A few days later, a convoy of sleek black luxury steamcars pulled up in front of Jonathan's estate. The vehicles, with their intricate brass fittings and polished wood interiors, were a rare sight—symbols of wealth and innovation, reserved only for the highest nobility. Xavier stood by the entrance, wide-eyed, marveling at the mechanical beasts that hissed softly as steam escaped their vents.
The door of the leading vehicle swung open, revealing a tall, well-built man with dark green hair and piercing emerald eyes. Dressed in a finely tailored black coat, adorned with silver embroidery, he exuded an air of effortless authority. Stepping out beside him was his wife, a stunning woman with elegant beige hair cascading down her back, clad in a long, exquisite gown that accentuated her grace.
Trailing them was a boy, roughly Xavier's age, who had his mother's soft beige hair but inherited his father's striking green eyes. He glanced around with mild curiosity, taking in the estate with a calm demeanor.
With a broad smile, the man called out, "Jonathan! Long time no see!"
Jonathan, who had been waiting at the entrance, grinned as he stepped forward. "Thomas! It's been too long!"
The two men embraced like brothers, their laughter echoing through the courtyard.
"Three years," Thomas said, shaking his head. "Can you believe it?"
Jonathan chuckled. "Feels like just yesterday. Time flies, doesn't it?"
"That it does," Thomas agreed.
Turning to Thomas's wife, Jonathan greeted her with a charming smile. "Miss Charlotte, you're as radiant as ever."
Charlotte chuckled, amused. "Flatterer. I've always wondered how you manage to charm women so effortlessly, Jonathan."
Jonathan shrugged playfully. "Natural talent, perhaps?"
Meanwhile, Thomas spotted Jonathan's children standing nearby. His smile widened as he approached them. "And how have you two been?"
Aleksander and Violet both bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Sir Thomas Whitmore. We've been doing well, thank you."
Thomas chuckled. "No need to be so formal! Call me Uncle Thomas."
Violet giggled. "Alright, Uncle Thomas!"
Thomas then turned his attention to Xavier, who stood slightly apart from the others. With a warm smile, he asked, "And you must be Jonathan's newest addition?"
Xavier hesitated for a moment before bowing his head. "Greetings, Mister Thomas Whitmore. My name is Xavier Ashford."
Thomas waved dismissively. "Oh, none of that 'Mister' business! You should call me Uncle too. We're family now."
Xavier gave a small, shy nod. "Alright… Uncle."
Thomas laughed heartily and reached out, ruffling Xavier's dark hair. "Now that's better! You're just as handsome as your siblings."
He gestured toward his own son. "Xavier, why don't you meet my boy, Jason?"
Noticing his son's absence, Thomas called out, "Jason! Where are you?"
A sudden blur shot into view, and Jason appeared floating upside down right in front of his father. "I'm here!" he announced excitedly.
Jonathan blinked, stunned. "Wait… this is your son? The tiny baby you had back then?"
Jason zipped over to Jonathan in an instant, grinning. "Hi, Uncle Jonathan!"
Still processing the sight of the airborne child, Jonathan managed a smile. "Well… hello there, Jason."
Thomas smirked. "Spitting image of me, isn't he?"
Jonathan sighed. "That's how children work, Thomas."
Thomas laughed, then nudged his son forward. "Go on, Jason. Say hello to your cousins."
Jason obeyed, flying back over to his father before bowing his head to Aleksander, Violet, and Xavier. "It's a pleasure to meet you, big brother and sister!"
Aleksander smirked. "Likewise."
Violet, amused by Jason's energy, reached out and patted his head. "Your hair is as soft as Xavier's!"
Jason's cheeks turned pink at the compliment. Xavier, on the other hand, remained quiet, feeling shy under everyone's attention. Sensing this, Jason grabbed his hand and beamed. "I'm really happy there's someone my age here!"
Xavier hesitated, then gave a small nod of agreement. The pure-hearted exchange made the adults smile.
Jonathan clapped his hands. "Why don't you three go show Jason around the house?"
Xavier nodded. "Alright, Papa."
With that, Violet and Xavier took Jason on a tour of their home. As they wandered through the grand halls, Jason suddenly paused in front of a large portrait. The painting depicted a woman with silver hair so radiant it seemed almost ethereal, and sky-blue eyes filled with warmth and wisdom.
Jason stared in awe. "Whoa… who's that? She's beautiful."
"That's our mother," Violet said softly.
Jason turned to her, eyes wide. "Your mom? She looks like a goddess!"
Violet chuckled. "Well, our mother, Fyodora, was a very beautiful woman. Our father always said I looked just like her."
Jason tilted his head. "Where is she now? I'd love to meet her."
Violet's smile faltered slightly, though she kept her voice even. "Our mother passed away… after giving birth to me."
Jason's expression shifted from curiosity to sorrow. "Oh… I'm sorry."
Violet shook her head reassuringly. "Don't be. You didn't know."
She wiped at the moisture in her eyes before brightening. "Anyway! Enough of the sad talk. Let's keep going. Now we're going to show you our amazing rooms!"
Jason instantly perked up, nodding eagerly. "That sounds awesome!"
As Violet and Jason bounded up the stairs, Xavier lingered behind, gazing up at the portrait of Fyodora. He had no memories of her, no way to truly know what kind of mother she was. And yet, something about her image felt… familiar. Warm.
He clenched his fists slightly, lost in thought. I wish I could have met you… he mused. I wonder how much of a loving mother you were.
"Xavier!" Violet called from the top of the stairs. "Are you coming or what?"
Xavier blinked out of his thoughts. "Yeah, I'm coming!" he replied, quickly following after them.