...Outside the window of a luxurious private plane, the fluffy-looking clouds spread endlessly....

“Are you alright?”

John, staring at the halo glowing before his eyes, raised his head. It was the man who had brought him here. The man, who appeared to be in his thirties, said his name was Carter Simpson and that he was Ryan Lindbergh’s secretary.

“…Yes, I’m OK.”

When John nodded, Carter raised his wrist and looked at the time.

“We will arrive in England soon. They said we are going to land in about thirty minutes.”

“Ah… is that so? Thanks for letting me know.”

John replied with a slight laugh. Carter looked at him in silence.

So he’s only eleven-years-old.

Carter felt it since the first meeting, but John was a silent child. Although John could ask many questions, there was no way for him to ask something first, and if there was no need to answer, Carter would be silent.

His calm was a little overlooked by Carter. About a month ago, John was an eleven-year-old boy who had lost his mother. Furthermore, he was now heading to see his father, whom he had never met before.

He had never dealt with a child before, but Carter knew that John’s reaction was unusual. So he decided to talk to John even though he wasn’t interested in other people’s personal lives.

When Carter sat down in the empty seat across from him, John, who was leaning over, turned his head. A pair of dark green eyes turned to Carter.

“Have you been to England before?”

“Hum… No. I’ve only been to L.A.”

“You haven’t lived anywhere other than in the United States.”

“No, my mom was always busy. This is the first time I’ve taken a plane. I’m not sure, but are all planes like this?”

John touched the leather seat with his fingertips and asked the question. Carter shrugged instead of answering. The plane they got on was a Gulfstream series luxury aircraft, which costs over £40 Million.

Perhaps most people could live on what  a private plane costs. Carter adjusted the inside of his neck and rested both hands on his thighs.

“Richmond is probably a good place to live.”

“Is there where we are going?”

“That’s right.”

“How is that place?”

“I don’t know. It’s a quiet neighborhood with beautiful parks, old houses, and exclusive shops.”

At Carter’s answer, John nodded as if he already knew, and then looked out the window again. It seemed that his attempt to speak to the boy had failed. Carter looked at the boy’s face, instead of saying something else.

…Ryan Lindbergh’s hidden illegitimate son.

Beneath the dark brown hair there was a pale, thin face. The green eyes surrounded by coppery specks had a dark sparkle and the thin lips closed in a straight line seemed sensitive.

Objectively, John was a very beautiful boy. No one could disagree that he would be a very handsome boy when he grew up. However, the impression of always being depressed undermined his natural charm.

Speaking of Ryan Lindbergh, he was a totally different man than John. He was extremely attractive and his personality was also outgoing and ostentatious. Looking closely, it seemed that they had some similarities; but it was clear that if they were placed next to each other, no one would notice that they were family.

Also, the boy said he was a beta.

Lindbergh’s family was predominantly made of alphas and omegas, with a high percentage of being dominant. It is a known fact that they practiced ****** a few centuries ago to maintain the legitimacy of blood relatives.

John, who was a beta and had no particularly outstanding qualities, was not a child who could get Ryan’s attention. Carter was rarely wrong in his speculations. Apparently, just a month ago, Ryan found out that John’s mother had died.

Then, he had unexpectedly decided to bring John to live with him. What was Ryan thinking? He was planning to present an illegitimate son despite having a beautiful wife and a charming son. Carter couldn’t believe it. It was difficult for Carter to guess whether the other family members would accept John or not.

However, that didn’t seem to matter to Ryan.

Eventually, a crew member approached and announced that they would land soon. Carter nodded and stood up so John could enjoy some time alone.

The plane began its descent through the River Thames, preparing to land. After passing through a green field, a vast and isolated land spread out the window and a neo-renaissance style mansion stood on the vast terrain.

Soon the plane shook slightly and remained on the ground. The plane finally stopped after going around in circles for a few times. Carter, holding his phone, appeared when John was removing his seat belt.

“Yes, we have arrived.”

John, who had risen from the seat, looked at Carter. With his large, restless eyes, Carter was about to stroke John’s head without realizing it. Instead, Carter pulled his hand away and grabbed his briefcase.

