Alex's eyes narrowed as he asked Liam, "So what are you still doing here?" Liam's expression was confused, and he replied, "I don't understand." Alex's tone turned sharp, and he snapped, "Aren't you supposed to be in school now?"
Liam stuttered, struggling to find the right words. "But, I just... I just went for my punishment, and I'm not in a condition to go to school," he finally managed to say. Alex's gaze bore down on Liam, his eyes filled with disdain.
"Oh, so you now decide when to go to school and when not?" Alex sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Tell me, since when did this start?" Alex asked, his tone implying that he genuinely wanted to know the answer.
However, his words only seemed to make Liam shiver uncontrollably. Alex's pretence of concern was transparent, and Liam saw right through it. Alex's expression turned cold, and he stopped pretending to care.
Liam felt a surge of fear as Alex's anger became more apparent. He knew he was in trouble, and he didn't know how to get out of it. Alex's eyes seemed to bore into Liam's soul, making him feel guilty and ashamed.
Alex's voice was firm and authoritative as he spoke. "You're supposed to be in school, not standing here making excuses." Liam felt a sting from Alex's words, and he looked down, unable to meet his brother's gaze.
Alex continued, his words cutting deep. "You're not a child anymore, Liam. It's time you took responsibility for your actions." Liam felt a lump form in his throat as he struggled to hold back tears.
Alex's expression was unyielding, and Liam knew he had to obey. "You know what?" Alex said, his voice firm. "I don't have time for nonsense. Go upstairs and prepare for school. I don't want to see you here in the next 30 minutes."
Liam looked at Alex, his mouth agape. He was still trying to process the conversation. "But I'm still hurt," Liam said, his voice shaking. "And I don't want to say this, but my back is a little bruised and scraped."
Liam's eyes pleaded with Alex. "Please, spare me for today." He was hoping for some mercy, but Alex's expression remained unyielding. Alex sneered at him, his lips curling up in disgust.
"What is the point of the punishment if I give you the opportunity to lazy around?" Alex asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Liam felt a sting from his words. Alex continued, "Do you think I would have ordered you to be punished if I didn't want you to feel pain?"
Liam felt a surge of fear as Alex's anger became more apparent. "You're even lucky," Alex spat, "and here you are throwing tantrums. Do you think you'll still be able to stand here if I punished you personally?" The thought sent shivers down Liam's spine.
Tears immediately gathered in Liam's eyes, but he blinked them away, making his eyes turn sore and red. Alex's gaze narrowed, and he asked, "Don't let me believe you are crying, are you?" Liam quickly shook his head, trying to play it off.
"No, just something fell in my eyes," Liam answered, trying to sound convincing. Alex nodded, but his expression remained skeptical. "Listen here," Alex said, his voice firm. "I don't need lazy people around me."
Alex's words cut deep, and Liam felt a pang of hurt. "Stop your stubbornness and go get it bandaged up," Alex ordered. "And leave in the next 30 minutes." Liam nodded, knowing he had no choice but to obey.
"And even if I want you to stay, I can't bear to," Alex said, his voice firm but laced with a hint of sadness. "Because tomorrow will be your last day at school." Liam's eyes widened in shock, and he was left speechless.
Alex's words hung in the air, and Liam couldn't respond. He was frozen in place, unable to utter a single word. Alex, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying the moment. He smirked at Liam, his eyes squinting slightly.
Liam still wanted to say something. He had a lot of things to say, but he was silenced by his brother's intimidating gaze. Alex's eyes seemed to bore into Liam's soul, making him feel uneasy and trapped.
Liam tried to speak, but his voice caught in his throat. He cleared his throat, hoping to find his voice, but it was no use. Alex's gaze was too intense, and Liam couldn't bear to look at him.
He could only nod, a small, barely perceptible movement. Alex's smirk grew wider, and he seemed to be satisfied with Liam's silence. Liam, feeling defeated, turned to leave.
He walked out of the study, closing the door behind him. The sound of the door clicking shut seemed to echo through the hallway, a stark reminder of the conversation that had just taken place.
Liam stood outside the study, his heart racing with thoughts and emotions. He couldn't believe what had just happened, and he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in the pit of his stomach.