Eli headed straight to the water, downing a glass in one swift motion and put the glass on the table before walking to the window. He stood there, staring blankly at the sky. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, attempting to calm the turmoil brewing inside him. The word disappointed was inadequate to describe the emotions swirling within him. It was a depth of feeling he struggled to put into words, a complex mix of frustration, longing, and something else he couldn't quite define. The silence and stillness of the moment seemed to envelop him, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside.
The three people in the room watched Eli with distinct expressions, his back turned to them as he stood before the window. But they could feel he wasn't alright. Butler David and Uncle William exchanged confused glances, unfamiliar with the cracks in Eli's usual stoic demeanor. However, concern for Eli was evident in their eyes. They had never seen him so desperate, so lost, and the tremble in his hands as he made the call had been unmistakable. The implication of Grandfather Felix's words wasn't lost on them either.
William's gaze narrowed as he turned to his father, his eyes fixed intently on him. His father expression had now a complex mix of emotions, with a hint of hesitation.
Grandfather Felix's gaze remained fixed on Eli's back, his eyes filled with a mix of concern and uncertainty. But he could sense Eli's emotional turmoil, his grandson's silence and stillness was too loud to not to hear. It wasn't his usual composure or silence. Doubts began to creep in, maybe his assumptions were wrong, maybe it wasn't her. The thought brought a pang of guilt. Perhaps he should have met the family who saved him and confirmed his suspicions before involving Eli.
As he watched his grandson's rigid posture, he felt a surge of regret. He could also feel his son William's piercing gaze on him, but he couldn't focus on that now. His priority was Eli and Eli's emotions. With a hesitant tone, he called out to him, "Eli, it's fine maybe I am wrong. But I believe you will find her one day." His words hung in the air, laced with a gentle reassurance, as he waited for Eli's response.
Eli opened his eyes, his voice low and weary, the exhaustion evident in his tone. "No one answered the call yet. I still don't know if it's her or not." He sighed, composing himself before turning to face the others. His expression was neutral as he composed himself back to normal, but his eyes seemed slightly dimmer than before. "Forget about this for now, I'll look into it after I return. You should rest and recover before I come back, Grandfather. I'm leaving."
As Eli turned to leave, he caught Uncle William's gaze and said softly, "Third Uncle, take care of yourself." The unspoken understanding between them was palpable. Eli's words were a reminder for William to protect himself from their grandfather's grumpiness towards him.
Third Uncle William forced a smile and nodded, but his eyes filled with concern for his nephew "Eli, Are you okay?"
Eli nodded his head and reassured him "I am, Third Uncle." Third Uncle William released a sigh before telling Eli to be careful during the mission. Eli nodded in response and bid them farewell and departed the hospital, leaving behind a room filled with unspoken emotions and lingering concerns.
After Eli left, William's gaze locked onto his father, demanding answers. "Father, who is 'HER' you were speaking about? and Why is Eli seemed to be in pain?" But he knew better than to expect a straightforward response from his father. Grandfather Felix feigned sterness as his eyes narrowing and glared at William. "Why are you being noisy again?" he said effectively shutting down the conversation. William knew he'd get nothing more from his father at that moment.
However, William's determination was evident this time as he pressed on, disregarding his father's glare. His tone turned stern, laced with a mix of concern and authority. "Father, Eli was my nephew, and he was no less than my son to me. Do you want me to sit silent after seeing him like that? Answer me, Father. Who is Eli searching for? and Why?" The room seemed to vibrate with tension as William stood his ground, refusing to back down his father's disapproval. He needed to know, only then he could help in his ways to his nephew if he could. Butler David watched the exchange with a careful eye, sensing the weight of the moment.
Grandfather Felix didn't respond to his son's question. He was lost in thought, wondering how he could tell his son about that 'who is SHE ?' Eli was searching for. No one in the family knew the truth, but he and his younger brother Victor did. Eli wasn't just his grandson. He was the reincarnation of his uncle Elisha Allen, who had died 60 years ago due to the loss of his beloved and their unborn child on the day he was supposed to marry her.
When Eli was born 25 years ago, Grandfather Felix's father, Elijah Allen, was still alive. Upon seeing the newborn child, Elijah was struck by the resemblance to his younger brother, Elisha Allen. Elijah's younger brother Elisha had been born late to their parents, after their mother had suffered repeated abortions following Elijah's birth. When Elijah was 12 years old, his mother gave birth to Elisha and unfortunately passed away right after her delivery. As a result, Elijah and their father took on the responsibility of caring for the young Elisha. Given his close relationship with his brother, Elijah couldn't help but remember every detail of Elisha's features. The newborn's resemblance to his brother was uncanny, and Elijah felt a deep sense of connection. That's why, he decided to name the child Elisha Allen, after his beloved brother.