“I’ll see you in the library in 20 minutes.”

John got in the Rolls-Royce Phantom, which was waiting for him along with Carter. His face did not reveal his emotions, but he was actually quite surprised.

It was surprising that there was an exclusive area for the landing of the plane next to the private property, but it was also surprising that the distance between the runway and the mansion was large enough to have to drive. For John, who had lived in a closed apartment with his mother, Emily, this was all unreal.

Although Emily was only a summer night’s romance, John knew it was all a coincidence.

Still, if you thought about them getting separated at the dating stage…

That situation led him to doubt that Emily was truly aware of his father’s identity. All the men Emily knew were the worst, but what about Ryan? It seemed like he wasn’t a good person, he couldn’t even go to see her as Emily struggled to survive. Thus, John only hoped that Ryan wasn’t a murderer, a pervert, or that he had brought him in with a dark purpose.

Suddenly, the vast green gardens revealed themselves through the thick hollows of the trees, and between them, a luxurious and enormous mansion stood up.

“First of all, you’ll be tired from jet lag. So go greet Mr. Lindbergh and then go to your room, which is ready for you to rest. Let’s think about the future.”

“Alright, I’ll do it.”

John nodded at Carter’s words.

John, don’t be fooled by appearances. So even if it seems good, don’t believe it. Anyway, be careful not to get caught by bad people. Let’s go.

What was the reason that Emily’s words suddenly came to his mind? John rubbed his sweaty palms on his pants and walked away from the parked car. He saw the well-groomed lawns and smelled the scent of the grass swaying in the breeze of the wind. The sky was so bright it hurt. Even though it was beautiful, he was afraid of everything that was going on. John was about to run away from how terrified he was.

“John!”

At noon, in a calm and relaxed atmosphere, the vigorous voice of a child resounded. At that moment, John unconsciously turned his head. Something bright and white surrounded by white light was rushing toward him. The flicking blonde was reflected in the sunlight, leaving a dazzling image. When John frowned slightly, the boy, who was getting closer, jumped onto his chest.

“…!”

Finding it  difficult to react, John stepped back and looked at the boy with wide eyes.

“Isn’t it?”

And the moment the boy raised his head, something inside John died.

He was about six years old. He was a boy as beautiful as a fairy. His shiny platinum feet and immaculate face made him look like an angel, and his big blue eyes like a sapphire reminded him of the sea. His thick lips were intensely reddish, like rose petals, and seemed to taste sweet if he bit the rosy cheeks that had warmed up in anticipation.

The boy looked at John with a look of joy. John’s heart beat fast.

“…yes, I am John.”

“I noticed immediately. I was waiting for you.”

“For me?”

“Yup, I’m Valentine, your brother. You’re my brother and we will be together from now on.”

When he finished speaking, Valentine hugged John’s waist again. As he rubbed his cheeks over John’s chest, the soft and peculiar scent of the little boy spread. In response, John looked at the boy with a pretty smile.

The first meeting with his father, Ryan, was later than John expected. The atmosphere in the office was somber and stifling, as if Ryan shared the same precepts as a boarding school.

For John, his first impression of Ryan  was the image of a sports magazine model,  a tennis racket in hand and a million dollar smile. Well-groomed blonde hair, tanned skin, and full of confidence like a carnivorous animal.

From the moment he met Ryan, John realized that they would not be able to get along easily, and Ryan seemed to share that sentiment. Ryan scratched his chin with an awkward expression, as if he had no idea what to say.

John, you have grown a lot. Well, I’m sorry about what happened to Emily.

...Thanks for coming....

I know it sounds like an excuse, but I want you to know that I only recently found out about your existence. I’m sure you understand that there was nothing I could do previously.

Okay. You must be tired… I’ll see you at dinner.

I’ll be there.

That was the end of the conversation.

Walking to the library, John recalled his brief conversation with Ryan. He didn’t feel like a father, but he didn’t appear to be a psycho, a killer, or a stranger. John was a little relieved by this fact. Carter, who was walking next to him, looked down.

“The conversation ended much earlier than I expected, but now Mr. Lindbergh also has a sense of shame… That is, because this will take time to get used to.”

