?Chapter 1029:


    “Is he aware of your history with Freya?” Isaac’s next question carried weight.


    A nod from Kristian answered everything. “He knows.” That truth brought Kristian some measure of peace.


    Isaac sensed there was nothing left to say.


    Rising from his seat, he ced a steady hand on Kristian’s shoulder. In a rare moment of warmth, he offered, “Don’t carry it all alone. If you can’t talk to family, reach out to a friend.”


    “I will.” Kristian’s reply was measured.


    Understanding his son’s need for space, Isaac added a few more words of encouragement before quietly stepping away from the backyard. When it came to heartbreak, only Kristian could sort out his own feelings.


    The afternoon drifted by while Kristian remained among the trees and sky.


    Surrounded by calm, the burden in his chest eased, reced by a peacefulness he had never quite known before.


    Lionel signaled for the butler to fetch some fruit and snacks for Kristian. The butler promptly arranged a tray of fresh apples, grapes, and a few pastries, setting them beside Kristian with a warm smile.


    Kristian stayed calm andposed, soaking in the moment. His serene demeanor felt like a gentle breeze, steady and untroubled. This quiet grace caught Isaac, Lionel, and even the butler off guard. They exchanged puzzled nces, unustomed to seeing Kristian so still, his usual spark dimmed.


    The butler returned with a steaming pot of coffee, its soothing aroma filling the room. He poured a cup for Kristian, who nodded in thanks. Lionel leaned forward, his brow furrowed with concern. “How’s Kristian holding up?” he asked the butler softly.


    The butler, always candid with Lionel, replied, “He’s out there basking in the sunlight, just sitting. No book, no phone, just… still.” He paused, choosing his words. “His mood hasn’t shifted much, but something feels off, sir.”


    “How off?” Lionel pressed, his voice low but curious.


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    “He’s always been kind and proper with me,” the butler said, “but there’s a change in him now. It’s like he’s carrying something heavy, something new.”


    Lionel let out a long breath, his shoulders sagging. He wasn’t surprised. Kristian was still wrestling with the ache of a recent heartbreak, and it showed.


    “And where’s Isaac?” Lionel asked, shifting his focus.


    The butler, well-versed in the family’sings and goings, answered, “He went shopping with his wife. He left a message for you, sir, in case you asked.”


    “What’s the message?” Lionel raised an eyebrow.


    “He said Kristian needs to work through this on his own. No one’s words can fix it for him.”


    Lionel scoffed, his irritation ring. “Hmph! That’s just Isaac dodging responsibility, as usual.” He waved a hand, dismissing the excuse.


    The butler held his tongue, knowing better than to stir the pot.


    In the following days, Kristian joined the family for meals, chatting as if nothing had changed. He smiled andughed at the right moments. But those closest to him noticed the cracks. Lionel, Isaac, and Melinda, no strangers to heartache,


    Themselves, they saw the truth: Kristian was bottling up his pain, hiding it behind a polished facade.


    Three dayster, Liam breezed back from his trip, his suitcase barely unpacked, before seeking out his brother.


    Though he loved to tease Kristian, his heart ached to see him so out of sorts.


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