Love's Captive Sorrow

Chapter 4

Alexander Hayes lightly tapped his fingers on the table, each tap resonating with a sense of solitude. London's late night felt chilly and devoid of any human warmth. He glanced at the winter rain drizzling outside, intensifying his melancholy.

Just moments ago, he had snapped at Adrian Hart. Seeing Adrian's dignified yet flustered expression on FaceTime, a profound weariness spread through Alexander.

As an orphan who lost his parents early, Alexander had grown up under the care of his grandfather, indulged as the eldest grandson of the Hayes family, and had long been accustomed to the intrigue and scheming of the world. Adrian Hart had unexpectedly barged into his complex world—a person untainted by dust, firm in his belief in karma and moral clarity.

They barely met a few times a year, and the time difference made maintaining their relationship very passive. Moreover, they were vastly different individuals. Adrian seemed to treat their relationship without any expectations.

Just now, he had tentatively asked Adrian if he should continue staying in London for his PhD studies, and Adrian had surprisingly smiled and agreed. What kind of reaction was that?! Continuing a three-year long-distance relationship?!

Even his younger brother, seen on the screen with tears welling up, his little face wrinkled as if asking for a hug, seemed more expressive in their communications these past few years.

"Alex, my brother's asleep, let's video chat!"

"Alex, I've been promoted to middle school."

"Alex, I miss you. Can you send me a selfie?"

"Alex, I ranked first in my grade."

"Alex, I'm determined to get into the London Business School."

Alexander had heard from Adrian that Ethan Walker had been self-studying calculus since he was twelve, finding the boy remarkably intelligent and unusually determined. Such determination was understandable for a boy, but Alexander couldn't help but dislike it for some reason. He believed that whether in studies or dreams, one shouldn't rush or over-nurture them.

The goals are too clear-cut, it diminishes the joy. Moreover, that child with long eyelashes and cute little tiger teeth should be soft and adorable. Ah, why do I keep thinking about the days when I cuddled him during that summer vacation? Is it because... I feel lonely?

But since Adrian Hart doesn't care, there's no need to defy Grandpa anymore. Although Grandpa spoils him, he only gave two words regarding his return to the country: not allowed. The heir of the Hart family can only take over at the age of twenty-four. Until then, Grandpa arranged for him to finish his PhD in London and find a job in an investment bank to gain experience. The Harts... he's destined to succeed. He hasn't forgotten how his parents were killed by his own uncle. The things his parents sacrificed their lives for can only return to Alexander Hayes's hands.

Ethan Walker's head was about to explode from all the derivative symbols. When he came out, he saw Adrian Hart leaning on the sofa, surrounded by full bottles on the coffee table. It's been two years, the first time he's seen his brother drink. Is it because Alexander can't come back to the country? And did his brother get angry because of something he said? Even though he had hoped for their breakup for so long, seeing his brother drunk made him feel a bit sorry for him.

Ethan obediently approached, carried away a bunch of bottles, and put them in the trash bag.

"Ethan, aren't you sleeping?"

"Brother, what's wrong with you?"

"It's nothing, don't worry about me. Go rest, you have school tomorrow."

Ethan took a pillow and sat on the floor with it under his buttocks, looking at his brother with a knowing expression.

"Because of Alexander?"

Adrian smiled and surrendered. This little kid is precocious and somewhat frightening.

"Yeah."

"Because he wants to stay in England?"

"Not entirely. I just feel... I'm not good enough for him."

"Why?"

Ethan leaned forward, his two slender legs crossed together, his eyes sparkling.

"He's much younger than me but so outstanding. The things he cares about—interest rates, investments—I can't understand no matter how many times he explains. Besides, he's the young master of the Hayes family, and I'm just a small policeman."

"So, does brother want to give up?"

Ethan bent his knees and shuffled forward a bit more. The pillow under his buttocks slid aside, but he didn't notice.

"Let's see what Alexander thinks."

Ethan pursed his lips, poured a glass of orange juice for his brother, patted his butt, and returned to his room, flopping onto the bed.

"Not good enough?"

The family background couldn't be changed; being a rich young master wasn't as lofty as others imagined. Before his father fled, he too had lived a pampered life. But now, his mother had committed suicide, and he was living under someone else's roof. As for the rest, it was achievable through effort alone. If his brother couldn't do it, then he himself definitely could.

"Alexander Hayes, you are mine. Wait until I grow up."