The next morning, Ethan found himself lying in an unfamiliar room. The space was cozy, and beside the bed where he lay, a window framed the soft daylight. He propped himself up and began to take in his surroundings When a boy entered the room, he was wearing normal and comfortable clothes. . It was none other than Daniel, carrying a tray. On the tray were two cups of coffee. Daniel placed the tray on the table beside the bed, just below the window, and handed one of the cups to Ethan, who remained seated on the edge of the bed. "Have some coffee," Daniel said. Ethan accepted the cup and replied, "Thanks." Daniel then asked, "How are you feeling?" he replied "much better" "Then Daniel said in a dramatic tone, teasing Ethan, 'I didn't know our perfectionist, crazy guy is such a crybaby.' Then he laughed." Ethan felt embarrassed and said, "It's just basic human nature," while hiding his face and taking a sip of coffee afterwards. "They had fun, talking and playfully roasting each other in a friendly manner, as they finished their coffee."Daniel made a serious face and asked Ethan, "So, Ethan, will you tell Alicia about how you feel?" Ethan looked a little confused and replied in a low tone, as if he were still holding back and not fully accepting his true feelings, "I can't." Daniel let out a deep sigh, rubbing a hand over his face in frustration. "Come on, bro, just tell her. Or I swear I'll spill the beans about how you feel."
Ethan shook his head vehemently. "No way. Just don't."
"Why are you holding back, Ethan? Is it because of your father?" Daniel pressed, concern etched on his features.
Ethan's gaze dropped, the weight of his answer hanging heavy in the air. "Yes." "Daniel asked, 'Tell me you like her, right?' Ethan looked confused and replied, 'I don't know.' Frustration washed over Daniel as he urged, 'Ethan, for God's sake, stop being stupid and decide!' Ethan sighed, the weight of indecision pressing down on him. "Bro, listen, I know you're confused between your feelings for her and your father's expectations." "Ethan said in a low tone, 'I'm scared.' Daniel looked at him and asked, 'What?' Ethan continued, his voice barely above a whisper, 'I'm scared to lose what we have right now. What if I propose to her and she rejects me? What if, after that, she doesn't even want to talk to me anymore and feels uncomfortable? What will I do then, huh?'
Daniel hesitated before responding, 'But what if she accepts?'
Ethan pondered the question for a moment, his brow furrowing with doubt. Finally, he shook his head and murmured, 'No, she's not going to accept my proposal.'" "Daniel asked in frustration, 'How do you know if she's going to accept it or not?' Ethan replied, 'I don't feel like she's going to accept me. Just look at me—I'm worthless. I can't even make my own father feel proud, and my mother died because of me.' Daniel held his shoulders firmly, his expression turning serious. 'Bro, listen. You're a hundred times better than your father. Stop blaming yourself for your mother's death. She was sick, and she died after your birth because of her illness, not because of you. Stop thinking of yourself as a curse, Ethan. These are just excuses. Just tell her.' He spoke with a deep and somber tone, 'Before it's too late.' Ethan looked down, his voice barely a whisper as he said, "No." Daniel stood up, grabbing the tray of coffee, and quietly left the room, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air. Than Ethan looked down, overthinking until he remembered the first time he met Alicia Whitewood. It was the year 1995, Ethan was 15 year old one night during a grand ball held by Ethan's father, Rowan Ashford. The event celebrated the tenth anniversary of his company, which had become a high-profile enterprise that many could only dream of reaching. Many businessmen and women were present, chatting and enjoying the party when Ethan and his father entered the ballroom, both dressed in black suits. The atmosphere buzzed with chatter; some guests were animatedly discussing Rowan's company, while others engaged in gossip, and many were merely there for the free food or to gather intelligence on rival companies to gain an edge. As Rowan introduced his son, Ethan, to his companions and friends, he couldn't help but feel pride. Ethan had given an extraordinary piano performance, although he hadn't attended the event himself; he had only heard about it through his servant.
Just then, the gentle tap of a silver spoon against a glass resonated through the room, silencing the crowd as all eyes turned to a man in a suit adorned with four gold rings on each finger—Edward Kingsley. Edward, who was consumed by jealousy of Rowan's achievements, resented being second to him in everything. With a smirk, he said, "So, I heard you didn't attend your son's piano performance event. Can we know why? We heard your son gave an unbelievable performance, though you chose not to support him."
Edward knew the relationship between father and son was strained, and he saw this as an opportunity to humiliate Rowan. Rowan remained calm and silent, offering Edward a cold stare. After a moment, Ethan spoke up, "Because my father had an important event to attend. He already explained to me that he couldn't be there for my piano performance because of it."
