Adrian's phone buzzed, the name "Wuner Hudel" flashing on the screen. His heart thudded, emotions tightening his chest. He knew he had to answer this, no matter how much he didn't want to.
Taking a steadying breath, Adrian swiped to accept the call, holding the phone to his ear without speaking.
"Adrian," Wuner's cold, familiar voice cut through the line, sounding as if nothing had changed. "How are you doing?"
Adrian remained silent, his jaw clenched, every muscle in his body tense as he listened.
"Silent, huh?" Wuner continued, unperturbed. "I heard you found out about your true parentage. But don't forget, Hudel Manor raised you, Adrian."
Adrian felt the words pierce him, his hand gripping the phone so tightly his knuckles turned white. A tear slid down his cheek, and he whispered bitterly, his voice trembling, "Yes, I remember. I remember that Hudel Manor raised me. Not in a home, but in an empty, dark storage room."
