LOGINShare
How could we not know every inch of this place?
Last Updated:
2025-04-08 21:59:36
Love4FictionHope you enjoyed reading 😊 Please support me with your appreciation and precious gems 💎💎💎💎💎💎. It is your support and comments that keep me going with my writing... thank you... Also, don't forget to add your rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Till next time, keep smiling and stay healthy🫶
Related chapters
Second chance at happiness If they were truly his friends, why didn’t they look for him all these years?
Matthew was right, one sleep was all it took for Jerome to fall back into his usual miserable self. In the morning, while Matthew and Harry were flexing their muscles, rehashing on their shooting skills and swinging their swords, Jerome sat back on the grass, chewing a blade of grass and asked with a grin “So, what do you old men do these days?”“We….” Harry’s lips curled up slyly, feigning a difficult expression “Just living our retirement under the care of our daughter and son-in-law.”“You have a daughter too??” Jerome asked with a hint of jealousy. He had forgotten about those mundane phases of life; he had never gotten married nor had children. He didn’t know why, but none of the beautiful women he saw nor the ones who were attracted to his wealth and delivered themselves to his door interested him.“My daughter… but he monopolises her with the authority of being her godfather… what can I do other than suffer in silence….” Matthew sighed feigning loss “All I can do is watch as the
Last Updated : 2025-04-09Second chance at happiness I have never blamed you, whether you believe me or not!
Jack and Mira rode over to meeting point that they had discussed with Baldwin at the break of dawn hoping to sneak away without attracting any attention, however the presence of Cornelius and Aglaya in the carriage along with his elite soldiers, took away all their thoughts of sneaking away.Cornelius chuckled sheepishly as he realized the reasoning behind the resentful gaze of his wife’s wildflower akka his goddaughter-in-law. He didn’t put on airs of the sovereign and explained his rationale calmly “The last incident of plotting at banquet that was meant to announce Thomas’s wedding was a wake-up call for me.”“Although we brothers have never split up, our grievance of losing a brother was misinterpreted and amplified into such a level that even without our knowledge, the jackals were using this for propagating their agenda.” Cornelius continued as he looked into the distance, his eyes filled with regret.“Why did everyone think that you had a falling out?” Mira asked innocently. Thi
Last Updated : 2025-04-09Second chance at happiness How can we become a stumbling block in your path to brilliance?”
Inside the Bellevue palace, Cornelius’s eyes misted as he saw that the arrangement mirrored that of the main house of the Zumerong. Overwhelmed by the emotions brought about by the weight of his sins, he lowered his head guiltily, his lips quivered, however no words escaped his mouth. However, no one other than Aglaya noticed it.Aglaya quietly placed her hand over Cornelius’s and when he looked at her, mouthed soundlessly ‘Own up what you need to own, don’t bottle it. I am here.’Cornelius stood up and bowed deeply “My dear elders, Cornelius has been unfilial. Please forgive me.”“My dear child, what are you going on about?” Edith and Maryanne chided at the same time while Linus stood up, walked over to Cornelius and helped him straighten “Son, we have no grievance against you.”“We are not blind nor are we stupid.” Linus shook his head as he patted Cornelius’s shoulder “We cannot punish you just because your father was a senile fool, can we?”“Forgot Alex, Miriam would jump out of he
Last Updated : 2025-04-11Second chance at happiness Who said he wasn’t avenged?
“We were happy to see that your bond only grew stronger with time and have always been proud that it didn’t get tainted with the murk of the world around you.” Edith sighed “This is also why we never questioned his decision when he decided not to retaliate and hold the fort together till you got back.”“Do you think your father could have sat steadily in that throne if not for Alex single-mindedly protecting him?” Linus’s eyes were sharp, there was the undeniable Zumerong arrogance, that was filled with righteousness indignation “With just a snap of his finger, everything around you, including your father, the Asters and Basvecs would have perished without a burial ground.”Cornelius had his head lowered, he knew, even from the beyond, his good brother was looking out for him and yet his foolish father…. He couldn’t think further.“And you didn’t disappoint.” Linus smiled although his eyes misted at his loss; None of the brothers raised their heads, their eyes were filled with resentme
Last Updated : 2025-04-13Second chance at happiness We were meant to be the last line of defence that big brother left behind ….
