Chapter 35: Chapter 35 – Adoption
Aiden silently followed after Ethan when he left the room. He caught up to him and tugged at his sleeve.
“Won’t you forgive me this once... just this once... I didn’t think properly, because you are the only big brother I can’t let anything happen to you. All those years it has been you who was with me. It’s natural that I would pick you when in danger. So.... so don’t be angry anymore...”
The tears he was holding back streamed down like a river. He gently sobbed as he peered at him through his hazy eyes.
Ethan’s eyes went wide. He ran back and hugged him immediately. “Silly Aiden, I was just momentarily angry. You don’t have to cry for that.” he patted his back softly. “Sorry, sorry for shouting at you.”
“No, I am sorry, I was being selfish. I like Feng too but at that time I was only thinking about my selfish reasons.” He cried, nuzzling against his shoulders. “So don’t be angry with me. I can’t bear to lose you, too. You are all I have,”
Ethan started sobbing as well. “Shut up idiot, we have Feng, Elle and lady Hiliana.” He softly cupped his brother’s face and made him face him. {‘We are not in that desperate situation anymore. We have friends; we have people who love us now. So open your heart to them too. Show them your awesomeness,’} he patted his chest.
Aiden nodded, wiping his tears away. “Yes... I will.” he lovingly hugged him.
.....
Lady Hiliana, who was peeking from the corner, sighed. “The one who smiles the most hides the most pain. Alvin, do you know that?”
Her young grandson shook his head. “I never thought that cheerful kid would hide so much loneliness in him,”
“Yes, but thankfully he has a loving brother.” she smiled at this.
At first glance she already guessed their character, Ethan the silent kid was cold, but he trusted people with his whole heart. While the kid Aiden was cheerful and sweet, his heart was closed up and sealed.
Lady Hiliana took her grandchild inside. “Alvin, you still have a lot to learn. As a future head of the family, you have to lead this family with love. The ones who trust you and are loyal to you, you should never let them down. You must also have the talent to discern people’s characters at first glance,”
“I understand, grandmother. I shall accept your lesson.” while leaving the room he glanced back hesitantly. “What about Feng grandma? How is her character?”
“You will get to know in the future, dear,” she mysteriously whispered. She glanced out the window and sighed once more. “Adult souls inside kids, what a weird situation. I guess there are new things to learn in this world after all.” she went to her shelf and started reading through the array of books.
Outside, the twins calmed down a little.
{‘What do you plan to do with that girl?’} Aiden said with a frown.
{‘One only reaps what they sow’} Ethan casually strode out the room and into the deck area. {‘Mary is it? Tonight, we shall take care of her.’}
On the other side of the ship a fussing young servant got to know of this incident. Kijin dashed back to their room. “Master! Master! Bad news, bad news!” he ran in but the study door was firmly closed with a ‘do not disturb’ sign on it. “Master.....”
He had previously heard his master dejectedly muttering something about a gift, but he had ignored it then. Now that he had closed himself off in his study, it will probably take days for him to come out.
He sat near the door anxiously.