Shadows Within The Past

Chapter 79:Strong people do not cry

Alexander's eyes hardened as he prepared to face the darkness ahead. "Emily, be strong. Strong people don't cry. Have you ever seen your father cry?"

Emily's gaze locked onto Alexander's, determination burning within. She hugged him tightly. "I am strong, uncle. I won't cry."

Alexander's expression softened. "Good girl."

As he turned to leave, Emily's voice stopped him. "Uncle?"

"Yes, kiddo?"

"Come back soon. Please."

Alexander smiled. "I will, Emily. In a few hours. You have a day off from school, sleep tight."

With a reassuring nod, Alexander departed, leaving Emily with Sophia.

As the door closed, Sophia wrapped Emily in a warm hug. "We're here for you, Emily."

Emily's voice whispered. "I'll be strong, Sophia. For uncle, for dad."

Sophia's eyes moistened. "You already are, Emily."

Meanwhile, Alexander's resolve hardened. He would avenge Lucas's death and protect Emily at all costs.

Alexander and Ethan arrived at Raphael's family compound, their resolve unwavering. "Remember, Ethan, no unnecessary harm," Alexander instructed.

As they entered, Alexander's gaze locked onto Raphael, the family patriarch. "Raphael, you've brought destruction upon yourself," Alexander declared.

Raphael sneered, but Alexander's smile was cold. "You'll never leave this place alive." With precision, Alexander and Ethan took down Raphael's guards.

Alexander's eyes narrowed as he gazed at Raphael. "You took my brother's life," he said, his voice icy. "Now, you'll suffer." Ethan's expression turned grim.

Raphael's screams echoed through the compound as Alexander and Ethan unleashed their wrath. Alexander's methods were calculated, precise. Each blow, each cut, each burn inflicted maximum pain.

Raphael begged for mercy, but Alexander's heart was stone. "You showed none to Lucas," Alexander repeated.

Hours passed, Raphael's cries growing weaker. Alexander's phone rang, shrill in the darkness. Sophia's voice was urgent. "Alexander, Emily needs you."

Alexander's gaze never left Raphael. "Finish this, Ethan." Ethan nodded.

Alexander departed, leaving Ethan to ensure Raphael's agony continued. As he arrived home, Emily rushed into his arms, tears streaming down her face.

"Uncle, I'm missing dad," Emily whispered.

Alexander's embrace tightened. "I'm here, kiddo. Always."

But Alexander's heart still seethed with rage. He knew this was far from over.

Emily was having supper bad cramps as it was her first day of  period .
Alexander notice the unease in her eyes and asked "what happened to you?"

Emily said" umm.... cramps."

Alexander's concern deepened as Emily's hesitant response trailed off. "Cramps?" he repeated, his brow furrowed. "Where?" Emily's cheeks flushed. "Um, stomach." Alexander's gaze lingered, sensing she wasn't telling the whole truth. "Emily, you can trust me," he said gently.

Emily shifted uncomfortably, her eyes darting around the room. Sophia, sitting nearby, subtly nodded encouragement. "Okay, uncle," Emily whispered. "It's just... my period started." Alexander's expression softened. "Ah, kiddo." He rose, fetching a heating pad and pain relievers.