What's Wrong with Miss Bratty?

Kyle couldn't suppress the grin tugging at his lips as he walked toward his car, parked not far from Yvienna's house. His mind replayed their earlier encounter, the memory filling him with a warmth he couldn't quite describe. "She's so adorable," he murmured under his breath.

Sliding into the driver's seat, he turned on the music, letting the soft beats echo around him before starting the engine. But just as he was about to pull away, something caught his eye.

A man, cloaked entirely in black and wearing a mask, stood motionless near Yvienna's terrace. His gaze seemed fixed on her house, a sense of purpose radiating from his stillness.

"What is he doing?" Kyle muttered, narrowing his eyes.

The stranger suddenly pulled out a phone, made a quick call, and then slipped into a sleek black car. The vehicle sped off, its tires screeching against the pavement. Kyle tried to memorize the license plate, but the car vanished before he could catch the full number. He shook his head, doubt gnawing at him, but ultimately decided to drive home.

An hour later, Kyle finally arrived at his house. He stepped out of the car, fatigue weighing on him, only to freeze at the sound of raised voices inside. His parents were fighting again.

He rushed through the front door, his heart pounding, just in time to see his father raising a hand against his mother. Without thinking, Kyle stepped between them.

"What do you think you're doing, Father?!" he demanded, shielding his mother with his body.

Greg's face twisted with rage. "What am I doing? Get out of my way, you stupid boy! Let me deal with this woman!"

Kyle didn't move. He stood his ground, unwavering. A second later, the sharp sting of a slap landed on his cheek.

"Stop it, Greg!" his mother cried. "Don't you dare hurt my son for your baseless accusations! All these years, you've accused me of cheating, while you've been the unfaithful one!"

Greg's eyes widened in shock, the words hitting him like a blow. "And now you're turning this on me?"

"I'm done with this," she spat. "File for divorce, Greg. Go live your life with your secretary."

Kyle stared at his mother, stunned. She wasn't the soft, forgiving woman he had always known. In this moment, she was fierce, a storm unleashed.

"Mom, wait!" he called as she stormed upstairs.

He followed her to the master bedroom, where she collapsed onto the bed, tears streaming down her face. Kyle wrapped her in his arms, his heart aching at the sight of her brokenness.

"I knew it," she said, her voice trembling. "Ever since we got married, he's been like this. And I know why."

"What do you mean, Mom?" Kyle asked gently.

Her lips quivered as she spoke. "I wasn't his first love. Our marriage was arranged, Kyle. His first love… she died. And it was my fault."

Kyle froze. "What? How could it be your fault?"

Tears spilled down her cheeks as she continued. "The woman didn't know about the arrangement between your father and me. When your grandmother told her, it devastated her. She fell into a deep depression and lost her baby. She never recovered, Kyle. She was institutionalized and… she died."

Kyle's arms tightened around his mother. "No, Mom. That's not your fault. If Dad truly loved her, he should have fought for her. You've suffered enough because of him."

She gave him a sad smile. "You're a grown man now, Kyle. Promise me you'll fight for the one you love. Don't let anyone dictate your life like I did."

Kyle swallowed hard, thinking of Yvienna. "I promise, Mom."

His mother studied him closely, a small smile breaking through her sadness. "There's someone in your heart, isn't there?"

Kyle flushed, but before he could respond, she chuckled softly. "Don't lie to me. I can see it. Follow your heart, Kyle. Don't end up like me."

She kissed his cheek. "Is it okay with you if I divorce your father? Don't worry, we'll figure it out. You can come with me to the States."

Kyle's eyes widened at her words, unsure of how to respond. But before he could say anything, a knock sounded at the door.

Greg stood in the doorway, his face pale, his eyes filled with regret. Kyle stared at him coldly. "I'm going to my room, Mom. Looks like someone finally regrets his actions."

As he lay on his bed later that night, Kyle's thoughts drifted to his parents' shattered relationship. From the outside, their family seemed perfect, but inside, it was a house of cards waiting to collapse.

No, he vowed. I won't be like my father.

A faint smile touched his lips as he picked up his phone and changed Yvienna's contact name.

My Luna.

He stared at the screen, the name glowing softly in the dark. For the first time in a long time, he felt a flicker of hope.