Chapter 22. My Abandoned House

Xavier's POV

Flashback: 20 years ago 

Take a stand for your views and principles. Though I had always underrated myself, I possessed a peculiar strength deep within that could link me with my destiny. It was a mistake to believe that someone else was in charge of my fate; I had the ability to design my own life. 

In many respects, I was better than others, and my father's comments struck a chord within me, lingering in my mind until they became a reality.

Courage, that elusive attribute, seemed impossible to achieve no matter how hard I tried. It felt out of reach at times.

Anxiety had a solid grasp on me at the time, threatening to suffocate and overpower my determination. My shoulders felt weighed as if I were carrying a mountain on them. Panic overtook me, and I battled to breathe. My eyes were wet with tears, and my gaze was fixed intently on the door handle.

A drop of chilly sweat ran down my cheek. My body went numb, my heart pound