Edward responded with a smile, "What kind of father abandons his own son's once-in-a-lifetime moment, the one where he actually matters, just to chase some business nonsense?" Ethan felt a pang of disappointment but masked his emotions with a smile. "You sure like to interfere in other people's families, am I right, Mr. Edward Kingsley?"
Irritated, Edward began, "What do you—" but before he could finish, Ethan interjected,"Well, I heard your son got arrested for smuggling drugs. Is it true?" Edward's face drained of color as shock washed over him; a tumultuous swirl of fear and curiosity gripped him. How had Ethan learned about this? He had entrusted every witness with a solemn vow of silence.
Ethan pressed on, his voice steady yet laced with an undercurrent of accusation. "You've known about this for a year. Why did you refuse to tell the police that you didn't know anything? How could you abandon your own child, leaving him to face the consequences of his actions? Am I right, sir?"
Fury ignited within Edward, and he forced a veneer of calm, plastering a false smile on his face as he trembled beneath the weight of scrutiny. "This kid is spouting nonsense; don't believe him," Edward scoffed dismissively. But just then, a voice sliced through the murmur of the crowd, elevating the tension. "If Ethan isn't telling the truth, then where is your son?"
The atmosphere shifted, a wave of whispered intrigue crashing over the guests as Edward stood frozen, dominated by uncertainty as questions rained down around him.
Then, Ethan boldly proclaimed, "I have proof." Calling out to Daniel, he commanded, "Mister Daniel, please summon our special guest, whom I invited personally."
Rowan's curiosity heightened; who had Ethan chosen to expose in this moment of escalating tension?
Moments later, a man entered with a commanding presence, his beard adding an air of authority that set the crowd abuzz. Edward's facade began to crumble, panic flaring in his eyes. "This is Leonard Sterling," Ethan announced, voice firm, "the head of the police department that arrested your son. Sir, would you care to explain the crimes committed by Mr. Edward's son?"
Leonard stood tall, the air thick with expectation. "As you all know me now, let me delve into details," he began. "Mr. Edward's son hasn't just been arrested once; he has a rap sheet that includes over fifteen arrests for multiple cases of rape, illegal trading, and drug smuggling. Each time, he was released on bail, thanks to his father. We were assigned to ensure his freedom because of Mr. Edward's greed and hefty payouts to us. But this time, we apprehended an entire gang of smugglers, and his son was caught in the crossfire. We had no choice but to arrest him, despite Mr. Edward's desperate pleas to keep this scandal under wraps to protect his name. But thanks to this young man, Mr. Ethan, we can finally unveil the truth, allowing us to keep our jobs while exposing the hindrances of corruption."
With a bow of respect, Leonard added, "I know I have acted shamelessly. Please grant me another chance."
Ethan smiled, his eyes glinting with quiet strength. "You've done well, Mr. Leonard. Now, you have one last act of repentance."
"I will do anything," Leonard said, determination gleaming in his eyes.
"Arrest Mr. Edward," Ethan commanded, his voice ringing clear through the ballroom. Gasps erupted, shock rippling through the guests as Edward's face drained of color. He stumbled backward, trembling, and fell to the ground, kneeling before Ethan. Fear gripped him as he met Ethan's gaze, a smiling face that struck him with dread, coiling around him like a serpent.
"Okay, as you wish, Sir Ethan," Leonard replied, stepping forward to fulfill the chilling directive that sealed Edward's fate. Edward knelt down, tears streaming down his face, overwhelmed by fear. He thought of Ethan as a devil. Leonard shackled his hands and began to lead him outside of the ballroom.
"Ethan then said, 'Stop,' and Leonard halted alongside Edward. Ethan moved toward Edward, leaning in to whisper in a low and menacing tone, 'Do you really think I will let you humiliate my father?'" "Ethan smiled and said, 'Take him away as far as possible, Leonard.' Leonard nodded and replied, 'Yes, sir,' before leading him away." They went away when he turned back, and everyone started clapping for him. His father gave him a faint smile. Ethan felt a flutter of happiness and turned to his father, asking, "Father, I would like to go to the balcony for some fresh air, if you don't mind." His father replied, "Okay, do whatever you want."
Ethan left the ballroom and stepped onto the balcony, gazing at the moon and savoring the silent solitude. He reflected on everything that had happened in the ballroom, especially the moment he told Edward about his son. Suddenly, he recalled how some people seek out the weaknesses of others, not to help, but to deride what they fear within themselves.
