Villain Ch 285. Broken Family Portrait
In the past, Allen had clung to his identity as an unwanted child, and it had shaped his perspective on relationships. Sophia had made it clear that she wanted to wait until marriage to be intimate, and in a way, it resonated with Allen's fear of repeating the same mistakes his mother had made. He had respected her choice, believing that it was a way to prevent history from repeating itself.
"Does that mean your stepdad married your mom without taking you as his child?" Jane asked, trying to wrap her head around the complex dynamics of Allen's family situation. Such scenarios were uncommon, but not unheard of, particularly when the child was still young or even an infant.
Allen nodded, his smile carrying a tinge of bitterness. "I was only five years old when my mom married my step dad. He always yearned for a picture-perfect family, but I stood in the way of his vision. So, he approached my grandparents and asked them to adopt me, making me their child. My grandparents agreed wholeheartedly, understanding the pain my mom had endured because of me. Thus, I lived with them until I reached my teenage years and, unfortunately, had to move in with my parents after their passing. And I could say--- living with them was far from pleasant," he confessed, his voice laced with a mix of disappointment and resentment.
His mother had chosen the role of a traditional housewife, while his stepdad had never truly welcomed him into their home. Financial assistance was scarce, and he found himself struggling to make ends meet under their roof. The fact that his stepdad allowed him to stay temporarily in a spare room until he turned eighteen was nothing short of a miracle for Allen. It didn't help matters that he had to witness the stark contrast in treatment between himself and his younger brother. Despite Allen's best efforts, his brother excelled academically, consistently earning accolades and honors that only fueled their stepdad's comparisons between the two siblings.
Fortunately, amidst the challenges he faced within his family, Allen found solace in his relationship with his younger brother. Their bond served as a source of support and strength, reminding him that not all aspects of his upbringing were marred by disappointment and neglect. Despite the stark differences in their treatment, Allen resisted the temptation of envy, choosing instead to celebrate his brother's achievements.
Financially, Allen's grandparents had left him a considerable inheritance, ensuring that he had the means to pursue his education and maintain his day-to-day life. It was a bittersweet reminder of their love and care, a final gift from the guardians who had embraced him as their own. With this financial security, he carefully managed his resources, using them to cover his tuition fees and essential expenses. When he turned eighteen, he made the decision to enroll in a university that offered dormitory accommodation, alleviating the burden of finding and paying for additional housing. To further support himself, he took on a part-time job, juggling work and studies to maintain his independence.
These experiences shaped Allen's perspective on family dynamics, leading him to become guarded and cautious with his emotions. Coupled with Sophia and his teammates' betrayal, he developed a reluctance to trust others and allowed few people to penetrate the walls he had built. However, as he shared this part of his life with Jane, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. It was as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, and a glimmer of hope began to flicker within him.
She fell silent. She recalled Shea's previous mention of investigating Allen's background, ensuring he had no criminal record or hidden agenda. Shea should have known more or less about this, but she never told the group. She only said that his parents were alive and healthy. But Jane guessed it might be because she didn't want to tell them before Allen told them himself.
Jane realized the weight of the unspoken trust that had been placed upon her. She knew she held a glimpse into Allen's world, a vulnerable side he had seldom shown to others. It was a privilege she didn't take lightly. She understood the significance of creating a safe space where he could freely express his fears, hopes, and experiences without judgment.
"What about your biological dad? Is he dead? Have you ever tried looking for him?" Jane's curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn't help but inquire further.
Allen's expression grew somber, and he shook his head slowly. "I've made attempts to find him, but it's been an uphill battle. My mom was drunk when she had that encounter, and as a result, she doesn't remember his face or any significant details. I've spent the past two years scouring social media platforms, hoping for a breakthrough, but I've come up empty-handed. At this point, I've chosen to accept that he is, for all intents and purposes, nonexistent in my life," he replied, his voice filled with a mix of resignation and a hint of sadness.
Jane listened intently, the weight of his words sinking in. She could only imagine the emotional turmoil he had endured in his search for answers, the countless dead ends and unanswered questions that haunted him. She understood that sometimes it was necessary to let go of certain quests, accepting that closure may not always come in the form we desire.
There was a brief silence as Jane absorbed the magnitude of Allen's journey, recognizing the resilience he had shown in the face of disappointment. Without uttering a word, she wrapped her arms around him, offering a comforting embrace. In that tender moment, she conveyed her gratitude for his willingness to share such deeply personal aspects of his life.
"Thank you for trusting me with your story, Allen," Jane whispered softly, her voice filled with genuine appreciation.
Allen, feeling the warmth of her embrace, reciprocated the hug with a gentle squeeze. His heart swelled with gratitude, knowing that he had found someone who could understand and accept him unconditionally. "No, Jane," he murmured, his voice filled with sincerity. "I should be the one thanking you. It's not easy to open up about these things, but you've created a space where I feel safe to do so."
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