CEO loves me with all his soul.-Chapter 91. Meeting you in the old place-1

Adrian sat in the back seat of the sleek car, his hands trembling slightly despite the warmth of the heated interior. His silver eyes flickered toward Augustin, who sat beside him, his posture relaxed and his gentle smile unwavering. Despite the apparent ease in Augustin’s demeanor, Adrian couldn’t shake the unease coursing through him.

"Are you okay, Adrian?" Augustin asked softly, his voice carrying a soothing warmth.

Adrian hesitated for a moment before nodding slightly. "I... I think so. Just... still shaken."

Augustin reached over and patted Adrian’s hand gently. "It’s alright now. You’re safe with me. No one will hurt you again."

Adrian’s lips pressed into a thin line as he tried to absorb the weight of everything that had happened. After a moment, he turned to Augustin, his voice trembling slightly. "How did you know where I was?"

Augustin chuckled, a soft, melodious sound that momentarily eased Adrian’s nerves. "As you know, I have some skills in... unconventional areas. Hacking, for instance." His green eyes sparkled mischievously as he spoke. "I’ve been keeping tabs on certain individuals—Savas Faust, Lady Sachel, Wuner Hudel. Let’s just say their activities aren’t exactly low-key. When I noticed sudden movements from all three of them at the same time, I knew something was up."

Adrian furrowed his brow. "So, you tracked them down? Just like that?"

"Not exactly," Augustin replied, his tone patient. "I had to mobilize my resources. My men are trained for situations like this, and we managed to track Savas Faust first. He was the closest. But even I didn’t anticipate... the surprises we’d run into."

Adrian lowered his gaze, his hands clutching his knees. "You make it sound so easy, but it’s not. They almost—" His voice broke, and he bit his lip to steady himself. "They almost had me."

Augustin’s smile softened, his usually playful eyes clouded with seriousness. "Almost. But they didn’t. And they never will as long as I’m here."

Adrian looked up at him, his fear mixing with curiosity. "Augustin... you’re not just an ordinary hacker, are you?"

Augustin leaned back, a small smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "That depends on what you mean by ordinary. But no, I suppose I’m not." He met Adrian’s gaze, the teasing glint in his eyes replaced with something deeper. "Before I met Leclair and married him, I wasn’t just a hacker. I was the heir to the Xelt Mafia Family."

Adrian blinked, his heart skipping a beat. "The Xelt Mafia... You were part of the Mafia?"

Augustin nodded, his expression calm as though he were discussing the weather. "Not just part of it. I was the sole heir. The Xelt Family is one of the most influential organizations in the underworld, and I was groomed to take over from a very young age."

Adrian’s mind reeled as he processed this revelation. "But... you don’t seem like someone who would—"

"Run a Mafia?" Augustin finished for him, his lips curling into an amused smile. "Appearances can be deceiving. I was raised to be ruthless, calculated, and efficient. And for a long time, I was exactly that."

Adrian stared at him, struggling to reconcile the kind, gentle man he knew with the image of a Mafia heir. "What changed?"

Augustin’s smile softened as he glanced out the window, his expression tinged with nostalgia. "Leclair," he said simply. "Meeting him changed everything. I fell in love with him, and for the first time, I wanted something more than power and control. So, I left it all behind. I stepped down as the heir, severed my ties with the family, and built a new life with Leclair."

Adrian couldn’t hide his disbelief. "You just... left? Just like that?"

"It wasn’t easy," Augustin admitted, his tone somber. "But Leclair was worth it. He gave me a reason to change, to be better. And I’ve never regretted that decision."

Adrian leaned back in his seat, his mind swirling with questions. Finally, he asked, "So... does Leclair know about your past?"

Augustin chuckled. "Of course. I told him everything before we got married. He accepted me for who I am, past and all."

Adrian’s gaze dropped to his lap, a strange mixture of relief and unease settling over him. "And now? Are you still... involved?"

Augustin shook his head. "Not actively. But I still have connections, and sometimes those connections come in handy. Like tonight." His eyes twinkled as he added, "Besides, I can’t exactly turn my back on everything. The Xelt Family may have a new leader, but I’m still respected in certain circles."

