Kiad arrived at his grandfather's house, the place where tradition and roots held the strongest sway. The drive there was familiar, lined with tall, ancient trees that shaded the winding road leading up to the old estate. Unlike the sprawling modern mansion Kiad lived in back in the city, this house was modest, tucked away in a serene part of the countryside, close to nature. It was the kind of place where the air was crisp, and the only sounds were the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds.
Despite its simplicity, the house held a certain grandeur, not in its size, but in the memories and the legacy it represented. It was where Kiad had spent countless summers as a child, learning the values his family held dear. The very walls seemed to breathe history, and Kiad never entered without feeling a deep respect for what this house and its inhabitants stood for.
As Kiad walked up the stone steps, he was greeted by the familiar scent of wood and earth. The door creaked slightly as he pushed it open, a sound that brought back a flood of memories. He was immediately met with the sight of his grandfather sitting in his favorite armchair by the window, the afternoon light casting a warm glow around him. Despite his advanced age, Kiad's grandfather looked remarkably well—his hair was mostly gray now, but his face still bore the sharpness and vitality of a man ten years younger.
Kiad bowed deeply in respect, a gesture that was second nature to him. "Grandfather," he greeted, his voice steady.
"Kiad, my boy," his grandfather's face lit up with a smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's good to see you. Come, sit with me."
Kiad settled into the chair across from his grandfather, trying to relax in the comforting yet austere surroundings of the old house. It wasn't as grand as his penthouse in Isolyn City, but it was steeped in tradition, history, and the weight of expectations. His grandfather had built his legacy here, far from the city's gleaming skyscrapers, and every piece of furniture seemed to carry the weight of their family's lineage.
"Kiad," his grandfather began, his voice calm but commanding, "how are things going with the company? Your father mentioned that the expansion into Altair is progressing well."
Kiad nodded, forcing a smile. "Yes, Grandfather. We've secured significant partnerships in both Altair and Paravon. The strategy is paying off, and we're ahead of our competitors in those markets."
His grandfather's stern face softened with a rare smile, one that Kiad knew was reserved for moments like these. "You've always had a keen business mind. It's in your blood, just as it was in your father's and mine before him. You're doing well, Kiad. You're making us proud."
Kiad felt a swell of pride but also a deep unease. There were so many things his grandfather didn't know, so many burdens he was carrying alone. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
"And your father? How is he managing with the new challenges?" his grandfather asked, genuine concern in his voice.
Kiad hesitated before answering. His father had been increasingly leaning on him, passing more responsibility as the days went by. "He's managing, but he's been relying on me more, especially with the international deals. He believes it's time I take on more of the leadership."
His grandfather nodded approvingly. "That's the natural order of things, Kiad. You're the future of this family, and the business will soon be in your hands. Your father is right to prepare you now."
The room fell silent for a moment, and Kiad found himself lost in thought. The conversation felt like a script he'd rehearsed a hundred times before, but today, the words weighed heavier than usual.
"And your mother and sister?" his grandfather continued, his tone softer now. "How are they?"
"They're doing well," Kiad said, his voice warmer as he thought of them. "Mother is deeply involved in her charity work, and my sister… well, she's determined to start her own business. Something in fashion, I believe."
His grandfather chuckled, the sound rich with affection. "That sounds like her. She's always been strong-willed, like your mother. It's good to see her finding her own path."
Kiad smiled, comforted by the familiar conversation. For a moment, he could almost forget the heavy expectations resting on his shoulders.
But then, his grandfather's tone shifted, and Kiad braced himself for the topic he'd been dreading. "Kiad, there's something we must discuss. Something vital for our family's future."
Kiad's heart sank. He knew what was coming but remained silent, waiting for his grandfather to continue.
"Kiad, you're aware of the responsibility that comes with being the eldest son. It's not just about business; it's about upholding the legacy of our family. That's why this marriage to Luna Ross is so important. The Ross family is powerful, and this union will solidify our place for generations."
Kiad's throat tightened. He had heard this speech countless times, but it felt different now, heavier, as if the walls of the old house were closing in on him.
"Grandfather," Kiad began, his voice low, "what if… what if there's another way? What if I don't marry Luna?"
His grandfather's eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable. "What are you suggesting, Kiad? This marriage is about more than just you—it's about securing the future for all of us."
Kiad's heart pounded, and he couldn't meet his grandfather's gaze. "I just… I'm not sure this is the right path for me. What if I'm not the one to uphold the legacy in this way?"
Silence filled the room, the air thick with tension. His grandfather studied him closely, the lines on his face deepening with concern.
Finally, his grandfather spoke, his voice calm but firm. "Kiad, you've been groomed for this since birth. The future of the family rests on your shoulders, and that comes with sacrifices. I understand it's not easy, but it's what's expected of you."
Kiad felt a wave of guilt wash over him. He knew what was being asked of him, but that didn't make it any easier to accept.
His grandfather leaned forward, placing a hand on Kiad's arm. "You must remember, Kiad, that we all have our roles to play. If you choose not to fulfill yours, the consequences will be severe—for you and the entire family."
Kiad nodded slowly, the weight of his grandfather's words settling heavily on his heart. He knew he had a duty, one that he couldn't escape, but it felt like he was being pulled in a direction he wasn't sure he wanted to go.
"I understand, Grandfather," Kiad finally said, his voice barely audible.
His grandfather's expression softened slightly, and he squeezed Kiad's arm gently. "You're a good man, Kiad. I believe in you. Remember that you're not alone in this. The entire family stands behind you."
Kiad nodded again, but the sense of unease lingered. The path laid out before him was clear, but it was fraught with uncertainty and doubt.
As he left the house, the cool breeze did little to ease his troubled mind. The weight of his family's expectations hung heavily over him, and Kiad knew the journey ahead would not be easy. There were difficult decisions to be made, and though the road was set before him, navigating it would require strength he wasn't sure he possessed.