"Why do you put a special code on all your dishes?" Nero was curious; he brandished a fork filled with pieces of chocolate decadence. Nero's eyebrows knitted uncomprehendingly. "You call this delicate cake Bedsy?"
V giggled, shrugging. "Why? It's either the easiest way for me to memorize the recipe or it's a weird habit of mine."
"I accidentally saw your wallet earlier; there was a photo of a boy stored there; is that your late brother?"
"Oh, you wanna see it?" V took out a wallet from inside her coat pocket. She shows a picture of Nero smiling sweetly—as bright as the weak sun of the moon at noon.
"He's charming; if he were alive, he'd probably cuss me out for using his name."
V chuckled. "He's not that kind of cheeky kid; he'd be thrilled to have a smart foster brother like you. He gets fierce when someone tries to hurt me, just like you."
"I can fathom his attitude. What happened to him?" asked Nero expressionlessly. Grasping the photo carefully. "If you find it tough to tell me, I won't force you. I don't wanna see you sad."
"Accident," V added, her face turning miserable with a hurt look. Her luminous eyes went reddened. She was holding back soul-crushing tears. "As of my mistake, not being able to protect him properly—"
The emptiness and hurt of loss always haunted V. The dark image of Nero's bloodied body dying as a passing car crushed him was the most horrifying memory.
"It was supposed to be a pleasant special day." V's gaze wandered over the sunny city of Montpelier, tracing memories that always drained her energy. "It was Nero's birthday. We just wanted to have a small celebration at his favorite restaurant. I had just received my paycheck when unexpectedly Shivani and Hadeon followed us. On the way they grabbed my bag, Nero fought back—trying to stop them. But Shivani hit my head with a baseball bat. I collapsed, while Nero chased after Hadeon; he pushed Nero—the car passed by at high speed, crushing him."
V's voice was glassy; there was raw sorrow in her tone. Her heart was bleeding again. Her eyes swam with tears. "He died instantly; they ran away, laughing and only concerned about the money. There was no justice or law to defend my brother's death. Shivani's uncle is the police commissioner. The Ravenscroft family are community-supported sociopaths. It shouldn't have ended in such a tragic way. My brother was so kindhearted; he didn't deserve all this terrible fate. You know what they say? If only I hadn't been so selfish, giving away that damn money, Nero wouldn't have died. It's all my fault—"
"No, it's not! How could you think that?!" Nero reached out, gently wiping away Valeska's tears. He didn't fathom why his heart felt ached as if a dagger stabbed as tears fell from her bright eyes. "They're manipulative! Why did you choose to stay in that hell?!"
Tsk! That night, I should have burned them to death! How dare you hurt Queen and make her suffer!
"As I have no hope or desire to continue my life! I want to die so badly! Everything I do, somehow I keep coming back to life!" V let out a long breath, threw down the ballpoint pen, and tried to be more resilient. "They will never stop and will finish off everyone I care about. I can't risk the lives of others; it's better to face them myself. While hoping death will come sooner."
"Do not die." Nero commanded absolutely.
"Why? Everyone is gonna die eventually, right?" V shrank her nose, then stroking Nero's head gently; she forces a smile through her tears.
Nero demanded. "You can't die—if you die, I'll die too."
A long silence, V and Nero stared at each other for a long time; somehow, for Valeska, when Nero showed that kind of shady, sharp eyes—as if V saw someone else inside him. It made Valeska's heart flutter and squeeze tight.
"I mean, who will take care of me if you die? Didn't you promise we'll always be together?" Nero added. His eyes glanced awkwardly in the other direction; he had no idea why he was so upset.
Don't die, V. Long live for us.
"Actually, that night I intended to end my life. But another miracle came my way; it was you who saved me, Nero. If you hadn't come. I would've drowned myself." V grasps Nero's hand. Showing her despair face. She had to admit her biggest mistake now. "What Shivani said is true. I adopted you to relieve my guilt over my brother's death. I am really a monster, huh? My mistake—I used you so I could sleep peacefully at night."
"I know."
Valeska's eyes widened, startled. "You don't hate me?"
"Never. Use me as much as you want; I don't mind. If anyone should become a monster to protect you—that would be me."
[Ding!]
The microwave clanked, interrupting their conversation. V was jolted up, her tears drying up. She picked up the stack of paper bags. "Come on, help me distribute all this food to the neighbors, and if you find any homeless on the streets, you should give it to them."
