"Why don't you just ask me the details to satisfy your curiosity, Ryan?" a deep voice echoed through the Park family's hallway.
Ryan jumped in his seat, his body stiffening as he turned his head robotically toward the door. Internally, he was crying, thinking, Wrong timing! I didn't even fullfill my curiosity!
"B-Big Brother! Good morning," he stammered, forcing a smile. "What…what brings you here?"
Derek raised an eyebrow, his expression both amused and scrutinizing. "Why can't I be here? This is my family, too. Or did you forget that, Ryan?"
"N-no, Brother, of course not!" Ryan muttered, his voice wavering. "Please, have breakfast. I, uh, just remembered—I have some urgent work to do!"
Without waiting for a response, he spun around and bolted toward the stairs, his feet scrambling so fast he nearly tripped. He looked like he was fleeing from a pack of wild dogs.
Finally, he reached his room, slamming the door and leaning against it, clutching his chest as he caught his breath. "That was close," he whispered to himself. I was one second away from being grilled to death—or worse, sent off somewhere far away never to be found. Big Brother really hates it when anyone tries to pry into his life.
In the dining hall, everyone chuckled, watching the scene unfold. Both brothers cared deeply for each other, but their interactions always left the family both amused and speechless.
His younger grandson, Ryan, was full of life and energy, while his older grandson, Derek, was reserved, and spoke only when necessary. And when he did, his words held such weight that they left the room silent.
"Derek, come here!" Grandma called, waving him over.
Derek approached her, smiling softly as he took her hand. Despite his usually cold demeanor, with his family, he was gentle and caring. "How are you, Grandma?" he asked.
Grandma smiled back. "I'm well, my child."
Just as she was about to ask another question, Derek gently reassured her, as if he'd already anticipated her concerns. "Don't worry, Grandma. We're investigating her identity. There's nothing for you to worry about."
Grandpa put on a mock-angry face, "Grandson, why don't you greet me?"
Derek glanced over at Grandpa, his eyes squinting playfully. "You look good, Grandpa. And since your laughter could be heard all the way outside the mansion, I knew you didn't need my greeting.."
"You rascal!" Grandpa teased, laughing.
"Who is the woman? Are you keeping your relationships a secret from the family?" he inquired, his tone mischievous. Grandma rolled her eyes at her husband's question.
At the mention of the woman, Derek's mind flashed to her face—covered with a red veil, but her fierce green eyes burned into his. His expression shifted to one of fury as he remembered the way she had assaulted him, but he quickly composed himself, not wanting to worry his family.
Derek replied in a deep voice, "Don't worry, Grandpa. I'm not in any relationship." In his mind, he thought about how he was already planning on hunting her down to remind her of the line she had breached.
Hearing voices from the dining hall, Derek's mother, Emily, stepped out and approached her son. "Derek," she said, her tone affectionate but concerned. "How are you?"
Derek looked into her eyes, offering a gentle smile. "I'm fine, Mother. You don't have to worry," he said, his calm and resolute gaze putting her at ease.
Derek's family had every reason to worry—he had faced countless dangers and threats over the years. His enemies often tried to harm him, but Derek always emerged strong and unshaken.
Emily pulled Derek toward the table, urging him to sit down for breakfast. Derek followed his mother, taking a seat beside her as the rest of the family gathered around. He felt the warmth of their presence, a rare comfort amidst the many challenges he faced.
Derek knew that word about the mysterious woman had likely already spread through the family. He wanted to reassure them, so he had come home before heading to work, just to put their minds at ease.
As he sat, Grandpa gave him a knowing look. "You've been through a lot lately, Derek. It's good to see you here."
Derek nodded, offering a faint smile. "I wouldn't miss this, Grandpa."
For a moment, the room filled with quiet contentment as they began their meal, grateful to be together despite the unspoken worries lingering in their minds.