Love Unspoken

The image was of three people, two men and a woman, frozen in time.

As Alexander gazed at the photo, lost in memories.Content © provided by NôvelDrama.Org.

As if peering through this photograph, he glimpsed into a distant past.

Many years ago, there was a hoary older man who would often sit in contemplation on the sunlit balcony, gazing pensively at this very image.

One glance, and he could be lost for an entire afternoon.

Passersby would catch faint sighs of wistfulness and regret escaping his lips as they went about their way.

After a while, he heard a knock at the door. It was Wayne, his presence a mix of emotions.

Having also aged, with silver strands gracing his temples and a slight stoop to his frame, they locked gazes for a moment before Wayne finally strode forward, leaving a trail of muddy footprints upon the floorboards. "I wonder why the light is on here, only to find it is you," he remarked.

They exchanged a silent look before Wayne took a seat, mirroring his father's actions.

"Do you reckon that whenever Ulysses leaves, you start to feel like the whole world is at odds with you?"

Alexander remained silent still.

Wayne, gentlemanly, placed the cigarette in his mouth, lighting it with a lighter, and took a drag. In the past, while Ulysses was around, he had this penchant for smoking. Observing his gestures, Alexander's countenance momentarily held a look of reverie.

Wayne, in a gentlemanly manner, placed the cigarette between his lips, extracted a lighter, and ignited it, taking a puff with a soft hiss.

He was only in his fifties, yet he exuded an air of aged wisdom.

"I'll be on my way," Alexander said, turning to leave but being halted by a voice behind him. "Hold on."

He paused his back to Wayne without turning around.

Wayne gazed at his son's retreating figure and softly remarked, "Alexander, you were once my proudest achievement, my source of pride."

"But also my greatest regret."

Alexander's curiosity piqued, and he turned to face Wayne.

However, Wayne changed the subject, his eyes filled with nostalgia. "When I was your age, I was still being disciplined by Ulysses. Time flies; I'm now his age."

"I've been contemplating my actions over the years, and I realize my life has been a mess."

Alexander furrowed his brow slightly and inquired, "What exactly are you trying to communicate?"

As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for the complete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! Wayne glanced at Alexander, "I wanted to talk to you, but if you're not interested, you can leave."

Alexander averted his gaze, seemingly pondering.

Eventually, he settled on a nearby wooden chair.

Wayne chuckled, observing Alexander intently.

Alexander sat upright with composure, allowing himself to be appraised.

After a moment, Wayne spoke, "I know about your recent situation with your mother, how she pressured you to marry a suitable woman and even asked me to persuade you."

"But I declined. Love can't be forced. Marriage and love are two different things, but if you can marry the one you love, that's where true love resides." Alexander's expression remained neutral. In his youth, Wayne was also quite inconsistent, engaging in numerous affairs outside of committed relationships.