25 years ago..
Adamson couldn't believe that he was given poison. But the proof was here.
"What are you doing with such thing, young master Lee? I hope it's nothing dangerous.", a doctor who was acquainted with Lee family said. Adamson came to him several days ago to test the pills he had.
Adamson wasn't hearing what the doctor said, he was still shocked over the news.
"Young master?", the doctor waved his hand.
"Yes?", Adamson turned to the man, startled.
"I hope you're not doing anything with the pills, they can kill.", the doctor said again.
"Ah- no I'm not. I just found it and was curious.", Adamson was trembling, but he tried not to show it.
"So that's the case.", the doctor said, reclining onto his chair.
He then went back to the mansion with a broken heart and a tainted soul. How could his mother do this to him. What did he do wrong..?
He couldn't cope up with the bitter exposure so he shut himself in his room for an entire day. Maria and Nicholas didn't think much of it since he had always shut himself in his room whenever he wanted to focus on creating his piece. No one knew he was actually crying.
The next day, Maria came to look for him. He didn't know how to face her. He wanted to throw things away and asked her the truth. But he didn't. He was afraid to ask. What if she changes after that? Would she show her real self and start treating him badly? Would he be killed right away? He was scared. So he didn't say a word about it.
Starting on that day, he would always find time to eavesdrop on his parents. And the outcome was still the same. They really were planning on killing him. He wasn't just hearing things. It was real. His heart bled whenever his mother mentioned about the poison and when she was in front of him, she acted innocent and was loving him unconditionally. She was a real hypocrite. She could win an Oscar with that acting of hers.
Perhaps his time was almost over, that was why she decided to be nice with him.
•••
"Why was he still alive?", Nicholas shook his head.
"What are you so afraid of? Your father likes Adamson. He thought Adamson is his real grandson. Just let him continue being that way for a while. Who knows your father might loves him despite having no relation with him.", Maria put her hand on her waist, showing her disagreement.
"Are you crazy? If we get rid of the trouble sooner, then it's better for both of us!", Nicholas didn't want things to get tough later. He knew his father's character. Silas wouldn't accept Adamson no matter how much time they had spent together.
"Why are you so afraid? Everyone thinks he's your son. Just relax!", Maria said, trying to convince her husband.
"Do you really want to get rid of him or not, Maria? Are you hesitating? We agreed on this matter long before you married me. Remember who you really are, Maria. I don't like this.", Nicholas started to grow impatient.
"How could you say that? Adamson is like a ticking time bomb for us. Of course I want to make him disappear!", Maria started to get angry. Nicholas only knew how to blame her.
"I'm pregnant now, we just have to be patient and wait for our child to be born. Then we can proceed with the plan.", Maria said while rubbing her belly softly. A small smile graced her face when she thinks of her unborn baby.
Nicholas Lee was contemplating. Maria was right, it would get troublesome if they loss their only son right now. It was not a good time.
"Alright, only until our son is born.", he said.
Adamson couldn't bear to hear any more of their conversation. He was unwanted. They only wanted him as a bargaining chip to get though his grandfather. And as a substitute.
"Fine, you will regret not killing me sooner.", Adamson clenched his fist. His nails dug deep into his skin. His hand was bleeding but he didn't feel a thing.
The next day, Maria acted like nothing ever happened and she treated Adamson so very nicely. Like a real mother.
"I want to hear you play the piano, your new piece is marvelous! I'm so proud to have you as my son.", Maria hugged him tightly.
"Yes..", Adamson just nodded. He felt disgusted when she touched him. But he couldn't get away from her embrace. Just like how he couldn't get away from the bitter truth.
The days went on without any problems. Nicholas also treated him like his real son. He just had to. He didn't want any rumour started spreading around the mansion. Silas Lee wouldn't like it.
The three of them were a happy family in outsider's eyes. But nobody knew the piercing thorns in Adamson. They were gradually increasing whenever Nicholas and Maria acted like a parent towards him.
He swore to ask them what he did wrong when he was able to stand on his feet. He didn't want to ask them right now where he would only have disadvantages. They would definitely kill him if he knows. He didn't want to die yet.
And so, he used his identity as the only heir of Lee family, to climb into the company from a very young age. Silas was intrigued, he liked how Adamson was smart and quick in regards to his family business. Silas started to think highly of his grandson and Adamson was fully protected by him.
Nicholas and Maria didn't have a choice but to accept the change of plan. They would still give Adamson the pills but in very little dose. At least he would be alive for more than ten years. During that time, another legal heir would definitely be there to replace Adamson.
Adamson was starting to gain access to the company affairs although he was just a kid. He was smart and many of the board members liked him. They wanted him to be the one to lead them when the time comes for him to take his position. They didn't know that he wasn't a real member of Lee. He was just a substitute.
And then, Aubrey was born. His parents attention started to switch for real. But Adamson didn't mind. He liked it when they started to show their real intention. He would rather be faced with unloving parents rather than a hypocritical ones.
Adamson started to go outside more often. He would go to the company and remained by his grandfather's side. Helping him though the files and getting close to him. Earning his favour as his favorite grandson.
When Aubrey was three years old, he would always stick close to Adamson. He liked to be near his brother. Adamson wasn't liking the idea. He hated Aubrey who got everything that he ever wanted without even blinking an eye. He was just a kid but more than half of his father's fortune went to his name.