Back then, his parents were just regular people.
They lived in a modest apartment. His mother, once a talented jewelry designer, had become a full-time mom after he was born. His father worked long hours, leaving early every morning and returning late at night to provide for them.
Life was simple but filled with love and warmth.
Then, one day, everything changed for Dave.
That year, Dave was nine, just a few months away from his tenth birthday.
One day, his favorite aunt, Rachel, paid an unexpected visit.
She had always stayed in touch with his family, unlike his uncles.
Dave knew he had a kind and charming aunt, but he didn’t know much about her life.
Rachel often came by with tasty treats and exciting toys. Dave adored her for the joy she brought into his life.
Every time Rachel visited, Dave begged her to stay and play with him.
It had been six months since her last visit.
When he saw her this time, he was so excited that he grabbed her hand and wouldn’t let go.
Rachel knelt down in front of him, gently stroking his hair. “I need to talk to your parents,” she said softly. “Why don’t you take the new toy I brought and play in your room? I’ll join you soon.”
Dave frowned a little but nodded. As she urged him, he took the toy and went to his room.
After what felt like a long time, the door to Dave’s room finally opened.
Standing there were his aunt Rachel and his father.
“Dave, it’s time to go home,” Nick Evans, his father, said gently, his eyes full of affection.
Dave froze for a moment, blinking in confusion. “Go home? Isn’t this my home?” he asked.
Rachel glanced at his father, then gave Dave a warm smile.
“Silly boy, we’re going to your real family, the Evans family home!” Rachel said with a bright smile, patting Dave’s head.
Only then did Dave realize his life wasn’t as simple as he thought. His father was the heir to the biggest company in Edenfield, making Dave the notable grandson of the Evans family.
Excited by the news, Dave quickly packed his things, eager to meet the rest of his family.
He learned he had a grandfather and three uncles.
In his innocent mind, he imagined they would be as kind as his aunt, showering him with treats and toys.
Before long, he held hands with his parents as they climbed into Rachel’s luxurious car.
It was the first time Dave had been in such a luxurious car. He looked around in awe, his wide eyes taking in every detail.
Lucy Evans, his mother, held him close, her soothing voice calming him. “Dave, sit still. We’re almost there,” she said gently.
The car slowly approached a grand mansion perched on a hill. Dave stared out the window, mesmerized by the stunning view.
He had never seen anything so magical. The mansion looked like it belonged in a fairy tale.
In his innocent mind, he thought only angels could live in such a heavenly place, and they must be powerful and kind!
At that moment, Dave had no idea this breathtaking place would one day become his worst nightmare.
As soon as the car stopped, he jumped out eagerly. He took a deep breath, enjoying the sweet, fresh air surrounding the mansion.
His mother gently took his hand. “It’s big inside. Hold my hand tightly so you don’t get lost,” she whispered.
“Mom, have you been here before?” Dave asked as they walked toward the entrance.
Lucy shook her head. “This is my first time here, too,” she replied softly.
“But you don’t seem excited at all,” Dave said, frowning. He doubted his mother’s words, suspecting she might have visited this place before with his father and left him out.
Lucy stopped, crouching down to his level. With a warm smile, she gently said, “Wealth and status are just on the surface. Don’t let them matter too much. What’s really important is following your heart and choosing your own path. Don’t let these things make you lose yourself.”
Dave nodded, though he didn’t fully understand her words. He followed her into the grand mansion, feeling curious and anxious.
Inside, his grandfather and three uncles were waiting on the sofa.
The sight of them sent a shiver through Dave. Without thinking, he hid behind his mother.
“Finally back home?” Lucas said with a snort, glancing at them coldly.
Dave’s three uncles exchanged glances, then stood up and welcomed them warmly.
“It’s great to have you back!” Rupert said with a smile, waving at Dave.
Seeing this, Lucy gave Dave a gentle nudge from behind.
Dave stepped forward, feeling shy, and stood in front of Rupert.
Rupert, with sparkling eyes and a warm smile on his face, cheerfully said, “You’re such a handsome and talented young man. You’re welcome to stay here from now on. Whatever you want, just tell me. Even if it’s the stars from the sky, I’ll find a way to get them for you!”
“Really?” Dave asked, his eyes wide with curiosity. He didn’t fully understand the meaning of Rupert’s words. “Can the stars really be taken down?”
His innocent question made everyone laugh. Even Lucas, usually stern, softened as he looked at Dave.
Dave really believed he was lucky to have such a loving family at the time. His grandfather was strict, but his uncles were kind-especially Uncle Rupert, whom he admired the most.
Thinking about those days, Dave closed his eyes and sighed deeply.
“In that case, why did they…” Bianca’s voice trailed off as she tried to comprehend why Dave’s uncles would later betray him so cruelly. Questions swirled in her mind about what had happened to his parents. She was desperate to uncover the truth about Dave’s tragic past.
“Later…” Dave stared at the stars, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. “Later, I learned how deceitful people can be. Those kind smiles were just masks hiding their true intentions. They had already planned to get rid of us when we came back. On my tenth birthday, Uncle Rupert and some others tampered with my father’s car. It lost control on the highway, leading to a terrible crash. My mother was trapped inside while my father and I were pulled out. Even though the car was about to explode, my father ran back to save her. They both died in the explosion. I still don’t understand why he left me, why he chose to go back, knowing he wouldn’t survive…”
Dave told his story calmly, but Bianca felt like her heart was being crushed. The weight of his pain was almost unbearable.