“That bitch… I always thought that she had organized the whole event with her brother, just for the sake of making her son the rightful heir. But there was no proof.” Edith cursed at first but then her eyes became blurry “He was the only one worthy of his ancestor’s legacy, but he withered like a pitiful bud without ever having the chance to bloom to his full potential.”After reminiscing, Edith raised her head curiously as she couldn't remember hearing about anyone talking about this event nor did she hear about the poor boy being avenged, “But how come no one heard about it?”“Alex’s favourite one liner…” Baldwin shrugged “As long as justice is served who cares about the ballads?”“You three…..” Edgar shook his head “I can never understand your madness.” Although his words seemed disapproving there was only affection in them.“My lord, the food is ready to be served.” The butler announced, his grace directed at Linus awaiting his orders.“Good…. good….good…” Linus repeated in quick s
Last Updated : 2025-04-13Second chance at happiness The only variable in his plan.....
“Sit down you two…” Linus sighed helplessly “No one is going to crucify you. We just want to know what happened?”“Why Leander never came home even though you knew we were here?” Elias added through gritted teeth although he quickly lowered his head after being glared at by his father.“Is this also part of big brother’s plan?” Wilkin asked curiously; he was Alex’s most obedient little follower, from diapers to pants, that never changed.“Perhaps, this was the only variable in his plan that he had not anticipated.” Corenlius sighed as he sat down with a dejected expression and recounted the past, of how they finally met Jack.“How is John and Beth?” Elias asked once everyone had digested what they just heard.“Uncle and Aunt are well.” Jack responded politely; there was no fluctuation in his tone, no sign of closeness nor alienation.“I still cannot believe that John was able to hold off…” Humphrey shook his head; of all the Zumerong siblings, other than Alex, he was the one who was mo
Last Updated : 2025-04-13Second chance at happiness Big brother never leaves room for error.
“Uncle, if old Drew is still alive, where do you think he is most likely to stay?”“Uncle, do you know who plotted against the grand duke and duchess?”Both Cornelius and Baldwin asked in unison.Linus sighed, frustration and unreconciled anger evident in his every breath. He turned to Baldwin, as though to answer his question but the guilt in his heart made it impossible for him to hold gaze with the righteous indignation in the eyes of the man in front of him; he lowered his gaze as he spoke in a low voice “I don’t, although I do not have evidence, I have a hunch.”His guilt stemming from the fact that while he had given up, lost hope, it was an outsider who had never given up, never stopped looking.“We are all ears.” This time, it wasn’t Baldwin or Cornelius who spoke but rather Elias. He had been asking this same question for the last decade and yet he couldn’t get a single word out of his father.“Our cousin…. It is a no brainer.” Linus shrugged before he gritted his teeth “But w
Last Updated : 2025-04-14Second chance at happiness We will avenge all the grievance our brother has suffered
“Hymph!” Mira humped unhappily “Looks like this trip left us with more questions and no answers.”“Not entirely true.” Edith spoke in a gentle tone, an affectionate gaze stopping on Jack’s face “We got to reunite with our Leander, and you got to know the culprits behind your grandfather and grandmother’s accident.”“We had guessed.” Mira pouted “You still don’t have proof for that….it is still a guess at best.”“Would us releasing the news that all of you are returning to regain your rightful positions make them act hastily?” Jack slowly opened his mouth “Would that give them room for error and give us the opportunity that we need?”“We cannot just release news….” Cornelius shook his head as he narrowed his eyes “It has to be believable to those receiving the news…”“How about saying that you have reconciled your decade long differences and that they have agreed to come back since you have promised them a huge compensation for their grievance?” Mira asked smiling like a sly fox before
Last Updated : 2025-04-15
Latest chapter
Second chance at happiness We might be closer to truth …
Mira checked Jack a million times, asking him repeatedly if he was hurt once they entered the carriage; Each time, Jack patiently answered that he wasn't hurt and that he was fine, while indulging Mira to check his hands and feet for injuries with a doting gaze.Both Aglaya and Katherine had a teasing smile on their faces as they watched Mira who was confident a few minutes ago, showing her true colours without a second thought.However, once inside the carriage, both Cornelius and Baldwin kept looking at Jack with a complicated gaze; they both opened and closed their mouths awkwardly for a long time, making both Jack and Mira uncomfortable, before Cornelius managed to ask “Son, where did you learn that move of yours?”It would be a lie if they said that they weren't surprised by Jack's fighting skills but what shocked them to their core was the move they saw.... the one they had not seen executed to perfection for more than a decade... it looked like they were seeing someone else thr
