Heion stormed into Aric's room, the door creaking slightly as it swung open. Dressed sharply in his black suit, he paced across the floor, his shoes tapping against the polished wood.
"What a disloyal brother!" Heion's voice rang with indignation. "Seriously? You gave an interview at another company ?"
Aric was sitting at his desk, the soft glow of his green computer screen reflecting off his face. He didn't bother to look up; his eyes remained fixed on his book.
"Seems that way," Aric replied casually, his voice void of emotion, as if discussing the weather.
Heion's brow furrowed in disbelief. "After I assured Dad I'd get you into our company?"
"Did I ever ask you to do that?" Aric's voice was calm, almost too calm, as he continued looking at the book.
Heion's frustration mounted. "Dad said this is the first and last time he's telling you. After this, you're out of chances with the family business. He won't offer you any more positions."
Aric finally paused, his gaze lifting from book to the computer screen as a message pops out from Luna. His expression remained unreadable, and his tone was even.. "Noted."
Heion blinked, caught off guard by the lack of reaction. "You're just gonna let it slide like that?"
Aric shrugged, turning his attention back to the screen as if the conversation was already over. "Why not? I'm already looking somewhere else."
The tension in the room hung heavy, but Aric remained unfazed, scrolling through yet another listing as if Heion's presence was nothing more than background noise.
In a fit of anger, Heion hurled the paper at him. Aric's hand froze over the mouse, the soft clicks ceasing as he turned to face his brother. "I don't need your help!" he replied, his voice icy.
Meanwhile, Jules peeked through the door, wide-eyed and concerned.
"Jules, go back to your room," Heion said, his voice softening as he ushered her away. "I'll come to see you after I talk to Aric."
"Get out, Heion" Aric said, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. Heion gave him a hard look before leading Jules away, the tension palpable.
"Why is second brother angry with you?" Jules asked Heion.
"It's nothing. He's just upset for no reason," Heion replied.
"Angry monster," Jules said, giggling, and both he and Heion shared a laugh.
Aric stayed silent, listening to their conversation, when a message popped up on the computer screen.
Luna: Wanna hangout today?
Aric typed a response, "No thanks! I just want to be alone," and muted the chatbox.
After a moment of quiet reflection, he lifted himself from the chair, his expression calm.
His room featured dark wooden shelves lined with neatly arranged books, primarily focused on business strategies and time management. Among them sat his own book, Mastering Time: The Key to Success, its cover proudly displaying a bestselling author emblem, contrasting with a few tucked-away novels that hinted at his creative side.
The walls were adorned with certificates showcasing his academic achievements—framed degrees from prestigious universities, commendations, and a plaque for a writing contest, its gold lettering gleaming softly. Each piece represented his hard work and intellect, yet they felt more like shackles than accolades.
As he flicked on the light,, he tidied up the cluttered desk, pushing aside a few stray papers and an empty coffee mug before heading outside.
Father sat at the dining table, papers spread out in front of him, focused as always on the family business.
Aric slid into the chair across from him, noticing the document his father was reviewing. A job posting for an intermediate staff position in the company—right alongside CEO Heion.
Without looking up, his father pushed the paper toward him. "Apply for this position. Now."
Aric raised his eyebrows, his voice cool. "Why should I?"
His mother, sitting nearby, glanced over, her concern evident. "Are you jealous, Aric?"
"Jealous?" Aric scoffed. "No. I just don't want to work in your company."
His father's gaze, cold and distant, remained fixed on the papers. "You're resourceful. You could be an asset to us. Stop wasting your time looking elsewhere."
Without responding, Aric stood and left the room, frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior. His mother called after him softly, but he didn't stop.
Meanwhile, just outside the building, Heion stood by his car, talking with his secretary about the day's plans. Jules, standing beside him, tugged impatiently at his hand, her wide eyes filled with anticipation.
"I promise I'll come home early today. Just bear with me until then, okay?" Heion reassured her, a warm smile gracing his face.
"Okay!" Jules replied, her face lighting up before she darted back inside as Heion got into the black car with his secretary and other employees.
As Aric spotted Jules at the hall . "Hey, Jules! Let's play together. Come on!"
"No, I don't want to play with you. I only want to play with Heion." Jules shot back, frustration evident in her tone. With that, she disappeared from sight, leaving Aric standing there, the weight of her words lingering in the air.
Aric stepped outside the building, taking a deep breath of the fresh air.
-The lady walks through the shadows of the building.-
closing his eyes for a brief second to soak it all in. When he opened them, he noticed a lady—Daji—standing in the shadows, her gaze fixed on him, a sly smile forming on her lips.
As she stepped out from the dark corner into the warm sunlight, her beauty radiated like the dawn breaking through the night. Daji wore a stunning deep red bodycon dress that hugged her curves perfectly, emphasizing her figure in a way that was both elegant and alluring. The vibrant color contrasted beautifully with her flowing black hair, which cascaded over her shoulders.
Their eyes locked, and for a moment, the world around them faded away. The sounds of passing cars and chatter melted into the background as they stood there, a soft tension building in the air between them.