The house felt empty, save for the constant hum of Kelvin's thoughts. He had been up late again, buried in family documents and emails, the pressure of the upcoming family meeting slowly draining the energy from him. His thoughts kept drifting to the young woman earlier, her laughter, her beauty… but he quickly pushed it away, focusing instead on what was ahead.
Kelvin had barely settled in after bringing the twins home when the sound of a car pulling into the driveway caught his attention. From the window, he spotted Darren Mason stepping out of his sleek black sports car, wearing his usual carefree smirk.
Darren Mason has always been a good friend of Kelvin Prescott, they've been best of friends since childhood.
Darren and Kelvin's relationship is built on years of friendship, mutual understanding, and shared experiences as heirs to powerful empires. Unlike Kelvin, who is often burdened by family expectations and struggles with his responsibilities, Darren approaches his role with a more carefree attitude—at least on the surface.
Despite both being heirs to massive fortunes, Darren and Kelvin's friendship has never been about competition. They met in elite circles—perhaps at an exclusive boarding school or through family connections, but instead of seeing each other as rivals, they became each other's escape from the pressures of their respective legacies.
Kelvin is more serious, strategic, and carries the weight of his responsibilities heavily. Darren, on the other hand, is the charming, reckless one who makes it seem like he doesn't care—though deep down, he does. While Kelvin battles his family's control over his life, Darren often pretends he has everything under control, masking his own struggles.
Darren isn't just a rich playboy; he's the heir to an empire of his own. His family controls a luxury hotel chain, and a media conglomerate. Unlike Kelvin's traditional, power-hungry family, Darren's family is more about public image, innovation, and influence. However, Darren has his own battles he has a complicated relationship with his father who sees him as a disappointment.
Kelvin keeps Darren grounded, reminding him that life isn't just about parties and smooth talk. Darren, in turn, reminds Kelvin to live a little and not let duty suffocate him. They balance each other—Kelvin is the strategist, and Darren is the smooth talker who can charm his way out of anything.
Both of them know that no matter how much they resist, their legacies will catch up to them. But they also know they won't face it alone.
......
The doorbell rang, pulling him from his mental spiral. He wasn't expecting anyone, but then again, he never really expected Darren Mason to announce his presence with anything less than an explosive entrance.
Darren: Kelvin, open up!
Darren's voice rang out from the other side of the door, followed by the sound of someone knocking as if they didn't have all night.
Kelvin sighed and walked over to the door, barely looking up as he opened it. His best friend stood there with his typical grin, wearing a suit that screamed business but his whole attitude clearly shouted "fun."
Darren: What's up, man?
Darren slapped him on the shoulder as he entered, moving past him without hesitation.
Darren: You still buried in that family nonsense? You look like you've aged ten years since I last saw you.
Kelvin didn't respond at first, still standing in the doorway, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth despite himself. "
Kelvin: I've got a lot on my plate, Darren. This meeting…
Darren waved his hand dismissively, already heading toward the living room.
Darren: It's always complicated with your family. You need to stop stressing about it.
He plopped himself down on the couch, sprawling out with a sigh of exaggerated relief.
Kelvin: I just don't like leaving things unresolved
Kelvin said, following him, leaning against the back of the couch.
Darren: Oh, come on. It's the same old game with them. Your dad, your siblings—they've been playing the power struggle for years. You've got more important things to worry about.
Kelvin sat down next to him, rubbing his jaw.
Kelvin: Like what? I have no idea what they want from me.
Darren: You can't keep avoiding the fun side of life, man, Darren said, suddenly serious. He leaned forward, fixing Kelvin with an intense look. "You need to stop hiding in your office and get out of this house. You need to have some fun, or this whole 'business-only' routine is going to eat you alive."
Kelvin frowned.
Kelvin: I'm not in the mood for 'fun.'
Darren: Look, I'm not asking you to join a circus, I'm asking you to—
Darren cut himself off, clearly formulating an idea. His face lit up as a plan began to take shape in his mind.
Darren: I know exactly what you need.
Kelvin raised an eyebrow. What are you talking about?
Darren: You're going out tonight. We're hitting a club, my friend. You're going to have a good time. And I know just the place where you can forget about the meeting, your family, and everything else for a few hours. You're going to pick a woman, have a drink, enjoy the night. No more business talk. No more family talk. Just you and some fun.
Kelvin shook his head, already feeling that familiar resistance rising within him.
Kelvin: Darren, I'm really not in the mood for…
Darren: Stop it.
Darren's voice was firm. He leaned in, his eyes locking with Kelvin's.
