The carriage was silent, gilbert sat staring at the window, his back was straight and muscles tense

The discomfort was radiating off him. Facing him was the man who destroyed him and ripped him apart. He forced his eyes to look at the window trying his best to ignore the giggles infant of him. The woman who sat by the lord was like a savior for Gilbert, as long as she was around that man ignored him.

From the side of his eyes, he glanced at the woman who was dressed beautifully and decorated in the most luxurious jewelry. Gilbert didn't know if he should be grateful to her or pet her for marrying that monster.

It was always the same. From any big occasion or party, he dragged the so-called wife and the temporary heir with him. Gilbert wasn’t sure if he and that woman were just accessories for this powerful man.

As the carriage stopped and the servant opened the door he followed after the count and his wife silently. As usual, as soon as the count of house Richmond set for in the ball hall Nobel men and women gathered around him like flies seeking his approval. This kind of seane always reminded Gilbert of how influential this man is and why he can’t escape him.

< tsk.. > An enjoyed sigh came from his side and Gilbert glanced at the woman who standing not so far. She was yang, beautiful of noble blood, yet she was sold to this monster by her family. Being the 3 ed daughter and as powerless as she was she was smart to play the role of the charmed yang wife. Gilbert knew everything that was about her, he once considered her his lifeline, until he realized she wasn’t any better.

—

< your .. son .. > he wasn’t sure what came over him yet he found himself asking < he should be 6 right? > The cup in the lady’s hand shook and her hand trembled as she glared at Gilbert. < he.. is the right age …. You should be careful..>

Crake...

The ground turned to look at the lady who stumbled and fell to the floor covering her bloody hand with the wine < oh gosh.. > she sighed as her husband walked to her < I think I am sick from the ride .. > she murmured but loud enough that the close people would hear her.

< ooh darling ..> her husband sighed and helped her up, pretending he didn't notice her bloodied hand< it is my fault for not paying attention ..>

< Gilbert, help your mother to the resting room ..> he smiled at the yang man,

He knew that this was because of him, he enjoyed seeing his lovely wife and ex-lover bickering about him.

< yes .. > Gilbert answered in a neutral voice and the woman obeyed and walked with him without fuss as if she didn't crush a wine glass because of his words.

< ooh my that get along very well >

< they don’t even live tougher >

< you have such a lovely family count >

Comments about how amazing the count’s wife and stepson were thrown in as soon as the opportunity arose.

Gilbert's fist by his side clinched. Most of them knew .. these nobles knew of count Richmond's twisted hobbies, yet none cares, for he is but baster …

—

 < he is his son .. > 

The woman's voice cut him off. 

Lady Ezabella Richmond looked up to the beautiful young man standing before her. 

She was no fool.

She had her suspicions and with time she realized the truth. 

She looked at the man standing there staring at her eyes. To say he was beautiful was an understatement. Most ladies of the high society dream of a glance from him. Noble men joked about understanding her husband's interest in him. 

His well-balanced and symmetrical face was so pale and incising. His blond long hair was tied neatly in a white ribbon that lost its luster in comparison. his deep green eyes that stared at her were dead. 

Everyone complimented this young man for his beauty and elegance, but when she looked at him all she saw was her biggest fear, she saw her son. Her lovely Robert, her beautiful happy innocent boy turns into this dead doll. 

Her lips trembled and she fought the tears back. < Robert is his son !> she hissed in anger . The yang man didn't say a thing for long and then he looked away < yes … yes .. you‘re right. He is different > 

Lies ..

Izabella clinched her hands and looked at her lap 

< I want to be alone ..> 

< yes my lady ..> Gilbert bowed respectfully and left the private room 

Click 

Izabella couldn’t hold it back and as soon as she heard the door click she threw the water jug in front of her to the floor.

The tears that were held back now flowed down nonstop. 

Lady Izabella huffed and walked slowly to the window ..

< it won’t happen … > 

She stared at her own reflection. She slowly wiped her tears. Fitted her makeup and started fixing her appearance with calmness.

Her angry eyes were now calm < I am sorry Gilbert… you had no one .. but Robert has me ..> she finished putting on her lipstick and started at the big ring that reflected light. < I will kill him first ..> 

Izabella was a mother.

And a mother would do anything to protect her children. That was one thing the great Gerald Richmond underestimated.

--

Gilbert regretted his words. He watched the Richmond lady use her handkerchief to wipe her bloody hand in silence. < you need to see a healer ..>

Gilbert felt guilty. he wanted Izabella to be aware of the danger the little boy may face in his own home. He never met Robert, but he really wanted to do whatever he could to protect the child. He walked slowly to the ball hall where yang ladies gathered around him and started chatting with him. He was tired, he felt drained, and he really liked Izabella for how honest she was. Her fear for her son was clear, he wondered sometimes if his mother was still alive, would she protect him the same way.

At some point, his cup was filled again and again, and Gilbert didn't refuse. What’s the point of resisting …

He felt dizzy and a hand reached for the cup before he drained it again < that’s a bit too much .. > came a soft voice. Gilbert's back stiffened and looked back to the man smiling at him.

Leopold Alpine the man he once considered a friend.

Gilbert pushed him off and staggered silently grabbing a servant, < get my carriage, I am leaving ..> < leaving so soon? > The fuss quieted down as the older man approached.

Richard smirked at the boy, ah no, he is no longer a boy. He looked at the yang Nobels gathered around his little canary-like hungry Wolfes. Who could blame them with him looking so charming He slowly woke and returned the greeting directed at him. < it seems my son had too. Much fun and over-drinking.. > the canary didn't answer or react he just stood there tense. As Richard looked at the young man that was trying to pick his son his eyes flashed as he remembered this young man. The Alpine family's eldest son. The little couch in his canary was trying desperately to hide.

Richard smirked as he sipped his wine thinking of how to amuse himself. < yang Leopold, I remember you had a good friendship with my Gilbert, would you be kind and escort him back home ?>

Gasped rose around and murder of envy. All these little flies gathering here wanted a chance to approach the count hier.

Count Richmond was the treasury holder, the right-hand man to the king himself, and one of the most influential Nobel men in this kingdom.

every single person lusted for this power. And the fact that Gilbert looked like an enchantress while drunk gave these young nobles desires a much of bravado.

Offers rose around to escort the yang-drunk Gilbert.

Richard could hold his smirk as he started at the obvious lust these people had for his boy.

They all wanted his little canary

—

Gilbert took another glass from the servant who was standing beside him. He drained it and leaned on the poor man for support as he started to the show as if it had nothing to do with him.

Is Richard thinking of selling him ? ..

Nah .. this man sought entertainment and these people didn't have anything that would entice him enough to sell off his so-called hier as bed warmer.

Gilbert stared at the empty glass and tried hard to hide the fear and doubt in his heart, maybe he did drink a bit too much.

He felt that strong arm reach around his waist again as he felt a wave of dizziness and felt powerless but followed the lead of the man walking him away from the noise