Chapter 5: The Boone Family Mansion
The Boone family Mansion had been deserted for many years. The flowers in the garden were long withered and the big swimming pool was filled with dead leaves.
Only the delicate flower patterns carved on the white gate seemed to show the status and reputation of the owner of this villa once owned.
"We're here." After Declan parked the car, he opened the door and went to the trunk to get their luggage.
Luz took her son's hand and came out from the back of the car.
"Thank you, Declan. You're must be tired too. Go back and rest early," Luz said to him with a smile when Declan brought her luggage to her.
"Aren't you going to invite me in?" Declan gestured at the main entrance of the villa.
"That's right, Mommy!"
Logan looked serious and raised his chin. "Let Uncle Declan come in and play with me for a while, okay? I brought back the Superman figurine from America, but I don't know how to assemble it!" Luz and Declan couldn't help laughing at his cute pout.
Her dimpled smile was just the same as seven years ago, except with an aura of maternity as she ruffled her son's hair.
Henry stared at the image reflected in the rearview mirror. Under the shade of the tree, she and the man embraced each other.
He tightened his grip on the steering wheel and pressed his lips together.
"Declan, I've only just come back after seven years. I haven't had the chance to clean up yet. The house is not visitor-ready. I'll definitely invite you over when I can next time!"
At this point, Declan understood what she meant. He smiled and hid his disappointment. "If you need anything, call me at any time. I'll be here immediately."
"Okay."
Luz nodded with a smile and comforted Logan. Then, she took the boy's hand and walked up the stairs.
Declan focused his attention on her back as she left, concealing his complicated feelings in his lowered eyes.
It was as if he had fallen into a deep and distant state of thought.
Around the corner, a black Maybach was parked in the dark.
The man watched as the blue BMW drove away. He sat in the car and continued watching as the light shone from the house's second storey and took out his phone from his pocket. He just fidgeted restlessly with his phone without pressing any buttons.
It took Luz two hours to clean up the house. The dusty living room became exquisite and dazzling in the blink of an eye. The European sofa was also looked brand new.
She gently brushed away the dust on the portrait in her hand, as if she was taking care of her beloved item. She hung the portrait in the most striking position in the living room. Logan was wearing Ultraman pyjamas. He stood at the door with his hands clenched tightly, frowning as he looked at the portrait that Luz had placed on the counter. "Mommy, are they your daddy and mommy?"
On the portrait was a couple in their early 50s. The man's hair was white, and his eyes were intimidating while the woman in the gown had a gentle smile.
They leaned against each other in an intimate pose typical for a married couple.
Luz put down the rag in her hand and took a deep breath. "Yes, these are your grandparents."
"Where did they go?"
The big house was empty. There was no one living here except him and his mother.
Luz turned around and looked at Logan, who had a curious expression on his face. She couldn't help laughing. She stepped forward, picked him up, and walked to the bedroom with him in her arms. "They went to a very far place. You won't be able to meet them."
Seven years ago, the fire took away her parents and her love.
She had lost everything and could only escape.
"Do you miss them, mommy?"
"I do."
But so what? They can never meet again, but she will avenge them.