Lilian glanced back and forth between her father and younger brother, who were still discussing a film she found increasingly nauseating.
Footsteps echoed from the kitchen, and soon after, a beautiful woman emerged, pushing a serving cart filled with various dishes.
"Ah, good morning, Mom." Leon stood and walked over to help his mother serve the food on the table.
"Good morning, Leon," Clara replied with a warm smile, before turning her gaze to her eldest daughter, who was completely absorbed in her gadget.
"Look at Leon. Then look at yourself," Clara said, shaking her head. "Sometimes I wonder if I still have a daughter or not…"
Lilian sighed in annoyance. "Mother, I don't want to risk injuring my fingers. I'm a famous model, you know. I have to maintain my flawless appearance."
"Mother, am I not your daughter too?" a voice called out from the stairs.
Rinia walked toward them, pouting.
"Hah, you're nothing but a troublemaker. My real child is only Leon."
"Tch, favoritism. This feels like an adopted child drama."
"Then why don't you help me cook and clean the house?" Clara said, glancing at Rinia with a smile.
"Eh… I-I don't think I'm much help in that area." Rinia replied shyly, her gaze shifting instantly to Leon. "Besides… it's not so bad being the adopted one…"
Leon frowned immediately.
"Hah, spoiled brat," Lilian muttered with a mocking tone.
"Hmph! This has nothing to do with you!"
The bright morning, filled with the usual family chatter, made Leon feel like it was just another pleasant day—if not for Rinia's occasional glances that left him slightly uncomfortable.
"Oh, Leon. When is your graduation ceremony?" his mother asked.
Leon thought for a moment. "Probably in about a week..."
He looked at his parents with a hopeful expression.
But Clara and Eric exchanged hesitant glances. "We're sorry, Leon. It seems we won't be able to attend your ceremony…"
"Oh…" Leon murmured flatly, though the disappointment was clear in his eyes.
"Your father has a meeting in Italy with an investor, and we're scheduled to leave in three days…" Clara sighed, noticing Leon's effort to mask his emotions. "But don't worry. If it ends early, we'll come back right away."
"It's alright. I wouldn't want to interfere with your work anyway. Besides, a business meeting is more important than a simple ceremony," Leon said with a smile.
"Lilian, how about attending your brother's graduation instead?" Clara, feeling guilty, turned to her eldest daughter.
"No," Lilian refused flatly.
"You—!" Clara's voice rose in anger.
Leon could only smile as another argument between them started to unfold.
He knew he couldn't force them to attend his graduation. As he had said, it was just a formal event.
Still, a small, selfish part of him wished his parents would be there. Their refusal stung—just a little.
After all, their work required them to travel constantly, negotiating deals for films to be distributed in Switzerland.
His father was the CEO of a film investment company, specializing in both domestic and international productions, and exporting films to Switzerland—a business inherited from his grandfather. His mother was his father's personal secretary, so wherever he went, she followed.
Leon had long grown used to it. During his elementary school graduation, they were busy. At his junior high graduation, they were abroad. And now, it was happening again.
The only difference was that this time… he had learned to accept it..