In local circles, everyone knew Alexander and his wife as the couple who were deeply in love. Back in Devonport, they were the kind of pair that everyone admired and aspired to be like.
The Costello family had long ties to the military, which often led them into some shady dealings on the side. Decades ago, the Costellos were the undisputed military bigwigs in Devonport. Alexander was especially notorious; nobody dared to mess with him.
But when Alexander's wife got pregnant, he decided to step away from the darker side of the family business. When their son Colby was born, he was so cute that the nurse initially thought he was a girl.
Mrs. Costello, once Devonport's top socialite, was unparalleled in beauty and charm. She always dreamt of having a daughter to pass on her elegance and to raise her to be Devonport’s next great lady. But Colby, though undeniably handsome, wasn’t the girl she had hoped for.
Looking at her three-year-old son, Mrs. Costello mused, “Son, you’re so pretty. If you were a girl, it would be perfect.”
Little Colby, mature beyond his years, was different from other kids. He rarely smiled and carried a serious expression, just like his father. Mrs. Costello felt a twinge of disappointment.
Having married a man with a poker face, she didn’t want her son to end up the same. “Sweetheart, how about we have a little chat?” she asked with a mischievous glint in her eye.
Sensing trouble, young Colby shuddered.
When Alexander came back from work, he found Colby dressed in a pink princess gown, complete with a wig and a silver tiara. “Isn’t he adorable?” Mrs. Costello grinned. “Our son loves it, don’t you, Colby?”
“…”
Colby didn’t say a word, just looked hopefully at his father. Surely, his dad would get it.
Alexander sighed, “Aria, this isn’t going to make him happy.”
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Revenge is best served cold