Andrew Corvinus strode down the corridor of the White House, his mind a whirlwind of calculated thoughts and unspoken worries. The long, echoing hallways were adorned with portraits of past presidents—men who had shaped the country's history, who had made impossible decisions in the name of the greater good. Today, Andrew felt the weight of that history pressing down on him, reminding him that his choices would soon be added to the annals of time.
His polished shoes clicked against the marble floors, a rhythmic sound that underscored the urgency of his task. He was on his way to a meeting with the First Lady, a conversation he had been dreading since the amber alert had gone public. His wife, Katherine Corvinus, was as formidable as she was elegant—a woman of sharp intellect and unwavering loyalty to their family. She had stood by him through countless challenges, but this was different. This was personal.
As Andrew approached the door to Katherine's private sitting room, he paused for a moment, steeling himself. The Secret Service agents posted outside nodded respectfully as he entered. The room was tastefully decorated, a blend of classic and contemporary styles, with a large window overlooking the White House gardens. Katherine stood by the window, her back to him, gazing out at the meticulously manicured lawns.
"Katherine," Andrew greeted, his voice steady, though he knew she would hear the tension beneath it.
She turned slowly, her expression calm but her eyes searching his face for answers. Katherine was a striking woman, with the same blonde hair and blue eyes that were a hallmark of the Corvinus family. Today, she wore a tailored white dress, the simplicity of which only served to highlight her natural elegance.
"Andrew," she replied, her tone measured. "We need to talk."
Andrew nodded, crossing the room to stand beside her. For a moment, they both looked out at the gardens, the silence between them heavy with unspoken words.
"I saw the amber alert," Katherine began, her voice quiet but firm. "A boy named Michael… He looks so much like Adrian. I want to know the truth, Andrew."
Andrew felt a knot tighten in his stomach. This was it—the moment he had dreaded, the moment when the truth would have to be laid bare.
"Katherine," he started, choosing his words carefully, "there's something I should have told you a long time ago."
She turned to face him fully, crossing her arms as she waited. "I'm listening."
Andrew took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Michael is… my son. From an affair I had… during our marriage."
Katherine's eyes widened, the shock evident on her face. She had suspected something, but hearing it confirmed was a different matter altogether. Andrew could see the emotions flickering across her face—shock, hurt, betrayal—but she kept them in check, maintaining the composure she had cultivated over years of public life.
"He was born while we were still married," Andrew continued, his voice heavy with the weight of his confession. "I tried to end the affair before it could damage our family, but by then, it was too late. Michael was born, and I made the decision to keep it hidden to protect you and the children."
Katherine looked away, her jaw clenched as she processed his words. "And now?" she asked, her voice tinged with an edge of steel. "What do you intend to do now that this secret is out?"
Andrew met her gaze, his expression resolute. "I intend to find him, and… deal with the situation. We can't afford a scandal, Katherine. Not with everything we've built, everything we stand for."
"Deal with the situation?" Katherine echoed, her voice sharp. "He's your son, Andrew. Our children's brother. You can't just sweep this under the rug."
Andrew sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know. But the reality is, if this gets out, it could destroy everything. I have to control the situation before it spirals out of control."
"And if you can't control him?" Katherine's question hung in the air, heavy with implications. Andrew hesitated, knowing that the truth of his next words could shatter what little trust remained between them.
"Then I'll do what needs to be done to protect our family. To protect our legacy," he said, his voice firm.
Katherine studied him, her eyes narrowing as she searched for the truth behind his words. "And what about your father? What do you think Arthur will do when he finds out you've been hiding his grandson?"
Andrew's heart skipped a beat at the mention of his father. Arthur Corvinus was a force to be reckoned with—one of the most powerful men in the world, both in influence and raw power. The patriarch of the Corvinus clan, Arthur had always been fiercely protective of the family bloodline. Any threat to it, even perceived, would be met with overwhelming force. And Michael, as illegitimate as he was, still carried the Corvinus name and blood.
"I've thought about that," Andrew admitted, his voice a touch quieter. "Father would never allow harm to come to Michael… but he doesn't know about him yet. And I intend to keep it that way, at least until I can figure out how to handle this."
"And if he does find out?" Katherine pressed, her eyes locking onto Andrew's. "You know he won't just stand by. He'll want to bring Michael into the family. You can't hide him forever."
Andrew nodded slowly, the reality of the situation settling over him like a shroud. "I know," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I can't let that happen. Michael… he's a loose end, and I need to tie it up before it becomes a noose around all our necks."
Katherine's expression softened slightly, a mix of resignation and concern in her eyes. "I don't like this, Andrew. But I understand. Just… promise me you'll do everything you can to avoid bloodshed. He's just a boy."
Andrew reached out, taking her hands in his. "I promise I'll do everything I can to bring him in safely. But if it comes to a choice between him and our family… You know where my loyalty lies."
Katherine nodded, though the conflict in her eyes remained. "I know, Andrew. I just hope it doesn't come to that."
As they stood there, holding each other's gaze, Andrew felt the weight of the choices he would soon have to make. The decisions that would shape not only his own future but the future of the Corvinus family and the nation he led.
"I'll handle this, Katherine," he said, his voice firm. "I'll make sure our family is protected."
Katherine squeezed his hands, offering him a small, sad smile. "I trust you, Andrew. Just… don't let this tear us apart."
Andrew nodded, releasing her hands as he turned to leave. "I won't," he promised, though he wasn't sure if he was convincing her or himself.
As he exited the room, the door closing softly behind him, Andrew knew that the path ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty. But he had made his choice, and he would see it through—no matter the cost.
For the sake of his family, for the sake of the Corvinus legacy, Andrew Corvinus would do whatever it took to protect what was his.
Even if it meant sacrificing the son he had never truly known.