At the kindergarten, Melon was happily playing games with the other kids as usual.
After a bit of playtime, everyone started feeling a bit tired, so the teacher suggested they take a break.
Melon decided to play with some blocks, sitting on a small stool.
Just then, a chubby kid came over and tapped on Melonâs shoulder.
âHey, did you notice that guy? He has been staring at you for a while.
Do you know him?â
Melon looked where the kid was pointing at and saw a strange man in sunglasses watching them.
He gave the man a curious look.
The man was dressed in a flashy shirt.
Melon didnât recognize him at all.
The moment the man noticed Melon looking his way, he smiled and waved.
Melon was pretty sure the man was waving at him.
After a short pause, he went up to the man and asked, âWho are you? What brings you here?â
Zayden just raised his eyebrows, amused by Melonâs boldness.
Melon seemed confident and daring, but he was still just a young boy.
Zayden removed his sunglasses, revealing a smile.
âHey Melon, Iâm your uncle, your dadâs cousin.
â
Melon stared at him, taken aback.
His dadâs cousin? That was news to him.
His mom had never mentioned it, and this guy was a stranger to him.
Melon didnât buy into Zaydenâs claim, marking him as a liar.
He eyed Zayden warily, stepped back, and then ran.
Zayden quickly caught up, stopping Melon in his tracks, and squatted down to his level.
âDoes the name Theodore ring a bell? Thatâs your dadâs mame, right? Look closely.
Donât you think he and I share a resemblance?â
Melon gave him a long look and shook his head.
âNope, youâre not good-looking.
My dadâs way more handsome.
â
At that, Zaydenâs smile faltered, a hint of annoyance flickering across his face.
Noticing Melonâs skepticism, Zayden felt compelled to show the photographs he had prepared in advance.
The only photo of him with Holden was a family portrait requested by Aldus during his lifetime.
Perhaps Aldus had hoped to strengthen their bond, so he had arranged for Holden and Zayden to stand side by side.