?Chapter 2266


    "What''s more ridiculous is that Asher found a ridiculous substitute like you." Elio sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "Does he think he''s being deeply devoted? That his feelings for my brother are so unforgettable, so eternal, that he found a substitute to take his ce just to ease his longing?"


    ''Substitute!'' The word echoed in Arnold''s mind like sharp, bloodied daggers, stabbing viciously at his suffocating heart. He never asked for Asher to only love him. He only cared about being thest one. He did not care about Asher''s past.


    But what he absolutely could not tolerate was the idea that Asher had fallen for him and loved him because of his face-a face that resembled his former lover.


    "Haha... If I ever get the chance, I''d love to ask Asher in person. Does he think it''s fair to Kairos to rece him with someone else? Is it fair to you, Dr. Larson, to be nothing but a substitute for my brother?"


    Elio''sughter was maniacal and mocking. He even shed tears. "But I bet Asher doesn''t think he''s done anything wrong. That man is arrogant, crazed, and ruthless. He''ll stop at nothing to get what he wants."


    His gaze locked onto Arnold''s, eyes gleaming with cruel satisfaction. "Dr. Larson, our dear Asher has been plotting this for a long time."


    ''Plotting for a long time.'' The words echoed through Arnold''s mind like a death knell.


    His vision swam, red and ck flickering before his eyes, and with a weak stagger, his legs gave out beneath him, sending him crashing to the floor.


    Time ticked by slowly, minute by minute. It was already past 8:00 p.m.


    To make Arnold''s life in Savrow morefortable, Asher had bought a four-story vi in a quiet, private area near the city center as a small gift to the man he loved. It was their shared home.


    That night, Asher had gone shopping, returning with bags of ingredients and selecting a fine bottle of red wine. He was preparing dinner himself.


    Even though it was his birthday, the dishes he made were all Arnold''s favorites.


    Asher never considered his own preferences. In his heart, in his eyes, there was only his little fox.


    The table was filled with beautifully prepared dishes, and Asher, despite being covered in sweat, was filled with contentment.


    But no matter how long he waited, Arnold still had not returned.


    He knew Arnold was a workaholic, often losing track of time when he got busy. But tonight was special. Arnold had promised not to workte.


    Worry gnawed at Asher. He pulled out his phone, just about to call his lover, when the doorbell rang.


    He quickly walked to the entrance and opened the door. Standing there were Be and Steven, holding a cake and gifts.


    "Happy birthday, Ash!" Be''s thin face lit up with a warm smile. She looked healthier than before, at least outwardly.


    Steven also smiled as he said, "Happy birthday, Mr. Thompson."


    "Thank you. Come in and sit." Asher''s heart softened at their gesture, though a flicker of concern remained. "Be, are you sure you should be out of the hospital so soon? Are you okay?"


    "I''ve been fine for a while now! I''m a steel warrior!" Be grinned, ncing inside with a yful glint in her eyes. "Where''s Arnold? He''s inside, right? Don''t worry, Ash, we''re just here to drop off gifts. We''ll leave right after. No third-wheeling, I promise!"


    "Arnold isn''t back yet."


    "Not back yet? It''s sote already!"


    "I was just about to call him. I''m not sure if something came up at the hospital."Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Just as he was about to dial, Asher''s phone rang.


    He nced down at the unfamiliar number, his brows knitting together in concern. For some reason a tightness formed in his chest.


    Pressing the answer button, he brought the phone to his ear, his voice deep and cautious." Hello, who is this?"


    "Happy birthday, Mr. Thompson." The voice on the other end was cold and mocking, sending a chill down Asher''s spine.