A Second Chance at Forever

Chapter 1452

Xavier kept his lips sealed about Evan’s origins till his dying breath, not out of spite, but to protect him. That secrecy, though it robbed Evan of his true identity, replacing his lineage. with a lie, was something for which Evan couldn’t help but feel a touch of gratitude.

Despite the deception, Xavier had never harmed him; on the contrary, he had shown him nothing but kindness. Xavier had even taken on the tender task of bottle-feeding Evan when he was a baby.

The news of Xavier’s passing reached Evan as he was dining al fresco at a seaside restaurant, his smartphone in hand. He pressed for any last words Xavier might have had for Yates, but according to the members of the now-defunct Siren Organization, there were none.

As the reality sunk in, Evan’s eyes welled up with unbidden tears. He inquired if his father had savored a final meal before passing. The members relayed that he had been relentlessly pursued by Yates, embroiled in an endless battle, leaving him with no chance to enjoy the simple pleasure of a last supper.

They also conveyed Xavier’s final request for Evan to take care of Gianna. She’d loved him since childhood, and Xavier’s last wish was for Evan not to let her down. Gianna, seated across from him, broke down at these words, regretting not standing by her adoptive father’s side in his final battle. Perhaps if they had been there, he might not have met his end.

But such deep-seated hatred, how could it be undone? It seemed only death could halt the cycle of vengeance. Who else but Evan could settle the debts left by the Penrod family?

Was it fair to burden Evan, an innocent, with such a legacy? Xavier had chosen to shoulder it alone rather than drag Evan through hell. And so, a feud that had spanned three generations ended with him.

Bernard, upon receiving the news over the phone, was left stunned. The winter sun streamed through his panoramic window, failing to warm him. He remembered being seven, when Mr. Penrod had offered to give him a piggyback ride, to give him a taste of fatherly love.

Bernard, with his young, indifferent face, had silently considered the offer. Just as Xavier thought he’d refuse, Bernard reached out a frail hand, marred with scars, and grasped his shirt. “May I?”

Touched by the boy’s abused hand, Xavier had gently patted Bernard’s head, saying, “Of course.”

That was the first time Bernard felt lifted above the world, the first time he entrusted his gratitude to someone else, vowing to dedicate his life to fulfilling Xavier’s goals.

Bernard had indeed seen Xavier as a father figure, but as he matured and truths, he began to question the sincerity of Xavier’s affection. uncovered harsh

Evan’s voice on the other end of the line provided Bernard with an answer. Xavier had genuinely cared, even if he had also used Bernard-a fact for which he was truly sorry. He hoped for Bernard’s forgiveness in the days to come.

A man seldom moved to emotion, Bernard felt tears well up as he held his composure, asking where Xavier was laid to rest.

Evan replied, “In the G country.”

That was Xavier’s homeland. Evan and Gianna naturally wished for their father to rest in his native soil.

Bernard took time to visit the W City and stood before Xavier’s grave in silence. As he touched the headstone as gently as Xavier had once touched his head, he whispered, “Mr. Penrod, if there’s another life, I’d be honored to be your son.”

It was complex gratitude, the kind Xavier offered when even his own father hadn’t.

A breeze swept past Bernard as he spoke, comforting him like a gentle reconciliation.

Before departing, Bernard poured some whiskey over the grave, Xavier’s favorite, a final farewell.

With Xavier’s death, Sirenation was disbanded. The world would no longer know of their organization, only of members returning to ordinary lives. They remained ready to help each other in times of need, but never again under the banner of Siren Organization, the so-called crusaders against malice.

Evan and Gianna wed in the G country, near Xavier’s resting place, starting a family. They visited his grave often, sharing tales of their childhood, keeping his memory alive.

As for Yates, after settling the score with Xavier and waiting for Peterson to recover, he intended to seek out Pauline. Yet, the Sharp family intervened, unwilling to let a man who had been kind to his son and grandson meet his end so soon.

The Sharps insisted Yates spend his remaining days with family or make amends to Eleanor, having caused his granddaughter harm. Yates chose to live, to atone, and in his later years, he did indeed find redemption.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.