Dean arrived at the headquarters of the prominent tycoon company with no idea what to expect. However, as he made his way inside, he was taken aback by what he saw. There, hanging on the wall, was a remarkable replica of a painting he had created during his college years. It was the very same artwork that had earned him recognition from his alma mater and had been a prized possession of his lover, who had requested to keep it. The emotions that flooded Dean as he beheld the painting were intense and complex, ranging from surprise to nostalgia and a tinge of sadness.He didn't expect it to be hung on the tall wall behind the reception, covering the wall completely.Sabastian noticed Dean's stuck eyes on the painting. "It's a nice one, right?""I didn't make this large," Dean whispered to himself while stepping closer and finally noticing it was not his painting but rather a picture of his painting."Pardon?" Sabastian followed the painter; surely he didn't get his words."Sabastian and Dean, please sit in the lounge room. Meanwhile, I will talk with the receptionist and sponsor." Liam requested it with a smile.Liam, being the coordinator, is present with them as the rest of the team is working hard to launch the product on time.None of them expected a sudden call from the secretary about visiting Emricon. Surely, they can't deny it, no matter the reason; after all, Emricon is the major investor in this project.Dean sat down along with the ladies. Sabastian didn't like the silence between them. He thought to lift their nervousness.Interlocking his fingers, Sabastian says, "I was thinking—""Good morning," A lady greets them as they stand up, seeing an unknown face.The lady smiles and gestures for them to sit down. Pulling a soft smile from her red lips. She said, "Myself, Mary. I'm from the Human Resources Department. I was assigned to explain the company's work and ethics to you all." She smiles and looks to her right. "Before all those things, We can eat something first."Before anyone could object. A tray full of chocolate cakes, pastries, donuts, and filter coffee was placed in front of them."Help yourself; meanwhile, I'll talk with Mr.Liam. Please, excuse me." Mary informs and requests that the attendees serve cakes on plates."Mr. Dean." The said male tears his eyes away from the sugary stuff and looks at Mary. "Please follow me; I have something to show you."Dean nodded, and by instinct, his eyes glanced around in search of Roman. He realized quickly that the man mentioned was not present there.With a dilemma in mind, take jittery steps. He followed the lady. Surely, this company is giving him an eerie feeling, as though someone is watching him. Seeing his every moment with calculative eyes.Dean widens his eyes and instantly glances around, locking eyes with eight CCTV cameras, which are at the corners of the walls.Walking through the hallway, Dean looked at his side and asked. "Who has access to the CCTV cameras?"Mary smiled and replied, "The CEO and IT team have access."Dean forced a smile. He knows he is walking towards a den.Entering a cave can be an exhilarating experience, despite the potential risks that may accompany it. The palpitations of the heart can serve as a warning sign, eliciting fear and apprehension. However, an internal intuition may encourage one to confront these feelings and overcome them, resulting in a feeling of nostalgia that is familiar and comforting.With a soft smile, Mary knocks on the CEO's door. Dean patiently waits for the door to open."Let him in, and you may go." The reply passed through the door even before Mary could greet him."Sure, sir." Mary looked back at Dean and gestured for him to step inside the room.Walking inside the CEO's room could be like walking on sharp glasses or a bed of roses.With a deep breath, he steps inside with a small greeting, "Good morning, sir."He looks around the cabin's white walls. Along with furniture, from table to couch, chairs are in gray."My angel," Dean heard whispered behind his back, and with a quick reflex, he moved to the other end of the room.Nathan gave Dean a bitter smile and stated, "You like back hugs." The awkwardness could be felt in the words that slipped between the clenched teeth.Dean returned the smile and replied, "Now, I don't. I feel back huggers are backstabbers."The bitter smile vanished from Nathan's face and was replaced with dejection.Dean may not forgive him easily; the word 'Sorry' alone won't be enough to seek his forgiveness. He knows he needs to regain Dean's trust. He longs to see those loving eyes and those cheeks dusted with shyness again. He wants to hold Dean in his arms once more and keep him there forever, if possible. He wants to capture Dean's heart and throw the key away, so that they can be together forever."Beloved, I have missed you." Nathan tried again while stepping forward.Dean stood, rooted in his place, and gave a gentle smile. "I miss my college days too." Tilting his head to the right, "Can I, missing those days, bring back my gone days?"Nathan closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I am no better than you. I'm standing here for you. I had given up on living too." He pulled on the white sleeve and showed his wrist.Dean clenched his fist and inhaled. He locks eyes with Nathan and lets out. "If you dare to take your life, You should show the same power to live through it.""What?""Roman said this, and I agree with it. If you claim to be living for me, why did you give up?"Nathan shook his head in disbelief. "This is not my angel." His eyes were glazed with fear. "Did anything happen in my absence? Did anybody trouble you? Did anybody—""Nobody did anything. No one troubled me. I was the troublesome one. I caused problems for everyone. I became worse!" Dean closed his eyes to calm down. He was going to lose his composure.Nathan widened his eyes. "Worst? What—"Tears brim Dean's eyes as he lets out gritted teeth. "I fucking had endocarditis! It directly affected my heart! I would have been dead—"Nathan held the man's arm and looked at him with wide, shocked eyes. "How are you now?"Dean gave a bitter smile and said, "I'm doing well; thank