Chapter 2

Chapter 2

After taking leave, my father rushed me back home without a moment's rest.

As soon as we stepped inside, Leyla had already prepared a lavish feast for us.

Seeing us, she immediately greeted us with a smile. "Charlie, you must be tired. Come, sit down and rest."

She pulled me to a chair, and next to me sat my stepsister, Mabel, who kept her head down and remained silent.

My innocent younger brother, Cristian, clapped his hands cheerfully. "Great! Brother is back. Let's eat; I'm starving."

Father waved his hand, signaling us to start. "Let's eat. We're all family; no need for formalities."

He raised his glass and toasted me repeatedly, talking about how difficult the past years had been and apologizing to me. He mentioned how I lost my mother at a young age and how he neglected me after remarrying. He even managed to squeeze out a few tears when he got emotional.

I couldn't help but sneer inwardly. If I didn't know his true intentions, I might have been deceived by him again, just like in my previous life.

As the bottle neared empty, Father still wanted to pour me more.

"No more, Dad. I really can't drink anymore," I said, pretending to be drunk and slumping against Cristian.

"Cristian, your brother is drunk. Help him to his room," Father instructed.

Though Cristian was innocent, he wasn't a bad person. Hearing this, he supported me. "Brother, I'll take you to your room right away."

Leyla, however, stopped him. "Cristian, you're too young and not strong enough. Let your sister take him."

She shot a sharp look at Mabel, who stood motionless by the side.

But Cristian insisted, "No, no, I want to do it."

Leyla tried to persuade him again, but Father interrupted. "Alright, alright, it doesn't matter who does it."

Father shot Leyla a knowing look, clearly indicating that there would be more opportunities in the future.

With the head of the family having spoken, Leyla could only watch as Cristian helped me away.

Once we were back in my room, I dropped the act. I grabbed Cristian, who was about to leave, and suggested, "How about we play a game of hide and seek, little brother?"

"This game is different from before. I'll go hide, and you can only come to find me when the sun rises."

Cristian's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Okay, okay, brother. You go hide, and I'll come find you later."

I calmed my excited brother and then slipped away. I was determined to see who would be the fool this time without me being the scapegoat.