Marriage By Deception

10. Echoes of Understanding

A newfound sense of determination marked the days that followed Christopher'smoment of clarity. He threw himself into his work at the startup, finding solace in the challenge of building something from the ground up. It was a far cry from the cushioned existence he had known, but the struggle was invigorating, a constant reminder that he was carving out a life of his own.

But despite his best efforts, the echoes of his past life continued to follow him. The phone calls from his mother became more frequent, each filled with a mix of concern and veiled disappointment. She never mentioned his father, but the silence on that front spoke volumes. Christopher knew that his father's disapproval was not just a personal matter but a shadow that loomed over the entire family.

One evening, after a particularly grueling day at work, Christopher found himself standing in front of his old family home. He hadn't planned on going there, but something had drawn him back—a lingering sense of unfinished business, perhaps, or the need to confront the past head-on. The house was as imposing as ever, its grandeur a stark contrast to the modest apartment Christopher now called home.

He stood there for a long moment, memories of his childhood flooding back with an intensity that surprised him. The laughter, the arguments, the countless moments that had shaped him into the man he was today—they all seemed to swirl around him, as tangible as the cool evening air.

Finally, he took a deep breath and approached the door. He hesitated for a moment before ringing the bell, unsure of what kind of reception he would receive. The door was answered not by his parents, but by the family's longtime housekeeper, Mrs. Adler. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw him.

"Christopher! It's been so long," she exclaimed, her voice a mix of joy and concern. "Come in, come in."

Christopher smiled, grateful for her warmth. "Thank you, Mrs. Adler. Is anyone else home?"

"Your mother is in the sitting room," Mrs. Adler replied, ushering him inside. "Your father's away on business, as usual."

Christopher nodded, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment. He wasn't sure he was ready to face his father just yet. As Mrs. Adler led him to the sitting room, Christopher steeled himself for the conversation that was about to unfold.

His mother was sitting by the window, a book in her lap. When she looked up and saw him, her expression softened, though there was a hint of sadness in her eyes.

"Christopher," she said, setting the book aside and rising to greet him. "This is a surprise."

"Hello, Mother," Christopher replied, embracing her gently. "I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd stop by."

She studied him for a moment, her gaze searching his face. "You look well," she said finally. "But I can tell you've been under a lot of stress."

Christopher sighed, taking a seat across from her. "I've been... managing. A lot is going on."

"I know," she said softly. "Your father told me about your decision to step away from the family business. It's been difficult for him to accept."

Christopher looked down at his hands, the weight of her words settling over him. "I didn't expect it to be easy," he admitted. "But I had to make a choice that felt right for me."

His mother nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I understand that, Christopher. And I'm proud of you for standing up for what you believe in. But I worry about the cost of that choice. You've always been so close to your father, and now..."

She trailed off, her voice tinged with emotion. Christopher felt a pang of guilt, knowing that his decision had created a rift in the family that might never fully heal.