The revelation came during a private dinner, just Felix, Debbie, and his parents.
"We're glad Felix has found someone special," Lila said, her smile warm but hesitant. "But we need to talkabout… the family's legacy."
"Mom," Felix interrupted, his tone sharp.
"Felix, she deserves to know," Aiden said, setting hisglass down with a soft thud.Debbie frowned, glancing between them. "Know what?"
Lila sighed, reaching for Felix's hand. "Our family has a… history. A responsibility, you could say. For
generations, we've been entrusted with a gift—a
sensitivity to emotions, like Felix's ability to read
people. But it's more than that. It comes with a price."
"What price?" Debbie asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Felix hesitated before answering. "Every person who inherits this ability is bound to serve the family's interests. My parents expect me to eventually take over the… business."
"What business?" Debbie pressed.
"A sort of consultancy," Aiden explained, choosing his words carefully. "Felix's gift makes him invaluable to powerful people—politicians, CEOs, even royalty. His insights have helped us build connections and influence across the globe."
Debbie's stomach turned. "So… you want him to give up his own life to serve yours?"
"It's not that simple," Lila said gently. "Felix can still live his life, but there are expectations. And those
expectations extend to the people he chooses to be with."
Debbie froze, the implication clear. "You mean me."
Felix's hand tightened around hers. "They're just
worried about how it might a ect you, Debbie. This
world… it's complicated."
Debbie pulled her hand away, her mind spinning. "I
can't believe this," she said, standing abruptly. "You
knew this, Felix. You knew, and you still brought me
here?"
"I thought you'd understand," Felix said, his voice
pained.
"How could I possibly understand this?" she shot back,her voice breaking.