Chapter 3

After returning from the orphanage, Dylan went upstairs to his walk-in wardrobe to put away his things. It was then he realized he owned far fewer clothes than he'd expected. He only had the four outfits Mandy had gifted him during their wedding; Violet, his wife of five years, had never bought him any clothes.

After putting away his belongings, Dylan gathered everything he'd given Violet over the years and packed it for the recycling center. For years, he'd prepared many birthday presents for Violet, trying to make her happy. However, Violet never even looked at them; they were gathering dust in a corner.

A loud hook slammed behind him. Dylan watched the recycling truck leave. As he was about to return to the villa, he saw a Maybach park in front of the house.

A woman in a bright red dress exited the car. It was Valerie Padden, Violet's younger sister. Valerie looked at the departing recycling truck and scoffed, then sneered at Dylan.

"Just as expected from a gay man from a poor background. I can't believe you're selling cardboard for cash!" Dylan ignored her and turned to leave.

Valerie's smug smile vanished. She grabbed Dylan's arm and yelled, "Dylan Cloud!"

Ever since marrying into the Padden family, Dylan had always tried to please everyone. He'd never shown such an attitude before. Valerie's anger surged.

"Are you fucking deaf? I'm talking to you! Didn't you hear what I said?"

Dylan glanced back, pulled his arm away, and glared at her. Valerie had always hated him, believing he was beneath her family and didn't deserve Violet. For five years, she'd made his life miserable, throwing away his baked goods and stepping on his clean clothes.

Now that Dylan was finally free, he no longer needed to appease them. Valerie, initially wanting to continue berating him, seemed to think of something and smiled mockingly.

"People like you should sell more cardboard. I bet you didn't know Vi's first love is back. You're nothing but a leech, and you're finally going to be kicked out!"

As she finished, a man in a white shirt got out of the car behind her. This was Dylan's first time seeing Archer. Archer had bright, lively eyes and messy, jet-black hair styled toward the back. His flawless skin, combined with his plain white shirt and lack of accessories, made him seem ethereal. The past five years of his tumultuous marriage didn't seem to have affected him. It was no wonder Violet had thought about him for years.

When Archer heard Valerie, he took her hand and said softly, "Val, don't say such things about Mr. Cloud. He's still your brother-in-law."

"What brother-in-law? Haven't I told you, Archer? You're the only one my sister has ever liked. She visited you abroad constantly and bought you presents. Don't you understand how she feels?"

Valerie then ordered Dylan, "What are you waiting for? Hurry up and take Archer's suitcases into the villa. Vi has agreed to let him stay!" Dylan ignored her and walked into the house.

Valerie stamped her feet angrily. In the end, the driver brought in Archer's bags.

Valerie was about to yell at Dylan when Violet hurried outside. Seeing Archer on the couch, she sighed with relief. Turning to Dylan, she said, "Archer's house hasn't been lived in for years and needs renovating. He'll be staying with us for a few days." Dylan said nothing.

Silence fell. Archer nervously got up, looking guilty and insecure. "I think I'll just go. Mr. Cloud doesn't seem happy about this."

Violet immediately stopped him. "You don't need to go. Dylan has always been very generous. He won't mind."

Dylan watched quietly. Finally, a ghost of a smile touched his lips. "It's true. I won't mind. I hope you enjoy your stay, Mr. Niall." After all, this home would eventually belong to Archer.