Chapter 0387
+25 BONUS
Peter, understanding his son Alden’s intentions regarding Alexia, felt it was wise to stay close. Knowing how impulsive his son could be, he had no choice but to return to Valentia. He entrusted the arrangements to Darius Richards, who secured a central house in Westhaven and enrolled little Ethan at Clearmount International School Eterna. The school was similar to the one he had attended in Slovenia, albeit with much more space.
Ethan’s parents had been very young when he was born–Grace had just turned 17, and Alden was almost 19. Both had paused their education, but after Ethan’s birth, they returned to school. During that break, Grace enjoyed a peaceful pregnancy while Alden immersed himself in the business world under Peter’s guidance. Peter took great care to teach him everything about his current ventures, which, while different from his past dealings, had yielded significant success in oil acquisitions, leaving him financially secure.
Ethan grew up with young, inexperienced parents. Neither Grace nor Alden knew much about raising a baby, and while Peter lacked hands–on experience, he had the awareness and discipline to step in. He diligently cared for his grandson–bathing him, changing his diapers, and feeding him. Peter kept everything meticulously organized for the boy’s well–being.
In return, Ethan gave him moments of peace and joy. That little boy became the centerpiece of their newly formed family of three, where love and harmony thrived. Peter turned out to be a remarkable father figure–not just for Ethan but also for his inexperienced parents.
Peter found relief when Alden and Grace finally graduated from university. Reflecting on his transformation, he thought the old Peter would laugh at the new one. Now, as a father and father–in–law, he was incredibly demanding but for good reason. With a child to raise, Alden and Grace needed to take responsibility for their lives.
Although Peter’s wealth was substantial, he made it clear that it wasn’t theirs, motivating them to forge their own paths. Grace graduated with a degree in Economics, while Alden earned a degree in Finance. Peter groomed them to eventually take over his business empire.
As they matured, however, the couple began to grow apart. They realized how young they were and how much they wanted to explore the world beyond their relationship. Peter, noticing the escalating arguments, Alden’s frequent travels, and Grace’s temper, decided to step in. One day, he sat them down and told them that if the love between them was gone, it was better to part ways. It was a difficult decision, but both agreed.
Peter imposed only one condition: Ethan would remain under his care. He didn’t have legal authority over the boy, but he insisted Ethan shouldn’t become a pawn between them.
Thus Peter became Ethan’s official guardian. The timing couldn’t have been better, as Grace had just secured a job in. Spain and needed to move immediately. Alden, meanwhile, had taken over Peter’s businesses, giving Peter the freedom to enjoy life and focus on his grandson.
Alden was like a sponge, absorbing every lesson Peter and Theodore taught him and putting it into practice. Peter was proud of his son but knew him well after five years of working together. He recognized that Alden felt incomplete without his mother. With Katherine now confined to a wheelchair after her car accident, Peter allowed Alden to bring her to Valentia–unaware that this decision would drastically shift the chessboard.
As Peter traveled from the Westhaven airport to his new home, memories flooded his mind. The limp that had once plagued him was now a thing of the past. Ethan’s arrival had given him a renewed sense of purpose, prompting him to seek better medical care for his ailments. Though he still occasionally relied on a cane, it was only when he felt fatigued.
“Grandpa, are we there yet?” Ethan asked eagerly from the back seat.
1/3
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0387
“Yes, Ethan, we’re here!” Peter replied with a smile.
“Is Dad inside?”
“He should be. Go find him! Oh, wait—I almost forgot. I have a surprise for you! Check the backyard–go straight back!” Peter knelt to meet Ethan’s excited gaze.
Without hesitation, the boy took off running, his energy filling the air.
“That kid is like a bullet,” Theodore remarked, watching Ethan dart away.
“Must run in the blood,” Peter replied with a broad grin.
“Looks like he’s given you back twenty years of life,” Theodore said, glancing at his old friend.
“I wish! My body’s nowhere near what it was at 30,” Peter joked, stretching his arms.
“Don’t exaggerate. You still turn heads,” Theodore retorted with a smirk.
“There you go again,” Peter groaned, exasperated.
“If it comes to it, I’ll introduce you to a stripper,” Theodore teased, trying to lighten the mood.
“I’ve told you already–I don’t want anyone in my life. Not like this. I’m a blank slate now,” Peter replied firmly, though a faint smile hinted at his amusement.
“Grandpa! Grandpa! You got me a dog! A dog! Yes!” Ethan shouted excitedly, his voice echoing across the yard.
“Told you so,” Theodore said, smirking at Peter with a teasing expression.
“Shut up,” Peter replied, feigning seriousness.
“What’s his name, Grandpa?” Ethan asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement as the massive Golden Retriever licked his face.
“Chester. His name will be Chester,” Peter said, a small smile tugging at his lips.
“Wow! That’s the best name ever! Come on, Chester, let’s play!” Ethan said, bounding off with the dog.
“Not inside the house!” Peter called out as he walked toward the living room.
“That boy has you wrapped around his little finger. He could tell you to jump, and you’d ask, “How high?“” Theodore quipped, shaking his head.
“That boy is my life, and you know it,” Peter replied, his voice softening.
“You never cease to amaze me. So, where’s Alden?”
“He should be on his way. If he didn’t leave with the dog, he’s probably coming now.”
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)