"

Giuseppe looks at Jacob and gives him a quiet, understanding smile.

> Jacob (nodding): "Yeah..."

> Isabella (reaching over with a spoon): "Don't worry, Jacob. You'll see her again someday. I promise. Now, come on—just a little bite."

She gently feeds him.

Jacob's eyes well up. He swallows the food and his tears.

> Jacob (whispering): "Yes, Mom..."

> Giuseppe (sincerely): "Jacob, even if we're not your real parents... we'll love you like your mother did. Maybe even more."

Isabella and Giuseppe glance at each other—an unspoken vow shared between them.

> Isabella (smiling warmly): "That's right, Jacob. You'll always have a family here."

Jacob looks at them—his eyes trembling with gratitude. Then he gets up, walks around the table, and wraps his arms around both of them.

They embrace—tight, warm, silent.

A moment that says everything without a single word.

---

Their picnic was memorable.

They laughed—loud, free, alive.

Even Jacob… for a moment, he laughed too.

But as the sky dimmed and the wind turned colder,

The brightness faded.

They packed up quietly, smiles softening into silence.

 they returned home…

---

⚡ FLASHBACK MONTAGE:

[BREAKING NEWS | October 07, 2029]

> "Several parents are filing complaints regarding the mysterious disappearance of their children after participating in the National Youth Writing Competition…"

[BREAKING NEWS | October 18, 2029]

> "Two parents of John Hyun Song, winner of 2028's 'Author of the Year,' were found dead at the base of Blue Forest Cliff…"

★–[ Basement | Unknown Time]–★

A man sat in a smoke-filled room. Alone. Silent.

Only the sound of a lighter clicking… and a thin trail of ash falling on printed manuscripts.

[FLASH BACK CUTS]

★–[ Campo de' feori| 7:01 PM| Belline, Family Mansion]--★

The room was quiet—lit only by the soft amber glow of a desk lamp.

Jacob sat on his chair, elbows resting on the table.

In front of him, open notebooks. Scribbled ideas. Torn-out pages. His mind raced, chasing stories yet to be born.

On the wall, a framed photograph caught the light.

A snapshot of him holding a trophy, standing in front of the colosseum.

The caption underneath: "Rome International Writing Competition – Champion."

> Jacob (smiling faintly): "I'm going to be famous someday, Mom."

He let the words linger in the air—like a promise spoken into the void.

He reached for his phone and tapped play.

A soft, instrumental melody filled the room. No lyrics. Just emotion.

He leaned back on the chair, closed his eyes, and breathed.

Peace.

Then darkness.

[ Fade to black. ]

★–[Morning | September 10,2030| 6: 59 AM]--★

—

The morning light poured through the half-open blinds, casting gentle rays across the room.

Jacob stood in front of the mirror, carefully adjusting his necktie.

He wore a crisp white long-sleeved uniform, embroidered with the Luce Veritas Academy crest.

Black slacks. Polished shoes. Confidence in his eyes.

> Jacob (to his reflection, softly): "Not bad."

(He smiled.)

Then he heared his dad calling him

Jacob! Come in the kitchen..

Then he started towards the kitchen with his

Back packs

> Jacob: "Mom, Dad—I'm heading out!"

>Isabella (rushing over): "Hmm! Wait! Your tie's a little crooked—come here."

She gently fixed it, fussing like any proud mom would.

> Isabella: "You haven't eaten. Come on, Jacob—you need energy!"

>Jacob (grinning): "Thanks, Mom. But I had cereal. Real early."

>Giuseppe (raising a brow): "Cereal? That's barely food!"

>Isabella (mock scolding): "Cereal again?! Honestly, Jacob—"

> Jacob (chuckling): "I appreciate both of you, really… but I'm not hungry."

> Giuseppe: "Alright, alright. Then let me drive you."

>Jacob: "No, Dad—it's okay. I know you're busy."

>Giuseppe (smirking): "Busy? Please. My first duty today is top priority—chauffeur duty!"

>Jacob (laughs): "Wow. Promotion, huh?"

> Isabella: "Wait for me! I'm coming too!"

>Giuseppe (teasing): "Move faster, amore! Jacob! might be late for fame!"

>Isabella (huffing): "I'm moving, I'm moving!"

All three of them rush out the door, laughter echoing.

The car doors shut. Engine hums to life.

A new day begins.

--

[FADE TO BLACK]