"Doreen, I don't know if you are here, but I have prepared this safe for you. In the end, no matter who opens it, they must get your permission! If you can hear this conversation, it proves that you still haven't understood me. You did something that hurt my family and innocent people. I'm sorry, I can only end this bad relationship between us in this way! If possible, I actually hope that there is no possibility of opening the second layer of the safe. Because its opening has already indicated a tragedy."
Doreen was stunned. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. She jumped up and down on the spot. "What? What is he talking about?"
At this time, after a brief pause, the recording sounded again.
"The story needs to start from the beginning, perhaps from the time when Quentin and I were born. According to my parents, our arrival was both a blessing and a potential misfortune for the Luther family. They feared that the brothers might turn against each other in the complex background of the Luther family, which meant that it would be a matter of life and death between us. Therefore, from the very beginning, the Luther family had a rule of order among siblings, with the eldest son inheriting the family. However, it so happened that Quentin and I were twins, and the fate that differed by just a second could easily lead to conflict between brothers. So, before the age of three, we each took turns being the older brother and the younger brother. Among us, one would become the successor, while the other was destined for a different path. They say that you can predict a person's future at the age of three. Perhaps in some ways, I inherited my parents' destiny, so I became the eldest son, and everything was predetermined. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned, and a serious illness damaged the foundation of my health. From that moment on, my physical fitness and constitution were doomed not to keep up with the demands and intensity of this industry. But I had already become the eldest son!"
"When we were young, we experienced battles and life-threatening situations, going through turbulent times. As we grew older, the times progressed, and the Luther family also went through continuous transformations. We couldn't rely on violence and bloodshed forever. The development of the Luther family confirmed a saying: All risky actions are forced by circumstances, and who would willingly choose a life of constant danger and uncertainty? Although I'm not unintelligent, I don't actually love this line of work. Perhaps, deep down, the opinions of our entire family are secretly aligned, hoping that my decisive and resolute younger brother will take over, which would better meet everyone's expectations!"
"In fact, even I think so! So, with the stability of the situation, my position has changed. I began to plan the life I wanted. I just want to be with the woman I love. The rules of the Luther family have begun to be inclined to 'the capable will live' along with the progress of the era. Originally, everyone should be happy, but a turmoil changed our fates again. The sudden chaos inside the Luther family broke the balance between the two. In order to stabilize the situation as soon as possible and not be swallowed by reality, all the Luther family members had to sacrifice themselves again for this. So I was pushed back to the position of the head of the family, and the original win-win decision returned to the beginning again."
A clear sigh came from the recording. After a moment of silence, a low voice sounded again,
"I was forced into a corner, and I was in agony! I struggled and resisted! My parents and I had countless heartfelt discussions, and everyone was sacrificing for the Luther family. My parents had to make a biased choice between family ties, and my brother had to let go of the hope that seemed within easy reach. Even my stepsister, Barbara, who had no connection to this mess, made sacrifices for the Luther family's life and death situation. As the eldest son of the Luther family, I was still clinging to my love, but at the final moment, I was awakened!"
"I know that perhaps my influence is insignificant, but in an organization governed by righteousness and rules, the best and fastest way to achieve transformation and change is to do it legitimately and peacefully. I understand that compromises were made because they saw me as inadequate and had ulterior motives. That's also one of the reasons why my parents chose Barbara as my spouse instead of the girl I liked, my childhood friend. First, establish a family, then build a career. Once I have a family, I will have the qualification to take over everything. My father can step back, and everyone's goals can be achieved, perhaps avoiding a bloody and ruthless struggle. I know that everyone is waiting to push me to the top and then openly pull me down to achieve a complete change of power and take control of the Luther family. My decision affects too many people. During that tumultuous time, I had no choice, but my parents deeply loved us brothers. Even then, they tried to persuade me instead of ordering me forcefully!"
It was as if another century had passed. When Elijah almost thought that the recording had reached this point, that familiar voice once again broke the dead silence.
"I married Barbara! Just as I expected, accepting me to take the throne is the greatest chance for the entire Luther family to breathe. Half a year is enough for us to turn the tables and stand firm! Although my physical strength is not good, I did not lose to anyone. No one knows. In fact, when I agreed to this matter, I proposed to use my plan to confuse my opponent and let Barbara control the throne. My father's many suggestions were actually my suggestions. But from the beginning to the end, only my father and I knew about it. From the day I made the decision, I chose my family. Doreen, my depression is only part of the reason. More importantly, I need this illusion. Unfortunately, you never believe what I said! God has eyes. Everything is going well according to plan. Soon, the situation is under control. I also have a son. Everything is going well..."
"Unfortunately, this mess cannot be completely resolved overnight, even if we manage to hold on. We have been working tirelessly day and night for this mess, and every time I think it's getting better, something else happens. During this time, my father and mother passed away one after another, and Barbara, in order to support the Luther family, cut her long hair and started to indulge in excessive eating and drinking, even resorting to hormones. I know why she did it... I am very anxious, but my health is deteriorating day by day. I haven't told anyone, originally planning to support the Luther family with my father and brother and then return to my true self within the family. But suddenly, I feel like I have been trapped, and there's no going back. My beloved son looks at me with cold eyes, without the admiration I remember. My wife seems to have only brotherly affection for me. The secrets that only my father knew have become permanent mysteries due to his sudden illness... I am very sad, and I thought about telling them, but in the end, I held back. Because there are still storms outside, the sky is not yet clear, and my son hasn't grown up yet. He is intelligent and diligent, better than me in every way, just as my parents once predicted. I know that three years old predicts one's future, and I know that I have married a strong and capable wife who has given birth to a smart and amazing son. I must pave a prosperous path for them and not let them walk an unknown road filled with thorns as widows and orphans."
"It was at that moment when I suddenly realized that the lover I had been placating for a brief moment not only refused to give up but had also secretly drugged me. The entanglement of so many years, the on-again-off-again relationship, I can no longer recall clearly. I had thought that everything was going to end, but the reality turned out to be quite the opposite. I made a mistake. When I woke up, I felt icy cold and trembling all over. The guilt and patience I once had seemed to have vanished in an instant. Suddenly, I realized that the woman I had always been infatuated with, perhaps I never truly understood her, or maybe the person I thought I knew had changed, just like the old me. I cannot describe the feelings of that moment, but I believe I will never forget it for the rest of my life..."

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Be Your Lover Forever (Alicia)
Is this going to be an unfinished story?...
Is there going to be new chapters?...
More chapters please...
I’m sorry but this storyline is not making any sense to me....