Kai's POV
Neon lights. Heavy bass music. Clink of glasses. Laughter. Wild crowd. For the first time in my life, I want to dare cross the line—disobey the golden rule of my father, whom I owe everything to. I want to get wasted. I want to make out. I want to party all night. But being the successor of the Montclair Empire—I have no freedom and everything in my life was planned.
"Just tell him, Kai…" Ezra, my best friend, sounded more desperate than I am. "You've been carrying this since forever. Come on! It's now or never."
My breath was heavy and full of misery. "He's old school, Ezra. He would…hate me."
He groaned. "Hate is too much, Kai. I don't think a father could hate their child for being gay. You've been hiding yourself in the dark. Aren't you tired? Or are you ashamed for liking men?"
"No!" I violently shook my head. "Of course not! I'm not ashamed. It's just that… I…don't know how to tell him. I'm afraid he'd look at me differently once he learned about it."
"Argh!" Ezra hissed. "We always have to take the risk to make progress."
I bit my bottom lip. "But…"
"The harm wouldn't always be inevitable, but at least you're true to yourself. Right?"
True to myself. When did I even become true to myself? I couldn't even admit to anyone that I like men—not even to my own father.
"The thing is, I'm the only one who can carry our last name, Ezra. My sibling is a woman, and she'll be changing her last name soon."
"Doesn't mean, you're forbidden to be what you are. I understand that you're scared, but your situation will get more complicated if you don't act now. The sooner, the better."
A heavy sigh—a sign of frustration and defeat.
My eyes roamed around the place. Everyone is having a good time—drinking, dancing, making out. Why can I have the freedom to do all those things?
"Sir, your father demands your presence at home."
I lifted my head up to my bodyguard. "It's two hours before my curfew, Thorn. Give me peace."
He bowed his head. "Orders, sir. Your sister suddenly arrived with his fiancee,"
My forehead creased. "What?"
"Miss Kei is at home and currently waiting for you."
From the corner of my eyes, I saw Ezra cupped his mouth.
My jaw tensed as I pulled myself up. I looked at Ezra, and he understood my stare. I walked past Thorn, and he followed me with enough distance between us. The crowd–even wild and busy, paved the way for me as I walked towards the exit.
"He's a Montclair—rude and snob."
"But he's loved by girls. Look at those expressive eyes—so cold and yet so gentle."
"Cut it. There's a rumor he's gay."
I did not dare look back, or even flinch by the words that reached my ears. Everyone envies me, but I know that not everyone likes me. Being the President of the Montclair Empire, I need to keep my reputation clean by not involving in fights, and not fueling the rumors.
Like a sacred monument impossible to ignore, the Montclair residence rose with perfect symmetry—a place that's like a prison for me.
"I prefer a flawless wedding. Investors will be there, and the press too." My father's voice sound so cold, but the excitement was in it.
I heard a soft, feminine chuckle. "Dad, it's a wedding and not some kind of campaign."
"It's a strategic event, darling. This will show that the Montclair is not just wealthy, but powerful. And given that you're marrying an outstanding lawyer—it will be a big performance for both the press and the investors."
"Oh, dad!" My kind sister groaned. "I hate cameras."
"I am pretty sure Zane won't mind."
"I don't, sir." That voice—baritone, rich, masculine, and dominant. I remember the sound of it while spitting poisonous words, while shaming me.
I shrugged my head.
"How about Kai? Will he be there?"
"He will be there, darling." My duty was already assigned.
"We haven't talked much since I left. How is he, dad?"
"He's fine. Managing the company. He's perfect at his job. The company has been doing well, and is continuously growing under his leadership. Your brother is a business prodigy, Kei."
Dad's compliment should make me happy, but it made me feel suffocated.
"I'm wondering when he will get married. He's of age, too."
"I prefer him to focus on the family business for now. There is plenty of time ahead of him to date. Besides, I haven't found a decent woman suitable for him."
I showed myself—interrupting their conversation.
"Kai!" My sister immediately noticed me. She looked so happy as she ran towards me, and hugged me so tight. She's tall, but I'm taller. My arms—not too masculine, wrapped around her body.
"Oh my! You!" She hugged me tighter. "You didn't even call me while I was away."
I chuckled, and kissed her hair. "I've been busy, sis."
She looked up at me—lips puckered. My sister looked younger when she's with me because I'm taller, and her face was so small. She's a great woman and kind sister. "My little brother looked older than me."
I smiled, and shifted my gaze from her to dad, and to the man standing beside him.
Like a wall with legs—standing in the middle of the living area, eyes fixed on mine. No patience at all. He looked extremely powerful and arrogant. Zane Blackwood, the heartless lawyer—people labeled him as the devil in the courtroom, the total opposite of my warm-hearted sister. Reason why I was so shocked when I heard that they're together.
"Come!" Kei held my hand. "I'll introduce you to my fiancee."
I let Kei dragged me—closing the distance between us and her fiancee.
My breath entangled even when i'm trying so hard to calm down. My heart racing like a drumbeat inside my chest. My inner thoughts turning chaotic.
I'm already tall, but now that we're face to face, our height difference was emphasized. He towered me in merciless gaze—overwhelming me with his presence like a sudden storm—violent, dramatic, and unforgiving.
I never expected to meet him again this way.
"Zane, this is my younger brother Kai. Kai, this is my fiancee Zane Blackwood." Kei moved her face closer to me with an attempt to whisper, so I bent down a little. "He's a smart and cunning lawyer. I bet you'd get along with him."
Zane' eyes were dripping with coldness. I don't know if he can recognize me, but I'm praying not.
Suddenly, the air around felt tight as the corner of his lips rose into a mischievous grin. I don't know if it's just me, or I really saw his eyes flickered with playfulness. "It's nice to formally meet you…Kai Montclair."
He knows… He remembers… If this is a joke—it's not funny at all.