Chapter 4 C 4

"... I'll do my best. Just trust me, alright?"

"Alright." Midnight reclined and shut his eyes. "My back hurts..."

"I understand." He was feeling the searing pain in his back as well at that very moment. However, he couldn't let his brother see his suffering, considering he had endured half of the punishment on his behalf. He didn't want Midnight to find out or feel guilty. "Would you like me to get you some pain relievers?"

"No..." Midnight whispered, "Just stay here, Brother."

"Of course..."

He suppressed the urge to clench his jaw due to the discomfort in his back, maintaining a composed expression.

His brother was enduring this agony because of him... he needed to put an end to it. Midnight couldn't continue like this.

But what could he possibly do? He was powerless. Their father held all the cards. All he could do was obey.

As he gazed down at his sleeping brother, he whispered softly, "I promise, I'll free you from this. I will gain the strength for both of us. I'll rise to the top and become a leader. And if I have to sacrifice myself for your liberation, I'll do it."

That's my pledge to you... my dear little brother.

KNIGHT WAS busy packing his belongings when a knock echoed at the door. Assuming it might be Cloud, who would offer help with the packing, he initially ignored it. He preferred to pack his bag alone, handling his personal items himself. He wasn't comfortable with others handling or rummaging through his things.

However, the individual outside the door was persistent. Clearly not Cloud, as Cloud would know that a single knock indicated he wasn't to be let in.

"Come in!" He spoke loudly, ensuring the visitor outside could hear him.

The door to his room swung open.

Knight finished zipping his luggage and then turned his attention to the door.

He was taken aback to find his brother observing his packed bags.

"You're leaving?" Midnight inquired.

He nodded. "Yes."

"Oh." Midnight averted his gaze. "I'll go then. Sorry for interrupting."

"Hold on." He halted his brother and approached him. "How's your back feeling?"

Midnight managed a smile. "I'm managing."

Knight saw through the facade. "I told you not to lie to me."

His brother looked away. "It still hurts, but I can handle it. Papa allowed me to visit you, but now you're leaving. I'll see you when you return."

With a sigh, he playfully ruffled Midnight's hair. "Something's bothering you. What is it?"

Midnight shook his head, then mustered a smile. "Nothing. Have a safe journey, Brother."

He sighed because he could tell Midnight was forcing a smile to avoid causing concern.

He could discern a false smile; he was an expert at feigning happiness. He was determined not to let Midnight learn how to put on a fake smile and conceal his feelings. He didn't want his brother to become like him-proficient at masking emotions before others.

He didn't want Midnight to adopt a facade, even if Knight himself often pretended.

Midnight, his younger brother, existed solely as his shadow-to be his stand-in when necessary. They were strikingly similar in appearance-aside from their height, with Knight being slightly taller, though this difference was barely noticeable when they weren't side by side. They weren't twins, but their father exploited their resemblance.

During perilous situations, when there were threats but Knight still needed to appear in public, Midnight would assume his identity-becoming Count Knight. Few individuals knew of Midnight Velasquez's existence. To the outside world, there was no Midnight. Except within the palace, everyone believed Lord Kelleon Velasquez had only one son.

Him-Knight Alastair Minrod Gutterez Velasquez.

Midnight was nonexistent, created to take Knight's place in hazardous scenarios. When their father perceived danger and anticipated threats to Knight's life, he would send out Midnight as a decoy, effectively shielding Knight even if he were targeted.

Midnight was Knight's double.

And he constantly questioned how their father could subject his own blood to such manipulation.

How could he? Midnight was a good kid. Therefore, Knight was resolved to amass power to extricate Midnight from the life their father had orchestrated.

He would reclaim Midnight's identity, regardless of the obstacles.

"Midnight." He adopted a stern tone, resonating with authority. "What's troubling you?" He prodded again. "Spill it."

Midnight met his gaze. "Don't go?"

He arched an eyebrow. "Was it really that difficult to say?"

"Sort of," Midnight admitted. "I know you're preoccupied searching for our sister, and I don't want to monopolize your time and attention."

"Stay here. Don't move." He commanded Midnight, who stood by the door, before turning his attention to his cellphone on the bed, dialing Cloud's number.

"Yes, my Lord?" Cloud answered promptly on the other end. "The plane is ready."

"I need to cancel."

Cloud chuckled. "Was it the puppy dog eyes or the fake smile that thawed your icy heart, my Lord?"

He sighed. "Fake smile."

"I thought you were longing to reunite with your friends in the Philippines?"

"Midnight needs me."