Why Did You Not Want Me Anymore, Father?

The scene reminded Aiden a lot of the similar scene years ago when Aiden stood opposite of his father and two strangers that he brought home not long after Aiden's mother's passing.

Outsiders often bemoaned the fact that Aiden alienated himself from his family, while the truth was that Aiden became a stranger to the family the moment Cheryl and Alain Adams crossed the threshold of the Matthews house.

It did not take long for Jack to admit to the public that Alain was his biological child, conceived out of wedlock while he was still legally married to his wife.

Society was very forgiving toward a recent widower although he had betrayed his wife long before said wife entered her grave. Everyone showed their understanding even their blessing on this new family that sprouted out of the shipwreck that used to be Aiden's family. Everyone but one person.

Aiden's mother only had one living relative, which was her mother. Grandma Thompson, Aiden's maternal grandmother. The old woman's condemnation and disapproval were as meaningless as rainwater that seeped into the ground, coming and going without causing many changes.

When Aiden was six years old, he got into an accident and developed severe pneumonia.

The little boy was brought back home from the hospital but he received very little care, to the point that his little life was about to be snuffed away in his childhood bedroom. His nanny and the butler eventually were tormented by guilt and they contacted Grandma Thompson to inform her about Aiden's condition.

Grandma Thompson worked fast and efficiently. She appealed to the family court and received the support she needed to barge into the Matthews family home and save her only grandson.

Jack Matthews was fined heavily for child neglect and lost custody of Aiden. He did not at all feel sorry about losing Aiden, though. Why would he need Aiden if he had another wife and another son in his house? In fact, Aiden's departure might secretly be welcome to the three people.

Aiden still remembered the time when he was being carried in his grandmother's arms. The conversation that took place between his father and his grandmother was as blurry as wisps of smoke, impossible to hold on to.

His grandmother said her piece then she turned around and marched to the door with Aiden's feverish body in her arms. Little Aiden turned his head to the side and looked at the indifferent father who neither did nor said anything when he was taken away from the Matthews' house. The little boy wanted to ask.

Father, why?

Why did you say nothing?

Why did you let me go?

His father had stood there like a statue. He did not have the slightest inclination to prevent Aiden from leaving.

In the end, Aiden did not say anything. That was the last time he saw his father in person.

Bitter memories of the past flooded Aiden's heart, and pain flashed through his eyes. The young man closed his eyes and silently prayed for strength. When he opened his eyes again, he had completely pushed aside his pain and grievance for his grandmother's sake.

Jack Matthews had changed a lot in the twelve years of separation. He had visibly gained weight. The hard work and stress over the years had carved some lines on his forehead.

On the other side, he had started to dress well and learn to pamper himself with luxurious items that he previously never bought. Expensive watch, expensive suit, expensive shoes.

Cheryl Matthews, then Adams, had also transformed into the wealthy madam of the house. When she arrived at the Matthews house back then, she was dressed as plainly as the maid.

Nowadays, she wore dresses and accessories that were ten times the worth of the ones that Aiden's mother used to wear. While Aiden's mother cherished old items, Cheryl Matthews could never be caught dead wearing the same thing more than twice.

Alain Matthews was sitting on the sofa with one leg crossed over the other. He once was the illegitimate son of a poor woman and a married man. Currently, he had overtaken the position of the legitimate, eldest son.

How ironic.

Jack Matthews cleared his throat and cracked an awkward smile.

"Aiden, it has been a while. How are you doing?"