However, when Eli was 10 years old, an accident triggered a dramatic turn of events. While on vacation with his family during his birthday, Eli slipped and hit his head on a rock, sustaining scratches and bruises. The Allen family found him unconscious and rushed him to the hospital. After he regained consciousness, Eli's memories of his past life as Elisha Allen began to resurface. Lying in bed, Eli's gaze drifted inward, and the past 10 years of his life merged with the memories of his past life. It was then that he understood the truth, he was reincarnated. It was then that he remembered an incident from his past life, when he was in his past life, an old lady had given him a potion as a token of appreciation for saving her life. She had told him that the potion would mix within his body, blood and soul allowing him to reincarnate. At the time, Elisha hadn't believed her, but he couldn't refuse her gesture, so he drank it. Now, as he recalled that incident, he truly believed that the potion had indeed played a role in his reincarnation. However, it wasn't the thing he needs to think about now, he needs to think about her.
From that day forward, little Eli waited silently, patiently, and with a longing heart for her return, bearing the ache of her absence. He believed just like him, she was reincarnated too. It is his only hope to keep living, to find meaning, seemed rooted solely in the prospect of finding her again. The quiet wait was palpable, Eli's emotions held closely within him as time seemed to stretch out uncertainly. Just like that, he'd been bleeding inside for the past 15 years, living in her memories, yearning for her.
The flashback faded as Grandfather Felix was jolted out of his thoughts by his son William's sudden scream of "Father??", echoing through the walls of his ward. He turned to William with a questioning gaze. "Father, you were lost in thought, Who is she really, Father?" William asked.
Grandfather Felix sighed, rubbed his forehead, and replied in a hesitant tone, "I can't tell you anything, William. If you want to know, ask your nephew. And don't ask me anymore. You're here to take care of me, not to give me a headache with your questions." Understanding that his father wasn't willing to disclose any information, William sighed and dropped the matter, choosing not to press him further.
William could sense that she was important to Eli, based on Eli's emotional response, but he couldn't quite define the nature of their relationship without hearing it directly from Eli himself.
•••••••
At Lily's home, before Eli's call ;
At Lily's home, the family of three had just finished their breakfast. Mark and Selina still had some time before leaving for work, so they casually sat in the living room. Lily was checking her emails when her phone buzzed. She glanced at the caller ID and answered the call. Lily's expression turned serious as she listened to the person on the other end of the call, her tone shifting to a cold, decisive note. "Hmm, send me the details." she said before disconnecting the phone, her words hanging in the air.
The atmosphere in the living room subtly shifted, and Mark and Selina, her parents, exchanged worried glances. "What happened, princess?" Mark asked. "Is everything okay, sweetie?" Selina chimed in, concern evident on their faces.
Lily shook her head slightly, her voice remaining calm but carrying an undertone of seriousness. "Don't worry Dad. It's related to work and it's just something that requires my presence. So, I have to go to Lyra city for a meeting later but it might not possible for me to return home tonight and I need to leave for Aelin city tomorrow." She offered a reassuring smile, attempting to ease her parents' concerns.
Mark and Selina exchanged skeptical glances, nodding their heads despite their faces betraying a mix of concern and worry. It was clear they weren't entirely convinced it was a minor matter. But they trusted Lily. "Alright," they said in near unison, their voices still laced with worry as they watched Lily.
"See, you both need to leave for work now or you'll be late." Lily said, placing her phone on the center table and standing up. "Come on, Mom and Dad, I'll send you off."
Meanwhile, Selina and Mark walked into the kitchen, quietly discussing and cutting some fruits for Lily to take with her when she left. The fruit rinsing and the fruit being sliced, filled the air as they worked. They knew Lily's habit to get absorbed in pressing matters, often forgetting to eat, packing some fruits would ensure she had something to munch on during her hectic day in Lyra city. Their actions were driven by parental care and concern for their daughter's well-being amidst the morning rush.
Lily followed them into the kitchen and stood at the entrance, her eyes softening as she watched them cutting fruit and packing it into a box. Moments later, her parents done with fruits and packed nuts in another box. After finishing, her mother handed the two snack boxes to Lily and said in a stern tone, "Don't you dare forget to take them with you when you're leaving the house," she paused, raised an eyebrow, and added, "Got it?" Lily chuckled and nodded, saying "Yes, Mom."
Then Lily went out with her parents to send them off to work.
After making their way to their car, Mark and Selina fussed over Lily, reminding her to take care, eat well, and stay safe. Lily listened patiently with a warm smile on her face. "Dad, Mom, seriously, I'll be back within a week this time. It's just a short trip." she reassured them.
"That doesn't change the things you need to take care of, sweetie. Listen to us and follow our words. Understand?" Selina's authoritative voice brooked no argument, her eyes firm yet warm with concern. Mark smiled at his wife's firmness, nodding in agreement as if to say, "Yes, listen to your mother."
Lily chuckled, the sound bubbling up from her throat as she wrapped her arms tightly around her parents. "Yes, Your Highness," she teased, her voice warm and affectionate. "Your humble daughter will follow your commands and dare not neglect." She pecked at their cheeks, her lips brushing softly against their skin before her parents slid into their car. As the car door closed, Lily waved goodbye, her hands fluttering in the air as she smiling back at them.