9. Brotherhood

[POV Adrian]

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Sitting in the car, I raised my feet. When Father is gone, the sky, moon, and stars remain the same.

Okay, I was wrong; I fucked Melisa, but did they ever consider me? Mother's attitude shifted dramatically after Father's death. She's a thorn in my side. She was always by Alfred's side. Who am I to judge her?

The sound of the door opening caused me to turn my head, only to see Alfred emerge from it, carrying two bottles of beer.

"Would you like to drink?" he inquired.

Who doesn't want a free beer? I let him in by opening the door. We drank cold beers while enjoying the warm evening.

"Listen—" Alfred said.

"No, you pay attention. I'm sorry for fucking Melisa. Everything is clear to me."

Alfred nodded and took my cigarette. As he spoke, he lit a cigarette. "Go ahead, I heard."

"For Fany, I fucked Melisa."

"Fany?" He laughed uncontrollably. But, seriously, I said.

"What do you mean for Fany's sake?" he inquired.

I didn't respond right away. In the darkness, there was a silhouette of a girl sitting on a lounge chair in front of the terrace.

"Don't be so loud, there's Fany on the terrace."

Alfred looked me in the eyes and nodded.

"All right, let me explain what you meant earlier."

What is the best way to express one's heart? To be honest, I'm not used to talking to strangers. Could I just tell you what happened from my perspective?

"Seeing Fany's tears that night broke my heart."

Alfred gave a nod. "I had no idea you were so concerned about Fany."

You don't know who I am, do you?" "That's the point."

Alfred actually laughed. "Do you think Fany will be pleased that my and Melisa's engagement is over?"

"Possible."

"That is a very limited way of thinking."

"I'm sorry I ruined your friendship with Melissa."

Alfred laughed sharply as he drank the contents of the bottle. "Sis, you misunderstood. Melisa isn't one of my favorites."

What the hell is he saying after causing such a commotion earlier? "Then why did you send me all the way here?"

When he drank beer, his lips quivered.

"Hey, skinny, come on answer!" I jolted him.

Alfred laughed. "I'm not thin. Take a look at this muscle; it's larger than your head."

He folded his arms until melons-sized muscles appeared in them, then kissed them. That's repulsive. I'm not sure how many steroids he used to make it all up.

It was difficult for me to push him out of the car. The large muscles are extremely heavy.

"Wait a minute, don't be." Alfred embraced haphazardly.

What do you consider to be delectable? His body stinks of sweat, his mana is the size of a bear's, and it's making it difficult for me to breathe.

"Adrian, pay attention. I fought hard to marry Melisa in order to help her get back on track and avoid ending up like you."

So he thinks I'm something that's ruined, huh?

Alfred's voice lowered and became solemn. "If this engagement makes it to the aisle, I'll be CEO for a longer period of time and inherit their stake." That way, Kimberly, I can send you to school while I look after Mom.

"I sent you to law school so that you could one day be a lawyer or a judge. Then you can look after Kimberly and Mom. You know, there are some things in this world that money cannot buy, and it is your responsibility to ensure that everything is under our control. We can keep our family safe with my money and your power, you understand?"

I gave a nod. But he also had to comprehend. "I'm not sure I'll be able to carry out your stupid plan."

His arms were wrapped around my neck. "I'm confident you can. You're smart; it's just your attitude that throws everything off. Grow a pair. We're on a mission together. You recall how Dad died."

He's now dismantling those memories. Not only do I recall, but I also witnessed how they strafed my father. Surprisingly, the investigation was completed. Father's death is thought to be the result of a stray bullet. This world is cruel to us.

"Listen, Ad, the judge and the police aren't going to bring my father's shooting case to light. Something is drowning them out. You can force them to open their mouths if you have the necessary power."

I exhaled a sigh. My eyes are moist, but I'm not crying; it's just dust.

"Adrian, I've never disliked you. You are my sibling. Listen up, Brother, life isn't just for having fun. You agree, don't you?"

Al chuckled and got out of the car, slamming the door so hard that the windshield shook.

I thought he was being clever all along, but now I understand why he wanted to be clever: to expose the tragedy.

Why can't I do it if Alfred can? I had to change for the sake of my family.

The sound of dry leaves being stepped on drew my attention to the house. The figure approached, carrying two cola cans. He rebuked with a smile and an innocent, innocent face. "May I enter?"

"Fany? What exactly are you doing here?"

"It's cold in here, accompany me," she said, scattering my thoughts.

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