After Jacob's father passed away, all the funeral rites and formalities had been completed. The house was filled with sorrow and silence. Jacob sat alone, feeling the weight of his grief. He was lost in thought when suddenly, Jacob's uncle, Alfred, entered the house.
Jacob stood up and greeted him. "Hello, Uncle!" Jacob said, his voice soft but carrying a hint of relief.
Alfred smiled and blessed Jacob. "May your future be bright, Jacob. May God help you. Where is your mother?"
Jacob pointed toward the room. "She's in the room inside."
Alfred nodded and made his way inside. Jacob sat quietly, knowing that today's conversation was going to be very important.
Inside, Alfred greeted Jacob's mother. "Sister-in-law, I need to talk to you about something important."
Jacob's mother lifted her eyes slowly and looked at Alfred. Her face was weary, and her eyes held a mix of anger and pain.
Alfred began, "Sister-in-law, you know that Jacob cannot have a good future here. He needs to go to New York for his education. He's a brilliant student, and if he stays here, his opportunities will be limited. He will only have a chance to excel if he goes to New York, where there are better educational prospects for him."
Jacob's mother took a deep breath. She wanted to believe that things could be different, but deep down, she knew Alfred's words made sense.
Alfred continued, "And there's the issue of your debts. I've heard that you owe around 22 million. If Jacob goes to New York and becomes part of the Stuart family, we will take responsibility for your debts. This is the only way your financial burden will be lifted, and Jacob will have a secure future."
Jacob's mother's eyes filled with tears. "You're right, Alfred. But do you really think I can send my son away like this? Neha's eyes filled with tears. "You are right, Shoorveer. But do you really think I can send my son away like this? When I married your brother, my family abandoned me. We had to live here, hidden from your family. And now, you want me to send Jacob to your family?"
Alfred lowered his head slightly. "Sister-in-law, I know this isn't easy for you. You've been through so much, but we must think about Jacob's future. He's the only heir to the Stuart family. Without him, the family's legacy will be lost. If you want your debts to be cleared, this is the only path."
Jacob's mother remained silent, her heart heavy. She knew deep down that this decision would be a huge sacrifice, but she also understood that there was no other way.
Alfred added, "If Jacob becomes part of the Stuart family, he won't just clear your debts, but he will also have a strong future ahead of him. We will support you, Sister-in-law. This is the right way for Jacob, and for your family."
Jacob's mother wiped her tears and replied, "So, you're saying I should send him to New York so he can become part of your family and, in return, you'll clear my debt? Do you think this is going to be easy for me?"
Alfred sighed deeply and said, "I know it's hard for you. But if you want a change, if you want a better future for Jacob and yourself, this is the only choice. We'll take care of everything. His education, his future, your debts... we'll handle it all."
Jacob's mother's heart was torn. She knew that sending Jacob to New York was the only option if she wanted her debts cleared, but it was still incredibly hard to let him go.
After a moment of silence, she finally spoke. "Okay, Alfred. If this is the only way, then I'll accept it. But I want to promise you one thing—I want Jacob to come back to me when everything is settled. I can't lose him."
Alfred nodded and then got up to leave. Just before he reached the door, Jacob stopped him.
"Uncle, I need to speak to you for a moment," Jacob said.
Alfred turned to him, surprised. "What is it, Jacob?"
Jacob spoke firmly, "If I go to New York, I need to make sure that my mother's debts are cleared. I'm willing to go and be a part of the Stuart family, but I need to know that her financial burden will be taken care of. That is the least I can do for her."
Alfred paused for a moment, then took out a card from his pocket and handed it to Jacob. "Take this card. Once you're ready to leave, just let me know. We'll make sure your mother's debts are paid off and that your future is secured."
Jacob took the card and nodded.
As Jacob turned back to his mother, he saw her standing there, tears streaming down her face. She rushed to him and hugged him tightly. "Jacob, you're not going anywhere! You can't leave me alone like this!"
Jacob hugged her back gently. "Mom, don't worry. It's only for a short time. As soon as my education is complete, I'll return to you. You'll never be alone."
Jacob's mother held him even tighter, her heart heavy with love and fear. "I love you so much, my son. I can't bear the thought of losing you."