Chapter 142: The Unwelcome Guest?
Chapter 142: The Unwelcome Guest?
"How... how could you think that way?" Anna felt her head spin upon hearing Lyon's words, nearly collapsing on the spot. But she clung to her last shreds of hope, struggling to explain.
"But... but you saw the photos. You look so much like Mom, and your hair and eye color are exactly like Dad's..."
"Yes, you're right. The resemblance is uncanny." Lyon nodded in agreement. "It's because we look so alike that I never doubted it. But last week, when I was on an assignment, I visited the Lane family's family registry room and saw many things."
Anna's face paled as she heard Lyon mention such details. She bit her lip and nodded, "I... I didn't mean to hide it from you. It's just that Grandfather said that due to the competition for the title or something, he had made enemies with many people. He barely escaped from the royal capital and asked us never to contact that side of the family..."
"I believe you," Lyon said, standing up after putting on his shoes and looking at his pale-faced sister. He took a step forward and hugged her tightly once more, his voice calm and gentle.
"But I also hope you can trust me."
"I..."
"It's okay. People have secrets they don't want others to know. I have secrets I've kept from you, but that doesn't stop me from considering you my family."
Lyon gently caressed Anna's hair, then stopped hugging her. He gently cupped her face, looking into her eyes with utmost sincerity.
"I don't know what you consider family, but for me, blood relation isn't the only requirement for family, not even a necessary one. From a selfish perspective, the person I want to share my happiness with when I'm happy, the person I want to confide in when I'm in pain, that's my family. And the first person I think of is always you."
"Brother..."
"I'm here, but I have to leave soon."
Seeing his sister's reddened eyes and nose, Lyon smiled, giving her nose a playful twist. He then took a step back, picked up his things, and opened the door to leave.
"Wait! Wait for me!"
As Anna, still a bit flustered, wiped away her tears and took a step forward to see him off, Lyon suddenly turned around and asked:
"By the way, what did you say to me before I came in?"
"Huh?"
"What do you mean, 'huh'? You said that no matter when, if I feel tired, I should come home, and you'll always be waiting for me..."
Lyon frowned, repeating Anna's words with a displeased expression.
"You have to keep your word, whether we're related by blood or not, whether I'm your brother or not. When I come back, you can't chase me away!"
"Brother... you're so..."
Anna wiped the corners of her eyes, her tears turning into a smile. She shook her head, a bit annoyed.
"Why would I chase you away?"
"It's best if you don't, but even if you do, I still won't leave."
Lyon kicked Anna's shoes back inside, preventing her from seeing him off. He waved at her, seemingly relieved, and then went downstairs with the blanket and shopping bag.
After Lyon left, Anna gently closed the door and quickly walked to the window. She stared intently at his departing figure until he boarded a carriage and disappeared around the corner, accompanied by the sound of a horn. Only then did she reluctantly turn away.
Perhaps... the most feared situation might not even occur? Even if I know what I did, my brother might not...
"Knock, knock, knock."
Just then, a slightly heavy knock sounded, startling Anna so much that she jumped. She composed herself, walked over, and asked through the door,
"Who's there?"
"I... I'm sort of a friend of yours."
A light knock on the door lock, and the crisp sound of the lock turning, preceded a man in a black cloak and a wide-brimmed hat, his face obscured, as he entered the room. He nodded at Anna, whose eyes were wide with fear. His voice was cold and hard as he greeted her.
"It's been almost six years, Miss Anna. How have you been?"
Six years?
Upon hearing this keyword, Anna suddenly realized who he was—the man with the long, thin eyes, who forced a smile but still bore a trace of a 'cry face.'
"You... You're the man from the photography studio!"
"Yes, it's me."
He removed his hat, holding it to his chest, and bowed slightly, performing a gentlemanly gesture. The man, with a naturally sad expression, apologized politely and coldly.
"Sorry to disturb you. I didn't come here with any ill intentions. I just wanted to see how you've been doing... May I ask, was the person who just left your chosen family member?"
Hearing his words, Anna's face turned pale. She bit her lip hard and nodded stiffly.
"Yes..."
"Your husband?"
"My brother..."
"Sorry."
After offering a completely insincere apology, the man, whose expression was as stiff as a board, continued.
"Sorry for eavesdropping on your conversation. It seems like you've been getting along well these years. So, you must be quite satisfied with what I gave you, right?"
"..."
"Miss Anna, please don't be so tense..."
Seeing Anna's face grow even paler, the man's voice, like ice chips, carried a hint of helplessness.
"I truly have no ill intentions in visiting you. I just wanted to check on that item's condition. I only rudely unlocked the door because I was afraid you wouldn't open it."
After explaining his purpose, the man took a few steps back, retreating to the door, before extending his hand towards Anna and politely asking for her consent.
"If it's possible, could you please show me the item I gave you so I can inspect it briefly?"
Seeing that he seemed genuinely harmless, Anna couldn't help but relax a little. She shook her head firmly and apologized.
"I could have, but I just realized I seem to have lost that photo..."
???
Lost? How could it be lost?
For such a high-numbered experimental subject with the potential to achieve our goals, I've applied more than one Follow Order. It should reappear by your side, even if it's torn to shreds, crumpled, or burned to ashes!
...
The man in the black cloak was slightly dazed by this unexpected answer.
He stared into Anna's eyes, seemingly using some method to confirm she wasn't lying, and narrowed his eyes. His voice carried a hint of helplessness.
"Then there's nothing we can do... In that case, since the item is lost, could you trouble yourself to tell me about your situation these past years?"
(End of Chapter)
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