“I’m fine. Thanks for your concern.”

“Maybe you’re overthinking, but you should just relax.”

“Um… not really.”

John frowned. It was strange seeing his father for the first time in his life and he still didn’t know how to speak to him. No, more like…

Surprisingly, a small blond boy emerged in his thoughts. The boy  had been pulled away from him quickly by someone’s hand, but he was quite impressive. Why had he made such a strong impression on him? Whether it was because he jumped into his arms without hesitation or because he had been enchanted with his pretty jewel-like eyes; John couldn’t determine the exact reason.

John, who hesitated a moment, looked at Carter.

“Um, Mister Simpson.”

“You can call me Carter.”

“Carter, that boy…”

“Ah, you mean Valentine.”

“Yeah, Valentine is… He said he was my brother.”

“Yes. He’s ten years old, he’s a year younger than you.”

“Eh? He’s ten?”

John exclaimed in surprise. Carter seemed to have noticed. Valentine seemed to be much younger than ten years old. Although John was slim, he was tall for his age, taller than his classmates. Even with that consideration, the boy’s head could only reach his chest.

“He’s still pretty small. However, since his genetics are favored by both his maternal and paternal ancestry, he will grow taller in his teenage years.”

“How silly… I thought he was younger.”

“Most people who have seen Valentine for the first time also think that. By the way, the boy seems to like you quite a lot. He is usually a gentle boy, but it is the first time he has had this kind of reaction.”

“… For real?”

...You are reading story The Kiss From Hell at novel35.com...

“Well, you’re both brothers. There is nothing wrong with you being close, is there?”

Brothers.

John, without answering, awkwardly nodded and rubbed his cheek. The skin that touched the palm of his hand was even more red from the heat than usual.

Emily, who had always been with him, was gone and his father and younger brother whom he had never met before were trying to take her place. Everything was strange, as if heaven and earth were reversed. John muttered under his breath.

New home, new environment, new land, new… family.

…a new family.

Without Emily.

As his thoughts drifted away, there was a sudden sense of dissociation. The emptiness he had never felt before pierced his heart. John, caught in a wave of intense emotion momentarily, stumbled without realizing it. Carter leaned in amazement and faced him.

“Are you feeling ill?”

“… No. I just want to rest.”

Carter touched John’s forehead and throat, who was turning pale. After confirming that his body temperature was not high, Carter grabbed him by the arm.

“First, go to the room to lie down. I’ll call a doctor …”

“No, Carter, I’m not sick. I’m just… I’m tired and I just want to sleep.”

Carter was still anxious, but he led him to John’s room. The interior of the mansion was as overwhelming as the exterior. John followed Carter past the colorful and grand halls and many different rooms before reaching his destination.

“Are you sure… this is my room?” John, blinking slowly, asked Carter.

“You don’t like it?”

“No… No, it’s just that this room is as big as a house.”

The room, with a front window, was luxurious and spacious like the ones in the 007 series. In the middle of the high ceiling, dazzling glass chandeliers hung and the walls were decorated with natural marble. Delicate patterned Kashizadeh rugs were placed on the floor and a large balcony could be seen beyond the glass door. The amount of furniture that made up the room was few in numbers, but they all had a luxurious shine.

“Tell me if you don’t like the interior. I’ll try to reflect your taste as best as possible.”

“Everything… everything is great.”

When Carter pressed a button on the wall, the shutter slowly lowered and extinguished the light. Soon the room darkened, and the only source of light came from the wall mounted lamp, illuminating the room in a soft glow.

“You may be exhausted  due to the jet lag, so you had better get some sleep. I was informed that they prepared the clothes for you to change into  after getting up. I will come to wake you up before dinner.”

John nodded and climbed onto the bed. As he lay down and crawled between the sheets, Carter dimmed the lights.

“Then have a nice  rest.”

“Eh… Carter.”

“Yes?”

“Thanks for everything.”

“It’s my job, so you don’t have to thank me.”

After that, Carter disappeared behind the door. He was a little frank, but a good man. Later, John closed his eyes and was determined to say goodbye again. Emily emerged as a secondary image and soon, something darker than darkness itself quickly hit John.