The van trundled on, its tires humming steadily over the asphalt.
Day's voice cut through the noise as he began outlining the power structure in Country X, Country Y and Country Z with a mix of authority and casualness.
"Alright, let me break this down for you. The Von family has been in charge for years, not as the visible rulers, but as the behind-the-scenes cabals. If you want any political position or influence in this country, you need their support. They're like the godfathers of the place."
August listened, trying to digest the information. His fingers drummed on his knee, and he muttered, "So, if I need to get anything done, I should go through them?"
Day nodded enthusiastically. "Political and governmental, exactly. Now, this Von family is linked with a big player in the business world. He's famously known to be called King. Not just any King—King Von, the heir to the Von family fortune.
He's the head of the King & Glory business empire, which is like the motherboard of the whole country. That's where you need to go. If there's a problem with your bank account or anything else, Mr. King can put in a word for you as the Von family member and heir."
August furrowed his brow. "How do I even meet someone like that? If he's so important, won't he be hard to reach?"
Day's eyes sparkled with confidence. "Trust me, alright? I'll give you his contact details. Just send him a message. His secretary will definitely see it. You can also go directly to his company—King & Glory Entertainment. But you'll want to go to the company's brain point, Blackstone Shore. That's where Mr. King works."
August's face showed a mix of hope and skepticism at the same time. "Okay, I'll go tomorrow. But what if I don't get to see him?"
Day leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "If you can't meet him directly, just leave your pictures there. He'll see them, I'm sure. It could make all the difference."
As Day spoke, his mind was somewhere else. He was thinking about how King Von Blackstone himself essentially ran the country from behind the scenes.
It was unspoken, but Day knew how much influence that man wielded. 'No need to be scared that he'd go against the government because he is the government himself!'
"Fine," August agreed, his voice filled with gratitude. "I'll do that. Thank you."
Suddenly, the van screeched to a halt, causing both August and Day to lurch forward. The sudden jolt was jarring.
August looked at the driver, who had a pale face, eyes wide with shock. "What's going on?" August asked, leaning forward.
The driver's voice was a tense whisper. "There's a kid in front of the van!"
August's heart raced as he looked out the window. A small figure stood frozen in the headlights, their eyes wide with fear.
The driver's hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as he muttered, "I didn't see him until the last second."
Day's face turned serious as he glanced back at August. "Are you alright?"
August nodded, his voice trembling slightly. "Yeah, just… worried about the kid. What irresponsible parent would leave their child out like that?!"
While talking, he glanced around and saw his house just a few steps away. "i would stop here, please," he announced.
He hurriedly got out and his heart sank—there, in front of the van, was Reed.
"Reed!" August cried, rushing to his son. He scooped the boy into his arms, holding him protectively. "What are you doing out here?"
Reed looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes. "Daddy!" he exclaimed, reaching out to him.
Day, who had come out of the van as well, standing nearby, blinked in confusion. "Daddy? You mean...?"
August took his son out of the road side, to a nearby pedestrian corner and knelt before him, feeling heavily frantic. He checked Reed's body for any signs of injury, his hands trembling.
He was acting less like the usual composed August and more like a panicked mama. "I'm sorry, baby," he said, his voice shaking. "Daddy just... Daddy didn't mean for any of this to happen."
Day, still trying to grasp the situation, finally asked, "Is this your son?"
August glanced around, half-expecting someone to overhear, and then nodded. "Yes, he's my son. You knew that, didn't you? I thought... I thought you knew I could… could give birth."
Day's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, really? I didn't mean to judge, but that's… Well, that's not why I was so surprised. I thought— he looks so much like the man we were…."
Before Day could finish, Reed interrupted, pointing at the van. "Daddy, big truckie! Reed's truckie! Big truckie!" His excitement was clear, though his speech was somewhat garbled.
Day, looking puzzled, seemed to have realized something. "Wait, this kid might be… Autistic?"
August, understanding Reed's words, smiled gently. "Yes, buddy, when you grow up, Daddy will buy you a big trucky. Okay?"
Reed nodded vigorously, then his expression turned worried. "Daddy, Reed not safe. House not locked. Daddy not lock house."
August hugged him tighter, his own face a mixture of relief and guilt. "I'm sorry, Reed. Daddy forgot to lock the door. I'll make sure it's alright."
Day watched the scene with a mix of disbelief and curiosity. "Hold up," he said, stepping between them. "You're telling me you have this adorable little guy with... with a man?"
His tone was filled with awe and a touch of incredulity. Wasn't particularly asking that but, indirectly wanting to confirm his suspicions. Maybe, August would tell him who those sperm grew into this boy because… it felt like he knew whose sperm it was.
August looked up, slightly embarrassed but still holding Reed close. "Yes, that's right. This is my son, Reed. He's special, and I'm trying my best to take care of him."
Day, now more intrigued, nodded slowly. He smiled slyly. 'Seems like he doesn't even know who fucked him to get this child.'
Playing it cool, he said, "Alright, I get it. Just... be careful, okay? If you need anything, just let me know. And, um, good luck with Mr. King."
August, still kneeling with Reed in his arms, managed a grateful smile. "Thanks. I really appreciate it."