Chapter 1

A quiet night stretched across the sky, with a lone moon hanging above, much like the omega standing by the window, lost in thought.

In this cruel world, he had once been like a drop of morning dew. Pure, untouched, a small pearl of nature. He had been gentle and kind, a dependable friend, an understanding partner, an obedient son, a soul that existed to mend what was broken in others.

He had believed in them.

Believed that they loved him. That they cared. That when his time came, they would stand by him, just as he had always stood by them.

But time proved him wrong.

He gazed at the moon, its soft light spreading quietly across the world. It was serene and selfless, just like he used to be.

"September 2..."

His fingers curled slightly at his side.

"The day my life fell apart."

His lips curved into a faint, emotionless smile.

"I learned what this world really is that day. I never thought cruelty would come from the people I loved the most."

A pause.

"I was naive, thinking love meant something. Thinking that if I cared, they would care too."

His gaze hardened slightly.

"I was a fool, loving without expecting anything in return. Just like that moon."

Slowly, he turned away from the window and walked toward the table beside his bed.

A photo frame rested there.

His wedding picture.

He picked it up, his eyes settling on the couple at its center. For a moment, silence lingered. Then a quiet smirk appeared on his lips.

"What a beautiful lie, Mr Dalan Arlo."

"Asher!!"

The calm shattered instantly at the sound of his name.

Asher turned.

A small figure stood there, wide doe eyes staring at him with practiced innocence.

Nalan.

His soft features, small nose, and slightly pouting lips made him look harmless, almost angelic.

Asher’s expression softened for a brief moment.

Too cute.

But he knew better.

Very well.

Nalan walked toward him and tugged at his shirt, his expression wronged in a way that could melt anyone’s heart.

Anyone except Asher.

"Nalan," he said calmly, narrowing his eyes, "what did you just call me?"

"Sweety," Nalan replied, blinking up at him.

Asher sighed.

"Don’t act cute. I know you better than anyone. Call me Mommy."

Nalan pouted slightly, tilting his head.

"But you look too young to be a mommy..."

"That doesn’t change the fact that I am one."

Nalan paused, as if thinking, then smoothly changed the topic.

"I’m still hungry," he said softly, leaning closer. "Can you make banana milk and strawberry pancakes?"

Asher frowned. "You already ate."

"I know," Nalan said, eyes bright, "but your cooking is too good. I can’t help it."

Asher looked at him suspiciously.

Something felt off, though he could not place it.

"Is it really that good?"

"Really."

A short silence passed.

Then Asher sighed in defeat.

Without another word, he lifted Nalan into his arms and carried him to the kitchen.

Not long after, warm food filled the air with its comforting scent.

Later, after dinner, a bath, and a few quiet moments together, Nalan drifted to sleep.

Asher lay beside him, holding him close, his thoughts growing heavier.

His gaze darkened.

"Mr Dalan Arlo..."

His fingers tightened slightly around the blanket.

"Let’s see who turns whose life into a living hell."

His eyes slowly closed.

"Your peaceful days are over, the moment I step into City S."

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***