The classical music blended with their silence—as if two souls shared the same quiet road, where not a word was needed, and nothing felt empty. The road in Suffolk stretched like a patch etched into the landscape by unseen hands. 

Driving carefully, Anton replied while eyes on the road. “My parents used to live in Suffolk, and I stayed there until I was ten,” he said, glancing his eyes on the wing mirrors. Liam was listening, staring at the rearview mirror. “They work in an orchard as fruit pickers, while I go to the nearby community schools. When it’s not fruit-picking season, my Mum would work as a waitress, and Dad would go with the fishing boats. But as time went by, things had changed when I had my young siblings,” he added, and silence followed him for a moment. A mellow soundtrack drifted from the Bluetooth, filling the stillness between them without breaking it.

“May I know what change in your family? And how did you move to Belgavria?” Liam asked, holding his tablet. He was starting to learn a little about Anton. Glancing down to his left, he let the phone buzz silently, ignoring it as though it weren’t there. The screen showed a call from his mother’s personal assistant. He wasn’t even aware where they went. Not that he didn’t care much for them. It was just that he had had enough of waiting for their care. No. Why did it matter? He was free after all, away from malice. 

Anton quickly glanced at the rearview mirror as they met each other's eyes. He looked casual, like he used to. Then steadily moved his eyes on the road. They're aren't far from the Hawthornes' Estate.

"When our family grew bigger, I stopped going to school. I believe I was fifteen back then. I worked as a waiter on weekdays, and on weekends, I went out fishing,” he said, turning the steering wheel to the left. "One day, Mum and Dad joined a cobbler for a three-day trip. But a storm came, and they never made it back,” he spoke truthfully. “To cut a long story short, I moved to Belgavria with my siblings after Uncle Bert found out about our situation.” He said without sounding regretful. Silence settled inside the car. The air conditioner hummed softly, and a faint melody played in the background as if something old, something that carried the weight of memory. 

The way Liam looked at him through the mirror overhead carried a quiet sympathy. Still, he couldn’t help but think how lucky Anton was―to have a whole family that stays together, looking after one another’s needs and wants. Even with so little, Anton’s parents had made sure to be the parents they ought to be. Liam felt a flicker of jealousy.

Glancing in the small mirror, Anton didn’t say much. He kind of understood Liam’s quiet envy, softened by sadness, as he watched him. 

The car turned to the left, and the baron’s estate came into view. The road through the orchards was heavy with fruit, their branches bowing under the weight of apples, pears, and quinces. Sunlight filtered through the leaves in dappled gold, and the air was fragrant with the mingling scents of ripening fruits and damp earth. Liam’s eyes looked mesmerized. It was true. It was his first time moving to the countryside with a breather start. 

Anton's lips curled into a grin, reminiscing about his childhood running around the orchard, chasing his mother. In the distance, the estate’s tall chimneys and slate roofs rose above the treetops, the quiet grandeur of a house that had watched centuries pass. Entirely, it was a calm prelude, wrapped with wealth, stillness, and secrets waiting beyond the gate. 

“I never knew Mother had an aunt living in this magnificent estate,” Liam mumbled, looking out the car window as the cool air brushed against his face. He closed his eyes, finally breathing freely, telling himself that tomorrow would be better.

Anton switched off the air conditioner while classical music played in the background. A symphony that fits perfectly with the fields one could only imagine. 

“Looking at it…it seems we’re staying with the Hawthornes’ Estate,” Anton said. “The Hawthorne? Is this where your parents worked before?” Liam asked, resting against the backseat, letting the car cradle him. 

“That’s correct, Liam,” Anton said, looking ahead. They saw a few locals by the nearby apple trees, fruit-picking as they looked bewildered by an unfamiliar car. A tall, tan man shouted, calling for someone to help with the baskets.

Anton parked just in front of the main house. An old lady with gray hair stood nearby, leaning on a cane in her right hand. Beside her stood a man with white hair who appeared to be the estate’s butler. She cleared her throat, raising an eyebrow as she saw Liam step out of the car. Tilting her head, she exchanged a few whispered words with the butler as he nodded quietly. 

Liam could sense the quiet strictness in his great-aunt, the weight of authority in her gaze. Still, he didn’t falter, and he smiled at her. “Hello, Great-Aunt,” he said calmly. A soft gust of wind drifted over them, gentle and careful. Anton nodded in quiet greetings.

“I’m Liam Park. I’m Gwyneth and Park Tae-yoon’s son.” He said politely and introduced Anton as well. “And this is Anton, our family’s driver. I apologize for knowing so little about you, Great-Aunt. Mom and I…even my Dad…we aren’t on the best of terms,” he added. He didn’t sound sad or feel abandoned. “But I hope you’ll allow us to stay here for the time being,” he added politely. The wind blew upon them, carrying murmurs of things left unsaid.