As he continued to remember his father's smile, a warmth spread through him. It was uplifting to see the man who usually behaved so coldly toward him look at him with comfort in his eyes, smiling with a pride that felt long overdue.
than he heard a girl voice who said "Humans hunt the weaknesses of their enemies and toy with them in front of everyone" Ethan turned around and spotted a girl his age, with flowing brown hair, warm brown eyes, and dressed in a white, princess-like gown.. He couldn't help but smile as he said, "So, you noticed that too, didn't you, Alicia Whitemore ?" Alicia smiled and, with a dramatic flair, replied, 'Oh my, it's an honor for me to know that our party hero of the night knows me!'" "Ethan leaned closer, his voice teasing as he said, 'Who doesn't know you?' Alicia Whitmore replied with a hint of playful pride, 'Looks like I'm popular.' Ethan continued, 'Well, you are the daughter of Mr. Duke, the biggest billionaire in the West.'
Alicia leaned against the railing of the balcony, a faint smile playing on her lips. Beneath it, there was a hint of discomfort, as if being recognized for her father's background sat uneasily with her. 'So, you know me because of my father's background, huh?' Alicia gazed at the moon, a flicker of disappointment shadowing her features, though a faint smile lingered on her lips. Meanwhile, Ethan pondered her background. "Alicia Whitmore, daughter of the wealthiest billionaire, Duke Whitmore," he mused. Known for her keen observational skills and remarkable ability to understand people's behavior, she effortlessly adapted to their personalities, intent on pursuing a future in psychology. Yet, beneath her poised exterior, she felt trapped by her father's rigid expectations, who insisted that she, as a woman, was destined only to marry well and forge connections for his benefit.
Alicia's voice rose, laced with a blend of amusement and frustration. "But who will remember me if all I do is play the role set for me?"
Ethan leaned against the balcony railing, his gaze fixed on the luminous moon. "Well, don't you agree? People only remember the powerful," he replied, a hint of challenge in his tone. Alicia asked, her voice tinged with a mixture of hope and despair. "So, am I weak?"
Ethan replied, his gaze steady. "Humans are not weak; they are shaped by their environment."
Alicia looked at him, noticing the crescent moon scar below his left eye. A thought flickered in her mind—there must be some pain he has suffered. Their eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between them. Then Ethan continued, "Like you. You're just shaped by your environment, wanting to pursue something, but your father is stopping you simply because you're a girl."
Alicia said dramatically, 'Looks like I'm talking to a stalker.' She sighed and replied, 'Yeah, you're right.' Then, looking down, her voice turned heavy with sadness. 'I want people to recognize me by my own achievements. I don't want my father's background to be the first thing they think of. Honestly, I'd prefer if no one remembered me at all.'
Ethan smiled and said, 'Nice goal.'
Alicia shot back, 'Don't you also want that, Ethan? Don't you want people to recognize you for your achievements instead of your father's?'
Ethan paused, thinking it over before saying, 'Well, I don't really care. I want only one person to recognize me. It doesn't matter if everyone else does or doesn't; I just want that one person's attention.'
Alicia laughed. 'You're weird.'
Ethan replied, 'All humans seem weird until you see life from their perspective.'
Alicia smiled and leaned closer to him. 'Philosopher type of mind, huh?'
Ethan inched closer, their faces nearly touching, as they gazed into each other's eyes, their connection palpable beneath the moonlight. Just as the air grew thick with unspoken words, a voice suddenly interrupted the moment. 'Oh my God, looks like I'm interrupting this romantic moment!'
Both Alicia and Ethan turned to see none other than Daniel. Instantly, they pulled apart, a rush of embarrassment flooding them, avoiding eye contact.
Daniel said dramatically, 'You both know that's illegal—you're minors!'
Alicia and Ethan shouted in unison, 'It's not like that!'
They exchanged flustered glances, both quick to look away, their faces burning with embarrassment.
Daniel smirked, 'Something something...' "
Ethan said "nothing"
Daniel said "something
Alicia said "nothing"
Daniel "somethings something"
Alicia and Ethan said in unison, "Nothing, nothing," both glancing at each other with embarrassment. They quickly looked away, attempting to hide their cheeks turning pink. Daniel laughed at their shared awkwardness, prompting both of them to jab him playfully in the face. Daniel fell back, and as he chuckled through the pain, he exclaimed, "Ouch! My nose is broken!" Ethan let out a long sigh, while Alicia burst into laughter. The night unfolded between the trio, filled with humorous moments that wove a lighthearted atmosphere around them.
and "That was so cool when you exposed Edward's son's secret!" Daniel exclaimed, excitement lighting up his eyes. Ethan, however, remained nonchalant. "It wasn't that impressive," he replied, a hint of indifference in his voice.
