Frederick was still hung up on that bottle of “First Love“. Jonathan had made a fuss about shared marital assets to stop me from giving it to him, and he was still sulking about it.
I couldn’t help but giggle. “That’s one way to put it.”
He stood at the doorway, looking a little awkward. “Are you coming in or what?”
He turned his eyes away, like he couldn’t meet my eyes.
I walked right in without hesitation. “Quit being dramatic. You’re not some delicate maiden. Why are you acting like I just barged into a princess’s bedroom?”
With a furious glare, Frederick snapped, “Shut up!”
His eyes didn’t scream anger. If anything, it looked like I struck a chord. I pursed my lips and didn’t push any further.
His room had a bold, modern vibe–nothing like Jonathan’s.
Jonathan’s personality was always cold and sharp, so his room decoration leaned toward the
minimalistic style. Everything was grayscale without warm colors, just like him.
However, his refined act didn’t hold up much past the bedroom door.
I might not remember what went on between us in bed, but with how confidently his hand slid under my
shirt, he definitely wasn’t some gentleman.
Frederick called out behind me. “Stop looking around.”
I looked away and sat on the couch before speaking my mind. “Don’t feel bad. I’m sure your parents had
their reasons.”
Frederick grunted. “Oh, please! ‘Their own reasons‘ just means I’m always second to Jonathan.”
He sat down across from me, and his eyes looked a little gloomy. “Growing up, everyone in our circle
looked up to Jonathan. He was brilliant and talented, always pulling off things none of us could. He had a
calm and composed demeanor, like he was more mature than any of us back then.”
He let out a self–deprecating laugh. “We’re supposed to be peers, but he stands shoulder to shoulder with
people like my dad. He even acts like he is above us.”
I paused for a moment before saying, “Everyone grows at their own pace. Don’t let it bother you. Just
focus on being yourself.”
It was just the usual hollow pep talk, but I didn’t know how else to comfort Federick. If I had grown up under that kind of pressure, I might have turned out just as rebellious.
Frederick shook his head with a faint smile. “I’ve said that to myself more times than I can count, bu.
He trailed off mid–sentence and closed his eyes. Then, he continued with a raspy voice, “There are times
Chapter 5
when Jonathan feels like a damn nightmare I can’t shake off.”
I muttered, “About your parents…‘
I paused, choosing my words carefully. “It’s probably not what you think. They’re just expecting a lot from.
you.
Frederick chuckled but didn’t talk about it. After a while, he suddenly called out to me, “Elise.”
I responded, “What’s wrong?”
He suggested, “I want to show you a place.”
I asked, “Where are we going?”
He replied, “Follow me and you’ll find out.”
Frederick dragged me through the window, and I gasped. “Are you insane?”
Even though it was just the second floor, it was high enough to mess me up badly if I were to fall
headfirst.
Frederick clicked his tongue impatiently. “Why are you such a coward?”
I retorted, “I’m not chicken, okay? I just don’t have a death wish.”
I walked up behind him and looked out the window. There was a lawn underneath, but I still felt a chill run through me.
“You’re not afraid of heights, are you?” Frederick asked in contempt. “Great. Just what I needed.”
Without warning, he grabbed my arm and yanked me out of the window.
I screamed instinctively, but he covered my mouth right away. The next thing I knew, there was nothing under my feet.
By the time I came to my senses, my feet were already on the solid ground. So, there really was a big open space outside the window.
