Lying under the tree with cold grass coming my back and specks of rays of sunlight falling on my face. It was quiet and I could enjoy the silence since no maids would torment me with venomous words. They don't even care if I get lost in this huge mansion.

"You like this place, don't you?" A soft voice spoke breaking the silence and my peace.

I open my eyes to meet with green ones. Ah... it's big brother. He is the eldest brother amongst other siblings and future heir's position in line. He was the kindest of them all. He doesn't show any hostility that my other siblings show towards me. The time I met him for the first time was when I lost my way in the garden. He helped me to reach my room. After our first encounter, he would always sneak to my room and talk to me. He would tell me all about his foreign friends. He would teach me letters and how to read books. With his help, I was able sneak into library to read more children's books filled with pictures. He would come during summer and leave the time of beginning of autumn season. As far as I know, today must be his last day at estate.

"Brother?" I reply getting up. He ruffles my hair showing the kindest smile I have ever seen. His smile would always warms my world making me feel ease that even if the whole world goes against me, he will stand for me.

"You might catch cold if you stay outdoor for too long." my brother says.

"It's alright, Brother. I won't catch cold."

"You shouldn't say that. You are still a child." he hands me a soft bear, "A child shouldn't bear all these mistreatment from elders." he mumbles under his breathe.

Back then, I didn't even know what it was since I wasn't given privileges to have toys. It was my first time seeing a teddy bear. I asked looking confused, "What is this, Brother?"

"It is a teddy bear. You like it?"

"Yes! I like it very much!" I was so happy to see something I have never seen before. I hugged it liking its fluffiness.

"Teivel, I promise that I will treat you better than anyone else. So can you wait for me until I return from the academy?"

"Yes! I will, Brother!"

I noticed his escort arrived and stood keeping his distance. He bows paying his respect to big brother.

"Lord Allan, your carriage is ready for departure."

He sighs looking distraught. He again looks at me with a bright smile, "Looks like our meeting ends here." he tussles my hair once again, "Next time, I will bring you a much pretty toy for you." he hugs me and then walks away with his escort following him behind.

There's a saying, 'Happiness doesn't last long.' Yeah. My happiness was shortlived. Big brother died from an accident. I only came to know when everyone were wearing mourning clothes for his funeral. I didn't know that it was going to be our last meeting. I was sitting alone staring at the teddy bear with tears spilling my eyes since I wasn't allowed to see his face for one last time. My another elder brother barged into my room. He was wearing mourning clothes and his expression looked sad... more like anger. He grabbed my hair and the toy dragging me out of the room. He threw the toy on the fireplace burning it down to smithereens. I ran tried to save it, burning my hands in process. His eyes were filled with rage and grabs my hair and drags me to dark room.

"You monster! Because of you, Brother died! Now reflect yourself for coming to this world!" he closes the door with bang and locked it so that I wouldn't come out.

Did I forget to mention, he was the worst of all. Catherine might beat me to vent out her anger. But him... he would torment me by keeping me in a dark room with venomous words that strike me like a hammer on the hot iron. He made me question whether it was really my fault that he died. His punishment was the worst of all. The room was pitch black. No sunlight comes in so I couldn't even know how many days pass by without food and water. As I lie there with no energy, negative thoughts come flashing in my mind.

"Why was I born in first place?"

"It's my fault that Brother died. If only he didn't come to meet me..."

"Everyone says that it was my fault that mother died."

"God..... if you are there please take my life away...."

"Mother, was it really my fault that Brother died?"

I didn't even know when the door was open and how I ended up in bed. When I woke up, that man barged into my room saying that I hurt Catherine. I didn't hope what was going on outside the room when I was in confinement room for days or maybe weeks.

I don't know why I suddenly remembered this.... maybe because of seeing Aki no Kei's relationship with her two elder brothers and parents. She was smiling and laughing with her family. It made feel a bit of jealousy seeing them all happy. Why did I tag along in the first place? There's this called 'Happy New Year' where people get relieved from their jobs for few days to spend holidays with their families. So, I was brought with her to meet her family.

"So Ms. Teivel, you are Kei's girlfriend?" Asahi asks. He is the eldest brother of Kei.

"Yes. Asahi-san. It's pleasure meeting you."

"Pleasure's all mine."

"So, which country are you from?"

"I am actually from really really faraway land. I mean you all wouldn't know."

"Come on Nii-chan, don't ask personal questions!" Kei says with a pout on her face. She looks really cute. I want to kiss her right now but I am in the presence of her family. I will just hold back a little longer.

"Sorry Teivel-san, we pressurized you. Please make yourself home. I'll go get some snacks." He left the room making me feel ease a little.

"Your hair color is unique. Did you dye it?" Kenji, Kei's second brother asks. Be looks at me with a smug face.

"No I didn't. It is natural color."

"I'll go help Nii-san. He is a great cook just like Kei-chan." He ruffles Kei's hair and quickly leaves the room.

"Wait, Nii-chan!" Kei also ran after him leaving me alone with her parents.

I don't even know what to talk since I gave never spent time with my family. Mrs. Tsukiko sits besides me and clasps my hands. I can see the excitement in her eyes.

"So Teivel, what do you like about Kei?" She asks.

"I love everything about her. She is really cute whenever she's shy really shy." I proudly reply back to her.

"How long have you been in relationship with her now?"

"Let's say a long time but it's been a year now we have been together now."

As I think about it now. I understand now what big brother told me, "You are the greatest gift from mother. Father might be blinded with his anger that he can't see you as a gift. I am sure, he will notice it sooner it later."

I let out a sigh and smile, "Brother, if you watching from above.... you must have seen the turn of events. Just like you said to be patient, I did and I found an incredible person whom I love so much."

The sound of clink of soju glasses hits bringing me back to reality and met my eyes with Kei's. She is waiting eagerly for me to say something.

"Happy new year?"

"Happy new year!" that raise their glasses high cheering.

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We are currently standing outside the balcony waiting for the sun to rise. Kei explained me that it is called 'Hatsuhinode' and they believe that Gods appear after sunrise to bless them with good fortune and prosperity. As I see the sun rise, everyone closes their eyes praying towards the sun. I also do the same.

"Dear God, if you are hearing me then please, can you bless Kei and me so that we both can get married soon?"

As I open my eyes, Kei was looking at me with loving gaze and a sweet smile. I smile back and wrap my arm around her shoulder watching the sun rise together.

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