Kyle opened the door of his room abruptly. His fingers were white due to the force he applied on the knob.
Kyle was trying to suppress his anger by practicing long breathing. He closed his eyes to calm his soul, but in vain.
Kyle closed the door with a 'bang' in rage.
He walked towards his bed. He threw his phone on the bed in wrath.
'What did he do wrong? Was he too impulsive? If only he had waited for a few more days, would the result be different?'
Unsure about the things, Kyle sighed. He sat at the edge of the bed. His elbow leaned on his leg as his digits rested on his temples.
Dave has never used such words before. He was not angry with Kyle, but he sounded more disappointed. This change bothered Kyle a lot. But nevertheless, Kyle was still confused about why did Dave change?
Kyle understood Dave's point of view. After their father was hospitalized, everything came onto Dave.
Dave left everything behind. None of the brothers wanted to inherit the business, but they had no power to reject. One of them had to take the arrow on their back. Dave chose to take it.
Dave did not force Kyle to take up any responsibilities. Dave wished his brother to live a carefree life, a chance which he blew in thin air.
To stabilize the family's situation, Dave got married to Olivia. A girl whose family background was influential, a girl he had met only a handful of times.
Dave had given a lot of sacrifices. Now it was Kyle's part to do it.
Thinking so, Kyle groaned. His hands searched his phone, which was lying near him. He looked into his call log as his eyes softened. Thinking about this person, Kyle's spirit was lifted immediately.
Kyle soothed his heart as he dialed the number.
--------
"Why are you telling me this then?" Layla's brows knitted.
"Layla.." Kyle's smile faded as his face twisted.
Kyle had informed Layla regarding his situation. It was not something he wanted, but something had to do.
'Was it too much to expect Layla to understand?' This evil question started circulating Kyle's mind.
"What? First Clara and now Evelyn?" Layla scowled. Her hands squeezed into fists.
"What do you mean by this?" Kyle ground his jaw.
None of them spoke. There was an awkward silence submerging them both. Layla wanted to say many things, but she knew her words would only make Kyle more angry.
Layla also understood that it was time to understand and support Kyle. Layla rubbed her temples. It was time to forget her hesitancy and support her beloved.
But Layla felt insecure. Her heart was covered with an ethereal mist, yelling at her to stop Kyle.
This move might be good for the company, but was it good for them? Layla doubted.
"I need to do this for my family." Kyle's mood plummeted.
"For the family," Layla's mouth twitched, "The same you wanted to break off from?"
"Yes, but I am still the part of it." Kyle gritted his teeth, "I have some responsibilities."
Layla understood this, but it was still hard for her to digest. Negativity surrounded her thoughts.
"Kyle, will you leave me?" Layla could not help herself but ask.
"From where are all these thoughts coming in your brain?" Kyle asked.
"Just answer me."
"I would never," Kyle reassured Layla. He wished Layla was with him, so he could hold her tightly in his arms and make Layla understand her place in his heart.
Kyle's words were hard to believe for Layla. Not that she did not trust him, but it was his family she was wary about. Dave was the same, but look at him now. No one remembers his lover. Layla feared she would be like the lover. No one will remember her. Not even Kyle.
"I will believe you for once," Layla said with a dejected voice. Tears filled her eyes, fighting to break free.
Kyle guessed Layla's mind. He wanted Layla to feel secure and protected. Every girl needs to feel like that from her lover.
Kyle had a thought. He was unsure whether or not Layla would accept his offer, but it was worth a try.
"Do you want to live together?" Kyle asked in an indifferent voice.
Layla's eyes widened. She was searching for words, but in vain.
Layla was unsure if she heard it right or was it her imagination.
"A-Are you s-serious?" Layla's voice trembled.
Kyle chuckled. He can imagine Layla's expression, "100 %"
"Okay," Layla answered instantly.
"That was fast." Kyle laughed. Layla's emotions change so fast that it was amusing to watch.
Kyle wished he was there to see Layla's changes. Her twinkling eyes, her soft lips, her small nose. Kyle wanted to hold Layla into his arms, hold her tight, and reassure her.
"I don't want you backing out." Layla giggled. Kyle knew her so well. He can understand her emotions and make sure to cheer her up. A man like him was hard to find. Layla wanted to hide him so that no one else could see this side of him.
But it was getting harder and harder as time passed. Kyle's ambitions were high and Layla wanted to support him. She wanted to see him shine at the top and stand by him silently, supporting him.
"So, How is this going to work?" Layla asked, "With Evelyn and all."
"I am not so sure yet." Kyle breathed, "I hope it does not affect us more though."
"I hope so too." Layla could only hope.
"So where should we live?" Kyle asked, sensing Layla's low tone.
Kyle wanted to listen more to Layla's voice. Her words, her tone, her presence smoothened his tense nerves.
Their talks stretched into the abyss of night.
------
Olivia reached the study with hurried steps.
"Dave," Olivia called, but there was no answer.
Olivia contemplated whether or not to enter. Dave hated it when anyone enters the study without being called for,
There was no sound of movement from inside. Olivia took a deep breath and turned the doorknob.
Darkness covered the room. Everything was in place. It was as if not a single soul had visited this place.
"I never told you to enter," Dave said. Fury roared through his voice.
A chill went through Olivia as she bit back her scream.
Olivia could not see Dave, but his presence was empowering.
"I-I j-just wanted to know if you had dinner." Olivia's voice shivered.
"Out of the room." Dave was controlling his rage. He just wanted so peace and quiet.
"JJ-Just.." Olivia's still continued.
"Olivia!!" Dave scattered the glass near him.
Olivia was started as she has never seen Dave like this. It was not the person she married. Olivia tightened her heart and left the room with a dejected heart.