From this chapter forward, this story will be told in the third person POV, following both Kayden and Thaddeus's perspective to be better to show each side of their emotions and thoughts.
Thanks for your support.
Kayden woke up before sunrise.
He hadn't needed an alarm. Today, he was determined to take control of his own story. No more dragging his feet, no more pretending he didn't care. He was going to school on his own terms. No pushing, no reminders from Thaddeus, and most importantly, no ride in the black Audi.
He dressed with quiet precision, slipping into a fitted shirt and dark jeans. He styled his hair with quick fingers and checked himself in the mirror once before heading downstairs. His backpack hung loosely off one shoulder, his phone tucked into his back pocket.
Thaddeus was already by the door, adjusting the cuffs of his suit. He looked flawless, as always dark tie, clean-shaven, every button in place. His briefcase rested beside him, and the scent of his cologne lingered faintly in the air.
Kayden didn't pause.
"Morning, Uncle Thad," he said quickly, avoiding eye contact as he brushed past him and reached for the door.
Thaddeus barely had time to turn. You're up early.
But Kayden was already outside, the door shutting behind him with a soft click.
A minute passed before the front door opened again. This time, it was the driver. He stepped inside quietly and walked toward the entryway where the household's car keys were kept on a sleek, wall-mounted tray beside the stairs.
He placed a key back in its slot and turned to Thaddeus, who was adjusting the cuff of his sleeve.
He's not coming with me today, the driver said calmly.
Thaddeus raised an eyebrow. Why not? Did something happen?
The driver shook his head. He told me he's fine. Said he didn't need a ride.
Thaddeus's expression hardened slightly. "Then how is he getting to class?"
He said a friend is picking him up.
There was a pause.
"What friend?"
I don't know him well, the driver replied. I've seen him once. Back when I picked Kayden up from the campus gate.They were sitting together.
"Have you seen them together often?"
No, sir. Looks like a new friend. First time I saw them talking was just recently.
Thaddeus didn't say anything else. He gave a short nod and checked the time. The driver picked up another key from the tray, one assigned to the car Thaddeus preferred for work days and headed back outside to pull the vehicle around.
Thaddeus followed moments later, face unreadable, but his mind no longer on the day's schedule.
A new friend.
Kayden had barely interacted with anyone since he starting school. He kept to himself, quiet and guarded. And now, suddenly, he was close enough to someone to ride with him?
The elevator doors opened directly onto the executive floor. Thaddeus Grey stepped out, his posture composed, movements precise. His assistant, Elisa, was already waiting with a clipboard in hand. Her heels clicked against the polished floor as she walked briskly beside him.
"Good morning, Mr. Grey," she said, matching his pace. You have a 10 a.m. meeting with the investors from Milan. The quarterly finance sheet needs your signature, and Legal is waiting for final approval on the revised partnership clause for the Yanth merger.
Thaddeus gave a short nod and took the clipboard, flipping through the documents as they walked toward his office. He signed where needed, adding brief notes and corrections in sharp, efficient strokes.
Reschedule the meeting with Wallace to next Monday, he said. I need more time to finalize that presentation.
"Yes, sir."
As the glass door to his office slid open, Thaddeus stepped inside without pause. The room was spacious, cold-toned, and minimalistic, exactly the way he preferred it. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretched across the far wall, offering a panoramic view of the city. But he didn't glance outside.
His thoughts weren't on the skyline.
They were still at home.
Thaddeus's pen had paused mid-signature.
"A friend?"
The knot forming in his chest said otherwise.
He shook the thought off and turned his attention to the screen in front of him. Numbers made sense. Forecasts and quarterly reports were easier to face than the mess of emotion unraveling back home.
"Sir," Elisa said again as she stepped inside, placing another file on his desk. The media team sent over three host profiles for the charity gala. They'd like your decision by this afternoon.
Thaddeus scanned the pages, but the names barely registered.
"Choose whoever fits best."
