Chapter 13:
Victor Blackwood stared at Yuvan, momentarily frozen in place.
For a brief second, he felt as though time had turned back.
The young man standing before him bore an uncanny resemblance to his late son.
Flashback:
Victor Blackwood had two sons: Lucien Blackwood and Vincent Blackwood.
Vincent, the eldest, was the pride of the Blackwood family. He excelled in everything he pursued—academics, sports, music, and business. Wherever he went, he naturally became the center of attention.
As the firstborn son, Vincent was destined to inherit the vast Blackwood Empire.
However, fate had other plans.
During his college years, Vincent met Anaya Verma, a young woman from India. Their relationship began as a friendship but gradually blossomed into love.
When Vincent announced his intention to marry her, Victor strongly objected.
His opposition had nothing to do with Anaya's nationality. Rather, he believed that the future heir of the Blackwood family should marry someone from a family of equal social standing.
Victor had already envisioned a strategic marriage that would strengthen the family's influence and prestige.
But Vincent refused.
For the first time in his life, he openly defied his father.
Choosing love over wealth and status, Vincent severed ties with the Blackwood family and left with Anaya.
The couple eventually settled in India and built a life together.
Several years later, Victor received news that Vincent had become a father.
Before he could set aside his pride and reconnect with his son, tragedy struck.
Vincent and Anaya lost their lives, leaving behind their young child.
Present:
Victor slowly emerged from his memories and looked at Yuvan once more.
A warm smile appeared on his usually stern face.
"Hello, young man. I'm Victor Blackwood, the patriarch of the Blackwood family."
Yuvan politely returned the smile.
"Hello, Mr. Blackwood."
A genuine warmth filled Victor's heart.
Without thinking, he reached out and gently patted Yuvan's head.
The gesture surprised even him.
For some reason, being near Yuvan felt comforting.
Victor couldn't explain it.
Whether Yuvan was truly his grandson or not, he felt an inexplicable connection to the young man—as though they were bound together by something deeper than blood.
The conversation continued for several hours before Victor finally excused himself.
His health had not been at its best recently, and exhaustion was beginning to show on his face.
After Victor left, Sebastian and the others remained for a few more minutes before heading home as well.
Next Morning:
Golden sunlight filtered through the curtains as a pleasant breeze drifted into the room.
Yuvan stretched lazily before walking toward the window.
Pulling the curtains aside, he opened the windows and allowed the morning light to flood the room.
The atmosphere instantly became brighter.
Turning around, his gaze landed on the bed.
Sebastian was still asleep.
His dark hair was slightly messy, and without his shirt, his well-defined physique was fully exposed beneath the thin blanket that rested low on his abdomen.
Bathed in the soft morning sunlight, he looked exceptionally handsome.
Yuvan clicked his tongue.
How could someone sleep this deeply?
As the sunlight touched Sebastian's face, he let out a low groan and turned onto his side.
Yuvan walked over to the bed and stood beside him.
Seeing no sign of movement, he huffed in annoyance.
Then he shook Sebastian's shoulder.
"Sebastian, wake up. You have an important meeting today."
There was no response.
"Sebastian."
Still nothing.
Yuvan grabbed his arm and tried to pull him up.
The moment he exerted force, Sebastian suddenly moved.
Before Yuvan could react, a strong arm wrapped around his waist.
His eyes widened.
The next second, he was pulled onto the bed.
Yuvan landed beside Sebastian with a surprised yelp.
Sebastian immediately tightened his arms around him and buried his face against Yuvan's shoulder.
"Five more minutes, wifey..."
His deep, sleepy voice was rough from just waking up.
Yuvan's face instantly turned red.
"Sebastian! Let me go!"
He squirmed in Sebastian's embrace, trying to free himself.
Unfortunately, Sebastian seemed determined to use him as a human pillow.
Instead of loosening his grip, he pulled Yuvan even closer.
"Sebastian!"
Yuvan puffed out his cheeks in frustration.
"Get up right now!"
Receiving no response, he finally lost his patience.
Raising his fists, he began hitting Sebastian's chest repeatedly.
"Wifey, wifey! Stop! Don't hit me!"
Sebastian immediately raised both hands in surrender while trying to block the incoming attacks.
The room was soon filled with laughter and playful complaints.
After landing several solid punches, Yuvan finally calmed down.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Sebastian quickly escaped from the bed and rushed toward the bathroom.
The moment the door slammed shut, Yuvan glared at it.
"Serves you right."
A satisfied smile slowly appeared on his face.
*:..｡o To be continue o｡..:*