The mansion was unusually quiet that morning.
Large windows allowed soft sunlight to pour into the living room, reflecting off the polished floors and elegant furniture.
Adrian stood near the staircase with a small travel bag beside him.
In just a few hours, he would be leaving the country to complete his final year of law school at University of Cambridge.
For the first time in a long while, his mind was clear.
He had decided to focus on one thing.
His future.
Whatever strange curiosity he once felt about Stephanie, he had forced himself to push it away.
She had disappeared.
And clearly, she had never felt anything for him.
So there was no reason to think about her anymore.
"Adrian."
His mother's voice gently pulled him out of his thoughts.
She walked into the room holding his baby sister in her arms.
The little girl immediately stretched her hands toward him when she saw him.
Adrian smiled and lifted her into his arms.
"Hey, princess."
The baby giggled happily and grabbed his shirt with tiny fingers.
His mother watched them with a soft smile.
"You know she's going to miss you," she said.
Adrian kissed the baby's forehead.
"I'll miss her too."
Just then, his father entered the room.
A tall, composed man whose presence carried quiet authority.
He looked at Adrian carefully.
"Everything ready?"
"Yes, Dad."
His father nodded slowly.
"Cambridge won't be easy."
"I know."
"But you've never been afraid of challenges," his father continued.
Adrian smiled slightly.
"I'll manage."
His father stepped closer and placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"You're the only son of this family."
Adrian knew what that meant.
One day, he would carry the weight of the family's name, business, and legacy.
Finishing his law degree was only the beginning.
His mother suddenly spoke again, her voice softer now.
"Just promise you'll take care of yourself."
"I will."
"And call us often."
Adrian laughed lightly.
"I will."
His baby sister suddenly began playing with his hair, causing everyone in the room to laugh.
For a moment, the serious atmosphere disappeared.
They were simply a family enjoying a quiet moment together.
Soon, the driver arrived outside.
It was time to leave.
Adrian handed his baby sister back to his mother.
The little girl looked confused as he stepped toward the door.
His mother hugged him tightly.
"We're proud of you."
His father shook his hand firmly.
"Make us proud."
Adrian nodded.
"I will."
As he stepped into the car, he took one last look at his family standing at the entrance of the mansion.
Then the car slowly drove away.
Cambridge awaited him.
And with it…
A future he was determined to focus on.
Leaving behind every distraction.
Even the memory of a girl who had once refused him.