"Why should I?" Nero sneered slightly. "They're not doing anything for us. Isn't that so inconvenient? Let them starve; if they want something, then work hard."
Gosh, this kid. How could he say that cruel? It's possible that his real family is looking for him right now. If they find him, will I be willing to let him go?
In Valeska's eyes, Nero was innocent, sometimes irritating, a bit bossy, and arrogant; he didn't feel guilty at all about his cruel, sarcastic remarks that could hurt people's hearts, yet there were still sweet things about him besides his charming face. His well-groomed skin, shiny hair, and that authoritative look in his eyes? However, Nero lost his memory, so V is now fully responsible for his future as well. V is reluctant to think about anything or their past, so teaching some kindness is not a bad thing.
"Yeah, you should; that's the nicest of sharing. As I've felt the pain of being starved and having nothing," V took out a row of muffin pans that were emitting hot steam and a delicious aroma with gloves. She placed them on a shelf, preparing to pack them. "As newcomers, we should also get along with them. While promoting our small snack menus. Maybe someday there will be a miracle from the kindness you show today. That's called good wishes."
Nero let out a long sigh; he got up from his chair, helping Valeska in the end.
"Put it like this, little boss," V teased Nero, elbowing his arm as he packed each paper bag with muffins, warm chocolate cups, and strawberry sandos.
"V."
"What?"
"If I give you my photo, will you keep it in your wallet too?"
***
"Well, welcome to Montpelier. Thank you so much for the snacks, yes? You opened that restaurant and café?"
V did not expect them to be such friendly neighbors; the people of Montpelier were pleasant; they welcomed Valeska and Nero warmly and sincerely.
"Yes, I know Sir Walker. It's been a long time since he visited Vermont; how's he doing? Give him my regards, will you? Tell him the Harschel family misses him."
"Yes, Mrs. Harschel. I'll tell him later," V replied with a meaningful smile. "It was nice meeting you all."
"Don't hesitate if you need help. Is he your brother?" Eli added, picking up the paper bag Nero had given him, "Thanks for the snack; I hope it wasn't too much trouble for you, huh?"
"Not at all," V embraced Nero, nodding her head. "Yes, he's my brother, Nero. Come, say hello to them."
Nero hid his heavy breathing; he neutralized his voice, though it was hard for him to smile at a stranger. "The honor is mine; I'm Nero Steel."
"Oh, you have a so handsome and cute little brother." Mrs. Lothaire had a soft spot for handsome little boys, and she pinched Nero's cheek affectionately.
Nero was somewhat flabbergasted to see the color of those people's soul lives that flared up a fiery yellow color, except for the owner of the distro named Shane Arzen.
At first, V didn't think much of it, but throughout the time she interacted with Shane—Nero seemed disturbed vividly. His hardened expression implied that he hated Shane.
The main problem is Shane Arzen, a popular young boss in Montpelier for his good looks. His jet-black hair is lustrous, and his emerald pupils glow inside his deep-set lids. On his muscular arms are large tattoos, running up to the nape of his neck.
"Nice, welcome to Montpelier. I'm Shane Arzen," he said kindly, extending a hand to V.
Nero's mood soured at Shane's obvious flirting with Valeska. Nero grasped V's hand tightly; he glared at Shane sharply.
"Yes, please feel free to visit when L&C opens," V stated simply, "I would be so grateful if you could promote L&C to your contacts."
"That's fine, as long as you give me your cell phone number, Miss," Shane joked, wincing when he noticed Nero's murderous gaze. Shane snorted, perplexed that the boy beside Valeska was being so possessive to her. "Tsk, is he your brother?"
"Oh, yes. Nero, say hello."
"It's done, right? Let's go!" Nero pulled Valeska's hand away from Shane—ASAP.
"Wait, what's wrong, anyway? Why do you look so upset, Nero?"
Nero glared fiercely; he growled even more in rage seeing Shane still smiling dazzlingly, waving and shouting to V. "Call me, Valeska! I'll be waiting, yes!"
Tsk! Disgusting!
"Hold a sec, what's wrong?" asked V gently, holding back Nero's footsteps that were pounding indignantly like sledgehammers. "Stop being rude to people we've met; when someone greets you—do the same."
"He doesn't deserve to be treated so kindly," Nero grumbled, gripping V's hand even tighter. "He's evil. He shouldn't be hanging around you. Stop giving him your fabulous smile. I hate that!"
***