Chapter 1

My parents were slightly stunned. It was as if they had suddenly come to a realization as they looked at me guiltily.

As my parents remained silent, Adam Scott walked away with a limp.

I shut the door and met my mother’s slightly awkward gaze.

“Dylan, it must be hard for him to deliver food in such cold weather. We don’t necessarily need that dish anyway. Can you not give him a negative review?”

Even though she sounded like she was seeking my opinion, it was clear that she was concerned about Adam.

I nodded and gave a five-star rating as she watched. She only sat down in relief after that.

There were a variety of dishes on the dining table, but my favorite grilled ribs were not there.

No one started eating.

I looked down at my prosthetic leg and felt a little suffocated.

Back then, when they found out I was the real son, Adam planned a car accident on my journey home and caused me to lose my left calf because he wanted to secure his position as the successor.

Initially, I wanted him to end up in prison.

My parents begged me and promised that they would cut him off, so I let him off the hook.

Throughout the past three years, we did not bring up Adam’s name at all.

However, I knew that they had not truly forgotten about him.

They did not remember that I like sweet things. They would always cook Adam’s favorite savory dishes.

Even though they knew that I was allergic to dogs, they were unwilling to send away Adam’s childhood golden retriever.

I kept telling myself that it was hard for them to change habits they had been building for twenty years.

There would be a day when they would finally forget about Adam and remember that I was their real son.

However, I suddenly was unsure if that day would ever arrive.

My father suddenly stood up. The chair squeaked loudly from the friction against the floor.

“I’m going to head out to buy a couple of bottles of wine. You can eat first.”

I took out two bottles of red wine from the wine cabinet. “Dad, can’t we drink these wines instead?”

He dodged my gaze and coughed. He looked a little guilty.

“I’ll buy some beer then. It’ll be nice to drink some beer on a winter day…”

After he said that, he grabbed his car key and left in a hurry.

I looked over and saw that my mother had taken her purse as well. She did not even change her shoes before she walked out.

“I think your dad forgot to bring his wallet. I’ll go with him. I’ll be back soon.”

“Mom.” I stopped her as I pleaded, “Please don’t go, alright?”

She looked torn. Then, she patted the back of my hand as though she was comforting me.

“Ten minutes, alright? Just wait for another ten minutes. Once we return, we’ll have dinner with you!”

I watched as she left. Then, I followed behind her as I did not want to let it go.

I had just stepped out of the gate when I saw my father pass the car key to Adam.

“Adam, where are you going all alone? It’s New Year’s Eve! Come and spend it with us!”

“That’s right, Adam. Just stay. We’re happy to have you here.”

Adam stopped in his tracks and glanced at me.