The door opened.
Not gently.
It was more like the entire room suddenly got invaded by concern, power, and unnecessary numbers.
Seven people walked in.
Alexander blinked.
Two were clearly elderly, but the kind of elderly that looked like they could still beat someone unconscious without breaking a sweat.
Two others looked to be in their early thirties—calm, sharp, and terrifyingly composed.
The remaining three were young women, somewhere between 21 to 25, each one striking enough to make the room feel brighter.
And Alexander recognized them instantly.
Ah… right.
Chisato Hasegawa.
Grayfia Lucifuge.
Chris Vinyard.
The adopted daughters of his parents.
In the novel, they had loved Alexander.
In the novel, he had been too blind, too obsessed, too stupid to notice.
In the novel—
They died.
All three of them.
Killed while trying to take revenge on Leon Ashford after Alexander's fall.
Alexander's fingers tightened slightly under the blanket.
Compared to Lunaria…
He glanced at them briefly.
Yeah. Not even a contest.
And the worst part?
The original Alexander had never realized their feelings.
What an idiot.
"Alex!"
A man and a woman stepped forward immediately.
The man had sharp dragon-like eyes and an aura that screamed top-tier trainer. He looked Alexander over from head to toe, scanning him like a broken weapon.
The woman beside him was elegant, calm, and carried herself like the world bent naturally to her will.
Victor Runcandel.
Evelyn Runcandel.
His parents.
"Are you feeling well?" Evelyn asked softly, already sitting beside the bed.
Victor didn't answer.
He was too busy checking every nook and cranny of Alexander's body.
Arms.
Shoulders.
Forehead.
Breathing.
"…Dad," Alexander muttered, "I'm not a Pokémon egg."
"Hush," Victor replied seriously. "You fainted."
From behind them, a heavy cough echoed.
The two elderly figures frowned deeply.
Darius Runcandel and Selene Runcandel.
His grandparents.
"Enough," Darius said flatly.
Then—
BAM.
Victor yelped.
"Ow—! Father?!"
Darius had punched him straight on the head.
"You're suffocating the boy," Darius snapped. "He just woke up."
Selene nodded calmly. "Control yourself."
Evelyn chuckled softly.
Chisato laughed.
Grayfia covered her mouth, amused.
Chris outright smirked.
Alexander watched this scene with blank eyes.
…This family is ridiculous.
"Daddy," Alexander said weakly, "I'm fine."
Victor froze.
"…You called me daddy."
"Yes," Alexander said seriously. "Please stop checking my organs."
Victor looked like he might cry.
"I'm really sorry," Alexander continued, his voice sincere. "I made everyone worry."
The room instantly softened.
Evelyn exhaled in relief.
Darius relaxed slightly.
Selene smiled gently.
Chisato's tense shoulders loosened.
Grayfia closed her eyes briefly.
Chris clicked her tongue in relief.
"How long was I unconscious?" Alexander asked.
"Two days," Victor replied immediately.
Evelyn held Alexander's hand. "Don't worry, son. I'll personally speak to Roland Valencrest about his daughter. Whatever Lunaria did to upset you—"
Alexander's chest tightened.
For a moment, another future flashed in his mind.
His parents jumping off the Runcandel Group's tower after everything collapsed.
His grandparents dying of heartbreak.
This family—destroyed because of one two-faced woman.
Alexander shook his head sharply, pushing the thought away.
"Mom," he said calmly, "please cancel the engagement."
The room went silent.
"…What?" Victor asked.
"I'm done," Alexander said flatly. "I've had enough of their shit."
Seven pairs of eyes locked onto him.
Victor immediately placed a hand on Alexander's forehead.
"…You don't have a fever," he muttered.
Alexander's lips twitched.
"Alex," Darius said slowly, "are you certain?"
Alexander nodded without hesitation.
"Yes. I'm done with Lunaria Valencrest."
The mood shifted.
Not sadness.
Relief.
Evelyn smiled.
Selene nodded approvingly.
Darius looked satisfied.
Victor looked like he'd just been given permission to burn something down.
The three women exchanged glances.
They all knew.
They had always known Lunaria was cheating.
But because Alexander loved her, they had endured it.
Now?
Chisato's smile sharpened.
Grayfia's eyes turned cold.
Chris cracked her knuckles.
"…Finally," Chris muttered.
Alexander leaned back slightly, feeling something unfamiliar.
Safety.
This time, he thought,
I won't lose them.
And somewhere deep inside the Runcandel family—
Excitement stirred.
Because now—
They no longer had to hold back.