The heavy wooden door to the study loomed before Andrew, his fingers trembling as they wrapped around the cold brass handle. It was a stark contrast to the controlled, calm façade he had carefully built, the walls he'd constructed to shield his emotions. His breath came in shallow, ragged gasps as he hesitated, every instinct screaming at him to turn and flee. But the weight of what awaited him on the other side, the knowledge that his future—his very purpose—hung in the balance, kept him rooted to the spot.
He couldn't escape. Not now. Not when Ji-Won's safety depended on what came next. He had come this far. To protect him, he had to endure whatever storm brewed behind that door. He had no choice but to press on, to gain the power that would keep him—and Ji-Won—safe.
Inside, muffled voices surged through the cracks of the door, rising and falling in frustration. Andrew stiffened, every nerve in his body straining to catch the faintest echo of what was being said. Even without fully understanding the words, he knew what was happening. His grandfather's rage, long brewing, was finally spilling over. And at the center of it all—he was the cause.
"I can't believe you did this. You never fail to disappoint me," the Chairman's voice sliced through the air, sharp, disbelieving, tinged with betrayal.
Andrew recoiled as though the words were meant for him, his heart hammering in his chest. His hand moved instinctively, pressing against the door as he leaned in, straining to hear more.
"But Father, Andrew is your own blood too. Is it hard to accept him?" The Vice Chairman's voice, raw and tinged with frustration, cut through the tension.
"Is it because of Seung—Ah?!" the Vice Chairman's words echoed in the room, and Andrew felt the sharp sting of his father's reaction.
"Don't you ever mention that name in front of me! Because of her, your life is a mess. You've become a disappointment to me, and to this family!" The Chairman's voice was laced with an anger so deep it reverberated through the walls.
A long, heavy silence followed, thick enough that Andrew could almost feel it suffocating him. His thoughts swirled in a maelstrom of doubt. The weight of it all pressed down on him—his existence, his blood, the lies that had been built around him. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, swallowing the bitterness that threatened to overtake him.
"You've always jeopardized everything. Do you realize that?" the Chairman's voice cracked, revealing the vulnerability hidden beneath the mask of power. "You thought you could play God with your own son's life... now because you want him to announce his existence?"
Andrew's heart twisted painfully. He was nothing but a pawn—a tool to be used when needed. But even so, he had to endure. He had to play the part if he wanted to gain the strength to protect Ji-Won. And that, above all, was the only thing that mattered.
The Vice Chairman's voice softened, but the edge of frustration was still palpable. "But we can't deny, Father, that he is part of this family. He has every right to claim it. Even if he has more right than Youn-Jae."
Andrew winced. The mention of Youn-Jae, the golden heir, made the situation feel even more suffocating.
"After hiding him for so long, and now you want me to accept him... that easily?" The Chairman's words came out in a low growl, dripping with resentment.
Another long silence followed, the tension so thick it could be cut with a knife. Andrew stood motionless in the hallway, pressing his ear harder against the door, his body rigid with the weight of it all. He wanted to turn away. He wanted to leave, to run. But he couldn't. Not now.
"Was this really the consequence of being part of their world? The question kept swirling in his mind, gnawing at him. A world of lies, of manipulation, of power struggles, of broken families."
"This is enough!" the Chairman barked again, his voice weary and drained. "I don't want to hear any more of your excuses or explanations. The damage is done, but that doesn't mean it's over. You're going to give me a heart attack, Seo-Joon." Just then he called for Mr. Kim, instructing him to bring Andrew before him. Mr. Kim immediately complied, striding quickly toward the door. As the door creaked open, Andrew's heart leapt into his throat where he waited just outside. He froze, eyes widening, both dreading the confrontation and fearing he'd already been discovered. Before he could gather himself, Mr. Kim emerged from the study, his presence like a shadow. Upon seeing Andrew, he gave a short bow and spoke calmly, "Young Master, please come inside. Your grandfather wishes to see you."
Andrew didn't respond at first. His mind was spinning, his heart racing. But he didn't have a choice. Slowly, he followed Mr. Kim as the older man led him into the lion's den. He felt like a lamb being led to slaughter, but there was no turning back.
As he stepped into the study, the Vice Chairman stood behind a polished desk, his posture stiff, his eyes cold. The Chairman, meanwhile, stood with his back to them, facing the window, his shoulders taut with unspoken frustration.
Mr. Kim cleared his throat. "Chairman," he announced, his voice respectful.
The Chairman turned then, his face drawn, his gaze hard. He took a deep breath, as if steeling himself for what he was about to say.
"I want to be honest," the Chairman began, his voice betraying the weight of his words. "I'm not happy about this. But you still have a part to play in this family. I can't deny that my blood runs through you, Andrew. But understand this—this is not a world for the weak-hearted. If you want to survive here, you must prove yourself. I despise worthless people like your father!"
Andrew stood tall, locking eyes with the Chairman, determination hardening his expression. "I will prove my worth, sir."
The Chairman studied him for a long moment, his gaze inscrutable. Finally, he gave a stiff nod, as if he had made a decision. "Very well. You are part of this family now. But understand this—you will have to earn your place. This is not a gift. Not a mercy."
Andrew nodded, swallowing the bitter weight of the words. He had no choice but to walk this path. To endure whatever came next.
"One more thing," the Chairman said, his voice icy and calculating. "With your father's birthday party coming up next month, I will publicly acknowledge your existence. You will be introduced as my heir, a member of this family. I expect you to be prepared for that. You'll also meet your uncle then, but for now, let's keep him in the background—I don't want to stir up any more drama as we make our preparations."
Andrew's breath caught in his throat. He had expected this moment, had prepared himself for it in a hundred different ways. But hearing it from the Chairman's lips made the reality sink in like a cold, sharp blade. His life—his identity—was no longer his own.
He had been forced into a world beyond his control, but the one thing that kept him moving forward was the thought of Ji-Won—of shielding him, of keeping him safe from the darkness that loomed.
Mr. Kim stepped forward, breaking the silence. "Chairman," he said, his voice as steady as always. "Shall I take Andrew upstairs to one of the rooms?"
The Chairman didn't reply immediately, his gaze lingering on Andrew for a long moment. Finally, he turned away. "Yes, take him upstairs. He'll remain here."
Andrew nodded, his heart pounding, but he didn't speak. He followed Mr. Kim out of the study, feeling the weight of his future pressing down on him with every step.
If this is the price, the cost I must bear,
To protect you, I'll do whatever it takes—even give my life, which only you can hold and restore.
I'll carry it all, without a word of complaint,
Loving you with a heart that's never grown faint.
How foolish I am, letting my heart race,
In so little time, yet from our first embrace,
My heart sang, lost in a waking dream,
In this delicate, fragile space we seem.
In your arms, in your gaze, I find release,
A moment's peace, a quiet ease.
I've seen what's true, what I can't defy—
This love for you, though I may try.
Though your heart may call another's name,
Mine is yours, without fear or shame.
Run to me when the world grows cold;
I'll be waiting, no matter what they hold.
For I am a fool, to love without end,
Chasing a dream, with my heart to defend.
The story doesn't end here...
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