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Novel Catalog
Chapter 10
Victor’s mind, however, was elsewhere. The name Henrick Bleu barely registered in his foggy thoughts. He was too consumed by his own grief, the ache that had never ceased since Eden disappeared. He had learned to carry the weight of her absence every day, even as time moved on around him. The sound of the television, the announcement of Henrick’s victory, felt distant—just another distraction from his ever-present longing.
Anson, noticing Victor’s detachment, continued with his observations. “Victor,” he said gently, his voice breaking through Victor’s internal storm, “Henrick Bleu… do you recognize him?”
Victor, still lost in his memories of Eden, finally shifted his gaze to the screen. His eyes narrowed as he took in Henrick’s face. There was something about him, something that stirred a long-forgotten feeling within Victor.
Anson watched Victor carefully, waiting for a response. He had known Victor for years, and he knew that even the smallest shift in his expression meant something significant. After a long moment of silence, Victor’s voice came out low, almost a whisper.
“He looks… familiar.”
Anson’s eyes brightened. “You think so? I knew you’d notice it eventually.” He leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. “You must remember. Henrick is Eden’s son, isn’t he? Her eldest, I think.”
Victor’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of Eden. His grip tightened around his glass, the cool touch of the crystal a stark contrast to the heat rising in his chest. Eden’s son? The realization hit him like a wave, pulling him from his sorrowful haze.
“Her son?” Victor repeated, his voice tight with emotion. It had been years since he last heard anything about Eden—her disappearance had been shrouded in mystery, and every lead he had followed had turned to dust. But now, here was Henrick, making waves in the world, and in some inexplicable way, Victor felt a connection.
Anson nodded, still watching Victor closely. “Yes. The child from her… unexpected past. She has three children now, all doing well, I hear.” Anson leaned back in his chair, choosing his words carefully. “Victor, you’ve been looking for her all this time. Maybe this is your chance to find a lead, to finally understand what happened.”
Victor’s mind raced, but his face remained unreadable. Henrick, the boy on the television screen, looked so much like the child Eden had once described. His expression, his mannerisms—Victor could see traces of Eden’s spirit in him, despite the years that had passed.
“I need to meet him,” Victor murmured, more to himself than to Anson. “I need to know.”
Anson gave him a knowing look. “I figured you’d say that. But Victor, you must understand… he may not even know who you are. Eden’s past isn’t something she’s spoken about openly.”
Victor didn’t respond, his mind already formulating plans. He had waited long enough. The idea of being so close, yet still so far, seemed unbearable.
The night continued on in a blur of food and muted conversation, but Victor’s thoughts were consumed by one thing—Henrick Bleu. His son? His connection to Eden?
The thought of it all made his chest tighten with a blend of hope and dread. The search for Eden had always seemed like a never-ending chase, but now, it felt like the possibility of closure was finally within his grasp.
Anson glanced at him with a mix of concern and understanding, sensing the storm brewing inside his friend. “Victor,” he said gently, “this could be the start of something you’ve been waiting for. But be careful, okay? You’ve been through a lot. Don’t let the past blind you.”
Victor’s eyes remained fixed on the television screen, but he nodded slowly, the weight of his emotions pressing down on him. “I’ll be careful, Anson. I’ve waited too long for this. I have to know the truth.”
As the evening wore on, the flickering image of Henrick Bleu on the screen became a symbol of something more than just a successful young pianist. To Victor, it was the key to unraveling a mystery that had haunted him for nearly two decades.