Second chance at happiness If you can make the dead talk…sure…
“What’s going on?” Baldwin asked without raising his curtain.“It’s an ambush, your grace.” The footman replied in a trembling voice while another more commanding voice came through “Sit tight, your graces, we will deal with this.” It was Parker who had swiftly jumped out from his position in the shadows wielding his sword.The clanging of swords went on for another 20 minutes or so, and yet it showed no signs of slowing down; if anything, if was getting more fiercer.“What’s the status?” Cornelius asked, growing a little impatient.“My royal highness, the situation is getting more trickier.” Parker’s strained voice came through “They seem to keep coming without end. I have sent word; help shouldn’t be too far behind.”Baldwin and Cornelius jumped out brandishing their swords without warning, hearing the stress in Parker’s voice, they knew the situation wasn’t one that was easy to deal with.“Your graces…” One of the guards who was rescued from the edge of the blade by Baldwin widened
Second chance at happiness To keep you on a leash till it is time for us to return.
Cornelius turned to Uzi and asked raising the scroll “Can I keep this?”“That is a letter from my brother to me…” Uzi snatched the scroll and kept it back in the secret compartment without giving Cornelius a chance to react. He slyly took another scroll from the secret compartment and extended it towards Cornelius “But I have transcribed a copy for you.”“Dishonest ghost” Cornelius cursed in good humour as he took the scroll.“Lord Zumerong, let us all have lunch here and disperse.” Uzi looked at Linus as he made the invitation. It was not uncommon for the two families to have impromptu gatherings followed by lunches and suppers.Baldwin pulled Elias back as Uzi tactfully steered Linus and the elders’ attention towards the banquet hall with topics of mutual interest.“For your eyes.” Baldwin extended the scroll towards Elias once the elders were out of ear shot. “Don’t burden Uncle and Aunt with the details for now.”Elias nodded as he took the scroll with knitted brows and read throug
Second chance at happiness I will not make things difficult for you.
Uzi didn’t struggle nor feign ignorance when he was questioned by Baldwin as he knew this day would come and he had Alex’s permission to disclose when they came looking for him.It was quite a sight to see the large group following Uzi, back to his residence, the curiosity on their faces couldn’t be hidden. Although Uzi had only invited Cornelius and Baldwin, the others followed without giving social etiquette a second thought.Inside, Uzi’s study, he walked over to a secret compartment and took out a scroll and handed it over to Baldwin feigning an unhappy expression, spouting nonsense, “I will lend you the letter my best friend wrote to me, just so that you won’t be jealous and accuse his sincerity towards you.”Baldwin pulled his lips lopsidedly and ignoring the childish banter, anxiously opened the scroll with trembling hands. Cornelius leaned over his shoulders impatiently.Inside, the scroll was an amulet with the Zumerong seal in the form of pendant. Uzi stretched his hand and p
Second chance at happiness How can there be an accusation when there never ever a crime to be convicted?
The next morning, Cornelius and the rest were ready to leave when the Bellevue palace had another visitor, the duke of Warringal.“Brother in arms.” Cornelius greeted Uzi with their customary elbow handshake.“It has been a lifetime.” Uzi nodded in acknowledgement.The two men looked at each other, the past and their loss reflected in the depths of their eyes. And yet, they were helpless to do anything but smile remorsefully.Uzi shook hands with Baldwin as always, but his gaze suddenly stopped at a face that seemed to have come back from the past. He rushed forward but came to an abrupt halt before Jack, frightening Mira who had involuntarily pulled Jack back a few steps with her.“That was very impolite…. My sincere apologies…” Uzi bowed deeply towards the youngsters before straightening but he still couldn't stop staring at Jack without blinking.“This is my husband.” Mira puffed her cheeks and even though she was trembling in fear, took a step forward to stand in front of Jack, loo
Second chance at happiness At least let me enjoy the glory while there is no one to challenge my claim.
