1.3 The thespian

Evander emerged from the bathroom, tears streaming down his face. Luke, who had been staring at the door in disgust, turned to face him, taken aback.

"Why are you here, Evander?" Luke asked, his voice full of surprise.

Evander spoke softly, barely audible, "I wanted to talk to you, but then I heard someone coming in and became scared."

Luke walked towards him and gently wiped away his tears. He pulled Evander into a warm embrace, and Evander clung to his waist, sobbing.

"I'm sorry I'm such a burden to everyone, especially you," Evander said, between sobs.

Luke pulled back, looking into Evander's eyes.

"You're not a burden, Persie is. After the way he treats you, he should do the right thing and give his heart willingly," Luke said, his tone firm.

Luke couldn't understand why Evander was still so kind to Persie, who treated him terribly and made false promises of saving him.

"Why does he make fun of you for being sick and treat you deplorably? He forces you to do his work at the company without credit and promises to save you. If he simply refused, it would be fine, but he keeps leading you on," Luke said, his frustration evident.

Luke knew that Persie was jealous of Evander's genius and that he was already on the same level as him.

Luke and Evander had bonded immediately when they met, both of them having grown up in the foster system. Evander's parents had put him in the system because they couldn't take care of him.

They had only reentered his life two years ago. Despite this, Evander didn't hate them and even decided to meet his birth parents before he died.

Evander never wanted anything from his birth parents besides their love, while Persie had never contacted his birth parents. Evander had told him how heartbroken his parents were not to hear from him.

Persie only cared about money and status. When Evander said that Persie would call him an orphan because his parents were too poor to take care of him, Luke felt heartbroken for him.

Evander was in a terrible state that day, and it took Luke all day to calm him down. But despite that, he still tried to get along with Persie.

What infuriated Luke the most was Persie's acting. He pretended to be nice and sweet when he wasn't.

Evander said, "I'm okay with Persie not willing to save me. I just wish he wouldn't hate me."

Luke caressed his cheek and replied, "It doesn't matter. I'll make sure he takes the pills so he can be gone for good."

Evander's eyes moistened, and he asked, "Why are you so nice to me, Da-Ge?"

Luke smiled and answered, "Because you deserve it. You've been through more than anyone should, and you don't deserve to be treated the way Persie is treating you."

He kissed Evander's forehead, and Evander's cheeks flushed. He smiled shyly, and Luke's eyes softened.

Persie ran to his room and hit something hard. When he looked up, he met dark eyes. The alpha had a muscular build with broad shoulders and a strong jawline. His brows were furrowed, and he had a scowl on his face.

Percie quickly wiped his tears and tried to compose himself.

However, the alpha, with his piercing blue eyes, noticed the bottle of pills in his hands and asked impatiently: "What are you doing running in the hallway?"

"I'm sorry, I was going to my bedroom," Persie spoke softly, checking Aurora to make sure that it was indeed Demetrius and not someone else.

Next to Demetrius stood an elegant woman with a refined and sophisticated appearance. Persie deduced that it was his wife, Calista.

Calista asked him: "Is this what you plan on wearing for dinner?"

Feeling judged, Persie looked down in silence.

Demetrius took a step forward and threatened: "Dinner is in two hours, you better get yourself together. I don't want leader Cole to have anything bad to say about us."

Persie gazed at him and said: "I'll get changed. I've brought more money than all the other subsidiaries, what could he possibly say?"

Demetrius wanted to retort but knew it was the truth. Persie had a knack for technology, and if it were before he saw how much better and forward-thinking Evander was, he would think Persie was indispensable.

Today, Demetrius would inform Leader Cole that his new heir was his true son, and Persie would be leaving the family.

Evander's arrival had changed Persie, and he had been cruel to Evander. Everything Persie had should have belonged to Evander.

Calista sneered: "What's the point of changing if you plan on keeping your long hair and that horrid gothic makeup?"

Persie said, "I'll see you for dinner."

Persie left, and Demetrius narrowed his eyes at him.

When Persie was out of sight, Calista asked, "Have you set up his account with the money? I want him to leave tomorrow morning. I don't want Evander to be triggered again and his condition to worsen."

Demetrius met her gaze. "I have. He will take the 200,000 credits and the pass for the planet Zorblaxia and never return."

Calista felt reassured knowing that. Every time she looked at Persie, she felt guilty for not realizing he wasn't her son. Evander is the only one who deserved all her love.

Persie entered his bedroom and closed the door. The grandeur and beauty of the space immediately struck him.

