Chapter 3

"Liam, are you serious? You're giving Alex all your assets?"

Clara grabbed my arm, her eyes wide with surprise.

This time, I was the one confused.

They used to always side with Alex, giving him whatever he wanted.

If I refused, they would scold me endlessly.

But now that I was giving Alex everything,

They were confused?

Dad was the first to snap back, his eyes beaming with satisfaction. "Our son has finally come to his senses! Our affection for him wasn't wasted!"

"Liam, it's a good thing you've finally accepted your brother!"

"From now on, you two live good lives together, and we'll be at peace, even in our old age!"

At peace?

Mom and Dad, you've been fooled by Alex's fake kindness for too many years.

Do you really believe Alex will manage everything of mine properly?

My head spun again, and my nose felt itchy. I touched it and found my fingers slick with blood.

"Liam, why are you bleeding from the nose? The weather hasn't been dry lately, has it?" Mom asked then.

My hand, wiping my nose, paused. I couldn't hold back anymore and looked at them, speaking:

"Dad, Mom, if I really die of illness one day, will you regret it?"

But Mom's expression didn't even flicker. She just smiled and glanced at me.

"Your face is so flushed, how could you be that sick? Stop talking such nonsense, it's bad luck!"

"Exactly! Alex is different. Once he recovers, we must make sure to help him recuperate properly!"

Dad said, looking at Alex with concern.

"I think so too!" Lily chimed in quickly. "Daddy is quite healthy, Godfather Alex is the one we should worry about the most!"

The last shred of hope in my heart vanished.

I had nothing left to hope for...

I looked down at Lily and smiled.

"Lily, haven't you always wanted Godfather Alex to be your real daddy?"

"I've agreed. Alex is your daddy now. Won't you call him Daddy?"

Lily's eyes lit up with surprise. "Really?!"

I smiled faintly.

"Once you call him Daddy, you can always eat the food he makes and he can always spend time with you!"

"Isn't that what you've always wanted? Aren't you happy?"

Lily jumped up excitedly. "Yay! Daddy is the best in the world! Thank you, Daddy!"

With that, Lily pulled her hand from mine and hugged Alex. My parents and Clara watched the scene with satisfied smiles.

I turned to leave, taking one last look at them.

My parents were laughing and playing with Lily alongside Alex, and Clara watched with a soft smile.

No one noticed me.

I closed the hospital room door and left the hospital.

Only one day remained until my death. I had nowhere to go.

My life had been busy and rushed, I'd never truly let go and enjoyed myself.

I booked a ticket to a coastal city, went to see the sea at night, and wanted to climb a mountain.

But I couldn't hold on anymore. Just before I passed out, I dialed a number I hadn't called in almost five years.

Then, my vision went black, and I lost consciousness.