Chateau had no idea where Sophie was taking her. They arrived at a bustling place, the atmosphere slightly different from what Chateau was accustomed to. Their taxi stopped near an intersection, right in front of a moderately crowded eatery."You probably haven't had breakfast yet," Sophie remarked after paying for the taxi. Chateau didn't deny it. In truth, she'd been too excited preparing for this meeting to think about eating. They entered the establishment and headed upstairs."Having a meal while enjoying the city view from the second floor is quite pleasant," Sophie said with a casual smile. Chateau followed without a word, as this was her first time at such a place."Have you been here before?" Chateau asked as they settled into their seats.Sophie nodded. "I’m a local, Chateau.""Ah..." Chateau let out an awkward laugh, feeling foolish for asking such an obvious question. "Of course, Lady Sophie."After about fifteen minutes, their food arrived. "Wow..." Chateau murmured, visi
"Lady Chateau, would you like to browse some clothes? There’s a shop here with affordable yet high-quality outfits," Sophie offered enthusiastically. Chateau naturally nodded in agreement.Sophie clasped her hand, leading her to the store she had mentioned—a modest clothing shop across the street. The shop was quite busy, likely confirming Sophie’s claim. With its classic vintage ambiance, it wasn’t extravagant like a boutique but carried a charm reminiscent of Chateau’s hometown. Stepping inside, she felt a wave of nostalgia.They wandered through the relatively small store, exploring the assortment of clothes. The activity felt refreshing, providing a pleasant distraction. Situated in a French village, the shop predominantly carried French-inspired attire, adhering to a vintage theme featuring styles from before the 2000s.“Lady Chateau, try this on,” Sophie said, interrupting her companion’s quiet admiration of another section. Sophie held up a 90s-style yellow dress, adorned with
Upon arriving in Paris, Leonard did not bother to rest at a hotel or apartment. He left such matters to Odette, while he readied himself in his car, heading toward a specific destination.There was something important Leonard needed to do in Paris—something only he could accomplish. Yet, beyond that, he also sought to greet someone he had not seen in a long time. Perhaps he missed them, or perhaps he merely wanted to ensure that the forcibly seized glory had not crumbled.The first stop on Leonard’s agenda was a five-star hotel with 23 floors. Without hesitation, he adjusted his black tuxedo and strode inside, his somber gaze commanding attention. He carried a small token of sorts, tucked neatly inside an unadorned light-brown paper bag.Leonard walked with unwavering confidence, never inquiring about the floor he sought. He had planned this day meticulously for over 24 years. Upon reaching the 11th floor, he proceeded directly to the room in question.The corridor was lined with guar
The room fell into a deep silence. All eyes turned to Leonard, the source of the Frederick family’s unease. Their confusion was evident—why had the once-pleasant atmosphere of the party turned so heavy, as if the Angel of Death himself had joined the celebration of the little girl’s birthday?Ellijah remained quiet, her demeanor calm and reserved. Yet Leonard, ever observant, detected a faint trace of fear in her wide, innocent eyes. “Do not be afraid, Ellijah. I am not a kidnapper or someone who would harm you,” Leonard said, his voice steady and his face cold.Unexpectedly, Ellijah responded, albeit briefly, “Really?” Leonard nodded. She asked again, “Are you my uncle?”“Yes…” Leonard replied after a brief pause, his piercing gaze fixed on her. He extended his long, slender fingers, gently tilting Ellijah’s chin upward. “I am your father’s brother, your grandfather’s nephew. We were very close.”“Is that true?” she asked.Leonard confirmed with a faint hum before adding, “Even so, y
Irenée jolted, stumbling over his words. “Leonard, I’m sorry … I didn’t mean to—”“Did you think I came here to harm you, Irenée?” Leonard asked, and her silence gave him the answer he needed. He placed a hand gently on her head. “Do not fear, as long as you believe you’ve done nothing wrong. I would never come here just to harm a future officer of the law.”Leonard extended his hand, inviting Irenée to shake it. The young woman, whose sleek black hair resembled her mother’s, hesitantly accepted the gesture. “Congratulations on your graduation, Irenée. I won’t state the obvious by telling you what you’ll undoubtedly achieve as a future law enforcer,” Leonard said, pausing briefly before offering a faint smile. “But, Irenée … I hope the justice you pursue won’t destroy those living in the shadows. Let your justice be a light for everyone, from the heavens above to the core of the earth.”“Leonard …” Irenée called his name softly, unable to continue. She didn’t know why, but the words o
[Flashback – 24 years ago]Leonard pushed open the grand doors with his small hands. His thin frame, sunken eyes, and weary expression betrayed his fragile state. He dragged his feet as he walked, each step unsteady. His frail appearance would invoke pity in most people—but not in the sharp-eyed man seated at the dining table."Good morning, Leonard." The man's voice greeted him. Leonard glanced at his uncle, Frédéric Chevalier, who had just set his glass of premium milk back on the table. "Take a seat and enjoy your breakfast."Leonard never dared to raise his head when speaking to Frédéric. Whether out of fear or sheer resentment, he refused to meet the gaze of the man he held responsible for his family's downfall. Slowly, Leonard shuffled to his seat and sat down.An extravagant spread of luxurious food lay before him, but none of it stirred his appetite. His eyes scanned the table, but his hands remained still. Frédéric, noticing the boy’s hesitation, paused his own meal and studi
