“The only decent thing about the boy’s childhood was the close relationship he had with his older brother. His older brother always took care of him and because he was 5 years older, he was very dependable. The fact that his brother was there also lessened the burden for him since his brother was their father’s heir who would one day take over and lead the family business,” Edward continued his story.
He must be referring to his relationship with Lucien. Lucien as the oldest male child was naturally made heir to his father’s fortune. It is no surprise that Lucien grew up into a very responsible man who dedicated his life to the family business.
“For the boy, his life changed drastically when after taking some tests he was revealed and confirmed to be what they called a ‘genius’. His father was thrilled to have a genius son and started making wild plans on how to use the boy. Even going as far as naming the boy as his official heir instead of his eldest son, ultimately, putting all the pressure of the succession on the boy. Soon after, the boy was isolated from the world to receive the best education. Things that brought him joy such as sports, friends and school were taken from him,” Edward paused a little. I notice that his eyes were off far away in another time and space.
I instinctively hugged him a little tighter as if to give him whatever comfort that I could. People always said that Edward was a genius, I didn’t know that they meant that literally.
“When the boy became a teenager, he negotiated and did his best to defend his normal life. He learnt advanced science and completed many research that would help the family’s business, in exchange for the ability to continue going to a normal high school. One day, the boy’s father and the Elders decided to lock the boy away in one of the family’s special research facilities even if they had to do it by force. With no other choices left, the boy decided to run away. It hurt him to leave behind his older brother and mother whom he loved but…” Edward continued telling me the story in a passive voice.
“What happened to the boy in the end?” I asked softly as I glanced up at Edward’s face.
“When his father and his men arrived in this room to get him, the boy had already disappeared into thin air. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn’t find the boy. For years the boy was never found. His father was unable to face the truth that the boy may never return and has since ordered for the boy’s room to be preserved exactly how it was left,” Edward answered.
So that was why this room was still in this state. Even after their father passed away, Lucien must have continued with his father’s wish of keeping this room exactly how Edward left it when he escaped this house. I see, so this was why Edward isn’t living on the family estate. However, somewhere along the line, Edward did return to re-establish his relationship with the family. I wonder what happened and why he sort of came back?
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