Alicia chimed in, "Well, I'm impressed by your strategic approach. You didn't tremble even once." Ethan felt a blush creep to his cheeks as Daniel shot him a teasing look.
Curious, Alicia asked, "How did you know something like this could happen? How did you know Edward would try to humiliate your father?" Ethan took a deep breath, finding his composure. "When I was reviewing the guest list for tonight's ballroom event, I noticed his name. I suspected he'd try something underhanded to embarrass my father. I've heard that whenever Edward harbors hatred for someone, he exploits their weaknesses—family issues, business failures, or corruption scandals. He despises my father, which made it clear he'd attempt to use any weakness related to him.
As you saw, he even tried to leverage me as a weakness against my father, thinking he could humiliate us both. But I was already one step ahead. I contacted my agent, who works for my father, and as his son, they'd agree to my request. I ordered them to dig up any weaknesses related to Edward, and one of the agents informed me about his son's case.
I decided to use that against Edward. We engaged in the same cheap trick of mutual humiliation, but he made a grave mistake—he lacked any substantial evidence to portray my father as the worst parent, incapable of even attending a simple piano recital for his son.
Once I learned about his son's case, I ordered my agents to apprehend Edward's son. They provided me with Leonard's number—the head of the police department involved in the arrest. I spoke with him and struck a deal, assuring him that he wouldn't lose his job if he exposed Edward's son's secret in front of everyone. I instructed Daniel to keep Leonard outside the ballroom until I called for them. Well, as you know, things unfolded just as planned afterward." Alicia was impressed when Daniel exclaimed, "Awesome, bro! That's such detailed planning!" Just then, the three of them heard a deep voice cut through the air. "So, you did all this without even letting me know, Ethan?"
Alicia, Ethan, and Daniel turned to see Ethan's father, Rowan Ashford, standing with a glass of wine in hand. Ethan donned a calm facade and replied, "Yes, I did it for your own sake—and removed the enemy who was in your way."
Rowan's expression hardened, and he placed one hand on Ethan's shoulder while dangling the wine glass in the other. "For now, I'll forgive you for taking matters into your own hands without my permission and convincing my agent to work for your benefit."
Ethan met his father's gaze, his tone steady as he said, "As you wish, Father." Rowan's eyes then shifted to Daniel, who immediately felt a cold shiver run down his spine; he instinctively looked down.
Finally, he glanced at Alicia, who held his gaze and greeted Rowan with an elegant flourish, gripping her gown with both hands. "It's my pleasure to meet you, sir."
Rowan observed her keenly, his features softening slightly. "You must be the daughter of Mr. Duke. If I'm not mistaken, your name is Alicia Whitemore?"
With a playful smile that belied the tension in the room, Alicia replied, "Yes, I am."
Ethan shot Daniel a subtle glance, urging him to retreat to the ballroom. He didn't want Daniel getting entangled in this delicate exchange. Than Daniel went to the ballroom, and Rowan asked Alicia, "What are you doing here? Don't you want to enjoy the event?"
Alicia replied, "Well, I came here for some fresh air. I just happened to meet your son on this balcony, and he seems like a pretty good guy."
Rowan arched an eyebrow. "Oh, I see. You seem to be quite impressed by my son."
She smiled softly. "Yes, maybe."
Just then, they heard footsteps. Ethan and Alicia turned to see Duke Whitmore approaching. Rowan and Duke exchanged knowing glances, their eyes locking in a moment of unspoken acknowledgment.
Duke looked at Ethan and said, "It must be your son, Ethan Ashford, right, Rowan?"
"Yes," Rowan replied, a sense of pride lacing his voice.
Ethan stepped forward, extending his hand. "It is an honor for me to meet you, sir."
Duke chuckled warmly. "A gentleman, indeed. Good."
Ethan smiled, his confidence shining through. "I hope you like my personality."
"Yes," Duke said, before turning his attention back to Alicia. "Well, it's time to go, my daughter."
Alicia nodded. "Okay, Father, as you wish." She then shifted her gaze to Rowan. "It was a pleasure to meet you, sir."
Rowan inclined his head slightly, a gesture of respect.
