Leave Me Alone, Big Brothers! [BL]-Chapter 98: Regret and Guilt

"Zane! Open the door! You know you’re in trouble!" Adam knocked on his son’s door, but there was no response or reaction at all.

His voice didn’t sound angry, but worried. He saw how weak Zane was.

And he had just slapped the boy hard. The image of Zane’s body staggering and falling made his chest tighten with regret. He didn’t expect to raise his hand and hit his beloved son.

If Laura saw him, she would definitely curse him.

"Zane..." Adam’s voice softened, but still there was no response from inside. He wanted to apologize, but the words were so difficult to say.

Finally, after half an hour, he gave up.

When he arrived in the room, he was greeted by Marie, who looked at him anxiously.

"What happened? Is he okay?" asked Marie.

Adam loosened his tie, his face dull and gloomy. He stared intently at Marie, long enough until he finally spoke.

"Why weren’t you watching him, Marie? He was racing recklessly! And you just stood there?" Adam’s voice was low but piercing.

"Don’t you know that?" Marie replied, her face defensive. She didn’t like being blamed.

"What? No! I didn’t know until today! I’m out there trying to maintain our standing, and you’re here. How does a seventeen-year-old sneak out and you did nothing?"

Marie took a breath. "Oh, so now you’re looking for someone to blame? You know Zane has never listened to me! What can I do? Chain him? He’s not like David."

"Don’t compare them!" Adam snapped, stepping toward her. "I’m talking about safety. He’s a minor. He was at a racetrack, trapped in a shipping container, nearly suffocated, and for what? Because his mother couldn’t be bothered to check on him?"

Marie finally looked at him sharply. "Mother? Let’s be real, Adam. Zane made it very clear that I was an intruder. I care about Zane. I never play favorites. But he always pushes me away! I focus my energy on David because David actually needs me, while Zane is always looking for trouble!"

"He is making trouble because he needs attention!" Adam’s voice rose, the guilt he felt for his own neglect twisting into a lash at her. "I saw him tonight. I saw how he looked at me. I finally understand why he hates this house. Your attitude... the way you treat David like a prince and Zane like a troublemaker... it’s the reason he’s out there risking his life!"

Marie clenched her fists, her face flushing with indignant rage. "I have tried! I’ve tried for years to be the ’good stepmother’ while you were off playing hero at the office. But I won’t be a scapegoat for his rebellion. You want to know why he sneaks out? Maybe it’s because his father only notices him when he’s in trouble!"

Adam felt his chest rumble. He knew he was wrong. Marie’s words only made everything clearer. But he didn’t like the way she talked to him.

For the first time, he thought, why did he marry the woman in front of him?

What did he see in Marie? Besides her beauty?

Adam stepped into her personal space, his eyes blazing. "Tonight, I realized something. You don’t care if he’s safe. You’ve divided this house into ’your son’ and ’my son,’ and I’m done with it."

"Oh, please," Marie rolled her eyes, moving toward her vanity. "You’re just emotional now. Please shower and take a rest. We’ll talk again tomorrow."

"I won’t," Adam said, his voice suddenly, terrifyingly quiet. He watched her intensely, realizing the woman he married had never truly intended to love the boy he brought with him. "Zane said tonight he wished he were dead instead of living here with me. And looking at you right now... I can’t say I blame him for wanting to leave."

Marie froze. She stared at Adam, who was looking at her so coldly. Instantly, her body grew cold. She had sacrificed so much to keep this cold man. She didn’t want to lose everything.

"Honey, I will take care of Zane. You don’t need to worry. He’s just being rebellious right now," Marie’s voice softened.

"I’m going back to the office," said Adam, grabbing his coat again.

Marie was about to reply when Adam walked out and slammed the door loudly.

Marie cursed softly. "Damn it!"

***

Alexander sat on the edge of the bed, staring at Nathan, who had finally fallen asleep after whimpering in pain for a while.

Then he looked at Nael, who had also closed his eyes next to Nathan.

He asked Roger to stay with Nathan while he carried Nael out of the room. Nael was very restless when he slept, and he didn’t want Nathan to fall because of it.

Nael opened his eyes to find himself in his brother’s arms. He didn’t react, as his chest felt warm. He closed his eyes again, feeling how carefully Alexander was walking.

"Don’t pretend to sleep," said Alexander, smiling at Nael’s tense body. He knew his brother was awake.

Nael pouted. "I’m sleeping."

Alexander chuckled. "Don’t you know you are so heavy?"

Nael didn’t reply, closing his eyes.

Alexander laid Nael’s body on the bed, pulled the blanket over him, and sat on the edge.

Nael opened his eyes and smiled.

Alexander sighed. "Can we talk?"

Nael felt anxious instantly. "What is it about?"

"You have a problem with Nathan? I know you and Nathan are at odds. I want to know what the problem is."

Nael was silent, ashamed of himself for confronting Nathan. He never thought he could be so cruel.

He was overwhelmed by heartbreak, which made him lose control. He was angry at everyone.

But after that feeling faded, all that remained was guilt. Especially because of what he said, Nathan wanted to leave even more.

He looked down. "I was wrong."

Alexander stared intently at Nael. "No, tell me. I won’t blame you. Do you have a problem with him?"

Nael shook his head. "No. I was the one who was mean."

Alexander grabbed Nael’s hair, which partially covered his forehead, and brushed it back.

"You feel jealous?"

Nael was silent. Part of his heart said yes, but he knew Nathan’s presence made the house warmer. He would dislike it even more if Nathan left.

Especially after Nathan defended him in front of Nick and Jonas. He only felt more guilty, having once wished for Nathan to disappear.

Finally, he shook his head. "Not anymore."

Alexander stared at him for a long time before finally speaking. "I’ll clear my schedule tomorrow. Do you want to go out with me?"

Nael stared at Alexander with wide eyes.

Alexander continued. "I’ll go with you tomorrow, and I’ll take Nathan on Sunday, if he’s feeling better."

Nael frowned in confusion. "Why not together?"

"We will have time to go together too. Just focus on us tomorrow. You and me. If you want to go somewhere, let me know."

Nael felt his chest pound with excitement. He nodded happily.

"Now, you’d better sleep," said Alexander, patting Nael’s blanket.

Nael nodded, hiding his smile under the blanket.