Breakthrough

As he had not been born into nobility, he had never considered the possibility that it was customary for the father of a noble family to refrain from meeting his second wife's child until the child reached the age of six.

He couldn't place blame on his dutiful caretaker for this unexpected twist.

Many times he had asked, and many times she had denied him an answer. All in a span of a day. But with his persistent questioning, she had no choice but to spill the beans.

She did so as gently as possible, considering the circumstances, but it didn't lessen the shock and bitterness he felt afterwards.

Aggrieved and steadfast, he was resolved never to forgive and forget this day!

He was sure of it!

Already harboring grievances towards his siblings, the addition of the entire family now felt cruel, saddening, and...chaotic, yet strangely but surely necessary!

It was a tumultuous experience, and to add insult to injury, the gifts thrown his way served as a reminder of the previous year.