Chapter 3 Shattered Memories

I rushed to get all my paperwork in order over the course of the next three days. The day before my flight, I returned to the mansion to collect my last documents.

As I approached the house, I heard piano music coming from the attic. My heart sank, and I immediately raced upstairs.

When I reached the attic, I found Noah sitting at Dad's custom-made grand piano.

The piano was a wedding gift from Celia, flown in from Yarvenia. She'd hired a team of master craftsmen to customize every key to fit Dad's hands perfectly, and she'd even had his name engraved on it.

After I was born, the three of us spent hours together in that attic. Dad would play the piano while Celia held me in her arms, watching him with the sweetest smile.

But now, I found her standing beside Arthur, smiling as Noah clumsily banged away at the keys.

I stormed over and slammed the keyboard cover shut. Noah quickly jerked his hands back, his eyes instantly filling with tears.

"Lucas, I'm sorry! I won't play anymore!"

Celia immediately pulled Noah behind her. "Lucas! What the hell is wrong with you?"

I stood in front of the piano, my arms spread wide, refusing to let anyone near it. "Don't touch my father's things!"

Celia let out a bitter laugh. "Is this what your father taught you? To be so selfish and petty? You can't even let Noah use a piano?"

She continued angrily, "Noah has a piano competition coming up here in Ashport, and he needs a good instrument to practice on. Your father isn't using it anyway. Would it really hurt you to share something with him for once? He's practically your brother!"

I stared at her in disbelief. "He's not my brother."

Noah immediately burst into tears and threw himself into Arthur's arms. Arthur's eyes reddened as he shook his head at Celia. "Celia, forget it. Please don't let us come between you and your family."

Celia turned to the butler and ordered, "Call some movers. I want this piano delivered to Southbank."

I lunged forward to stop them, but someone shoved me hard from behind. The piano slid toward the staircase before tumbling down. A deafening crash echoed through the mansion as it smashed against the floor below.

The beautiful piano Dad had treasured had been reduced to splintered wood and broken keys within seconds.

Noah covered his mouth in shock, but I caught the smug glint in his eyes.

Celia looked down at me coldly. "Take him to his room. He needs a few days to calm down."

"Let go of me!" I struggled against the security guards as tears streamed down my face.

My flight was tomorrow, so I really couldn't afford to be locked up now.

As the guards dragged me toward the stairs, Noah suddenly spoke up, "Ms. Gibson, can I wear that luxury watch to my piano competition tomorrow night?"

That luxury watch had been a symbol of Celia's love for my father. Years ago, she'd outbid everyone at an exclusive auction just to get it for him. She'd personally fastened it around his wrist and promised to love him forever.

But now, she didn't even hesitate to agree. "Of course, sweetheart. It's in Liam's safe. I'll go get it from him."

I suddenly burst out laughing. It was an ugly, broken laugh that sounded even worse than crying.

Celia turned toward me, frowning. "Lucas, have you completely lost your mind?"

I kept laughing until tears spilled down my cheeks and I could barely catch my breath.

"Dad smashed the watch!" I looked straight at her and continued, "He destroyed it the night you aborted my little sister! He destroyed everything you ever gave him. He smashed it all and threw it away. Are you happy now?"

Celia's face twisted with rage. She shoved past me and stormed upstairs. "Liam Olson! Get out here!"

She pounded on the master bedroom door, but no one answered.

"You think you can play dead and avoid me? I'm telling you right now, you're handing over that watch today!"

Arthur hurried after her, putting on his usual concerned act. "Celia, Liam's probably still upset. Please don't push him."

But Celia was too furious to listen.

"What right does he have to still be angry? Liam, open this damn door!"

She stepped back and kicked the door with all her strength. The solid wooden door shook with a heavy thud before the lock finally snapped.

The door swung open, revealing an empty bedroom. The curtains were drawn tightly shut, blocking out every trace of sunlight.

Celia stood frozen in the doorway, unable to believe her eyes.