The Novak's Heir Arises

4. Adam's body

Khloe turned out to be the lady who had been with him earlier. She entered the ward a few minutes after Eva and Keegan left.

She sat and fixed her gaze on Travis as if he were some interesting specimen.

"So, now you know everything, huh?" She asked.

"Yeah, so?" he said.

She snorted. "Well, welcome to the family, brother. Don't expect me to respect you just because you are older than me."

Travis frowned. "You are their child? Didn't Eva say she had a womb problem?"

"I was adopted."

"Oh." He pursed his lips. "The Novaks adopt?"

"Long story."

Travis rolled his eyes. "Everyone I've met in this family seems to have some story."

"Welcome to the family. Being a powerful family comes with its benefits and drawbacks."

Travis huffed. "I'd rather be anywhere but in the god-damned family."

She raised a brow. "Sharp tongue. Did the Novaks killed your girlfriend or what?"

Travis didn't reply.

"Well, suck it up. You are the first child of the head of the family. You'll always be in danger without protection."

"Yeah, I don't need another lecture about how I'm in danger for having the Novak blood running through my veins."

She chuckled. "You haven't even been here for a full day and you are this bitter already? Oh, sweet brother. Wait until you meet the rest of the family."

Travis arched a brow. "What about them?"

"You'll see."

Before Travis could ask what she meant, she said. "Get up. I'll show you your room."

"I'd like to see my father's corpse."

"Huh? Dad isn't...oh, you meant..." Khloe cleared her throat. "I think you should wash up and eat first."

"I'm good." He stood up.

She stared at him, contemplating before shrugging. "Alright, this way."

She led him through a hallway leading to a long staircase.

Travis stared wide-eyed at the beautifully decorated interior of the house. The hallway walls displayed exquisite artwork between the doors. The floor gleamed under his foot. For someone who lived in a poor place all his life, this was definitely a change.

Khloe chuckled at his reaction. "Wait till you see the Novaks' manor."

"Wait, this isn't their house?"

"Goodness, no. This mansion belongs to dad. The main house is on Victory Island. If you react like this here, you'll definitely swoon when you see the manor."

Travis gulped. Something stirred inside him. Was this how it felt to be rich? Having beautiful things and all? He had been missing out on all of this.

They went through a series of stairs and hallways until they stopped at a door.

"Well... it's in there." Khloe said. "When you are done, you'll find someone here to take you to your room."

Travis nodded, bracing himself for what he would see in there.

"Travis," Khloe said as he was about to open the door, "I understand how you feel, but just take it easy. It'll be okay."

She turned and left. Travis thought about her words for a moment before entering.

The room was plain and small. There was only one window, but it was wide enough to give good natural light in the room. In the center of the room stood a white case, resembling a coffin.

A lump formed in his throat as he neared the coffin. The lid was transparent.

Adam laid inside. His clothes had been changed to a white robe. His face looked peaceful, as if he were just asleep. Travis knew better.

He fell on his knees and placed his hand on the lid. Guilt built up inside him. Adam died because of him, all because of a stupid heritage. This was his fault.

He thought of all the times they spent together: their laughter, the moments he trained him on how to fight, all the times he punished him for doing something bad. All of them.

Travis couldn't accept that he was gone like that. And he was just supposed to accept Keegan as his father? There was only one person who deserved the title 'father' in his life, and it was this man who took care of him all the years of his life.

Travis rested his head on the lid. His eyes watered. He hadn't even given him the good life he promised him. Why did life have to be so cruel?

"I'm sorry, father. Rest in peace." He muttered, tears running down his cheeks.

Travis didn't know when or how long he slept. Someone tapped his shoulder, jerking him out of his sleep.

"Hmm," he said incorrigibly, squinting his eyes at the person.

"Come, let's go to your room."

It was Eva's voice. He rubbed his eyes and looked again. His sight became clear. Eva stood before him, still dressed in the attire she wore when she visited him.

Eva said. "You've been here for a while. I got worried."

"I'm fine," Travis replied, his voice hoarse.

Eva stared at him with concern. Travis wondered if all that he said back at the ward still hurt her.

"Come. I'll take you to your room."

Travis glanced at Adam's body. It was still painful to think about it. He faced Eva and nodded for her to lead the way.

He left the room and followed her through the hallway.

"Um, sorry about Adam," Eva said as they walked down the stairs. "Losing a good father... I know how that feels. I lost mine too. I just want you to know that you are not alone. We might not really be on good terms right now, but... I'll always be here for you."

"Thank you," Travis replied. He still hadn't completely registered the reality of Keegan and Eva being his parents, but at least Eva was reasonable enough to sympathize with him.

Eva stopped at a door. "Here we are."

She opened it.

Travis stared at the room, unable to believe it belonged to him.

The first thing that surprised him was the width and the king-sized bed. Everything he needed for a bedroom furnished the room, all made of rich and good quality materials.

"You'll find anything you need in here, or you can just tell us if you need anything else."

Travis nodded. "Thank you."

"I'll ask the maids to bring some food for you. You haven't eaten in a while."

Travis nodded.

That being said, she left him.

Travis entered his room and examined it. He lay on his bed. His brows furrowed at its softness. His bed back at his home was as hard as a rock.

In contrast with his old life, this one was so much better. He'd have anything he wanted in life.

But that went against everything he believed and thought. Like almost everybody in the city, he hated the Novak family. Would enjoying this life provided by them not make him a hypocrite? But it was so good to live like this, not having to worry about tomorrow.

That aside, what of his new heritage? How would that affect his life? Enemies would be after him now, apparently.

What about the rest of the Novak family? How did they feel about his returning?

Most importantly, how would the rest of his life feel like without Adam?

He exhaled deeply, thoughts flowing like a river in his head.