REUNION

ALEX'S POV

As I walked into the grand hall, adorned with elegant decorations and filled with the murmurs of conversation, my heart sank. This charity event, held in honour of my deceased parents by my grandfather, was a painful reminder of the void they left behind. But tonight, there was an added weight on my shoulders. I need to find out what is he hiding.

By my side, Ileana stood as a pillar of support, her hand tightly clasping mine. Her presence reassured me, reminding me that I wasn't alone in this battle. We shared a deep bond, and she understood the pain and frustration that gnawed at my soul.

I revealed Aurora's truth to her last night and she was pretty shocked when she discovered the truth.

It was my dream to see my sister and my wife together.

Aurora never had a friend because grandpa never allowed her to have one and Ileana's presence would have helped.

Taking a deep breath, I mustered the strength to face my grandfather. It had been too long since I had last spoken to him, avoiding him to shield myself from the bitterness that welled up within me. But tonight, I could no longer turn a blind eye to the injustice endured by Aurora for a long time. I am determined to find out the truth and if not then I sure as hell make this night memorable for him.

My revenge against him starts today.

As Ileana and I found ourselves in his presence, the air crackled with tension. I could feel his gaze upon me, a mix of curiosity and perhaps unease. It was time to reveal the truth about Aurora's condition, a secret that had been hidden for far too long.

"Well, well, look who we have here! Alex, my boy, it's been far too long." My grandfather said as soon as he saw me and immediately walked forward to hug me and my wife.

The smile on his face hid the darkness that was inside him.

"Yes, Grandfather, it has been quite a while. Life has a way of keeping us busy, doesn't it?" I questioned and tried keep my voice normal when all I wanted was to strangle him for putting my sister through hell.

"Indeed, it does. But that doesn't mean we should let it keep us apart. I must admit, I've missed our conversations." He answered not noticing the annoyance on my face.

"I used to miss them as well, Grandfather. Distance has a way of creating gaps, both in time and in our connection. But I'm glad we're here tonight, at least." I answered, trying really hard to dismiss this conversation.

"As am I, my son. This charity event brings us together for a good cause. It's a chance for us to reconnect and bridge the gap that has formed between us." He replied with tears in his eyes. This is indeed an emotional moment, not because I was meeting him after months but because this day is what I considered the dooms day for me and Aurora.

She was just a little girl who enjoyed the back rides on our father's shoulder but that unfortunate accident took both of them away from us.

"You're right." I answered and held on to Ileana tightly.

"Life may have kept us apart, but it doesn't mean we can't bridge the gap and create new memories together. Let's start by catching up on what we've missed in each other's lives, and when do you both plan to make me great grandpa." He sounded optimistic and I nodded in return.

"That sounds like a good idea, Grandfather. I'd like to hear about your experiences and share mine as well. I don't even see you on T.V. anymore." I tried to joke ignoring his last question, no child of mine will grow under a person like him.

"I'd like to hear about your adventures as well, Alex. I've always admired your curiosity and thirst for knowledge. You have made a pretty good name for yourself, I am sure if your parents were alive they would be proud." He said and that melted my stone heart for a moment.

As the awkwardness and tension began to dissipate, a glimmer of hope emerged. The distance that had grown between them seemed conquerable, and the foundation for a renewed connection was laid.

My grandfather's face remained inscrutable, a mask concealing his true intentions. But I could sense the flicker of guilt in his eyes, the weight of unspoken secrets pressing upon him.

"I have planned a surprise for you grandpa, I am sure you're going to like it," I declared, my voice filled with determination.

"What kind of surprise?" He asked out of curiosity but I also detected something else in his tone.

Was it dread?

I didn't reveal anything and asked him to wait until the auction starts.

"Just wait for some more time and all your questions will be answered soon." I said and walked away.

"Are you sure you want to do this Alex? This is going to effect you as well." Ileana questioned when we were away from my grandfather and his minions.

"I am sure." I answered with determination.