Derek's POV
We were half-brothers, sharing the same father. Only one of us experienced our father's love and had a childhood filled with parental care.
As for me, I grew up without any affection, yet I came to control the Black Thorn Pack and eighty percent of the Greenwood Group's assets.
We were born on the same day, at the same time, both as premature infants. I arrived just five minutes before him, yet our lives took drastically different paths.
Ambrose stayed outside the delivery room, eagerly awaiting the birth of Zander.
Meanwhile, even before I was born, I lacked paternal affection. My name was chosen by my grandfather, and my supposed father never even glanced in my direction.
Zander's name, on the other hand, was chosen by Ambrose, who cherished him as his sole treasure.
When I was three years old, I eagerly looked forward to my birthday.
Just because my grandfather once said my father would return to celebrate my birthday with me.
I began looking forward to it two weeks in advance. The night before, I was so excited that I couldn't sleep, spending the early hours squatting by the door, waiting for him.
Despite waiting from dusk until dawn, my father never showed up.
I wondered if perhaps my dad had never been here before and had gotten lost.
So, I begged the driver to take me to pick up my dad.
When we arrived at our destination, I finally saw the man who often appeared in videos and photos.
He was tall and handsome. Was that my father?
He was holding hands with another young boy around my age.
My father would catch him when he was about to fall, soothe him during tantrums, and lift him onto his shoulders, cheerfully saying, "Let's ride!"
Standing next to him was a gentle-looking woman. They played and laughed together while she smiled and watched from the side.
Soon, many children arrived with beautiful gifts, offering birthday wishes to that boy.
Unconsciously, I slowly approached them.
I just wanted to gently pull my father's hand, to see if it was as rough but warm as my grandfather's hand.
"Who are you?" the little boy questioned me.
Ambrose also noticed me, first with a slight pause, until I cautiously called out, "Dad."
I had been eagerly anticipating this moment, wondering if my father missed me as much as I missed him.
However, his response was anything but warm. The handsome man frowned and said coldly, "Why are you here? Did your mother send you?"
When my father finally met me, there was no trace of affection. He seemed to have changed completely, and his eyes were filled with disgust as if I were the most detestable thing in the world.
"No, I, I am..." I stammered, trying to explain.
Ambrose, however, was too lazy to say more words. "Go away. I don't want to say it again."
I wasn't usually one to cry. Grandpa used to say that a man should be brave enough to protect his family when he grows up.
But at that moment, I couldn't hold back my tears.
Was this man really my father?
Why did my father treat me like this? "You shouldn't have come here."
After he finished speaking, he intended to turn around and leave. My tears fell. At that moment, a small hand gently wiped away my tears.
"I know you. You must be my brother, right? Today is your birthday too. Shall we celebrate together?" That face, which resembled mine, was filled with warmth and tenderness.
My head was in a mess, and I nodded drowsily.
So, Dad didn't come home because he was always with my little brother?
I wiped away my tears and caught up with Ambrose. I took the initiative to hold his hand and asked, "Dad, why don't you bring my little brother home to live with us? Are you worried I'll bully him? I won't. Grandpa said a man should protect his family, and I promise I won't bully him."
Ambrose forcefully shook off my hand, the disdain in his eyes becoming even more apparent. "Don't touch me."
I realized that my father's hands were large and smooth, in contrast to my grandfather's rough ones, but they were unusually cold.
"Brother, let's eat cake. Let's cut it together."
"Okay." I momentarily forgot my sadness. But as soon as the cake was cut, the other children threw their pieces at my face.
As I stood there, stunned, Zander leaned in close and whispered coldly in my ear, "Brother, I've known about you for a long time. Happy birthday."