Adrian shivered slightly, unsure whether to feel reassured or wary. "So, where are we going now?"

Augustin’s smile returned, lighter this time. "Home would be the obvious choice, but I thought it might be better to avoid shocking everyone with revelations about my past. Instead, I figured we’d go to the Xelt Main House. It’s secure, and you’ll be safe there."

Adrian hesitated, his brow furrowing. "What about the kids? They’re still at home."

Augustin shook his head. "I had them brought to the Xelt House two hours ago. They’re safe."

Adrian exhaled a long sigh of relief, some of the tension in his body easing. "Thank you."

Augustin reached over and ruffled Adrian’s hair gently, his touch as light as a feather. "No need to thank me. We’re family. Taking care of you is my responsibility."

Adrian managed a small smile, though his thoughts were still heavy. "You always make it sound so simple."

Augustin shrugged. "It’s not always simple. But when it comes to protecting the people I care about, I don’t hesitate."

The car fell into a comfortable silence as they drove through the city, the lights casting fleeting patterns on the car’s interior. Adrian rested his head against the window, his mind drifting as he tried to piece together everything he had learned tonight.

Augustin, meanwhile, was lost in his own thoughts. His mind replayed the call he had received from Leclair earlier that evening. Leclair’s voice had been steady but filled with worry as he explained Ethan’s condition—how he remained in a state of suspended animation, neither alive nor dead. Augustin had assured Leclair that he would handle things, choosing not to burden Adrian with the news. Not yet, at least.

As the car approached the Xelt Main House, a sprawling estate surrounded by high walls and state-of-the-art security, Augustin glanced at Adrian, who had dozed off against the window. He reached out and shook him gently. "We’re here."

Adrian stirred, his silver eyes fluttering open. He blinked at the sight of the grand estate, its imposing gates opening to reveal a long driveway lined with trees. "This is... your family’s house?"

Augustin nodded. "Welcome to the Xelt Main House. It’s been a while since I’ve been here, but it’s as secure as ever."

The car pulled to a stop, and a group of staff members emerged to greet them. Augustin stepped out first, offering a hand to Adrian. "Come on. Let’s get you settled."

Adrian hesitated for a moment before taking Augustin’s hand. As they walked toward the house, Adrian couldn’t help but feel a mix of awe and trepidation. The house was beautiful, but it also carried an air of power and secrecy that sent a chill down his spine.

Inside, the house was just as grand, with high ceilings, ornate furnishings, and an air of quiet elegance. Augustin led Adrian to a cozy sitting room, where a fire crackled warmly in the hearth.

"Make yourself comfortable," Augustin said, gesturing to the plush armchair. "I’ll have someone bring you something to eat."

Adrian sank into the chair, his exhaustion finally catching up with him. As Augustin stepped out to give instructions to the staff, Adrian closed his eyes, his mind replaying the events of the night.

He still had so many questions, but for now, he was grateful to be safe.

He found himself standing in a dimly lit room, the oppressive atmosphere pressing down on him. The room was eerily familiar—it was the Hudel Manor, a place filled with countless memories of pain and fear.

Adrian’s breath hitched as he saw a figure in the corner. It was Wuner Hudel, his adoptive father, standing over a small, trembling child. The child couldn’t have been more than six years old, his fragile body riddled with scars and bruises. The boy’s black hair was disheveled, and his silver eyes, so much like Adrian’s own, were filled with silent tears.

"No..." Adrian whispered, his voice shaking as he took a step forward. "No, no, no."

The realization hit him like a punch to the gut. The child was him—a younger, more vulnerable version of himself. Adrian’s knees buckled, and he fell to the floor, his hands clutching his chest as he watched Wuner Hudel raise his hand and strike the boy again.

"Stop it!" Adrian screamed, his voice echoing in the vast emptiness of the dream. But Wuner didn’t hear him. He continued to berate the child, his voice cold and cruel. "You’re worthless! A failure! You don’t deserve anything!"

Adrian crawled toward them, his hands trembling as he reached out, desperate to stop the abuse. But his fingers hit something solid—a transparent wall that separated him from the scene. He banged on it, tears streaming down his face. "Leave him alone! Please, stop! Stop hurting him!"