Darren: You've been working nonstop. You think staring at your phone or reading about your family drama is going to solve anything? You need to unwind, let off some steam. You haven't had a real break in months.
Kelvin's first instinct was to resist, but something about Darren's unrelenting energy was hard to ignore. Maybe it was the exhaustion creeping in or the way his life seemed to be falling into a repetitive pattern, but the thought of escaping for a night—of being someone else for just a few hours—suddenly seemed appealing, even if just for a moment.
Kevin: I don't need a woman to relax, Darren
Kelvin muttered, looking away
Darren grinned, unfazed.
Darren: No one's asking you to marry her. Just get out of here and have some fun. Forget about being the perfect father and perfect son. Forget about the estate and all that other junk for one night. I'll take care of everything. Just show up.
Kelvin hesitated, the weight of his responsibilities pulling at him, but Darren's infectious energy pushed him forward. He hadn't let go in so long; maybe it was time to let someone else take control of his night...
Before kelvin could give a definite answer , the sharp chime of the doorbell interrupted them. A moment later, Lila stepped inside, her presence as gracious as ever. Dressed in a simple yet sexy bodycon dress. She was stunned to see Kelvin had guest, A familiar guest. She wasn't expecting Darren Mason to be there.
Darren: Ohh Hellooo….who do we have here?
Lila: Hi Mr mason.
Darren: If it's isn't the Legendary P.A…
Lila: Ohh you flatter me Mr Mason….
~Lila responded feeling shy and uneasy but trying to keep it professional
Darren: Oh please please, Stop with the formalities, Call me Darren
~he stands up and walks towards Lila, stretching forth his hand. Lila stretches out her hands too as Darren leaves a light kiss on the back of her palm and offering her to a seat.
Lila: Such a gentleman…Thank you
Kelvin who has been watching them knowing fully well his friend is trying to flirt with his P.A finally speaks..
Kelvin: You came…
Lila: Well I keep my words
Kelvin: Hmmm, thanks for coming even though it wasn't really necessary.
There was a change of expression on Lila's mood but she manages to keep them in check…
Lila: Well i just thought…
Kelvin: oh it's okay. Don't stress it! ~Kelvin said cutting Lila off abruptly
Lila:uhm I assume you've read the agenda for tomorrow's meeting? ~Lila shrugs of kelvin's cold shoulders
Kelvin: What??
Lila folded her arms
Lila : Well, you should know that your father isn't just calling a meeting. He's making an announcement. And trust me, you're going to want to be prepared for this.
Kelvin: I know!
~ As Kelvin, Darren, and Lila discussed the upcoming family meeting, the sound of small, quick footsteps echoed down the hallway. Moments later, Elena appeared in the doorway, her face lighting up the second she saw the familiar faces in the room.
Elena: Uncle Darren!! ~she squealed, dashing straight toward him.
Darren barely had time to brace himself before the young woman launched into his arms. He scooped her up effortlessly, spinning her once before settling her on his lap.
Darren: There's my favorite troublemaker! Did you miss me?
Elena giggled.
Elena: You haven't visited in forever! ~She crossed her arms, pretending to pout. "Are you too busy being fancy?"
Darren chuckled.
Darren: Guilty as charged. But I'm here now, aren't I?
Just then, Elena's gaze shifted to Lila, who sat nearby with her usual composed demeanor. "Auntie Lila!" Elena scrambled off Darren's lap and hurried to Lila, wrapping her tiny arms around her waist!
Lila, who wasn't known for outward affection, softened as she ruffled Elena's hair.
Lila: You're growing into a fine young woman, Soon, you'll be running this place.
Elena grinned up at her.
Elena: well You already do that!
Darren let out a dramatic sigh. "Even the kids know it."
Kelvin shook his head in amusement.
Kelvin: Alright, alright, enough fun.
Darren burst out laughing while Lila pressed a hand to her temple.
Darren :She really is your daughter, Kelvin.
Kelvin: No doubt about it.
Darren:I like your spirit, kid. Remind me to put you on my security team when you become legal
Elena: CANT WAIT!!!
As the conversation about the family meeting settled, Darren leaned back into the couch, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. He tapped his fingers on the armrest before casually asking,
Darren: So, where's the little prince? Haven't seen Aiden yet.
Kelvin sighed, already expecting this. Without missing a beat, he called out
Kelvin: Aiden! Get in here.
A few seconds later, Aiden strolled into the living room, hands in his pockets, his usual calm yet sharp-eyed expression in place. He glanced between Darren and Lila, nodding in greeting before fixing his gaze on his father.
Aiden: You called?
Darren:. There he is! The future heir of the almighty Kelvin Empire.
Aiden rolled his eyes.
