Chapter 4: The scars we keep

Simon’s POV

Leading and protecting the Hart family legacy, deception and fraud were never easy, and it certainly didn’t bring peace. My family and I grew up poor; we couldn't even afford the necessities of life but by my determination and stubbornness, I came out of poverty. Years later, my parents died. The Hart Diamond business was known for its wealth and power, but running it was never simple. Every choice mattered, not just for profit, but for the family and the fame we carried along with it.

The business was never mine to begin with. I inherited it from my father-in-law, due to the fact that he didn't have sons; the company was then passed onto me. Vivian, my wife, was his only child. We got married under pretenses. I needed an escape route to get out of poverty; I didn't care if someone got hurt in the process, and at the same time, they wanted someone to carry out the family's fame and fortune. The business became my responsibility the moment the marriage was over. That inheritance felt sweet and heavy at the same time, especially knowing my success came from marrying Vivian and not from my own family’s wealth.

We always have dinner together as a family, but for some reason, that night’s dinner was tense yet focused. I asked Ethan and Edward how they were doing in the business lately, and how Ethan had adapted. “How’s everything coming along, and how's the business going?” I asked, keeping my voice steady. “I’ll be retiring soon, and one of you will have to take over. I need to know who’s ready and up for it, and also don't forget it's a big deal.” My words mattered. Picking the next leader wasn’t just about business; it was about the family and the trust that we had already built.

“We are going to be hosting a ball, but this time, it's different,” I said, looking around the room. “Just family and nothing else”. I want to introduce Ethan to the family and for him to meet his distant cousins, to see the network he’s part of now. He needs to know who he is and where he belongs.” I made the announcement on purpose, hoping to rebuild the family ties that had faded while he was gone.

By 10 a.m. the next day, I was rushing to the company meeting. The day started with a close call. My driver was in a rush as well, and because of me, he almost hit a man, but luckily, he was able to avoid hitting him. He looked like he could be in his early fifties. As I stepped out of the car to apologize, I knew him right away.

Charles, my ex-brother-in-law. I froze because I didn't expect to see him after all these years, not back, not here in Chicago. After the divorce, both he and Victoria, my ex-wife, left Chicago and vanished from my life. Now, here he was, standing on the side of the road, dressed in a suit that showed more wealth and luxury than I ever expected from him.

“Charles? What are you doing here?” I asked, my voice caught between disbelief and caution as I didn't know what else to say.

“I’m going to a business meeting,” he answered, his voice calm, but maybe too calm. “We’ll talk more later, I’m in a rush,” he said, but before leaving, he added, his words almost accusing: “But how could you have divorced her? You loved my sister. You loved her so much. Is it because of wealth and power?”

His words stayed with me long after he left, echoing in my mind, even before and after the meeting.

After I returned home that night, I couldn’t sleep. I kept thinking about Charles, his sudden return, why he was back, and the way he carried himself, polished, confident, maybe even dangerous. Questions kept running through my mind because we all came from the same poor background. Seeing him dressed that way made me confused about how he was able to afford his sudden lifestyle. Why now? Why Chicago? Why the wealth, the suits, the look of success? What had he been doing all these years, and why was he back?

I couldn’t answer any of it, and that in itself was unnerving. The past had a way of creeping back into one's life after you've tried so hard to forget. I had no answers, and that made me uneasy. The past always finds a way to return, uninvited and disruptive. Was this just a coincidence, or was Charles here for a reason tied to me, the Hart family, or something I had tried hard to leave behind? By midnight, I had made a call. A private investigator would look into Charles, into his movements, his connections, and everything that could explain why he was back in Chicago. I had to know everything. For my peace of mind, for the safety of the family, and for the legacy I had fought so hard to protect.

The night felt endless and uneasy. The city was so quiet, but my mind was restless. Old scars, past mistakes, and lost love all came back flashing in my memory, making me face what I had tried to forget all these years. Still, under all the worry, a small part of me hoped. Maybe this wasn’t a threat. Maybe life was just testing me, showing that no matter how strong our walls are, the past can always break through, even without you knowing.

I finally fell asleep, but it was light and restless. The questions remained, and the investigation into Charles would begin in the morning.

I realized that the scars we carry aren’t always visible, but they are there. They live in our minds, our hearts, and in the choices we made before we understood what they meant. As I drifted into uneasy sleep, I knew one thing for sure: the past wasn’t done with me yet.