Alicia then looked at Ethan, her eyes sparkling. "It was an honor to meet you here, Mr. Ethan." She gracefully gathered her gown with both hands, adding with a hint of melancholy, "I hope we meet again. Until then, goodbye."
Ethan felt a flutter in his chest. "The honor is all mine. It was truly nice to meet you as well." He bowed slightly, placing his hand over his heart like a true gentleman. "Until our gazes meet again. Until then, goodbye, Miss Alicia." both gave each other a soft smile than Alicia leave with his father and while Ethan still watching her go and he start feeling lonely like a part of his lives is leaving him After that unexpected meeting, Alicia was stuck in Ethan's mind like a catchy tune. Every day, thoughts of her came flooding back—her beautiful eyes and flowing hair danced through his head. He even had a collection of sketches of her, all drawn by his own hand. Ethan was a talented artist; he loved capturing the beauty of nature and the deep emotions of humanity—sorrow, joy, love, and everything in between. Most of his best work focused on the emotions reflected in people's eyes. He kept all of his drawings tucked away in a drawer at the table, safely hidden from prying eyes. He never showed them to anyone—not even to his father—so he made sure to keep the servants out of his room and cleaned it himself.
One day, Daniel came over to study with him. Ethan was an excellent student, so he welcomed Daniel into his room. As they entered, Ethan gestured to a chair and said, "Go sit at the table and study."
"Ugh, you're so cold, Ethan! Can't you let me breathe for a moment before telling me to study?" Daniel replied dramatically, flopping back into the chair.
"Stop wasting time and start studying. Let me know if you don't understand anything," Ethan responded firmly, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Okay, sir," Daniel said, rolling his eyes as he settled down to hit the books. Ethan took a seat beside him, ready to help.
After a while, Daniel sighed deeply and said, "Bro, I hate studying." He yawned, then glanced at the Astronomy book on the table. "On the other hand…" he said, taking a deep breath, and with a flare of theatrics, shouted, "Studying freaking high-level Astronomy? Are you a robot or something, huh?"
Ethan, who had been engrossed in "White Nights" by Dostoevsky, glanced up and stated one of the lines from the novel: "My hand is ice, and yours burns like fire—how blind you are, Nastenka."
"Okay, okay, take a rest," he said, then asked, "Want coffee?"
Daniel looked at Ethan with wide eyes and said childishly, "Is that even a question?"
Ethan shrugged nonchalantly, teasing, "Well, it looks like you don't want coffee then." He got up and started to head out of the room.
Daniel shouted after him, "I want it! I want it! I want coffee!"
Ethan chuckled as he closed the door behind him without looking back. "I know," he said, and Daniel felt a happy smirk spread across his face. He relished seeing Ethan act more human, showing emotions he typically tried to hide.
While waiting, Daniel noticed the drawer where Ethan kept his drawings was slightly ajar. Curiosity sparked within him; he thought it should be closed. As he peeked inside, he caught sight of Ethan's artwork—beautiful sketches of nature, followed by expressions reflecting deep emotions. But then he gasped; one drawing caught his eye—it was a sketch of Alicia Whitmore. Daniel's heart raced as he realized: Ethan liked Alicia.
Just then, Ethan entered the room, balancing a tray with two cups of coffee. He set them on the table, his eyes immediately landing on Daniel, who was holding the drawing.
"Who allowed you to look at my drawing?" Ethan shouted, quickly snatching it back. He hurried to put his sketches back into the drawer.
Daniel spoke in a serious tone, "You like Alicia, don't you, Ethan?"
Ethan paused, contemplating the question, then stood up after securing his sketches and closing the drawer. He avoided Daniel's gaze and held his coffee cup tightly. "No," he replied, an edge of hesitation in his voice.
Daniel studied Ethan's face, knowing he wasn't being honest. "Well, Ethan, you should be honest with your feelings. Decide what you want and... propose to her."
Ethan's eyes widened a bit. "Propose her?" he echoed, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes! That's what a boy does when he likes a girl!" Daniel insisted.
Ethan fell silent, pondering the thought. Meanwhile, Daniel concluded, "Well, my studying is done. Thanks for your help, sir Ethan."
As he moved toward the door, he paused and looked back. "Think about it, Ethan. Ask yourself what you should do."
With that, he left, leaving Ethan alone in the room. The silence enveloped him, and his thoughts swirled chaotically. He glanced at the blue iris perched on the shelf above his table, a symbol of his confusion. Should he be honest about his feelings and propose to Alicia, or should he just keep quiet and let it all go?