chapter 57

The living room was filled with warmth and laughter, the soft glow of the chandelier casting a golden hue over the gathered family. Elisa was practically bouncing in her seat, her excitement evident as she grinned at Dilip."You’re staying in England?" she asked, barely containing her delight.Dilip nodded, smiling. "I just got promoted to the England branch. It was a last-minute decision, but I figured—why not? I’ve already spent years here during my recovery. It feels like home now."Elisa clapped her hands together. "That’s amazing! Then I’ll stay too!"Nicolo, sitting across from them, leaned back into his chair, his expression genuinely pleased. "That’s good news. Both of you are welcome to stay here."Elisa and Dilip exchanged glances, a silent conversation passing between them before Elisa turned back to her brother with a teasing smile. "That’s sweet, big brother, but we have our own plans."Nicolo raised an eyebrow. "Oh?""We’re thinking of getting a place of our own," Dilip explained. "Elisa wants her independence, and I think it’s time I started a new chapter for myself too."Nicolo nodded in understanding. "That makes sense. Just know that you always have a home here."As the adults talked, Alex sat quietly, deep in thought.When he had arrived home earlier and Selena had stormed out, Nicolo had sent him upstairs for a while. He had heard whispers downstairs—quiet voices, as if someone had arrived. At the time, he hadn’t thought much of it. Later, Nicolo had called him back downstairs, telling him about Elisa’s birthday and the surprise party. That’s when he had met Dilip for the first time.Or so he thought.As Alex gazed at the young man sitting before him, something clicked. A memory surfaced—his mother once telling him about her brother, a brother she had loved dearly."Mummy, why don’t you meet him anymore?" he had asked her once."Because it’s better this way, Alex. He’s better off without me."At the time, Alex hadn’t understood. But now, staring at Dilip, realization crashed over him like a wave.This man…This was his uncle.This was mummy's brother.And he thought his sister was dead.Alex's chest tightened, his small hands curling into fists. His mother had spent years hiding her pain. And this man—he had spent years thinking she was gone forever.Before he could think twice, Alex moved.Just as Nicolo and Elisa stood to grab drinks and ice cream from the kitchen bar, Alex made his move.Without hesitation, he rushed to Dilip and wrapped his small arms around him, hugging him tightly.Dilip stiffened, startled by the sudden affection. "Justin?"Alex clung to him. He didn’t know why. He just had to.Dilip hesitated before his hands came to rest on Alex’s back. His heart was pounding.This felt… strange.It was just a child’s hug. And yet, there was something more.He slowly pulled back, looking into Alex’s bright eyes. “What’s this about?” he asked gently.Alex blinked up at him, lips pressed together. He hesitated—then gave a small smile.“I just wanted to hug you,” he said simply.Dilip chuckled softly, ruffling his hair. “You’re a strange kid.”Alex smiled wider, but inside, his heart was racing.This is my uncle.And he doesn’t know.Dilip smiled down at Alex, still ruffling his hair. “And a sweet kid,” he said warmly.Alex grinned, but his mind was still spinning. His uncle. The man his mother had mourned in silence. The man who believed his sister was gone.Nicolo and Elisa returned, balancing glasses of wine and a small tub of ice cream.Elisa dropped onto the couch beside Dilip and handed him a spoon. “I got your favorite.”Dilip smirked. “You remembered?”“Obviously. I have a great memory.”Nicolo leaned back in his chair, watching the scene unfold. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. For once, his house didn’t feel empty. It felt… alive.Elisa turned to Alex with a wide smile. “So, what do you think? Am I your favorite aunt or what?”Alex smirked. “You’re my only aunt.”Elisa gasped, dramatically clutching her chest. “Excuse me! That’s not the point!”Alex giggled, and for a brief moment, he let himself forget everything.Forget the secrets. Forget the weight of the truth pressing down on him.But as he glanced at Dilip again, the thought returned.His uncle had a right to know.But how could he tell him?His mother didn’t want to be found.His mother thought Dilip would be better off without her.Was that true?Or was she just scared?Alex’s little fingers tightened around his spoon.Maybe… maybe it wasn’t his place to say anything.Maybe it was up to fate.But one thing was certain.Dilip was not alone anymore.And neither was he.