Micah pressed the drawer shut, locking away his notebook with a soft click. He popped a lollipop into his mouth, rolling the candy over his tongue as he leaned back in his chair. His gaze drifted to the white ceiling as his thoughts scattered chaotically.
He rocked back and forth slightly, the wooden chair creaking under his weight.
Dealing with every male lead was proving to be more difficult than he anticipated. Each one had its unique challenges, but some were undeniably harder to handle than others.
At least the movie Emperor and Esports Captain were public figures. That worked in his favour. He could manipulate public opinion, using the importance of their reputation to rein them in and force them to behave.
But the doctor, Silas, was not an easy target.
Micah's expression darkened.
Born into a powerful family, Silas had crafted his cautious character to perfection. He mingled with specific groups, his inner circle tight and nearly impenetrable.
Getting close to him required more than just cross-dressing and charm.
Micah's lips twitched. His plan for the others was to portray himself as a girl, a hardcore fan, a supportive teammate/online girlfriend for the Esport Captain and an informative girl for the CEO.
After considerable thought, he had reached this decision. For his safety, it was better for the male leads to think he was female.
Anyway… Silas was different.
Micah swirled his tongue around the lollipop and sucked hard as he recalled what he had learned about Silas's particular interests.
The man was not into BDSM per se, but he liked to tame his partners to a submissive one using psychological methods. The tricky part was that he demanded his partners sign strict confidentiality agreements before any form of intimacy. A means to protect his privacy. And of course, he offered a hefty payment in return. It was laughable how he had become a famous Dom in that circle while maintaining the facade of a respectable doctor.
Micah exhaled through his nose. He needed leverage, something solid. His priority was to get his hands on some evidence of Silas' disgusting behaviour.
If Darcy, in one million chances in the Galaxcy, ever considered choosing Silas as his partner, Micah could use it to extinguish that possibility in an instant. A single video could change Darcy's mind. If necessary, he would even ruin Silas' reputation completely.
The most worrisome male lead was the CEO.
Unlike the others, He was not known in the public eye, he had no interest in love or sex. The only thing he cared about was his interests and money. Cold, calculating. Unshakable.
Micah popped the lollipop from his mouth, studying its half-melted form between his fingers.
Winning the CEO's trust would be the key to his downfall. Perhaps providing some inside scoop?
His chair creaked as he leaned forward, elbows resting on the desk. His gaze flickered toward his bag.
He delayed long enough.
Micah stood up and reached for the bag with slow, reluctant movements. His fingers curled around the straps, but he hesitated.
He really didn't want to go to the lab.
Yet, with heavy steps, he made his way to the door.
Feeling conflicted, he knew he had no other option. He had to face it.
As long as he hadn't seen the official documents, he could still cling to the possibility that this was all just a nonsense dream.
But once he had the DNA result in his hands, that illusion would shatter. He could not deceive himself. He would lose his family… his identity… his everything.
Micah tightened his grip on the door handle, his heart thumping loudly.
"I can do it… it's for the best…"
Micah mumbled under his breath.
He inhaled deeply, steeling his nerves, and pushed the door open.
The warm hum of conversation filled the air as he descended the stairs. His parents' happy voices, occasionally interrupted by Aria's bright chiming remarks, grew louder and louder as he walked through the hallway. Micah hesitated as he stood before the hall entrance.
His eyes studied all his family members intensively.
Would they wish Darcy was the one growing up with them rather than him?
Perhaps they would be happier, and more content with Darcy.
He was a troublemaker through and through.
A disappointment.
He did not inherit Elina's intelligence or Jacob's magnanimity. He wasn't cut out to be the heir and manage the company like Albert Ramsy or rational and sensible enough to be a lawyer, engineer, or doctor…
They would never be proud of him… an arrogant underachiever...
Could they? Especially after knowing he was not their biological son, brother, or grandson?!
Just an imposter…
"Micah? Why are you standing there?!"
Elina spoke, noticing his son's dazed expression.
"What's with the bag? Are you going somewhere?"
Jacob asked.
Micah blinked and smiled slightly.
"Yeah, I want to go shopping. I need a change of scenery. It was too stuffy at the hospital. I need some noise, some crowds, and some bustling."
"Ah, okay. Let Driver Dan accompany you. You can't drive yet."
Elina hummed in thought.
"Sure. I wasn't up for driving anyway."
Micah said and waved his hand goodbye.
"Come home soon. We need to get ready for the banquet."
Elina added.
"Got it."
Micah replied before leaving the house.
Micah slid into the black low-key luxury car, parked in the driveway.
"Where to go, young master?"
Driver Dan, a middle-aged man, glanced at him through the rearview mirror.
"To Time Square shopping centres."
Micah replied, thinking the lab was just behind the building. He could stop by there first and then go buy some shirts or tie for cover.
"Alrighty."
Driver Dan nodded, pulling onto the road.
Micah rested his chin on his hand, gazing at the scenery through the window.
His mind wandered to the protagonist.
What was he doing now?
Did they have enough money to eat and pay the rent after Darcy's mother had another episode?
The hospitalisation and medicine fees surely would be burdensome.
"Should I help them?"
Micah mumbled absentmindedly.
His feelings toward Darcy were complicated… a mixture of guilt and affection.
As the youngest in the Ramsy family, he had always longed for a little brother. Someone to help him fight against his two older sisters, someone who would look up to him.
According to the book, Darcy was born half an hour later than him.
So he was qualified to be an older brother, wasn't he?
Micah exhaled slowly.
In the novel, the Edwood family was living in a run-down apartment complex in some poor suburbs.
Even though Darcy had won scholarships and competition prizes, their income was far less than the minimal expense that a typical family of three would need to live.
Not to mention the hospitalisation fee…
Unfortunately, there was no specific address, but Micah knew the names of the suburbs and the complex.
He decided to sneak away in the middle of the banquet to see how they were faring.
His family was used to his impulses and ditching the formal parties. Surely it would be alright to take a look…