[Flashback]This moment, Calestelle had completely changed. Her gaze was no longer warm or gentle. She resembled a wicked witch forcing a child she had kidnapped to drink poison. "Why won't you eat, darling? I made it just for you!""But, Mama... I'm Leonard!""YES, LEONARD! YOU'RE LEONARD...! VICTOR'S SON!"Leonard froze, shaken by her outburst. It wasn't the first time, but every time he heard it, he wished he could disappear. The warm woman who once spoke to him so softly no longer existed. In her place was a temperamental, unhinged woman who constantly forced him to comply with her wishes, no matter how much he despised them."YOU'RE VICTOR'S SON! YOU SHOULD BE LIKE HIM! WHY DO YOU REJECT THE FOOD HE LOVED SO MUCH? YOU'RE HIS CHILD, LEONARD!""MAMA, I AM LEONARD!" Leonard shouted back, repeating his earlier words.Calestelle's fury only grew. She slapped Leonard so hard he fell to the floor. "DON'T YOU DARE SHOUT AT ME!" she screamed, frustration spilling over. It didn't stop ther
Leonard awoke abruptly one morning, once again shaken not by his alarm but by the recurring nightmare he so desperately wanted to end. He instinctively touched his head, checking for blood. Of course, there was none. It had only been a dream, though the pain coursing through his arms felt disturbingly real as his thin fingers pressed against his skin. He sat still for a moment, attempting to steady his labored breathing.“Leonard!”His attention snapped toward the voice. A tall, striking woman with a sultry figure strode toward him, clad in nothing but a bikini. Leonard sighed and rubbed his temple before swinging his legs over the edge of the bed.It was Odette. She threw her arms around his neck the moment she reached him. “You didn’t tell me you’d be going there!” she exclaimed, her voice laced with both enthusiasm and disappointment.Odette had been thrilled when Leonard invited her to Paris, but now that they were here, she felt abandoned. He hadn’t even bothered to inform her of
Chateau lost her shoes at some point during her journey here. She paused briefly to catch her breath, scanning her surroundings in hopes of spotting Leonard. If the gray-eyed man with brown hair was truly Leonard, why was this chase necessary? Why hadn’t he just come to her? Why had he made her run all the way to the village center just to find him among so many people?“Leonard...”Chateau searched the crowd, desperately trying to match each face with the image burned into her memory. Tall and lean, with brown hair and a confident stride—Leonard should stand out easily. Yet, she couldn’t find him. Was he even here? Had Shawn been mistaken? Was she foolish to hope?Her heart ached with the realization that hope did not guarantee reality. She had allowed herself to believe in finding Leonard, forgetting to consider other possibilities. In that moment, she was overcome by the betrayal of her own expectations.“What was I thinking?” she muttered, ashamed. “Why did I run all the way here?
Chateau had no idea how long she had been sitting under the shade of that large tree. She stared into the distance, her thoughts drifting as she recalled the events she had forgotten since that fateful night. However, the more she remembered, the more regret and frustration bubbled within her—anger at herself for nearly forgetting who Leonard Hugues was. The truth was undeniable: Leonard was the one person she could not imagine living without, even for a second."You fool… how could you do this to Leonard?" Chateau muttered, berating herself in despair. She wiped her tears away, but no matter how much she tried, Leonard did not appear before her.Leaning back against the tree, she wept again. "Where are you, Leonard? Won’t you come back?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "Why won’t you return? I’m not angry about your lies. Madam Aurora said Louis is dead, but why… why won’t you come back?"She bowed her head, hiding her tear-streaked face, which must have looked dreadful from all
[Eight Months Later]"Lady Lavigne! Lady...!"A young woman with golden blonde hair turned quickly as someone called her name. Her long, wavy hair danced with the gentle breeze of the fields, like a hanging cloth swaying gracefully."Good morning, Uncle. What is it?" the young woman asked, her radiant smile warming the air around her."Good news for you, Lady! Five of our sheep gave birth today!""Oh, really? How many lambs were born?""Seventeen lambs, Lady! And all of them are healthy!"Chateau Lavigne couldn't hide her joy as she received the wonderful news on this bright morning. The sheep on her farm had given birth to healthy lambs. She could already imagine the adorable, plump lambs she was eager to see."Will you go and see them now, Lady?"Chateau naturally nodded, her excitement palpable. She hurried from the tall sunflower fields, eager to meet her new lambs."We must ensure they get their vitamins and vaccines to keep them healthy, Uncle Shawn," Chateau said, letting the o
