Only on the eve of their wedding, I finally saw my parents after a long absence. The loss of time had left no trace of sadness on their faces. The sight of Eden brought a kind smile I had never seen before.
My mother smiled brightly and took Eden’s hand, incredibly affectionate. “My dear child, from the first moment I saw you, I felt a connection with you, like you were my own son.”
Eden smiled knowingly and affectionately took my mother’s arm. “Godmother, you flatter me too much. How can an orphan like me compare to a scholarly young man like Theodore?”
Dad immediately interrupted with a frown, “Don’t say that. In our hearts, you’re our own son. A scoundrel like Theodore is a disgrace to our entire family!”
Anna nodded in agreement and lowered her head to place the family heirloom watch on Eden’s wrist.
The family was in a state of joy. It wasn’t until that moment that I finally understood.
My parents’ almost harsh and strict treatment of me since I was a child wasn’t because they had high hopes for me. It was simply because they... didn’t like me.
And how could a disgraceful scoundrel like me compare to Eden, a well-behaved and sensible man who could bring them endless benefits?