The atmosphere at dinner was heavy. The family sat quietly around the table eating, but anyone with eyes could tell something was off. The evening news had just reported a tragic accident: a school bus in Smallville had driven off a cliff, killing everyone on board, including the driver. Most of the bodies were charred beyond recognition. After a short investigation at the scene, the remains were sent to the hospital for forensic identification.
"John, if I'm not mistaken, that's the school bus you usually take, isn't it?" Lucas asked, his gaze locked on John, as if he already knew the answer.
"I didn't catch that school bus, Father," John replied, avoiding Lucas's eyes as he continued eating.
His answer only made Lucas's anger boil over. He slammed his hand on the table.
"Don't lie to me, John. We both know what happened. You're not normal—you had the body of an adult by the time you were ten."
"Lucas, don't say that," Dominique said flatly. She didn't particularly care if John had killed people—but this gave her a perfect excuse to get him out of the house.
"I really didn't get on that bus, Father. I swear I didn't," John said, his voice rising with emotion, as if desperately hoping to be believed.
Lucas shook his head with a sigh of disappointment. "I believe you, John… but I think it's time we talked about something else."
John exhaled quietly and said, "Alright, Father. I'm listening."
"You've grown up, John. You've been accepted into State University, and I think it's time you start living on your own. The farm hasn't been prosperous in recent years—we can't carry the expense anymore. But since we're your adoptive parents, you can stay until school starts. After that, you'll need to support yourself."
His words were final. There was no room for discussion.
John's heart felt like it was rising and falling on a rollercoaster. He nodded silently and left for his room.
John sipped on his favorite brand of milk, trying to calm his nerves, but his brow furrowed.
Meanwhile, Lucas and Dominique whispered in the next room.
"Dear… are we doing the right thing?" Lucas asked.
"We have to, Lucas," Dominique said in a hushed, tearful voice. "He's a freak. He killed all those people today without remorse. What if one day he turns on us? It's not about us—it's about our real child. They're still young."
Her emotional logic finally hardened Lucas's wavering resolve.
"You're right. Having a killer in the house isn't safe. Still, we raised him… not reporting him is kindness enough."
In his room, John overheard everything.
So, they really want me gone… Maybe I should get rid of them instead.
His eyes flickered red for a split second—but he quickly shook his head.
No. For all the years they took care of me, I'll let them go.
Later that evening, dressed in a sharp outfit, John walked confidently to Aiger's house and knocked on the door.
It cracked open, revealing a suspicious pair of eyes.
"Yes? Who are you?" Aiger's mother asked cautiously.
"I'm John, a friend of Aiger's. I came to see him."
She relaxed a little and opened the door wider. "Come in. Aiger's not back yet, but you're welcome to stay and have some tea."
John sat contentedly at the kitchen table, watching her move gracefully around the room.
"Madam, what do you do for a living?" he asked with polite curiosity.
"I'm a stockbroker," she replied without glancing back from her work.
After a moment of silence, John finally said what he came for.
"Madam… Actually, I came to see you today. I'd like to invite you to my graduation dance."
She turned, slightly surprised. "You want to take me? Are you sure? I'm not exactly—young."
"If you hadn't said anything, I'd have thought you were Aiger's sister. Come on, our dance is going to be amazing!" John said with a confident smile.
After a pause, she smiled too. "Alright. I'd love to."
John added her as a friend before leaving the house.
On the night of the dance, John stood by the entrance in his suit, looking around as if waiting for someone important.
A familiar voice sneered from nearby.
"Well, if it isn't the farm boy. I heard you're bringing your mom as your date," Aiger Yang said mockingly.
His glamorous partner and a suited friend beside him laughed cruelly.
John smiled coolly. "You're mistaken, Aiger. I'm not bringing my mom—I'm bringing yours."
He gestured subtly.
Just then, an elegant, mature woman walked toward him. She radiated a kind of allure young girls didn't possess—grace, confidence, and timeless beauty.
Arm-in-arm, she smiled at John and said, "Hi, dear. Isn't this fun? John's a lovely young man."
"Mother?!" Aiger gasped, eyes wide in horror.
"We'll see you on the dance floor," John said smugly as they walked past.
The night was full of music and movement. Couples danced with abandon, and no pair captured more attention than John and Aiger's mother. Their chemistry was undeniable.
Afterward, they sat quietly at a nearby table, sipping from tall glasses.
"That was a lovely evening," Aileen said. "I feel younger already. You were wonderful, John."
"You've always been young, Aileen. You're just as charming as any other woman here. Aiger must've turned out so well because you raised him right."
He smiled weakly and looked away, sighing lightly.
Aileen noticed this and gently took his hand.
"If something's bothering you, you can talk to me."
"It's nothing," John replied, feigning reluctance.
"I mean it. I'm a great listener," she said softly.
John hesitated, then slowly said, "After tonight, I'm leaving. I got into State University. My adoptive parents said I have to move out right after the dance. But I… I don't really have anywhere to go."
Aileen looked at him carefully. "I actually have a place in New York I was about to rent out. It's close to Hell's Kitchen though, so... the neighborhood isn't the best."
"I don't mind. I just need a few days to come up with the rent. If you're okay with that, it would really help."
She smiled kindly. "That's fine, John. But…"
She didn't finish the sentence, just looked at him with something unreadable in her eyes.
The next day, a Chevrolet pulled up outside the Starr home. John got out of the car.
"Go pack your things. I'll wait out here," Aileen said, sounding a bit worn.
Inside, John found his bags already packed and waiting by the door.
Lucas gave him a guilty look and muttered, "Call if you need anything." Then he disappeared into his room without another word.
In New York, Aileen led John into a modest apartment.
"The rent here is low because it's just a block away from Hell's Kitchen," she explained. "Security's not great, but the location's convenient. You can delay the rent for a few days if you need to, but not too long. We can negotiate if it comes to that."
She gave him a playful wink and gently tapped his backside before sauntering out of the room.
As soon as she left, John's expression turned cold.
So easy to manipulate, he thought. Soldier Boy was right. Women really are like fine wine… but somehow, I always end up drinking from the wrong glass.
Standing at the window, he lit up as he looked out over Hell's Kitchen.
Time to find some quick cash, he thought. This city isn't ready for me.