He whispered softly, âColby, which one do you want? Iâll cut it for you.
â
Colby remained silent, and Destinee said, âKyson, Iâve talked to him for a long time.
He said heâs ready to forgive you.
â
A flicker of hope appeared in Kysonâs eyes.
âReally, Colby? You can forgive me?â
âYes.
â Colby tilted his chin up slightly, his demeanor calm, aloof, and seemingly more mature than his years.
âBut I have three conditions.
You must meet them before I can forgive you.
â
Relieved, Kyson quickly agreed, âOkay.
Whatever you need.
I might not be able to pluck stars from the sky for you, but I promise to do everything within my power to make you happy.
â
âAlright.
First, peel the durian.
â
Kyson nodded and reached for the fruit knife.
âSure, thatâs easy.
â
But Colby interjected, âI mean, peel it with your hands.
No tools allowed.
â
Peeling a durian with bare hands?
The idea left Kyson shocked.
The fruitâs shell bristled with sharp thorns, making it nearly impossible to handle without protection.
Destineeâs smile vanished as she realized the prank might have gone too far.
She hadnât anticipated Colbyâs harshness.
Pulling at Colbyâs sleeve, she cautioned, âColby, peeling a durian isnât easy, you know? If Kyson tries it without tools, he could get seriously hurt.
Donât you think?â
Colbyâs impatience surfaced quickly, his expression darkening.
âIf you canât do it, then leave.
I donât want to see you again.
â
âI will do it,â Kyson asserted confidently, committing despite the risks.
His warm smile didnât seem to soften Colby, who snorted and looked toward the window, urging, âThen peel.
â
Kyson examined the durian, pondering his approach, while stealing glances at Colby, who remained detached and cold.
Shaking his head, Kyson mused on how Colby mirrored his father, even in cruelty at such a young age.
Destinee, both sweet and appealing, contrasted sharply with Colbyâs deceptive cuteness.
Indeed, Colby was truly Nathanâs son.
With a resigned sigh, Kyson started on the durian, struggling to find a safe point of entry through the thorny armor.
Destinee watched anxiously, her eyes darting between Kyson and the durian.
âItâs tough, right? Forget it.
I donât want the durian anymore.
Weâll think of something else so Colby can forgive you.
â
From the bed, Colbyâs voice cut through.
âDestinee, whispering doesnât mean I canât hear you.
He agreed to fulfill my three conditions.
If he canât keep his promise, you should reconsider his role in your life.
He doesnât deserve to be your godfather.
â