Ethan’s father, Sebastian, was the head of the city’s Urban Development Bureau, and Seraphina Arden’s father, Elijah, was his chauffeur.
When Ethan was eleven, his mother passed away after a prolonged illness. His grandparents were elderly and frail, and Sebastian, overwhelmed by his responsibilities, hired housekeepers, but none could truly take care of Ethan.
Ethan, a proud and reserved boy, didn’t like being around others. He often sat alone in his father’s office, waiting late into the evening for Sebastian to finish work.
One day, Elijah suggested to Sebastian: “Mr. Sebastian, why don’t you let Ethan come to my house after school? My wife Chloe cooks very well, and my daughter Seraphina is still young. They can keep each other company.”
Sebastian looked at his scrawny son, barely holding it together, and asked gently: “Would you like to go to Uncle Elijah’s house after school? Daddy will pick you up later.”
Initially, Ethan was reluctant. But after Elijah coaxed and cajoled him,
