Lunchtime was almost here, and Maggie headed to the study to remind Aldrich to take a break and join her for a meal. Her eyes landed on the framed photographs on the table, and her mind wandered to the picture of Grace that Aldrich still kept. A hint of bitterness welled up inside her as she wondered if he still harbored unresolved feelings for her.
Aldrich noticed Maggie’s lingering gaze on the framed photo. It depicted him, his parents, and his brother, Marvin. Memories flooded his mind, prompting him to share a glimpse of his family with Maggie.
Sitting down beside Aldrich, Maggie’s curiosity piqued, eager to hear more about his past.
Aldrich also looked at the family photo on the table, and his gaze involuntarily softened. “I used to have a happy and blissful family.”
“Used to?” Maggie realized that it was a word filled with pain. She remembered what the butler, Thomas, had revealed to her about Aldrich’s family situation, and sadness began to spread in her heart.
“My mother sacrificed herself to protect me when I was just a child,” Aldrich continued, his voice tinged with sadness. “And my father was injured in a battle, leaving him paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. He couldn’t walk or stand on his own anymore.”
Although Maggie knew that Aldrich’s mother was no longer alive, hearing this inner turmoil from Aldrich made her heart tremble. “She was a brave and great mother.”
“Yes, I often miss her. For a while, I felt guilty, thinking that I took my mother’s life away…”
“No, if you think that way, your mother would be hurt. She saved you, hoping that you could continue the journey of life happily and healthily in her place.”
Maggie’s heart ached for Aldrich and the hardships his family had endured. She reached out, placing a comforting hand on his, offering support and understanding.
Aldrich held Maggie’s hand tightly. “The Aldrich who was immersed in pain and self-blame has been killed by me personally. There won’t be such foolish thoughts anymore.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, Aldrich,” she whispered softly, her voice filled with compassion. “You’ve experienced so much pain and loss.”
“Sometimes, I’m grateful for those hardships; otherwise, I wouldn’t be the strong Aldrich I am today.”
“But sometimes, even a man who holds up the heavens needs a shoulder to lean on for strength.”
Aldrich was moved by Maggie’s words and recalled his vulnerable past. “Yes, at a time when I sought protection, my father got injured in a battle, leaving him paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. He could no longer walk or stand on his own.”
“I can’t imagine how helpless you must have felt.”
“I managed to get through it.”
Maggie couldn’t help but lovingly stroke his face. “Aldrich, my heart breaks for you.”
Aldrich gently closed his eyes. “If only it had happened sooner.”
“Sooner? What do you mean?”
“If I had met you earlier, with someone as kind and warm-hearted as you, I might not have lost the instinct to show my vulnerable side to others during my growth.”
Maggie pursed her lips, hesitatingly saying, “Back then, you had a brother… and others by your side.” The “others” Maggie wanted to refer to was Grace, but she couldn’t bring herself to say her name directly.
Aldrich suddenly chuckled softly, and Maggie was puzzled. “Did I say something wrong?”
“No, my relationship with my brother Marvin is very good.”
“Yes, in the photo, you even secretly pulled Marvin’s clothes!”
Aldrich carefully examined the picture. “Precious memories, can’t let Marvin find out.”
“Why?” Maggie was getting more and more confused about these two brothers.
“He…” Aldrich drawled, seemingly contemplating what Marvin might do. “He would hide this photo.”
“Not let you see it?”
“No, not let anyone see it. He refuses to accept the past affection between us.”
Maggie found it hard to understand. “Did you have a quarrel or even a fight between you two?”
“I wish it were that simple, to have a good fight and be done with it.”
“What happened?” Maggie suddenly realized it must be because of that woman, Grace.
As expected, Aldrich replied, “Because of Grace.”
“Your destined mate…”
Aldrich didn’t deny that past. “Me, Marvin, and Grace were entangled in an emotional whirlpool. If she was meant to be my destined mate, there was an even stronger connection between Grace and Marvin. It’s not easy to handle such a triangle relationship, and eventually, I parted peacefully with Grace.”
“That process and outcome must have been difficult.”
Aldrich nodded, appreciating Maggie’s empathy. “It was a challenging time for all of us. But my brother, Marvin, took it particularly hard. He felt responsible for what happened between Grace and me.”
A heavy silence settled between them as Aldrich continued, his voice tinged with regret. “Marvin chose to distance himself from our estate and the outside world. He’s been living with our father at a secluded manor, rarely venturing out.”
Maggie’s eyes filled with understanding as she listened to Aldrich’s words. She realized the intricate dynamics that shaped Aldrich’s family and the emotional burdens they carried.
“I can only imagine the pain and guilt he must be feeling,” she said softly, her voice laced with empathy. “But you’re not alone in this, Aldrich. You have your family’s love and my support.”
Aldrich squeezed Maggie’s hand, grateful for her comforting words. “Thank you, Maggie. Your understanding means more to me than you’ll ever know. It has been a long and complicated journey, but having you by my side gives me hope for the future.”
Maggie couldn’t help but sense the depth of Aldrich’s emotions as he spoke about his parents and the complexities within his family. She could discern his love and guilt towards his parents, as well as the frustration and helplessness he felt concerning his brother, Marvin. However, when he mentioned Grace, she detected a shift in his tone, a sudden calmness masking deeper sentiments.
Seated together in the study, a soft light filtered through the partially drawn curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room. Maggie’s attentive eyes remained fixed on Aldrich, searching for any sign of what lay beneath his composed facade. She knew there was more to his relationship with Grace than he let on, and her curiosity yearned to be satisfied.
Aldrich’s gaze turned distant, his eyes focused on a point beyond the study walls. Memories intermingled with conflicting emotions, causing a subtle tension in his posture. He took a deep breath, attempting to find the right words to convey the complexities of his past.
Summoning her courage, Maggie posed the burning question that had lingered in her mind since learning about Grace’s connection to Marvin. They faced each other in the dimly lit study, the air heavy with anticipation.
“Aldrich,” Maggie began cautiously, her voice tinged with curiosity, “I can’t help but wonder why you pursued a relationship with Grace, knowing she was already with Marvin. How could you go against that?”
Aldrich’s gaze shifted, his eyes reflecting a mix of sorrow and conviction. He took a moment to collect his thoughts before responding, his voice steady but laden with emotion.
“Maggie, you must understand that as werewolves, we are bound by the commands of the Moon Goddess,” Aldrich explained. “When she designates a mate for us, it is an unbreakable connection, one we are powerless to resist.”
Furrowing her brow, Maggie scrutinized his face for answers. The complexity of their situation weighed heavily on her mind, and she couldn’t help but question the infallibility of the Moon Goddess’s choices.
“But what if the Moon Goddess made a mistake?” Maggie ventured tentatively. “Since Grace has already left, couldn’t you and Marvin have a chance to be together again?”
Aldrich was clearly taken aback by Maggie’s question, “The Moon Goddess can make mistakes too?”
“Perhaps…” Maggie replied casually, pretending not to think much about it. Then she asked, “You and Grace have already parted ways. Since she loves Marvin deeply, maybe they could have another chance…”
Aldrich’s expression turned solemn, and he gently grasped Maggie’s hand, seeking comfort and reassurance through his touch.
“Maggie, it’s not that simple,” he replied, his voice carrying the weight of responsibility. “The Moon Goddess’s commands are absolute. Unless she issues a new decree, Marvin and I cannot go against her will.”