Chapter 110

Chapter 110:

Madisyn was taken aback that Howard knew her name.

It became clear to her that, despite his absence, Howard had been keeping tabs on what was happening within the family.

“Yes, it’s me,” Madisyn replied softly. “Howard, can we come inside now?”

Howard’s voice was hesitant, almost fragile. “I might scare you.”

Madisyn’s response was immediate and resolute. “No, we’re family. No matter what you look like, I’ll never be afraid.”

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She stood there, heart pounding, waiting for a reply.

But there was only silence.

Elaine’s eyes were already brimming with tears. She sighed deeply and squeezed Madisyn’s hand. “It looks like Howard doesn’t want to see us. Let’s head back.”

Madisyn frowned slightly, disappointed but understanding. She knew they couldn’t force him. She turned to leave with Elaine.

But just as they were about to go, there was a sudden “click” as the villa gate unlocked.

Elaine’s sadness turned to joy in an instant.

“He’s letting us in! Howard’s letting us in! Come on, let’s go!” she exclaimed, her voice trembling with excitement.

Madisyn felt a smile touch her lips. “Alright,” she replied.

Together, they walked into the villa, passing through a lovely garden before stepping into the spacious, pristine living room.

Only one person sat inside.

The man was almost completely covered—a hat, a mask, long sleeves, and long pants, leaving only one hand visible.

When Madisyn noticed his hand, a flicker of shock crossed her face.

“Howard?” Elaine’s voice broke as she rushed forward, tears streaming down her face. She stopped short, unsure if she should hug him. “How are you?” she asked, her voice shaking.

“Mom, I’m alright,” Howard answered, his tone calm and even, a voice once full of warmth and now dulled by years of isolation.

“That’s good!” Elaine nodded, her eyes glistening with tears as she looked around the villa.

Everything was impeccably maintained, clean, and spacious.

Despite being alone and refusing anyone’s help, Howard had managed to keep the house in perfect order. He was still the bright and gentle young man she remembered, unchanged by the passing years.

If only that fire had never happened…

The thought clung to Elaine’s mind like a dark cloud, and fresh tears welled up in her eyes.

Madisyn, from the moment she saw Howard, pieced together the silent story his appearance told.

His skin, in various stages of peeling and damage, told a story of intense pain and suffering.

Even his feet appeared to bear the scars of whatever had happened to him.

“Madisyn.”

Howard’s voice gently pulled her from her thoughts. He noticed her thoughtful gaze, but saw no fear—only compassion.

As Howard looked at his sister’s delicate, yet determined face, emotions he’d long kept buried began to stir. Here she was, his sister, finally standing before him after so many years apart.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there to welcome you when you first returned,” Howard said, his voice laced with regret. “But I’ve been thinking of you. I have something for you.”

With a slightly trembling hand, he offered her a small gift box.

Madisyn felt a surge of emotion as she took it, deeply moved by the gesture. Howard had withdrawn from the world, yet his heart remained full of kindness. He had never forgotten those he loved. Madisyn couldn’t help but think how truly kind-hearted her brother was.

“Thank you, Howard,” she said, her voice warm. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small pouch. “I brought you a little something too.”

Howard accepted the pouch and opened it, revealing many small pills inside. “What are these?” he asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

“They’re meant to help you regain some strength. Just take three a day,” Madisyn said, her smile warm and reassuring.

Howard stared at the small pills, doubtful that something so insignificant could make any difference.

He couldn’t help but wonder if Madisyn had been misled into buying them.

Yet, he didn’t want to dampen her spirits. “Thanks, Madisyn. I’ll take them,” he replied, his tone gentle despite his skepticism.

“Howard, you chat with Madisyn here. I’ll see what we have in the fridge and rustle up lunch.” Not waiting for a response, Elaine hurried toward the kitchen, fearing Howard might refuse her offer if she lingered.

Since the incident, Howard had retreated into his own small world, managing everything by himself.

Howard watched his mother go, a sigh escaping his lips. He understood her unspoken concern, the pain of their long separation weighing on both of them.

He didn’t object. Instead, he turned to Madisyn and said, “Make yourself comfortable. I’ve got some fresh fruit here.”

Madisyn glanced at the neatly arranged platter of fruit, her heart aching slightly. Here was her brother, once full of life and charm but now reduced to a solitary figure meticulously managing life on his own. Under different circumstances, he could have been the kind of person who captured hearts effortlessly.

“Howard, after the accident, did you ever seek out medical treatment?” Madisyn spoke, her voice gentle.

Howard let out a deep sigh, and after a long pause, replied, “I tried… but nothing worked.”

The way he said it made it clear that he had seen countless doctors, each visit only deepening his despair.

“Would you let me take a look?” Madisyn asked.

Howard didn’t reply, his silence speaking volumes. The thought of exposing his wounds, even to his own sister, was almost unbearable.

He had once been carefree, vibrant, and full of life, but now, he felt like a shadow of that person—a body marred by scars and a crippled leg, each a painful reminder of what he had lost.

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