you." While removing the palms holding his arm."Are you in pain or something? I can arrange the best doctor—" The panic in Nathan's voice can be felt even with thick skin. But Dean has thicker skin and a shield."Sir, I'm here to remind you again of that," Dean whispered while taking a step back. "We should just stay as employees and bosses." He turns around to open the door. "In the process of loving you, I have lost myself."Nathan widened his eyes and stepped forward. "I love you. I always did, my angel." He looks at the real painting with Dean's signature, which is placed next to the door. "Your painting gave me a reason to live."Nathan walked past Dean and caressed the glass of the frame. "I often used to stare at this and remember our time." He turns around and holds Dean's hand. "Believe me, I have never looked at anyone other than you, my angel. Trust me, it is fate or my parents took me away from you."Looking at the painting surely brought tears to Dean's eyes too. He inhaled deeply and whispered. "Maybe it's better to accept our fate that we're not meant to be together."Nathan grits his teeth and slams Dean next to the painting rather harshly than intended. "If I wish, I can lock you here forever." His eyes, Dean's face. "I can manipulate the CCTV footage and show that you never entered this room. I can find a body double and show a fake event of you fleeing from here."Dean looked at Nathan with shocked eyes and heard the next sentence. "I'm so filthy rich that everyone will work as I say, and your missing case will close in no time."Dean's wide eyes flicker from Nathan's left eye to the right eye, watching the man in front of him be different. Nathan, whom he knew, could never blackmail him. Surely, time not only heals but also changes you."But I will never do that." Nathan's eyes soften. "I don't just want to kiss you, but also your soul." He closed his eyes and pressed his nose against Dean's cheek. "I want to touch you in the most intimate way possible," inhaled Dean's scent. "My scent lingers on your heart."Holding Dean's face dearly in his palms while pressing himself on him as though trying to swallow him inside himself. "I want to see the fond love in your eyes as you hug me back. I want you to accept me by your will, not by force."Dean lets his tears glide over his cheek and lets them out. "I'm sorry. It would never happen." He held Nathan's face and caressed his cheek.Nathan pressed his face on Dean's palm and asked vulnerably, "Why?" Opening his eyes while softly wiping Dean's tears. "Is it because of my parents?" He asked again while rubbing Dean's cheek as the man shook his head while sobbing.Nathan thought that must be the problem. His parents might not accept their relationship. "I will convince them, my angel. I will do everything they ask me to do. I will beg on my knees for your hand."Dean pressed his eyelashes as more tears escaped his eyes. "I don't love you, Nathan. My heart stopped beating for you long ago."For sure, this time Nathan's heart stopped a couple of beats. "Wh-what? Do you love someone else?"Dean shook his head. "I have moved on, Nathan. I accepted your death long ago." He tried to push the man away with weak arms.The emotions that come with accepting the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming and exhausting. It feels like all the energy has been drained from your soul. But even after accepting the reality, the desire to see that person alive again never fades away. You long to be held in their arms once more, hoping that this is not just a dream and praying that it will never be forgotten. However, alongside this longing, a new fear creeps in - the fear of history repeating itself. It's a frightening thought to imagine going through the pain of losing someone all over again.Nathan choked on his tears. He carefully pressed his lips on Dean's eyelashes. "Angel, I am alive and breathing for you."Dean opens his eyes and whispers, "I cannot love you as I did. I'm afraid you'll vanish again, and I will take the wrong path again. I—" he inhaled deeply with a sniff.Nathan shook his head and hugged Dean's waist. "I will not. I am stronger now. I will always be with you. If I weren't strong enough to fight back, I wouldn't be standing here with you, angel."Dean nods. "I'm glad that you are fine. But don't expect anything from me."Nathan furrowed his eyebrows. "Why are you not agreeing? I am here. I will seek forgiveness from your parents too. If you wish, we can leave this country and be happy with our own family. Just a nod from you, and I will do every possible thing."Dean gulps down the tears. He shook his head. "You are a memory now. Please understand, I can't love you again. If I stay with you, I will have a constant fear for many things."Nathan's gaze fixates on Dean's eyes. With a determined tone, he challenges him, "I dare you to name them."Dean looks at Nathan. "I'm sorry, but I have to be honest. Being with you no longer feels like home. I don't find the same sense of peace and comfort in your arms that I used to. We come from very different backgrounds, with different lifestyles and experiences." He stopped for a second and noticed the tuxedo of a luxurious brand on Nathan. It suites him well.With a bitter smile, he further added. "You live in a luxurious and affluent area, with all the comforts and amenities money can buy. In contrast, such neighborhoods are only familiar to me through the fictional TV dramas." Pressing each word to mark it in his head as well."As much as I care for you, these differences are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Don't you think these are valid and sufficient reasons for us to re-evaluate our relationship?" Dean asked with a tender lost smile. His eyes are still glossy.Nathan's lips tremble as he poses the question, his eyes searching for an answer. "Is it because of my wealth that I am being rejected?"Dean stared at Nathan without response. Surely the man got his reply in the silence.Nathan asks again, "Roman, is he your peace now?"Dean's breath hitched while he looked at Nathan with wide eyes."Imagine he walks in the door right now. Would you run into his arms?"