The next dream started. That night of the rat incident, the young boy couldn't sleep. He was confused. Why wasn't he beaten up for making such a big mistake? The neighbor's puppy had lost its life because of him.

Adam and Tessa didn't scold him or get angry. Instead, they bowed their heads and apologized on his behalf. Ethan couldn't understand why their pride and social standing weren't affected. They were humans, after all—a complex species with many faces.

Ethan observed his stepmother and father sitting near a study table, softly discussing something. They lit a lamp to illuminate the corner.

Taking a deep breath, Ethan quietly got out of bed, careful not to wake Sasha. He approached them, determined to ask them about their intentions and clear his confusion. If they didn't punish him for taking a life, they shouldn't punish him for seeking answers.

Tessa and Adam seemed surprised to see him. Tessa stood up and smiled, asking, "What's wrong? Do you need to use the restroom?"

Ethan shook his head and asked them with seriousness, "What do you want from me?"

Confused, Tessa inquired, "What do you mean?"

Ethan struggled to express his thoughts. "I mean, why are you treating me so well? I have nothing to offer you in return."

Adam was about to respond when Ethan's next words left him speechless.

"Why didn't you punish me for killing the puppy? Why didn't you scold me? Why did you apologize on my behalf? I haven't done anything for you, so why?"

The young boy looked into their eyes, his voice barely audible. "I'm just confused."

Tessa let out a sigh. "Oh, my dear, there's no need to be confused. We are family."

Ethan shook his head. "We only met a month ago, and I'm not even your real son. I made a mistake, so I should be punished. The extent of the punishment may vary, but still, you've said nothing to me. You're treating me with such kindness. It doesn't make sense."

“...”

He furrowed his brow, lost in thought. Tessa was about to say something, but Adam stood up and took her hand, shaking his head. Tessa gave him a stern look but stayed quiet.

The next few moments felt like forever, as they waited for the young boy to gather his thoughts. It was a crucial moment for them to connect and become a real family.

"Oh!" Ethan's face lit up with realization. He looked up at them and said, "You want the same thing my mother wanted from me."

They exchanged confused glances and simultaneously knelt down to meet Ethan's gaze. Ethan expressed his thoughts, a truth that hit them like a thunderbolt.

"My mom used to say she kept me alive so she could sell my organs when I grew up."

"What?!" Tessa was shocked.

Ethan continued, "My mom was a pro… protitue, and she couldn't make enough to feed me. But you both can. So you're planning to make me physically and mentally fit and then sell my healthy organs for a lot of money, right?"

Ethan didn't notice Tessa trembling, but he saw their wide eyes. "It's okay. Even if I found out, I wouldn't hate you. I'm not hungry anymore because of you. So in return, you can sell me later," he said, giving them his brightest, purest smile. "Because I'm happy right now."

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To his shock, Tessa broke down and began sobbing. Adam's expression grew grave, mirroring the weight of the situation.

***

The room grew heavy with silence, and tears streamed down Ethan's face. He felt a profound sadness as he recounted the events that followed. Although he wasn't overwhelmed to the point of crying, he knew this was his opportunity. So, he blended genuine sorrow with feigned tears.

His fists clenched, he spoke in a low tone. "Afterward, my dad took me outside the house. I was filled with confusion as he posed a question, pointing towards our home. 'What do you see there?' My answer was obvious—a house."

Avelyn listened intently, her silence a testament to her attentiveness.

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Ethan requested the system voice to cease the notifications, and it complied. He took a deep breath before speaking, his words heavy with emotion. "Back then, he told me that it wasn't just a house, but a place where his family resides. I was utterly confused and stunned by his words."

"He shared a truth with me and urged me not to disclose it to my mom. Initially, he had opposed the idea of adopting me, despite feeling sympathy for my circumstances. Adding another member to the family would impose a significant financial burden, after all."

"But eventually, he gave in to my mother's wishes. He confessed that it was because he loved her deeply. Then he proceeded to explain why he couldn't bring himself to punish me severely. As he spent a month with me, he too began to develop love for me."

Ethan's voice quivered, unsure if his tears were genuine or feigned, but it didn't matter. "Suddenly, something changed within him. He started praising my mom, admiring her beauty and kindness. He acknowledged that he wasn't a perfect person for her, Sasha, and me, but he was striving to become one. He didn't want to see us sad; he wanted to protect all of us.

I still remember how he ruffled my hair back then and said, 'Okay, so you're confused about why we're so kind to you without any reason, right? And I understand that you still don’t know the feeling of love. So let's do this.

Let's become friends first, and then gradually, we'll become father and son, forming a truly happy family. As a friend, I will share my troubles with you and you will do the same. I will correct your mistakes and you will do the same.’

Then he grew excited and told me that the next day, we would go on a family picnic. He even planned to take a few days off from work. It was going to be my first outing with the family, after all. And then... then..."

"And then?" Avelyn's voice was gentle as she prompted him to continue.

Ethan turned to meet her gaze. "The next day, as promised, he took the day off. On his way back home, he bought me a gift. But while crossing the road, he got in an accident."

Silence hung in the air.

"He... he passed away just like that. He broke his promise just like that. My mom was left alone to take care of us. And I... I..." Ethan's voice trailed off and then he closed his eyes.

Avelyn let out a heavy sigh and didn't say anything. What could she even say? Soon, she also got lost in her own thoughts.

Both of them were tough individuals who had faced numerous challenges in their lives, so they quickly regained their composure.

Ethan wiped away his tears and looked at Avelyn with a determined expression. He spoke clearly and seriously, "Now, I only have my sister left, and I will do anything to see her again."

Avelyn met his gaze and nodded in understanding. "I get how you feel, but that doesn't mean I'll change my plan."

Ethan accepted her response with a nod. "I understand."

Avelyn shifted her gaze towards the lumina pool and began to speak, "I'll watch them myself lat—"

Ethan interrupted her, shaking his head determinedly. "Play them."

Glancing at his resolute expression, Avelyn sighed and relented, saying, " So be it."

The next two dreams held no content; they were shrouded in darkness. Avelyn furrowed her brow and muttered something under her breath. The lumina pool spun rapidly, but the result was still the same.

With a sigh, she waved her hand, causing the pool to subside. Imperfections in the hibiscus wood were not uncommon, so neither of them dwelled on the issue.

Turning to face Ethan, Avelyn stated, "The first three dreams show that your soul was pure back then. However, as you know, people change. A few years is enough for that."

"You're right," Ethan agreed.

Taking a deep breath, Avelyn spoke resolutely, "So, tell me what you can offer me to save your life in the end. This is your last chance."