Chapter 726: Heart Disease

“Slowly, I truly grew accustomed to Marvin’s presence. Bounty adored him, as if it were destined. He filled the void of her unfulfilled motherhood, and he's been with her all these years. During those years, I was so lonely. Over time, I've become used to searching for Anabelle's reflection in Marvin.”

“So, I think we should forget it. Beyond you and me, let no one else know about Marvin and the story of her two sons.”

Reuben had served the Augustine family for decades, working discreetly. Besides Alpha, he alone knew Marvin's true origins.

Marvin isn't Lily's son. His biological mother is Anabelle. Her second child wasn't a girl, but a boy—Marvin, delivered via Cesarean section.

Alpha left Reuben to manage it, and it went smoothly. It's ironic that Lily poured her heart into Marvin all these years, unaware she raised another's child amidst the deception.

Alpha ruled the Augustine family since age eighteen, becoming the heir of a new generation. He's held a position of power and strategic influence for over thirty years. A born leader, a legend, admired by all.

Reuben respectfully nodded, “Yes, sir.”

Alpha's deep gaze fell upon the property division document. He continued, “For my two sons, I’ve bequeathed all movable property to Elvis and all real estate to Marvin, dividing it equally. After my death, a lawyer will ensure legal enforcement.”

Alpha explained in his deep voice. He understood his health; after so many years, his end was near.

Reuben's eyes reddened; he alone knew Alpha had suffered a heart attack. The plot to usurp the Augustine family years ago had wounded many. When Anabelle left, the rest of the family—Mrs. Samantha, Alpha, Bounty, and Elvis—all suffered greatly. Alpha began coughing up blood years ago. Sometimes, Reuben felt his greatest hatred was reserved for Anabelle. Without her, his master wouldn't have had this heart attack. Seeing Anabelle in the hospital for the first time, the gaze of the leading nobleman was forever altered.

Reuben didn't know the extent of his master's psychological torment over the years. The pain of facing his sister, Bounty; the loneliness of looking at Marvin, Anabelle and Marcus's son, waiting day after day; the countless sleepless nights and despair—he knew it all too well.

This heart disease was like a wild, black flower. Physical illness is treatable, but mental illness is not.

This is how Alpha reached his destination, step by step. He had recently asked Anabelle if she had ever loved him, waiting for her answer, but it remained unchanged: never.

Reuben, eyes red, watched Alpha in the main seat. Seated against the lamplight, his face was difficult to see. Reuben asked, “Sir, what are you going to do?”

Reuben knew Alpha well. Anabelle was his greatest obsession; he couldn't let her go for the rest of his life. If he died, what would become of Anabelle?

At this, Alpha raised his head, glancing at Reuben. He slowly pursed his thin lips into a slight curve and whispered, “How about a burial?”

A burial?

The words froze Reuben.

“I’ve sought her for so many years. It’s as if I’ve spent two-thirds of my life with her. Now, she is still young, just as before. When I tease her, she blushes with embarrassment and anger. I won't give her to another man. No one else will touch my woman.”

“She’s been running for years. Even now, I sense she's trying to distance herself. How can I allow that? I want her to stay with me, sleep with me, and die with me so she can't escape.”

“However, I haven't decided yet. I still need to think about it… cough, cough…” Alpha began coughing again.

Reuben quickly said, “Sir, there’s no need to rush. You have plenty of time. Rest first. You look exhausted.”

Alpha stood, saying, “Very well, I’ll rest.”

Alpha returned to the bedroom. He lay on the bed and fell asleep, experiencing a long dream. The years he and Anabelle spent together were not only painful but also happy. Bounty's loss of her child dealt a devastating blow to the Augustine family. Even amidst Bounty's hysteria, he protected Anabelle.

Before him stood his kin and his true love. His conflicted heart eventually gave rise to heart disease. When he first coughed up blood, he was only twenty-seven, at the height of his life, yet the doctor informed him his heart was failing.

He and Anabelle had a period of estrangement, but coincidentally, she was pregnant with their eldest son, Elvis. After Elvis's birth, he didn't know what happened to her, but her personality shifted dramatically. She no longer resisted him coldly but became gentle.

In the evenings, after work, she would leave a lamp for him, and she and her son would sleep in his large bed under the soft light.

He stood by the bed, leaning down to kiss his son's face. His tall frame crouched, holding her and their child. When he looked at her, she quietly opened her eyes, meeting his gaze with her beautiful, watery almond eyes. A wellspring of clear water reflected in their depths. Although she didn’t speak, her eyes, clear as stars, gentle to the core, sparkled and stirred his soul.

His heart was captivated, and he bent down to kiss her.

She no longer resisted; instead, she wrapped her small arms around his neck, gently responding.

Elvis would cry from hunger. Despite a nurse in the Red Velvet room, she fed him herself. She would push Alpha away, her face flushed, turning aside to breastfeed her son secretly.

He refused to leave. His thin lips brushed her ear, whispering, “The nurse said you have plenty of milk. Elvis can't drink it all. If you feel engorged, you must express it…”

She covered his mouth in panic.

He stared at her: “I can help you.”

In her confused gaze, he pulled her down, with Elvis on one side and himself on the other.