The young boy didn’t cry out, didn’t fight back. He simply stood there, his small frame shaking under the weight of Wuner’s anger. Adrian’s heart shattered. He slammed his fists against the wall again, screaming in frustration and helplessness.

Then, suddenly, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the room. Adrian froze, his eyes widening as he saw a tall figure appear. It was Ethan.

Ethan’s face was etched with fury, his golden eyes blazing as he strode toward Wuner Hudel. Without hesitation, he kicked Wuner away with a force that sent the man sprawling to the floor. Wuner groaned in pain, but Ethan didn’t spare him a second glance. His attention was solely on the young boy, who stood frozen in shock.

Ethan knelt down, his movements gentle as he gathered the child into his arms. "You’re safe now," he murmured, his voice trembling with emotion. "I’m here. No one will hurt you anymore."

Adrian’s breath caught in his throat as he watched Ethan cradle the young version of himself. The love and distress in Ethan’s eyes were palpable, and it tore at Adrian’s heart. He pressed his hands against the transparent wall, his tears blurring his vision. "Ethan..." he whispered. "Ethan, please..."

Ethan’s gaze lifted, and for the first time, their eyes met. His expression softened when he saw Adrian, but there was a hint of sadness as he approached the wall with the young boy still in his arms. He placed one hand on the barrier, mirroring Adrian’s gesture.

"Adrian," Ethan said softly, his voice filled with both longing and sorrow. "I wish I could reach you."

Adrian shook his head, his hands trembling against the wall. "No, Ethan. I’m the one who needs you. I’m so scared. Please, help me."

Ethan pressed his forehead against the barrier, his golden eyes filled with pain. "I’m here, Adrian. I’ll always be here. But I can’t reach you." frёewebηovel.cѳm

The young boy in Ethan’s arms shifted, his small hands reaching out to touch the transparent wall. Adrian’s breath hitched as he saw the boy’s scars up close—evidence of the years of abuse he had endured. But the boy wasn’t crying. Instead, he smiled, a small, bittersweet expression that seemed to carry a weight far beyond his years.

Adrian’s heart ached as the boy’s hand pressed against the wall. "No, don’t—" he started, but before he could finish, the young version of himself began to fade. His small form dissolved into golden light, leaving behind a warmth that seeped through the wall and into Adrian’s chest.

Ethan stared at the empty space in his arms, his expression one of shock and devastation. "No..." he whispered, his voice breaking. He turned to Adrian, his eyes wide with desperation. "Adrian—"

Before he could say anything more, Adrian reached out and pressed his hand firmly against the barrier. The wall shimmered, and suddenly, it vanished. Adrian stumbled forward, his legs unsteady as he fell into Ethan’s arms.

Ethan caught him, holding him tightly as though he would never let go. Adrian clung to him, his body shaking with sobs. "Ethan... Ethan, I was so scared. I didn’t know what to do. I—"

"Shh," Ethan murmured, his hand gently stroking Adrian’s hair. "It’s okay. You’re safe now. I’ve got you."

Adrian buried his face in Ethan’s chest, his tears soaking into the fabric of his shirt. "I saw him... the younger me. He was so... so broken. I couldn’t save him. I couldn’t do anything."

Ethan’s arms tightened around him, his voice firm yet comforting. "You don’t need to save him, Adrian. You already did. You survived. You grew stronger. And you’re here now, with me."

Adrian pulled back slightly, his silver eyes meeting Ethan’s golden ones. "But the scars... they never go away."

Ethan cupped Adrian’s face in his hands, his gaze steady and filled with unwavering love. "No, they don’t. But they don’t define you either. You’re more than your past, Adrian. You’re stronger than you know."

Adrian’s lip quivered as fresh tears spilled down his cheeks. "I’m so scared, Ethan. What if I’m not strong enough?"

Ethan leaned in, pressing his forehead against Adrian’s. "You are. And even if you doubt yourself, know this—I’ll always be here for you. You don’t have to face anything alone."

Adrian closed his eyes, letting Ethan’s words wash over him. For the first time in what felt like forever, he felt a glimmer of hope, a faint light piercing through the darkness that had consumed him.

Suddenly Adrian looked into Ethan’s eyes, Why are they golden?

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