Broken Bond: Between Vices and Virtues (BL)
Chapter 133: Aresh’s intention [3]

Chapter 133: Aresh’s intention [3]

Ragel remarked, a bit annoyed at Rian’s nonchalance, "Why would you even think that way? I’m an alpha and I’m not interested in another alpha." Disgust was pasted on his face. He sighed and looked away, voicing out his mind, "I’ve been volunteering here since I left the orphanage—

"You left the orphanage? You’re an orphan as well?" Rian inquired; amazement mixed with curiosity danced in his eyes. He added, "This orphanage was founded twenty-five years ago, and you look like you’re in your early twenties. That means you’re one of the first orphans that lived here!"

Ragel was a bit overwhelmed by the intensity of the curiosity twinkling in the eyes of the philanthropist. He moved away a bit and reluctantly answered, "Yes...I’m twenty-one, right now, so you could say that."

Rian’s face brightened like the face of someone who discovered an interesting find, "How long did you stay here? Did you get adopted or did you graduate here? Were you abandoned, lost, or—

"Aren’t you asking too much? You’re being rude. That’s a personal matter," Azrael interjected, ashamed at his friend’s actions. He certainly didn’t stop him because of Ragel. He just blabbered too loudly Knoa’s drooping eyelids shot up and opened widely again.

Rian snapped. Being scolded by Azrael of all people pulled him back to his senses.

He blinked and soon realized his shameful behavior. He scratched his head and apologetically mumbled, "I’m sorry. I got excited. I always become like this whenever I meet amazing people who get to grow up well despite their circumstances. I admire them for overcoming those painful and traumatic trials that make me want to converse with them and learn of their victorious battles. I apologize for making you uncomfortable."

Ragel was speechless at that overly polite apology. The snarky remarks he was about to hurl at the guy were caught in his throat. He soon swallowed them and replaced them with an indifferent answer, "That’s fine."

A thought dashed in Ragel’s head, ’How could he ever make one of the orphanage’s sponsors upset?’ He cleared his throat and continued, "I don’t mind answering your questions, sir..."

He was relaxed because Knox’s demeanor was very kind and gentle, so he suddenly forgot that he was dealing with the rich people helping the orphanage. He furtively glanced at Rian again to check if he got mad.

Contrary to his worry, the guy’s face shone brightly Ragel almost saw a glowing mandala behind him. Anger or disappointment eluded the guy’s handsome face at all. Ragel sighed in relief.

Hearing the younger alpha’s answer, excitement etched Rian’s entire face. He loomed over the younger guy who expressed discomfort at his proximity so he was forced to slightly move back, and then he flashed an anticipating smile on Ragel.

Scratching his forehead a little, Ragel began feeding the rich guy’s curiosity, "I wasn’t abandoned, but I did grow up here. My father was born in this town, and he went back here after having me. He started volunteering in the orphanage after that, so I basically grew up here."

Rian, feeling glad that the kid wasn’t parentless, nodded and responded, "Oh, so you’re not an orphan—

"I am," Ragel immediately answered, cutting Rian off. ’Well, it’s not like my life is something like a huge conglomerate’s secret that can’t be shared...’ he thought to himself.

He ignored Rian’s shocked expression and continued, "My father died when I was nine. He was an orphan and a single parent, so I didn’t have any relatives left. I was left here after his death. I was then adopted by Nana Edna, the old woman who was taking care of Ma’am Althea’s resthouse near the beach when I was fifteen."

Ragel paused. He remembered how his Nana Edna, who was an old maiden, convinced the orphanage to let him come with her. It was difficult at first, because of the protocol that children could only be adopted by a married couple to provide a complete family. However, his Nana Edna went through many hurdles to get the director’s permission.

The younger alpha continued, "Since, then I’ve been living with her since she was all alone, but the HZ foundation is still sponsoring my studies, so whenever I could, I would come and help here. Maybe that’s why I looked familiar, Mr. Lee. I’ve seen you before, though I don’t remember talking to you like this."

"Oh, so that’s it. I guess I’ve noticed you before as well. You’ve got a striking appearance so I might have," Rian ignored Azrael’s raised eyebrows and smiled at Ragel whose face got crumpled from his words. Rian chuckled and apologized again, "I’m sorry if I’m being too nosy."

Ragel looked away, faking a disgruntled answer, "What do you mean ’if’, sir? You’re being nosy, but I’m the one who continued to talk about it, so that’s fine."

He awkwardly rubbed his nape, feeling thankful that his hair was long enough to hide the tip of his ears that turned hot and red.

Knox went back with a relieved expression. As soon as he came closer, the drowsy little kid jolted up and turned to him, outstretching his hands to his omega father. Knox took Knoa back, ignoring the dejected Azrael who felt denied by his son.

They were preparing to leave when a small voice caught their attention again.

"A-Ah...uhm...K-Knoa...sorry...about y-your toy..." Aresh came with hunched shoulders and a lowered head. His gaze darted to the toy and, after gathering the courage to look up and meet the adults’ eyes, he spoke firmly, "I know how to sew! Let me sew the leg back. You said it was your grandfather’s gift, so don’t throw it. I’ll fix it, I promise!"

Knoa’s head shot up. He rubbed his eyes and looked down at the six-year-old kid gazing up at him. The little kid was moved by the determination he saw in the older boy’s eyes which made him hopefully mutter, "...really?"

"Watch me!" Aresh confidently declared. He placed a round tin container that once filled with cookies above the bench and picked up the stuffed toy.

Azrael, "Hey—

Knox tapped Azrael’s chest, stopping him from interrupting the kid.

They all watched Aresh skillfully sew the ripped leg and even stuffed the part with yarns to replace the missing parts.

After several minutes, Aresh finished. He patted the dirt on the white dog and presented it to Knoa, proudly smiling at them. His fear of the adults was replaced with anticipation of seeing Knoa’s reaction.

Rian and Ragel clapped their hands and praised the kid.

The finish wasn’t messy and the kid even knew how to hide the knots. Aresh beamed. Knoa swayed his feet as a way to tell his father he wanted to be put down. Knox immediately obliged.

Knoa waddled to Aresh. He examined the toy, and soon his face brightened as his mouth shaped round, expressing his awe at the kid’s skills. He double-checked the toy, gently pressing the leg that once burst open, and when he was convinced, it was good again, his eyes sparkled in delight.

Out of happiness, Knoa jumped on the older boy and hugged him, shouting, "Thank you, brother!"

Azrael’s face crumpled, while Knox put him under strict watch.