The servants bowed in unison, their movements sharp and precise
, while the hefty bodyguards stationed at every corner of the foyer remained alert, their eyes never leaving the pair.
The atmosphere was a blend of rigid formality and subdued tension,
with the long staircase winding upward, beckoning them to ascend.
Aaron, however, was blissfully detached from the tension that simmered just beneath the surface.
He had his arm wrapped around the small, cute boy who clung to him with wide, trusting eyes.
The boy's presence seemed to lighten Aaron's mood, bringing out a warmth that softened his every word and gesture. Too cute!
"This is where you'll be for now," Aaron said, his voice gentle as he guided the boy up the staircase.
"Just until we get things sorted out with my husband about your husband. Don't worry; I'll make sure you're comfortable."
The boy didn't say much, only nodding occasionally or blinking in response to Aaron's comforting words. His silence was accompanied by small, almost imperceptible movements...
like the way his eyes would follow Aaron's every word or how his tiny hand would grip Aaron's sleeve a little tighter whenever they passed one of the stern-looking guards.
To Aaron, these small gestures were endearing, making the boy seem even more precious in his eyes.
Kris followed a few steps behind, his expression dark and unreadable.
He was aware of the jealousy simmering inside him, though he would never admit it aloud
. Every laugh, every gentle touch that Aaron bestowed upon the boy felt like a deliberate slight, a reminder of how easily Aaron's attention could be stolen away by someone else.
But rather than voice his frustration, Kris simply clenched his jaw and continued the ascent,
his thoughts a turbulent mix of irritation and possessiveness.
Aaron, oblivious to Kris's growing annoyance, continued to focus on the boy. *Quite funny!*
"You'll like it here, I promise," he said, ruffling the boy's hair as they reached the top of the stairs.
"And if you're ever bored, I have a whole collection of romance books we can go through together." Kris's eyes narrowed at that. As Aaron led the boy toward his room,
.Kris reached out as if to hold Aaron back, but his hand stopped short as Aaron bounced the door open, completely unaware of his husband's outstretched hand.
The door closed behind them with a soft click, leaving Kris standing alone in the hallway.
.For a moment, Kris's fists clenched at his sides, his knuckles turning white as he squeezed them tightly.
He inhaled sharply, trying to calm the simmering rage that threatened to spill over. The old butler, passing by on his rounds, gave Kris a knowing look.
"Matters of the heart are tricky, aren't they, sir?" the butler remarked, his voice soft yet full of wisdom. "But sometimes,
it's just the city...too many people, not enough privacy." Kris didn't respond, merely nodding curtly as he turned and made his way to the study.
The butler's words echoed in his mind, only adding to the turmoil already swirling inside him.
. When Kris finally entered the study, he found his sister, Lady Anabel, waiting for him.
Her expression was a blend of smug satisfaction and thinly veiled contempt. "You're late," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
"I thought you'd be busy fussing over your precious Senirips." Kris glared at her, the hatred he felt toward her evident in his eyes.
He detested how she seemed to enjoy meddling in his affairs, always ready with a sharp word or a biting remark. But before he could retort,
she continued, her voice full of mock concern. "I must say, your Senirips is quite the heartless one," Lady Anabel said, a cruel smile playing on her lips.
"He seems to care very much for that cute little Senirips boy of yours...so much so that I wonder if he even remembers you're his husband."
Kris felt his blood boil at her words, but he forced himself to stay calm.
"Aaron is kind, that's all," he said, his voice steady despite the anger he felt. "He cares for those who need it."
"Is that what you tell yourself?" Anabel replied, her tone softening as if she were genuinely concerned.
"Are you sure he's not just using that boy as an excuse to distance himself from you? After all, it's easier to focus on someone else when you can't face your own problems."
Kris's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. Anabel's words cut deeper than he cared to admit, stirring up doubts he had tried to suppress.
Meanwhile, Aaron approached the study, his cheerful demeanor slowly fading as he neared the door.
He had come to ask Kris where the boy would stay, but as he reached the study,
he heard Anabel's voice filtering through the slightly ajar door. "…heartless… he seems to care very much for the cute little Senirips boy…"
Aaron froze, his heart skipping a beat as he listened to the rest of the conversation.
.Each word felt like a dagger...sharp and painful, cutting through the happiness he had felt just moments before.
He bit his lip, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over.
He had always tried to be kind, to make everyone around him feel safe and cared for. But now,
it seemed that even his kindness was being twisted into something ugly. "My sister-in-law doesn't like me," Aaron whispered to himself, the realization hitting him hard. "But… my husband likes me, though, right?"
He tried to hold onto that thought, to find comfort in it, but the doubt lingered.
As he slowly walked back to the room, he wiped away the tears that had slipped down his cheeks.
The cute boy looked up at him as he entered, his innocent eyes full of curiosity.
"Everything's fine," Aaron said, forcing a smile as he ruffled the boy's hair once more.
"Don't worry about a thing." But inside, his heart ached with confusion and questions that he wasn't sure he could answer.
End of flashback.