Later, Oliver finds himself alone inside his luxuriously spacious bedroom. He stands at the centre, sandwiched between his plush bed and the open wardrobe, his gaze fixed on the mirror adorning the closet doors. Oliver then gently clears his throat and steps closer to his reflection.

     Oliver beholds his handsome visage in the mirror, staring at himself with depth and intensity. He closes his eyes, inhaling slowly and exhaling through parted lips. Oliver removes his top hat, carefully placing it on a nearby rack, and slides his coat off his shoulders, allowing it to cascade to the ground. Sighing, he unbuttons his waistcoat and slips it off.

     From within the open wardrobe, Oliver selects a newer, fresher cotton-white waistcoat, pulling it out. Once the buttons are secured, he retrieves a sleek black tailcoat, draping it over his frame. Oliver steadies himself, gripping the sides of his suit as he takes a deep, contemplative breath.

     Looking into the mirror, Oliver locks eyes with his shimmering golden orbs, once a shade of brown akin to his father's. His brow furrows as he studies his reflection intently. Then, gradually, his eyelids lower, the world around him fading into darkness.

     Memories swirl unexpectedly through Oliver's mind as his eyes remain tightly shut. His brows furrow even deeper, compressing his lips into a taut line as his grip tightens. Each exhale escapes his nose with a trembling breath.

     Suddenly, the echo of gunshots reverberates within Oliver's consciousness. They are not sounds from the present moment but resurface as memory fragments. Oliver can vividly recall the piercing, jarring noises he experienced as a young boy, causing his teeth to clench and his eyes to squeeze shut in response.

     Merely a decade ago, Oliver had found himself imprisoned within a bleak realm of despair. The taste and scent of those agonizing miseries still lingered within his senses. Though his eyes remained sealed shut, he let the memories wash over him. Then, a distant whisper emerged, his youthful voice echoing within the recesses of his mind.

Oliver's mind echoed with his voice from the past. "This is nothing but forced love!"

     Suddenly, a swift knocking on the door interrupts the stillness. Oliver's eyes snap open, and he gasps in surprise. He quickly glances at the doorway and witnesses it swinging open.

     In walks Gregory, releasing his grip on the doorknob with a contented smile. He enters the room and moves leisurely towards Oliver. He then halts at the centre of the room, and his eyes lock with Oliver's in a silent exchange.

     Moonlight spills through the window, shedding its soft, gentle glow upon Gregory's black tailcoat. A newer white vest adorns his frame, mirroring Oliver's waistcoat. Yet, he retains his cravat tie, trousers, and shoes from earlier. Despite the shared attire, Gregory maintains his distinct air of a freshly groomed gentleman, with his dark hair remaining impeccably neat and lustrous.

"Are you ready for dinner?" Gregory asked, his smile humble and kind.

"I am," Oliver replied, his voice sounding faint and fragile.

As Gregory's gaze lingered, he noticed something in Oliver's expressions that furrowed his eyebrows. "...Are you alright?"

"...Yeah," Oliver raised an eyebrow.

"You seem you're not," Gregory stepped forward. "Tell me. How're you feeling, Oli?"

Oliver glanced at the window, then approached it, releasing a sigh. "Well..." He stood by the window, gazing at the moon. "Well..."

"Well?" Gregory stood beside Oliver. "...What is it?" he smirked.

"...Have you ever experienced that strange sensation when you unexpectedly remember the past?" Oliver sighed. "The kind of past you wish had never happened?"

"...Oli?"

"Hm?"

"...Oh, no. Oli. Are you feeling melancholic?" Gregory wrapped an arm around Oliver's shoulders.

Oliver placed a hand over Gregory's palm. "...It's not like that," he lightly shook his head. "It's... I find myself remembering the past too often..."

"...Hey, Oli, it's normal," Gregory replied, his face reflecting deep concern. "Don't be surprised if you remember such memories. You've endured things I wish hadn't happened to you. Oh... I'm so sorry, Oliver. I truly am..."

"Hey, why are you apologising? There's nothing to be sorry for." Oliver's voice remained low and weak.

"I can't help but feel sorry for what you've been through," said Gregory.

"Don't be," Oliver remarked as he looked back at the sky.

"Oli..." Gregory whispered loudly into Oliver's ears. "Lighten up, for you are now living in the present with freedom and happiness, not in the dark shadows of the past."

"...I'm just afraid that everything might fall apart..." Oliver sighed.

"What do you mean?" Gregory asked.

"I pray that nothing bad ever happens again," Oliver glanced at Gregory, his head lowered.

"Nothing bad will happen," Gregory said.

"No, it's because... whenever I felt at peace, everything always went wrong," Oliver stated.

"How?" Gregory tilted his head.

"Well, remember when I lived a carefree life after being adopted by Dad, Mr Frederick? Then, suddenly, things just took a turn for the worse with war and forced proposals!" Oliver explained.

"...Oliver?" Gregory's face leaned closer to Oliver's, seeking to understand.

"Hm?"

"Tell me. When did all of that happen?" Gregory inquired.

"...About... uhm... almost ten years ago," Oliver answered.

"See? It's been almost a decade! Nothing serious has happened since, right?" Gregory smiled reassuringly.

Oliver bit his lip in contemplation. "...Hmm, you're right," Oliver finally admitted. "Time has flown by so fast. It still feels like it happened yesterday, even though it's been almost ten years."

"I told you. There's nothing for us to be concerned about anymore. We have grown mature and created a family, living a serene life," Gregory grinned. "So, do not worry, Oli."

Oliver sighed deeply. "Now, I worry because of how time passes so rapidly... that... in the next few decades... everyone and everything I know will depart from this earthly realm..."

"We can't stop the clock," Gregory looked deep into Oliver's eyes, sensing the burning passion within. "All we can do is accept and learn."

"Hm... yeah," Oliver regained his strength to smile.

"...And observe. And listen. And learn," Gregory playfully advised, glancing at the starry sky.

"Pfft!" Oliver gently elbowed Gregory on the arm and giggled. Oliver then sighed and suddenly lost his smile. "..."

"Hey, what's wrong?" Gregory brushed his arm against Oliver's.

"I'm still afraid that I might lose everyone I love soon, considering how quickly time passes..." Oliver closed his eyes. "What should I do...?"

Gregory's voice resonated with sincerity, touching Oliver's heart. "What should I do to help you accept what will be, will be?"

"...I don't know," Oliver looked down at the ground.

"...What if I make a promise?" Gregory smirked.

"Huh...?" Oliver stared back into Gregory's eyes. "Sure?"

"I promise," Gregory stated firmly. "I promise that on a new day, as the sunrise bathes the world in golden light, all the loved ones you've known will greet you at the gates of heaven. And together, you will embrace each other with eternal love in the kingdom of everlasting peace."