Baldwin knitted his brows as he too had thought of the incident, but he didn’t look at Mira, instead he looked at Linus and asked somewhat awkwardly “Uncle, what do you think of dreams?” He didn’t have his father around anymore to ask, the only person he was close enough to ask and still breathing was Linus.“Dreams???” Linus arched his eyebrows, however Elias and the rest started making a ruckus teasing him if he wanted to share the details.“Our forefathers thought of them as forewarnings passed by our ancestors from the beyond...” Linus answered seriously once the ruckus quieted down “passed on to the purest of heart….”“Divination?” Humphrey’s son, Derek who had been a silent listener all along slowly asked hooking his eyebrows.“Not quite…” Linus shook his head “Divination is the ability to see into the future at will and it is a skill that some are born with while others can cultivate.”“Dreams are different.” Linus paused before saying “While most of them can just be wishful thi
Second chance at happiness We will avenge all the grievance our brother has suffered
“Hymph!” Mira humped unhappily “Looks like this trip left us with more questions and no answers.”“Not entirely true.” Edith spoke in a gentle tone, an affectionate gaze stopping on Jack’s face “We got to reunite with our Leander, and you got to know the culprits behind your grandfather and grandmother’s accident.”“We had guessed.” Mira pouted “You still don’t have proof for that….it is still a guess at best.”“Would us releasing the news that all of you are returning to regain your rightful positions make them act hastily?” Jack slowly opened his mouth “Would that give them room for error and give us the opportunity that we need?”“We cannot just release news….” Cornelius shook his head as he narrowed his eyes “It has to be believable to those receiving the news…”“How about saying that you have reconciled your decade long differences and that they have agreed to come back since you have promised them a huge compensation for their grievance?” Mira asked smiling like a sly fox before
Second chance at happiness Big brother never leaves room for error.
“Uncle, if old Drew is still alive, where do you think he is most likely to stay?”“Uncle, do you know who plotted against the grand duke and duchess?”Both Cornelius and Baldwin asked in unison.Linus sighed, frustration and unreconciled anger evident in his every breath. He turned to Baldwin, as though to answer his question but the guilt in his heart made it impossible for him to hold gaze with the righteous indignation in the eyes of the man in front of him; he lowered his gaze as he spoke in a low voice “I don’t, although I do not have evidence, I have a hunch.”His guilt stemming from the fact that while he had given up, lost hope, it was an outsider who had never given up, never stopped looking.“We are all ears.” This time, it wasn’t Baldwin or Cornelius who spoke but rather Elias. He had been asking this same question for the last decade and yet he couldn’t get a single word out of his father.“Our cousin…. It is a no brainer.” Linus shrugged before he gritted his teeth “But w
Second chance at happiness The only variable in his plan.....
“Sit down you two…” Linus sighed helplessly “No one is going to crucify you. We just want to know what happened?”“Why Leander never came home even though you knew we were here?” Elias added through gritted teeth although he quickly lowered his head after being glared at by his father.“Is this also part of big brother’s plan?” Wilkin asked curiously; he was Alex’s most obedient little follower, from diapers to pants, that never changed.“Perhaps, this was the only variable in his plan that he had not anticipated.” Corenlius sighed as he sat down with a dejected expression and recounted the past, of how they finally met Jack.“How is John and Beth?” Elias asked once everyone had digested what they just heard.“Uncle and Aunt are well.” Jack responded politely; there was no fluctuation in his tone, no sign of closeness nor alienation.“I still cannot believe that John was able to hold off…” Humphrey shook his head; of all the Zumerong siblings, other than Alex, he was the one who was mo
