Zane
That girl's hair was brown, and her eyes were black. But she didn't look like she was from our country at all—she looked foreign. Her skin was dark brown, and her body was slim.
She wore black shorts and a crop top. She was barely wearing anything. Seriously, why even bother wearing that much? She might as well just walk around naked if she hates clothes so much.
"Viktor, I was so worried about you! Thank God you're safe," she said, then pecked Viktor's cheek.
And he didn't even stop her—he just let her kiss him. In front of kids, no less. They should have at least a little shame and do these things in private.
"Vien, I think someone's busy. Let's go ahead," I said to Vien.
The soldier who had brought us nodded and started walking, signaling for us to follow. We went after him. Before leaving, I glanced back.
Viktor seemed busy with that girl. If he already had a girlfriend, then why did he bother saying he was interested in me? I knew it—he was just babbling nonsense.
The soldier led us to a hall, and when we arrived, my eyes widened. My family was there with Arin, talking to someone.
As we entered, Arin's eyes found me, and he signaled to my parents. I turned my face away. I didn't want to look at them.
There were a lot of people in the hall—important people. Wait… don't tell me only rich and famous people are staying here.
"Hey, can I ask something?" I whispered to the soldier.
He leaned closer to hear me.
"Are only famous and powerful people staying here?"
"Yes, kind of. Those were Mr. Blair's orders," he said.
Blair? That's Viktor's surname. Wait—does that mean his family is one of the big shots? I didn't know that.
"What are you doing here?"
Hearing that voice, I turned to my right and saw Arin standing there. My parents came and stood behind him, my mother's hand resting on his shoulder.
"Why do you want to know everything about me? I'm not even interested in you," I said, scoffing.
"Mom, he's looking down on me again! Why is he even here? Isn't this place only for famous people? Or, Zane, are you here to cause a scene and spread rumors about me?"
Oh gosh, he's such a monkey. How does he even come up with this nonsense? He's not even that great.
"Guards! How could you let anyone in here without checking their background first? This place isn't for beggars!" my dad said.
I wasn't surprised. It's nothing new. I rolled my eyes.
"Hey, mister, don't poke your nose where it doesn't belong. Otherwise, you'll end up becoming a beggar soon," I shot back.
My dad's face turned red with anger as he pointed a finger at me. "You ungrateful brat! I raised you all these years, and this is how you repay me? At least don't get jealous of your brother and leech off him!"
His voice was so loud that everyone in the hall turned to look at me. Nico and Nilo clung tightly to my legs, and my eyes stayed on my father. Just then, Vien came and stood beside me.
Yes, Vien and I had come here with the kids. Adam and Rio hadn't followed us, so it was just the two of us now.
"Hey, old man, aren't you talking a bit too much?" Vien shouted angrily. "Who even asks if someone's a big shot or not? If I wanted to, I could buy you right now!"
"Who the hell are you? Don't tell me you're his new boyfriend. He's just a bitch who likes boys even though he's one himself. It's good I don't have a monster son like you anymore!" my dad barked.
My heartbeat stayed calm. I wasn't even shaken. Did he just call me gay?
"Oh, come on," I said, smirking. "Did you forget your precious son Arin snatched my fiancé, Dante? Who did he like—a ghost? Of course he's gay, just like me."
My words hit hard. The crowd began murmuring. Everyone had heard about the engagement scandal; it had been all over the news. Half the country must've known by now.
"No! Arin never liked Dante!" my dad shouted. "It was Dante who forced himself on my son and threatened him! Poor Arin had no choice but to obey. But now that Dante's dead, we can finally tell the truth!"
Dead? When did Dante die? I was sure I didn't kill him—I only beat the crap out of him. Viktor's people were there too… maybe they did something.
I crossed my arms, disgust written all over my face.
"Look, I don't care if your son's gay or a slut—it's his business. But if you try to interfere in mine again, I swear things won't end well for you."
And I meant every word. My dad's face turned even redder. He looked furious—but I didn't care.
"Guards! Didn't you hear me? Throw these beggars out!" he shouted.
Arin smiled—his usual evil smile whenever my parents sided with him. I'll never understand why they hate me so much. Since birth, I was raised by my grandparents.
And when they died, I came to live with my parents—but they never seemed fond of me. Almost like I wasn't really their son.
I never bothered to find out the truth, though. Even if I did, what would change? Probably nothing. So why bother?
"Don't even think about saying another word, mister, when I'm behaving nicely with you."
Hearing my words, my mom suddenly rushed forward and raised her hand to slap me — but I grabbed her wrist. Why would I take her slap?
"What are you doing, lady? I can sue you for hitting me," I scoffed.
"Oh really? You're a monster. I shouldn't have given birth to you — I should have killed you before you were even born."
Her words made her true thoughts clear. I felt a bitter sting, but I didn't let it show. I released her hand.
"What is happening here?" Everyone's attention shifted to the door at that moment.
It wasn't Viktor who had returned. It was someone else — a man I didn't recognize.