chapter 33
Nevertheless, Aaron sighs inwardly. Seriously, he doesn't have time for his sister-in-law's animosity. Why can't she just be nice? Doesn't she realize how hard this is for me?
She doesn't like him, and that's fine. Why can't marriage be filled with sweet moments? Is it too much to ask for a little kindness? I wish she could see that I'm just trying to be a part of this family. Why is it so difficult?
He stubbornly refuses to dwell on the reasons behind Anabel's hatred, instead biting his lip and trying to fend off any negativity.
He has his husband, and that's what truly matters. Kris is all I need. As long as I have him, I can get through anything.
"Hey, little brother-in-law, why are you staring at your feet? Won't you look at me?"
Aaron is jolted from his reverie by Lady Anabel's voice.
.He hadn't noticed her approaching, and now she stands before him, her piercing gaze sharp and unyielding. Of course she would show up now, just when I was trying to find a moment of peace.
Her pretty, devilish face is framed by a smirk on her perfectly painted red lips. Lady Anabel is undeniably beautiful, but why must she be so venomous towards him? It's like she enjoys making my life miserable. I wonder what I did to deserve this?
These thoughts sting, but they're merely outsider perspectives.
"Little brother-in-law, you don't need to avoid me. You can come party with me and go on lots of outings. What do you think?"
Who dares? Not Aaron.
He might seem timid, but he's not foolish enough to seek company from someone who clearly dislikes him. As if I would ever want to spend time with you. Don't you see how uncomfortable you make me?
Lady Anabel laughs, her delicate, pale fingers gripping his chin and forcing him to meet her gaze.
"You're really pretty, though," she muses mockingly. "But sorry, I can't let you be with my brother."
Why does she have to say things like that? Can't she see I'm trying my best? As her laughter fades and she walks away, Aaron is left standing there, his heart heavy with confusion.
Tears well up as he fights the urge to cry. Why does he deserve this? Why can't family just be kind to one another? Anabel's dislike has reached a level that feels unbearable.
When someone who is supposed to be family expresses such hatred, does it hurt? For Aaron, it does.
It hurts more than I want to admit. It feels like I'm trying to build a bridge, and she's just tearing it down.
The complexity of it all overwhelms him. If his sister-in-law dislikes him, he'll work even harder to ensure his husband, Kris, never feels the same. He'll make sure Kris loves him deeply, chasing him around like a puppy craving affection.
I'll show her that love conquers all! No matter what she thinks, I'll make sure Kris knows he can always count on me.
Hah, it will be fun! At least it gives me something to look forward to.
In this way, Aaron uses these thoughts to comfort himself.
Feeling bored and yearning to explore Ravenhill City, Aaron thinks it would be exciting to go out,
but he has no one to accompany him. What a waste of a beautiful day! It feels wrong to stay cooped up in here when there's a whole world outside waiting for me.
"Maybe Ethan?"
The situation with Ethan isn't straightforward.
Aaron had to beg Kris to buy a place for Ethan and find him a job to support himself. I really hope Ethan can find his footing here. He deserves a chance at happiness, just like anyone else.
Dog man!
His blood boils just thinking about Kris's demands before fulfilling his request. Why does he always have to be so difficult? Can't he see that I'm just trying to help someone in need?
Flashback:
The soft glow of the lantern provides just enough light for Aaron to see the words in the book he holds. "And she smiled," he reads aloud,
his legs moving back and forth with interest as he focuses on the content. This story is so captivating! I wish I could live in a world like this...where everything feels safe and magical.
Alone in his softly colored night room, Aaron lies on the bed, reading.
His pose highlights his slim waist and hip curves, fully engrossed in the book. I wish I could escape into this world forever. It's so much better than dealing with Anabel's hostility.
The door creaks open, distracting Aaron from his reading. He looks up to see Kris entering the room. Oh great, here comes trouble. But maybe he'll brighten my day?
Kris's face is cool and indifferent as he walks over to the bed. His footsteps are not at all quiet on the floor.
Why does he always have to make a grand entrance? Can't he just be a little softer, just once?