Dan had been forced to extend his stay in his parents' house, which had finally, legally become his own. His lawyer had handed him documents regarding his properties, revealing shares in companies he didn't even know existed, like his 25% stake in a renowned construction company in the country.
"Congratulations, young Daniel," the lawyer had said. "I hope you will make good use of the assets left to you by your parents."
He then handed him three credit cards and information on bank accounts opened by his parents, where he would receive monthly sums thanks to his investments in the companies. "How much is on these accounts?" Dan had asked. "I don't know, young Daniel. But so much that you couldn't spend it all in a year," the lawyer had replied.
His two-week stay in his hometown had done him a world of good. He had been able to reflect on his future, himself, and his relationship with Jack.
In reality, Jack had no guilt in this affair. He had simply sought a hookup with his friend, who had accepted. It wasn't his fault that Dan couldn't keep his heart in check and had fallen in love with him.
Now that he was aware of it, Dan knew he had to take action. He understood that awareness alone wouldn't erase his feelings, but at least he knew he had to change.
"It's time for me to give them some space," he thought.
Dan realized he had to respect their relationship and not interfere with it. He decided to stop insulting Joy, as she didn't deserve his behavior. It was Jack who didn't deserve such a kind girl.
"How are you, Mr. Daniel?" asked Simone's husband, who was working in the garden while Dan was sitting outside.
"I'm doing fine, Mr. Germain. It will be okay," replied Dan, hoping to convince himself that everything would be fine.
"Heart's problem?" asked the man.
"It seems so, is it that obvious?" Dan smiled.
"A little bit," the man replied. "Only love and studies can cause you trouble at your age."
"True," Dan chuckled softly, and Mr. Germain smiled at him. At that moment, his phone rang, it was Jack. He couldn't avoid this problem forever.
"Hey Jack!"
"Hey, how are you? I've been trying to reach you for two weeks. What's going on?"
"Nothing special. I just had some things to take care of at home and..."
"And that's why you weren't answering my calls? Don't take me for a fool, Dan."
"Okay, sorry," he laughed. "I admit I was a bit annoyed that you didn't tell me about your proposal to Joy but... I really had some things to sort out with my lawyers."
"When you talk about your "lawyers", you sound like a real businessman." They both laughed at Jack's joke. "When are you coming back, Dan, I miss you. Or do you want me to come pick you up?"
"No, thanks. I'm coming back in two days."
"Two days," Jack repeated.
"Yes, two days. And how is everyone? Joy and studies?"
"Everything's fine. Joy had a little cold recently and the business law professor keeps asking about you. She says she wants to talk to you about something."
"Any idea what she wants to talk to me about?"
"I don't know man, but it sounded important."
"Alright, I'll see her in two days."
"Two days, okay? Not a day longer?"
"Yes, Mr. Jackson," Dan replied before hearing Jack's laughter on the other end of the line, then he hung up.
Mr. Germain continued his work while Dan headed home to review the files provided by the lawyer. It was then that he realized the true extent of his wealth. Dan was incredibly rich. A sense of nostalgia washed over him as he thought about his parents, who were no longer there to share in this wealth, the result of their hard work.
Despite this, Dan internally promised to use his wealth in a responsible and enlightened manner. "I must seriously think about my future," he thought. "I've been such a fool."
The young man had never been particularly interested in financial management. His true passion was law. The lawyers, judges, and prosecutors he saw on television and in movies filled him with admiration. But there was a deeper motivation behind his choice: to help children who had experienced similar things to him. He was truly passionate about law.
However, his love for Jack had led him to choose a path that didn't truly suit him. He knew he should have followed his true passion, because Jack would never love him back. Jack was heterosexual, attracted to women, not men.
"But that didn't stop him from being intimate with you," his conscience whispered to him. And that same conscience also reminded him that he was responsible for his own choices.
Dan was aware of his mistakes and felt deep regret. He had promised to take control of his life, but didn't know where to start. And how to achieve it.
He decided to call his lawyer, the only person he knew with experience in the legal field. His father could have helped as well, but unfortunately, he was no longer here.
He had feared the lawyer would refuse to meet him when he indicated that the matter was not related to his work for Dan's family, but rather personal. Luckily, the lawyer agreed to come see him.
"It's..." Dan felt confused once the lawyer arrived at his home. He didn't know where to start, feeling both scared and a bit embarrassed to reveal feelings that he didn't fully understand himself.
"Don't be afraid, Daniel. Tell me what's troubling you." The lawyer was a kind man despite his somewhat austere and haughty appearance. He commanded respect and fear, but proved to be understanding, kind, and attentive.
"I..." Dan recounted his entire story with Jackson to him. He didn't know why he felt so comfortable with the man, or why he felt such a pressing need to confide in him. The lawyer listened in silence, accustomed to these kinds of stories as a lawyer and consultant for the LGBT community. He had even created a welcoming center for them, with the help of his husband and a few others.
"I never really liked the management program. Since my childhood, I dreamed of being... like my father." A hint of sadness passed through the lawyer's eyes. After all, Daniel's father was a close friend for a long time. His best friend, to be exact, but Dan was unaware of it.
"Do you plan on studying law?"
"Yes," Dan admitted. "And I don't know where to start. I'm afraid people will think I failed by changing my major because I wasn't smart enough." The lawyer smiled.
"Don't worry, Daniel. I also..." He laughed as he recalled his youth, though he wasn't that old, just in his forties. "I changed my major three times in university. Don't judge me, I didn't know what I wanted to do. I tried medicine, dropped out in my second year after fainting during a surgery. Then I tried botany, but me and plants, it wasn't... anyway, I finally settled on law on my third try and here I am."
"You've succeeded."
"Exactly. So, Dan, do what you want, no matter what others think. I always thought you didn't care about people's opinions!"
"I thought so too. But apparently, that's not the case."
"You have to change, Dan. When you're like us, you have to be strong because there will always be prejudices and insults directed at us."
"Us?"
"Yes, us. I'm gay, married to a man, and I can tell you it hasn't been easy." Dan looked at the lawyer, speechless. "Is it really that unbelievable?" The lawyer chuckled. "Your father knew and he helped me a lot in university. He was quite a hothead, but let's move on, I'll help you." The lawyer told him.
"Thank you very much."
"Don't thank me too soon," the lawyer said with a mischievous smile.