Chapter 1: Whispers Of Longing

My name is Ella Myers. I'm 25 years old, and today, I serve as the Captain of the Royal Palace Navy.

But before I earned this title—before the medals and commands—let me take you back to where it all began, six years ago.

I was 19 at the time. My father, George Myers, a voyager who often went on long sea trips, had just returned from a six-month journey.

“Ella, my sweet daughter, I’m back!!”

My father’s voice echoed throughout the neighborhood. I remember I was inside the house, washing dishes, when I heard him. I rushed outside and hugged him. I missed him so much—so deeply—that I can't even begin to describe the emotions I felt that day.

“Dad, you came back! I thought you abandoned me and Mom!”

I can’t recall everything clearly, but I remember hugging him tightly. My mom stood at a distance, watching us. I couldn’t tell if she was crying or just angry. My father was supposed to come home two months earlier.

“Silly child, I will always come home,” he whispered in my ear, still holding me close.

After our sweet reunion, I led him back into the house. My mom was sitting quietly at the corner of the table. I didn’t know what had happened between them, but something felt off. They were distant—cold. They didn’t greet each other like they used to.

I thought maybe I was wrong, just being me paranoid... but that thought vanished quickly.

By 10 p.m., Dad was shouting across the room. He seemed furious, and Mom was crying at the table. I peeked through my bedroom door and heard the heartbreaking words that changed the course of my life—down a path where no one knew where it would lead.

My mother’s voice trembled as she spoke:

“I’m sorry... I didn’t mean to... I thought you died...”

My father slammed his hand on the table, the veins on his forehead bulging.

“But still! You shouldn’t have done that! You—”

He suddenly stopped, clearing his throat as he noticed me peeking through the door. His expression shifted, trying to stay composed.

I was still so confused. Whatever was happening between them, one thing was clear—things weren’t the same anymore.

The next day, to my utter surprise, I saw Dad sitting at the dining table, holding what seemed to be a piece of paper. You could see in his eyes that he had been crying all night. I approached Dad and asked, “What is the letter about?” He looked me in the eye, emotions rising as I asked, “Dad… where’s Mom?” He cried as he hugged me tightly.

I was confused—what was happening? I called out for my mother, but there was no response. Dad handed me the letter while he sat back down at the table. I remember every word in that letter; it was the most heartbreaking thing I had ever read. It was clear from the handwriting that it was written by my mom—and just as clear that she had been crying while writing it.

"To my dearest Ella, and to you, George,

By the time you read this, I’ll be gone.

George, I know nothing I say can erase what I’ve done. Last night, everything came to light, and I saw the pain in your eyes—the anger, the betrayal. You had every right. I won’t try to defend myself, not anymore.

I truly believed you were gone forever. When word came that your ship had sunk, a part of me died with it. I was lost, and in my grief and fear, I made choices I can never take back. I became involved with a nobleman, and now I carry his child.

I told myself it was for Ella—that I was doing what I had to do to keep her safe, to give her a future. But deep down, I know I was also trying to survive… even if it meant betraying the life we built.

Ella, my darling girl, please don’t carry the weight of my choices. You are innocent. This was never your burden to bear. I love you more than words can hold, and it breaks me to know I won’t be there to watch you grow.

George, if there is any kindness left in you, please raise Ella with love. I know I’ve lost the right to ask for forgiveness, but I hope… one day, you’ll remember the woman I was before all of this.

Goodbye, my loves. I am so sorry."

—Maria

The letter ended with my mother’s signature. It shattered me. I didn’t know what to feel—grief, anger, confusion, or all of them at once. I sat there frozen, the paper tremblinG in my hands, until the tears came—quietly at first, then all at once. I hadn’t even realized I was crying… but deep down, I knew nothing would ever be the same again.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***