Mikhail halted his reading, fixing a stern gaze on Kira. "What do you mean he left the city again?"
A frown etching across his face as Kira delivered the unsettling news about Isaac once again leaving the mansion.
Week after week, Isaac's unexplained departures were beginning to raise suspicions. He resolved to probe into the actions of his bastard brother, even though he didn't harbor genuine concern for him. However, the continuous pattern of leaving the mansion and prolonged absences compelled Mikhail to launch an investigation.
Kira reported, "According to the latest update, his car was last seen at the boundary of J City. It appears he traveled to J Province."
Mikhail, momentarily setting aside the contracts, inquired further, "Alone?"
Kira nodded. "Yes, sir. Additionally, he visited the grocery before leaving the city."
Mikhail, now intrigued, mused aloud, "Leaving the mansion with groceries? Is he off to a picnic or something? What's he up to, and who could he be visiting?"
Kira continued, "The surveillance team stopped following him at the city boundary, awaiting your instructions."
"Shall we track him in J Province and bring him home, sir?" Kira inquired.
Mikhail, deep in thought, dismissed the idea of immediately bringing Isaac back. "No need for that. I have a better plan," he decided.
"Understood, sir," Kira acknowledged before exiting the room.
As Mikhail mulled over Isaac's mysterious actions, a touch of frustration crept into his voice. "That bastard. If he causes trouble, I'll tie him up and lock him away."
Unable to ignore the situation, Mikhail dialed Raon on his phone, "Hey, feeling bored over there? Let's go catch a mouse."
.
.
....
At the mansion, everyone gathered in the living room after receiving Raon's message about Mikhail's unusual call for their presence. They were all confused and curious since Mikhail rarely summoned them unless something happened.
"Why did you call us?" Tristan inquired, expressing the sentiments shared by the others.
"Yeah, I had to cancel my shoot because of the sudden message," added Haru.
Mikhail, sipping his wine, began to address the group. "It's about my bastard brother."
"The former emperor Izekiel? Why? Have you found him already?" Benjamin questioned.
"Yeah, actually, I hid him so Kaye wouldn't meet him. He's been living at the Fuentebella main mansion for a year," Mikhail confessed.
"WHAT?" The collective surprise resonated through the room.
"Why did you do that? You knew how much Kaye wanted to find him, and you hid him in your residence without telling her?" Kurtis criticized.
"Dude, you're so selfish," Haru remarked.
"He was also Kaye's husband, but you didn't let them meet before Kaye died? Where's your conscience?" Raon expressed his disapproval.
"I know! But I hate that bastard! I don't want him to meet Kaye after everything he had done to her. He made her suffer while I was away. I only did what is right," Mikhail defended himself.
"I understand that he brought wars to our empire, but wasn't he just used by Gilmesh? According to Kaye, Izekiel has a mental health problem, so she had to protect him," Tristan reasoned.
"If Kaye were only alive, you know what her reaction would be if she found out about this," Kurtis added.
"Fine, I know I made a mistake for not letting Kaye meet him, so enough blaming me for doing it. Tss," Mikhail retorted.
Raon sighed. "This revelation gave me a headache. By the way, where is he now? We have to meet him."
"Does he also know that Kaye was dead?" Haru inquired.
The rest remained silent, only listening to Kaye's husbands having arguments.
"He left the city. Actually, he's been leaving the mansion lately and not telling where he goes. I found it suspicious, so I ordered my men to tail him. He's now in J Province," Mikhail informed.
"J Province? And why would he go there?" Raon pressed for answers.
"I don't know. Maybe doing some shits," Mikhail replied.
The men exchanged glances, intrigued by the mysterious situation.
"Is that all you want to say?" Kurtis asked.
"Another reason why I called you all here was to ask if you want to join me to go to J Province and investigate what that bastard is up to," Mikhail revealed.
"Is that a mission? That sounds exciting, count me in!" Haru eagerly volunteered.
"It's like being a detective? I want to do that!" Cedie exclaimed with excitement.
"So, he's the mouse you mentioned, huh?" Raon remarked.
Mikhail smirked. "So, are you guys up for it?"
They exchanged glances once again, and Kurtis smirked. "Sure."
The rest nodded in agreement.
.
.
....
In J Province, Kaye was busy changing Eros' clothes. When Isaac arrived, he noticed that Eros had only a few clothes and toys. He asked her to go to the mall together, expressing a desire to bring Eros along for some family time.
"Are you done?" Isaac asked, standing in the doorway.
"Yes," Kaye replied, lifting Eros.
Isaac smiled, patting Eros' head and planting a kiss on his forehead. "Let's go?" he proposed.
Kaye nodded, and Isaac took Eros from her, carrying him as they headed to the car. As they drove, Kaye gazed out the window, observing the passing scenery. Since arriving in the province, she had rarely left their house, even when she gave birth; Isaac had only called a doctor to assist with the delivery.
Isaac glanced at her through the rearview mirror, sensing her anxiety. "Don't worry, no one will recognize us," he reassured.
Kaye nodded. "Thank you for taking care of us."
He smiled. "I'm your husband, Kaye. Taking care of you and our son is a normal part of family life."
Kaye stared at her son. Family...
She suddenly missed her parents and siblings. They would never know that they had a grandson.
And also... her husbands...
Guilt still haunted her, but she couldn't do anything about it. It was their fate.
She watched her son, he resembled his father except for his eyes that he got from her mom. Although she harbored resentment towards his father, she couldn't feel the same way about her son. He was hers, and he had nothing to do with their problems.
As they reached the mall, they visited various stores, with Isaac buying too many toys and clothes for Eros.
"These are too much; Eros won't be able to wear all of them," Kaye remarked.
"Haha, that's fine. You can change his clothes every hour," Isaac teased.
Kaye chuckled. "You're spoiling him."
"That just proves I love my son," he replied, continuing to gather toys.
Watching Isaac, Kaye felt fortunate to have him. Just what would their future have been if Isaac hadn't shown up that day?
After shopping for Eros, they had lunch at the mall restaurant. During their meal, Isaac's phone rang, displaying Mikhail's name on the screen. Isaac couldn't help but feel irritated. What does this guy want from him?
"I'll take this call," he said, excusing himself.
Kaye nodded, and Isaac stepped outside to answer the call.
"What? I'm busy."
(Do you think I also want to call you? Grandpa keeps asking me about you; he said you left again. Just where the fuck are you? Can't you sit in the mansion and not cause trouble for me?)
"Tsk. You speak as if I'm causing trouble. I just went out to visit a friend. Why are you making a fuss about it? I'll go home after a few days, so don't look for me! This is my life!"
(F*** you! If it's not for grandpa, I wouldn't call you.)
"Well, f*** you too."
Mikhail hung up, clearly pissed. Isaac rolled his eyes in irritation, took a deep breath, and returned inside.
.
.
"How is it?" Mikhail asked.
Warren checked the location on the device. "He's at the nearby mall."
The reason Mikhail called Isaac was to track his location. He smirked, glancing at the others who were waiting at the van.
"Let's go," he said.
They all headed to the mall where Isaac's location was tracked.