Louis paused, observing Leonard struggle to stand upright atop the rubble. Leonard's sharp gaze pierced through the tension, and then he smirked faintly. "Do you wish to see Sophie that badly? I'd be happy to escort you."Louis laughed bitterly, though his irritation was evident. Leonard's arrogance persisted, even as he appeared on the verge of death. Blood smeared half of Leonard's face, his once-white shirt tattered and stained with crimson. The numerous tears in his clothing revealed the extent of his injuries, and his mangled right hand clutched a broken pistol.Glancing at Louis' line of sight, Leonard acknowledged his own state, tossing aside the useless weapon. "Let's finish this," he declared, his voice steady despite his condition.Louis scoffed and extended his palm dismissively. "Finish what? You're barely standing. Why prolong your suffering? Just lay down and wait for your end. It's inevitable-""Are you scared?" Leonard interrupted calmly.The taunt struck a nerve. Loui
Leonard collapsed to the ground, but the relentless barrage of bullets forced him to crawl, enduring the searing pain, toward any form of cover he could find. He tugged at his numbed leg briefly, only to notice that Louis' bullet had carved a deep gash into his ankle."Damn it!" he muttered through gritted teeth, wincing as he tore a strip from his pants to staunch the bleeding. The journey ahead was far from over, and he couldn't afford to lose strength from such a wound.While Leonard was battered and bleeding, Louis stood unscathed, his posture calm and unyielding. If Louis had only wielded a single gun, Leonard might have had a chance to even the odds. Yet, Louis had swapped to another pistol the moment the first two ran out of ammunition, giving Leonard no opportunity to regroup.Leonard steadied his breathing as Louis began speaking."You know, this suit I'm wearing tonight-it was a gift from my lover. She gave it to me as a present. At first, I didn't like it and even considere
Leonard walked down the concrete stairs of an old, unfinished building. With weary steps and a somber expression, he kept his gaze fixed on the ground, paying careful attention to his footing until he reached his destination.Today was as he had promised-he would meet Louis, no matter where the man was. This wasn't a reunion to reminisce or rekindle; it was a meeting with a singular purpose: to kill each other.Naturally, Leonard's feelings were far from composed. He had asked Louis's biological mother for permission to kill her son. Wasn't that utterly tragic? What mother wouldn't feel torn when her child faced mortal danger, even if there was nothing she could do to stop it?"Oh, you're here, Leonard...?"Leonard's gaze shifted straight ahead, focusing on Louis, who stood with his back to him, casually smoking while leaning against a pillar in the open framework of the fourth floor. The wind blew fiercely at this height, and the night sky offered no clarity. Louis chose to smoke as
It had been more than a week since Chateau lay bedridden in the hospital, and during that time, Leonard never missed a single day of visiting her.After the accident, Chateau had suffered severe injuries. The blow to her head caused trauma that medical experts still couldn't fully diagnose, and several of her bones were fractured. They said it was astonishing she survived the critical phase at all. Considering the severity of her injuries, her survival felt like a miracle.Hearing this, Leonard could only be grateful and thank a God he had long stopped believing in. After so many years, he finally prayed again, even struggling to remember God's name. But this time, Leonard's prayers were answered: Chateau made it through the critical period. However, this didn’t mean her path ahead was smooth.Given the trauma to her cranial nerves, the medical team could only observe and wait for symptoms to manifest. In the meantime, they provided Chateau with the best intensive care possible, prepa
For Louis, his words asking Sophie to die for his sake were nothing more than a trivial joke in the midst of his drunkenness. But he didn’t know it would become a vow Sophie felt bound to fulfill.Louis could only stand with a weary gaze in front of the glass-doored room, watching as the medical staff gave up on trying to save the life of the woman lying motionless in their midst.Today, Sophie had acted recklessly. She threw herself in front of Chateau’s car, causing a crash that ended with the vehicle slamming violently into a tree. She knew Louis would have planned something like this. She knew he had it all arranged. But what Louis couldn’t understand was why Sophie had to take the place of someone he had already paid to make such a sacrifice.Louis remained silent, though inwardly he cursed Sophie’s foolishness. This was no lie. It was evident in the tightness of his clenched fists.Louis then entered the room without asking for permission. His gaze was icy, indicating that no on
Château returned to her mother’s place in a disheveled state. Perhaps it was from crying too much earlier, but nothing had changed except for her growing desire to leave. Her feelings remained the same—chaotic and disordered. Despite the harsh words she had directed at Leonard, they hadn’t managed to erase the affection she still held for him. Even now, at the moment she was truly leaving and might never return."Château…” Amelia greeted her with a warm embrace. Her anxiety only deepened upon seeing her daughter in such a distressed state.Château was no longer crying—perhaps she was too exhausted—but her hollow gaze suggested her body was merely an empty shell.“Are we leaving right away?” Château asked flatly, her voice devoid of any tone.Amelia looked at her with concern. She didn’t know what had transpired when Château met Leonard before their departure, but it must have been devastating to leave her daughter in this condition. Whatever the two had discussed, Amelia resolved to s