"Yes, Mr. Grey."
She didn't leave immediately. Also, the foundation team asked if you'll be bringing a guest this year.
His eyes flicked up.
"No."
She nodded and walked out without another word.
Thaddeus leaned back in his chair, fingers laced together as he stared at the ceiling. The question came to him unprompted, quiet but persistent.
Why am I even worried?
He had asked his driver about Kayden's new friend without thinking much of it, but now the thought lingered. He told himself it was normal. Kayden was a student. Making friends was part of that life. There was nothing unusual about it.
Still, something about the answer had unsettled him.
He shifted in his seat and glanced at the untouched report on his desk. His mind refused to focus.
Am I worried about him like a father would be?
The idea didn't sit right.
Or was it something else?
He couldn't explain the tightness in his chest or why the thought of Kayden growing close to someone else made him uneasy. He didn't like not having answers. Logic had always been his foundation. Everything had to make sense.
But Kayden never made sense.
And that was what scared him the most.
Back in class, Kayden sat beside Darren, who seemed more energetic than usual. During the break, Darren introduced Kayden to a few of his friends. They were loud, friendly, and full of stories, making Kayden feel like he was part of something for the first time since school started. The more time he spent with Darren, the easier it became to smile again. School didn't feel like a burden anymore. It almost felt normal.
After class, the group decided to go out for a quick drink. Darren turned to Kayden with an easy grin.
"Coming with us?"
Kayden hesitated for a moment, then gave a small nod. "Yeah, it's fine."
The class had ended later than usual, and instead of heading home like he normally would, Kayden followed the group. Laughter filled the air, drinks passed around, and time slipped away faster than expected.
Meanwhile, Thaddeus arrived home much later than usual. He stepped inside expecting silence, but found the maids still awake in the living room. He paused, removing his coat.
"Why are you still up?" he asked, eyebrows drawn together.
One of the maids stepped forward, her hands folded politely in front of her.
"Sir, Kayden hasn't returned home yet. We were waiting."
Thaddeus's eyes widened slightly. He glanced at the wall clock. It was 11:16 p.m.
"Go to bed. I'll wait for him," he said, his voice quiet but firm.
The maids nodded respectfully and retreated to their quarters.
Thaddeus remained in the living room for another hour. He had gone upstairs briefly to shower and change into his sleepwear, but the restlessness pulled him back down. By 12:14 a.m., just as he was about to check his phone again, headlights swept across the windows.
He moved toward the window and saw a car stop in front of the house. Kayden stepped out, smiling faintly, clearly in good spirits. Thaddeus watched silently as he walked toward the front door.
The moment Kayden stepped into the house, he saw Thaddeus sitting at the dining table. Their eyes met briefly.
You're still awake? Kayden asked as he entered, surprised to find Thaddeus at the table.
He didn't get far.
"Where are you coming from?" Thaddeus's voice cut through the quiet room.
Kayden paused mid-step. He turned slightly. "I went out with friends."
Thaddeus looked at him for a long second. "Did you check the time?"
"Yes, I did."
Thaddeus held back the frustration tightening in his chest. "Why didn't you let the driver take you to school today?"
Kayden shrugged. "I don't like him taking me."
"Then drive yourself," Thaddeus said, his tone sharper.
"I'm too lazy to drive," Kayden replied plainly.
"Kayden," Thaddeus called, his voice lowering with tension.
Kayden turned fully to face him. "Uncle Thad, don't worry. My friend will pick me up and bring me home."
"Approved by who?"
"Approved by me," Kayden replied without hesitation.
There was a pause, a heavy silence between them.
"If you can't take me to school and bring me back, then don't bother worrying about me," he added. "I'm tired. I need to rest."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked upstairs.
Thaddeus stayed at the table, his hands folded, gaze fixed on the space Kayden had just walked through. The echo of his footsteps faded, but the weight of his words lingered, he wasn't sure if what stung more was Kayden's distance or the fact that it was his fault.