Aiden: Not this again.
Kelvin smirked as he leaned forward.
Kelvin: You might as well get used to it. Someday, you'll be the one running things.
Aiden:That's assuming I even want it.
Darren let out a dramatic gasp.
Darren: Blasphemy! Your father built an empire, and you just want to—what?—reject it and live a normal life?
Aiden raised an eyebrow. "Pretty much."
Lila : He has a point. Not everyone is eager to be thrown into a world of business takeovers and power struggles.
Darren scoffed.
Darren: You're no fun, Lila.He turned back to Aiden. Alright, kid, let's make a deal. If you ever change your mind, I'll personally train you in the art of corporate dominance.
Aiden: ~ smirked— Noted. Now, was there an actual reason you called me in here, or was this just an ambush?
Kelvin: That's all for now. You can go.
Aiden:Good. I need to pack anyway.
Lila: Do you need help?
Aiden: Nope, I got it.
~And with that, he turned and left the room.
Darren watched him go before exhaling.
Darren: Man, he really is your kid. Same attitude and everything. Anyways….So kelvin, what do you say? Off to a little adventure tonight? Just to clear your head and put you back on your game against tomorrow??
kelvin: Alright! ~ Kelvin said reluctantly, standing up from the couch to go get a drink from the bar, Fine. One night. But if this turns into a disaster, I'm blaming you."
"Deal," Darren said with a laugh, already pulling his phone out.
Darren: You just show up, and I'll do the rest.
~ Lila, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up, crossing her arms.
Lila: What adventure?
Darren: Well I'm on a quest to help kelvin here clear his head, I'm gonna take him somewhere entertaining.
Lila: Define 'entertaining.
Darren leaned in.
Darren: Somewhere with good drinks, no stress, and very beautiful women who won't ask about your last name.
Lila: Absolutely not!!
Kelvin: Excuse me????
Lila: Uhmm…what I meant is that…I meant that…As your P.A and secretary, I have your best interest in heart and I think you should rest against tomorrow….
Kelvin: Relax, Lila, It's just for a few hours!
Darren: It'll also help him de-stress!
Lila: Fine. Do what you want.
~She turned on her heel and called out, Elena, let's go. We have packing to do.
Elena ran into the room, looking between them.
Elena: Where's Daddy going?
Lila gave her a reassuring smile.
Lila: Nowhere important, sweetheart. Come on, let's get your things ready
.........
Darren: Ouuuuuu, look at that steam, you seeing what I'm seeing? (leaning back, teasing)
Kelvin: (eyes narrowed, annoyed) What are you talking about, Donovan?
Darren: You're blind, you know that? (smirking)
Kelvin: Actually I can see that you're pretty crazy though
Darren: Lila. Come on. How long have you known her? You really can't see it?
Kelvin: See what? She's my assistant, Darren. She's professional.
Darren: (chuckling) Yeah, professional… but also head over heels for you.
KELVIN: (rolling his eyes) This again? I told you before, there's nothing going on between us. She's been around forever, but she knows where the line is.
Darren: (sitting up, more serious now) You're not that dense. I've seen how she looks at you, how she stands a little closer when she talks to you, how she doesn't let anyone else take your calls. Hell, the way she snapped at you earlier, like she was protecting her turf? You don't think that's anything?
Kelvin: ~ Scoffing. You're reading too much into this. She's just doing her job. I don't need you playing matchmaker, Darren
Darren: You really think she's just doing her job? I've been watching her for years now, and if that's "just doing her job," then she's got a hell of a way of hiding it. Trust me, she likes you. More than you think.
Kelvin: Stop it. You don't know what you're talking about. Lila's not like that. She's been my assistant for years, and she's never given me a reason to think otherwise.
Darren: And you haven't given her a reason to think otherwise either. You're so damn arrogant that you can't even see someone who actually cares about you—beyond what you can give them.
Kelvin:You're delusional. She's got her life, and I've got mine. There's nothing else to it.
Darren: (sighing, leaning back in his seat) You really are the most stubborn man I know. But whatever, keep pretending. You won't notice it until she's gone, and then you'll be left with nothing but regrets.
Kelvin:I'm not in the mood for this Darren drop it.
Darren: Fine, fine. But mark my words: one day, you'll see it. And by then, it might be too late.
kelvin: I don't need your advice.
~ Kelvin walks off heading to the car, leaving Donovan alone with a knowing smirk on his face. Donovan takes a sip of his drink, thinking to himself before running to catch up with kelvin
Darren: (to himself) You're an idiot, Kelvin. But you'll figure it out eventually.
And with that, the two men headed out for a night that was sure to be anything but ordinary…..