In the living room, Mrs Smith felt a wave of relief wash over her as she noticed Elian's smile and calm demeanour had successfully silenced Hirvan. She had truly expected the two of them to be at each other's throats for quite some time, and the peaceful exchange came as a welcome surprise.
"Are you free for the rest of today? Would you like to stay for dinner? Hirvan's cooking is top-notch! Do you want to taste it? I think I have gained weight these past few days from eating it," Mrs Smith invited Elian warmly, her voice filled with genuine hospitality.
Elian looked around the room, his eyes landing back on Mrs. Smith.
"Is it okay? I wouldn't want to put the rest of the family in a difficult position," he responded, a hint of concern in his voice.
Mrs Smith waved away his worries with a smile.
"Sheryl and Bradly would be delighted to have more company at the dinner table. Just don't mention anything about the biological father thing. I didn't have time to tell them yet," she added, her words tumbling out in a rush.
"So, I take you up on your offer. Thank you," Elian replied with a relaxed demeanour, his posture easing.
Hirvan stood there, staring at them like he was witnessing aliens landing on Earth.
'Hello? I am standing here! Why did you decide for me to cook for this cheap father? Why did nobody ask my opinion about him staying with us?' he fumed silently.
Unable to contain himself any longer, Hirvan blurted out, "Aren't you two ex-girlfriends and ex-boyfriend? Why are you guys so comfortable with each other? Where is the drama? The misunderstanding? Didn't you hurt each other's feelings before? This is not scientific!"
Elian halted mid-step and glanced at the frustrated Hirvan. "What did you imagine in your little head?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Whose head is little? This was the meaning of your tear-jerking apology and pleading for a second chance?" Hirvan shot back, his voice rising.
"Why are you so worked up? We are just talking like two civilized adults. Look at our age, do you prefer we were pulling each other's hair instead? We are no spring chickens anymore!"
Elian folded his arms, his eyebrow still arched in a challenging manner.
Hirvan wanted to beat this despicable man until his smug face turned blue and purple! Not thirty minutes had passed from interacting with Elian and Hirvan felt his blood pressure rising. He had to find a way to kick this man out of their home.
Mrs. Smith couldn't hold it anymore and chuckled. Hirvan felt unjust and whined, "Mum! Why are you siding with him instead of me?"
"He is our guest and it is not polite to bicker with your elder. Come on, we are all waiting to taste your chicken kebab from yesterday!" Mrs. Smith urged Hirvan towards the kitchen.
Hirvan glared at Elian before storming off to the kitchen. Because of the quiz, Hirvan had prepared some easy meals for the family's dinner earlier in the week. Mrs. Smith had offered to cook, but Hirvan had refused, believing that each family member should take on some tasks to help around the house. By insisting on making dinner, Hirvan hoped to set an example for Sheryl and Bradly, teaching them the importance of taking responsibility.
Last night, Bradly had complained about the quality of the food, prompting Hirvan to prepare kebabs on charcoal today. He grabbed his marinated chicken, soaked in oil, lemon juice, and saffron from the fridge, and added some salt and pepper. Mixing it thoroughly, he then took iron skewers and threaded the chicken onto them. He also prepared some whole tomatoes, capsicum, and sweet chilli to thread onto the skewers.
Done with the chicken, Hirvan headed to the backyard. He poured charcoals onto the square brazier and ignited them using a firelighter. Fanning the coals, he ensured the fire didn't extinguish. Once all the charcoals were hot, he placed the chicken skewers on the edge of the brazier.
Elian, having grown curious, silently watched his son skillfully prepare the fire. Initially, he had come outside to offer help, worried about Hirvan cooking the chicken alone. However, he quickly realized that the boy didn't need any assistance. Wiping his sweat with a handkerchief, Hirvan finally turned to Elian, having sensed his presence long ago.
"Do you come here to supervise me, or were you worried I'd poison your food?" Hirvan asked with a disdainful tone.
Elian knew it was too early for the boy to accept him as his father, but he remained hopeful. Seeing the contempt and hate in Hirvan's eyes, he felt a pang of helplessness.
"No. I came to offer help, but you were so professional that I thought my meddling would be a nuisance," he replied, his voice even.
Hirvan turned the skewers and rubbed butter on the chickens.
"Are you seeking me because you need an heir?"
He asked bluntly, unable to understand why Elian was so persistent in making a connection with him. He had heard about the powerful Ashford family grooming a suitable heir in his past life. So, was there any need for him?
"Yes, part of it is because of that. I sacrificed too much for the prestige of my family, and now I would not hand my painstaking effort to some unknown green boy when my blood and flesh are standing in front of me. But those reasons are not related to my attempt to know you. All my life, I had wished for a family of my own. Growing up in a big mansion alone with nannies and housekeepers shaped my vision of marriage as just a legal contract between two people. But after losing your mother, I came to realize what love is. I missed my chance with your mother. I don't want to repeat it with you," Elian spoke with a raw honesty that took Hirvan by surprise.
Hirvan silently listened to Elian, his emotions in turmoil. He could sympathize with Elian's pain and regret. It became clear that Elian's life was not the picture-perfect existence it seemed from the outside. Nevertheless, it seemed that the Ashford family was in power struggles.
"And still you want to get me into this muddy water? Your family will not accept me this easily!"
Hirvan's voice was laced with frustration, his brows furrowing deeply as he crossed his arms over his chest. He had once experienced resistance from the Gang elders and members, and the thought of enduring it a second time made his stomach churn with unease.
Elian, unfazed by Hirvan's outburst, leaned back to the wall, a calm smile playing on his lips.
"You don't need to worry about that. All the shares are in my name, and I have changed my will to be inherited by you. They can't do anything and have no right to oppose me or my son."
His tone was soothing, his eyes steady as they met Hirvan's, filled with an unwavering determination.
Hirvan's thoughts raced, his jaw clenching as a wave of resentment washed over him.
'Oh, how nice! This cheap father of mine has built a kingdom for himself!'
The memory of living under the constant pressure of the gang's other members and their shackles made his blood boil.
' No, wait a minute! He said he had changed his will!'
' Hehe! Now that I am the crown prince, everything he built will become mine!
If he knew his wealth was all in his rival's hands, what would be his reaction?'
Hirvan's mind was filled with wicked laughter. It was not bad to be Elian's son.
Hirvan managed his expression to avoid revealing his inner thoughts.
"My priority right now is to be admitted to university. I don't want to be caught in any drama or danger. You better keep it a secret from everybody about my existence until then."
Hirvan's glare was sharp, his eyes boring into Elian's, every word dripping with stern warning.
Elian's lips curled into a broader smile, a spark of joy lighting up his eyes. He had understood Hirvan's underlying message despite his harsh words, he had accepted his presence in his life.