As if suddenly recalling something, Anthony turned to look at the room next door.
After a moment's hesitation, he walked over to Benjamin's bedroom door with a smile before reaching out to knock. “Are you asleep?”
The door flung open from the inside to reveal Benjamin standing within with a frosty glare.
Anthony smiled at his brother. “Why are you looking at me like I'm your enemy?”
“Why do you think?” Benjamin asked coldly.
Anthony continued to smile. “I thought I would receive a word of thanks from you by coming here.”
Benjamin smiled mirthlessly. “Thank you so much!”
Anthony's smile did not fade despite recognizing the sarcasm. “You're welcome.”
Benjamin rolled his eyes and went back into his bedroom. He threw himself onto the bed and doodled absently on his sketchbook.
Anthony did not show any intent to enter. Instead, his tiny stature leaned lazily against the door frame as he spoke. “I noticed your interaction with Daddy earlier. It felt pretty natural.”
Benjamin was taken aback. He did not expect his brother to have seen it.
An indescribable feeling rose in his chest. Turning his back against Anthony, Benjamin said nothing.
Anthony spoke again in response to his brother's silence. “Be honest. Did you feel touched when Daddy rescued you?”
Benjamin, sprawled on his bed, turned suddenly to look at Anthony. “Has this all been part of your plan from the very beginning?” he responded with another question.
Anthony froze momentarily before answering with a grin, “How could such a coincidence be planned? Besides, I would never let you encounter such danger again, nor would I let Daddy get hurt.”
“That's not what I'm talking about!” Benjamin said, glaring at him. “You know what I'm referring to.”
Anthony gazed at him and maintained his elegant smile, though he did not know what to say.
“I see,” Benjamin said as he narrowed his eyes.
Anthony did not deny it any longer. “With things being the way they are, I was only lending Daddy a hand at my convenience. I could tell that whenever he tries to strike up a conversation with you, you never give him an opportunity by hiding or avoiding him. After I did Daddy dirty like that, don’t you think I should give him some equivalent compensation? That way, I could still defend myself if he catches wind and finds out about my involvement, right?”
Benjamin hurled his pillow at Anthony, enraged. “Is that why you set me up?”
Anthony caught it and smiled at Benjamin. “How is this setting you up? I was merely lending you a hand. Don’t you want to regain a normal father-son relationship with Daddy?”
“Why aren't you restoring your relationship with him, then?” Benjamin argued.
“Um, somebody must lead the way,” replied Anthony. “Besides, I have spent much time alone with Daddy and had many deep talks with him. I get along fine with him. At least not as awkward as you are with him.”
Benjamin gazed at his brother for a long time before uttering, “Shame on you for betraying your own brother!”
Anthony's smile did not falter. “You are the epitome of taking things for granted, Benjamin.”
Benjamin whipped around, and when Anthony met the furious look in his brother's eyes, he threw his hands up as a sign of admitting defeat. “Okay, fine. I'll leave.”
“Shut the door!” Benjamin added vehemently.
“Got it!" Anthony closed the door. When only a thin crack remained, he peeked into it and added cheekily, “Enjoy some fatherly love tonight. Good night.”
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