Titanic Bound by Destiny

Chapter 29: The Final Letter

December 23rd, 1925

Thirteen years had passed since the tragic sinking of the Titanic, and the world had changed in countless ways. There had been a large-scale development and use of automobiles, telephones, films, radio, and electrical appliances while aeroplanes continued to develop more and more. Change never seemed to stop in these ever-shifting times. It was December 23, 1925, and Nicholas was returning home in upstate New York after a long day in the city. The Ford Model T, a symbol of the new era and his wealth, purred smoothly as it made its way up the winding driveway, the headlights casting a warm, golden glow on the blanket of snow that covered the ground. As the car came to a stop, Nicholas took a moment to admire his home, the stately mansion standing proudly amidst the winter landscape. With its elegant architecture and warm lights, the house seemed to glow against the snow-blanketed land. He had fought hard over the last thirteen years to get to where he was—each day brought a whole new set of challenges. He had built a life here, far removed from the horrors of that fateful night, yet the memories of the Titanic and the people he had lost were never far from his mind. The contrast between his past and present, a poignant reminder of the passage of time, filled him with a bittersweet nostalgia.

As Nicholas sat in the car, he couldn't help but reminisce about the journey that had brought him to this moment. Thirteen years ago, after stepping off the Carpathia, he had reunited with his family on the bustling docks of New York. The reunion was filled with tears and embraces, but Nicholas had spoken no words of what had transpired on the Titanic. The memories were too raw, the wounds too fresh. Instead, he threw himself into his studies, channelling his grief and determination into becoming a lawyer. His family was there the whole way through it, and his brothers once again provided the support he needed, no matter how much time passed. Nicholas refused to speak about the events that had happened on the Titanic. Nicholas worked tirelessly, diving headfirst into his training; it became his entire life. His dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence soon paid off. He passed all his qualifications with flying colours and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of New York's top-tier lawyers. His legal prowess, charm, and social skills made him a well-known figure in both the courtroom and society. Despite his professional success, he remained a social butterfly, attending events and gatherings, but he always felt a certain emptiness in his personal life.

Now, Nicholas, shaped by his past experiences, was in the process of adopting another child, eager to expand his family and provide the same love and support to another young soul in need. His home was filled with laughter and creativity, a testament to the life he had built from the ashes of his past. He had dedicated himself to helping others, taking chances, and living life to the fullest—all in honour of his promise to Sebastian. As he sat there, memories flooding his mind, Nicholas felt a deep sense of fulfilment. Though marked by tragedy, his life had become one of purpose and meaning. He had found a way to honour the memory of those he had lost by positively impacting the lives of others. Despite the passage of time, he still told nobody about his time with Sebastian. They were his memories, and he would keep them to himself.

Throughout the years, Nicholas had kept in close contact with Edward. Their friendship, forged in the fires of tragedy, remained a steadfast source of support and understanding. They shared their triumphs and challenges, their hopes and fears, always there for each other no matter the distance. However, despite the social circles he moved in and the many admirers he attracted, Nicholas had never found another partner to replace Sebastian. Questions often arose about why, at the age of 2, he was still single, but Nicholas paid no heed to the gossip. The bond he had shared with Sebastian was unique and irreplaceable, and though he cherished the memories, he had come to accept that love might take a different form in his life. Besides, he was a busy man with no time for romance anymore; his time in that circle had come and gone. One of the most significant changes in Nicholas's life came from a child he met on the Carpathia—Albert Galvan, the young artist who entertained him with his drawings. It turned out that Albert had no surviving parents. Moved by the boy's talent and spirit, Nicholas decided to adopt him. Nicholas provided a loving home and the stability the boy needed. Albert flourished under Nicholas's care, and their bond grew more substantial each year. Nicholas kept Sebastian's memories alive by adopting and caring for the young lad.