The walls were made of thick stone, and a plush, ornate rug covered the floor, adding texture and warmth to the room.

A magnificent four-poster bed, draped in luxurious silk curtains of deep royal blue, was the centerpiece of the room.

The bed was adorned with an array of plush pillows and soft blankets, beckoning one to sink into its embrace. The headboard was carved from rich mahogany, intricately detailed with ornate motifs.

In the corner of the room, a crackling fire danced in a large stone hearth, casting flickering shadows across the space.

Nearby, a cozy seating area was arranged with plush armchairs and a small table set with a tray of sweets.

Large windows with thick velvet curtains provided a stunning view of the surrounding countryside, and the soft sounds of birdsong and distant trumpets filled the air.

Overall, the bedroom exuded a sense of comfort, elegance, and a touch of magic, but Persie couldn't even enjoy it. He put the pills on the bed and walked to the bathroom.

Upon entering, he felt a sense of tranquility and relaxation. The room was large and airy, with high ceilings and elegant marble floors.

A large, frosted window allowed natural light to stream into the room, casting a soft glow on everything inside.

In the center of the bathroom, a stunning bathtub large enough to comfortably fit two people was placed.

The bathtub was made of gleaming white porcelain, with claw feet that added a touch of vintage charm. Above the bathtub hung a sparkling crystal chandelier.

Several features around the edges of the room made this bathroom truly luxurious. A large, walk-in shower with a rainfall showerhead was tucked into one corner, while a double vanity with gleaming brass fixtures was positioned against the wall.

On the vanity, an array of high-end bath products, from fragrant soaps and lotions to plush towels and robes, could be found.

The walls of the bathroom were adorned with intricate tilework, featuring delicate floral patterns and swirling designs in shades of blue and white.

Several potted plants were placed strategically around the room, adding a touch of greenery and freshness to the space

Persie furrowed his brows, wondering just how wealthy the Leos were. Despite his family's affluence, he never cared about living in luxury.

As he gazed at himself in the mirror, he was startled by his reflection. His jet-black hair fell in loose waves around his face and down his back, giving him an ethereal quality.

His gothic clothing was tailored to fit him perfectly, with long sleeves, tight pants, and a flowing coat that draped dramatically over his shoulders.

His green eyes were lined with black eyeliner, drawing attention to their deep, piercing gaze. Persie's lips were painted a dark shade of black, giving him an intriguing look that bordered on intimidating.

His pale and flawless skin made him appear almost otherworldly. Even though he looked beautiful, Persie felt uncomfortable in his new attire.

Evander had lied to the original and said that Luke liked this style. He was so desperate to gain even a look from him that he changed, despite hating it.

Persie decided to keep his long hair since that's all the original liked and undressed for a shower.

After his shower, Iris appeared and offered, "Is there anything you need in Aurora?"

Persie checked the mortal's suitcase and saw that it only contained black clothes.

"Clothes that aren't black."

Iris smiled and showed him all the things he could get from Aurora. Persie didn't even need to go shopping. This was certainly practical. He pulled out some clothes and gazed at himself in the mirror.

Persie was a vision of striking beauty, with long, lustrous hair that fell in loose waves down his shoulders.

His hair was a rich, dark shade of brown, with strands of golden highlights that caught the light and shimmered in the sun.

His eyes were a mesmerizing shade of green, deep and intense, with long, thick lashes that framed them perfectly.

Persie wore a classic and stylish blue three-piece suit that exuded sophistication and refinement.

The ensemble consisted of a white shirt, pants, and vest, all tailored to fit perfectly and made from high-quality materials. The pants were well-tailored, with a straight-leg cut that fell perfectly to the shoes.

'Ah, now I look like a president,' Persie thought to himself. The original wants his parents, Evander, Luke, and his birth parents to pay.

Every single one of them played a part in his destruction. If this is what he wanted, then he would help him.

Persie thought he would have reservations about getting revenge but he didn't. He could feel the original's emotions, and getting revenge felt personal. It would certainly make acting easier.

He checked the time and realized he had an hour and thirty minutes before dinner. Persie sneaked out of the castle and took one of the hovercars.

Using Aurora, he searched for the closest meadow in the surrounding area and put the car on autopilot. He needed to be in his safe space before he started his work.

Persie made sure to take his computer and cell phone with him to start his work on the way there. He had a lot to do before dinner.

Persie had to make sure that Demetrius didn't make Evander his heir, and for that, he had to have something they wanted. It would buy him some time.