Shadows of the Past

Alone in his room, he felt a wave of emotions crashing over him. The weight of his father's words pressed on him. He knew he had to fulfill the promise he made, but he also had to protect his family.

His gaze fell on the diary. The list of criminals stared back at him. Each name was a reminder of the city's plight and the journey he was about to undertake.

He sighed, feeling the responsibility on his shoulders. The city had suffered for far too long, and he would not allow it to crumble further. He had a duty, a purpose, and he would not falter. 

Just as he wanted to look through a couple of things he realized that he forgot to take his bag that he brought from that island was still in the back trunk of his car. Without even changing his clothes he rushed downstairs. Looking ahead he noticed one of the chauffeurs bringing his suitcase inside the house.

"Drop the suitcase, I will take it."

His voice echoed inside the villa. The chauffeur seemed to have been intimidated by his presence and immediately dropped the suitcase making a loud noise. Then immediately he realized and tried to lift it back. However with swift strides Sebastian reached there and picked up his suitcase before even the hand of the chauffeur would touch the suitcase.

"Thanks, I will take it from here."

Sebastian without even glancing at the shocked chauffeur immediately rushed back to his room.

Night fell, and Sebastian stood by the window, looking out at the city lights. A city that had lost its way. A city that needed a savior. He knew he had to be that savior.

At night, Sebastian went down wearing comfortable  homewear looking all energetic. It had been a while since he saw that huge dining table in his house. In the past he always wondered what was the need of having such a huge table when the whole family hardly used to have their food together on the table. 

"Mr. Quinn! I hope you missed my cooking, child."

A familiar voice sounded from the back. He turned his head and saw Ms. Lawrence standing there pushing a trolley of three floors towards the table. As soon as she reached near Sebastian and could not help but wipe the corner of her eyes. She saw this boy since the day he was born and the day she received the news of his demise has been the most difficult phase of her life as if she lost her own son. Sebastian knew about Ms. Lawrence and how much she loved him. He could not help but give her a warm hug and exclaim.

"You don't have any idea how I survived there without eating your hand cooked meals."

Ms. Lawrence patted him back as she gave her warmest smile and nodded her head frantically.

"Don't worry my sweet child now you have returned, I will make your favorite dishes everyday. See today also i made so many things for you. Come have it."

Sebastian nodded and moved towards the table when he asked.

"Where is mother?"

Ms. Lawrence paused for a moment before she replied.

"Yeah she said she is coming. She asked me to tell you to start having your meal."

The small pause did not go unnoticed by Sebastian but he let it go.

******************

The sun had just begun its ascent, painting the horizon with hues of orange and gold, promising a new day. Sebastian sat in the opulent hall of the Quinn estate, engrossed in the documents that his mother had handed him regarding the company. The weight of responsibility pressed on him as he read through the intricate details of QuinnTech.

Isabella entered the room, her presence comforting amidst the grandeur. She saw her son engrossed in the papers, the weight of the world on his shoulders. "Sebastian, are you finding everything okay?"

Sebastian looked up, a faint smile on his face. "Yes, Mother. It's a lot to take in, but I'll manage."

Isabella sat beside him, concern etched on her face. "You've handled challenges before, Sebastian. You'll excel in this role too."

Sebastian nodded, appreciating his mother's support. "Thank you, Mother. However, i still cannot believe that it has been five years and there has been no major innovations at the company. The world is moving at quite a high pace."

Isabella was shocked to hear her son's words. Living away from civilization, she thought that Sebastian would take a couple of months to settle in let alone handling company related things. However, she looked at him and said.

"Your father believed in you. And I think you will take the company many steps ahead."

"I'll do my best to honor his legacy."

As they continued their conversation, Isabella sensed the burden he carried. She wanted to provide him comfort, ease the weight on his shoulders.

"Sebastian, let me show you something," she suggested. "A place that has always been a sanctuary for our family."

Curious, Sebastian followed his mother through the estate. They walked through lush gardens, where memories of their childhood played like a movie in his mind. It was a comforting stroll, a reminder of the bond they shared.

They reached the back area of the estate, secluded and serene. A tranquil atmosphere wrapped around them as they approached two small, well-tended cemeteries. One of them being his fathers. 

Sebastian stood beside the tombstones, his heart heavy with emotions. The weight of his father's expectations pressed on him. He wished he could remember those moments, and seek guidance from his father. Isabella left before she could walk him near the cemetery and he was standing there alone. 

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