Mr. Adam's day had been long and relentless. Ever since one of his companies launched its new product into the market, his schedule had been packed with back-to-back meetings, calls, and press briefings. Reports poured in, charts were reviewed, and strategies adjusted, it was the kind of day where every second felt borrowed. By the time he finally left the office, the city was already glowing with night lights.
He sat back in the leather seat of his car, exhaustion tugging at his shoulders. Secretary Kim sat beside him, flipping through the day's notes and quietly updating the files on his tablet.
The car had barely pulled away when Secretary Kim's phone buzzed. He answered quickly, his stern face softening the moment he heard the small, bright voice on the other end.
"Appa, did you get my gift?" his ten-year-old daughter asked eagerly.
Kim's expression faltered for just a second, then he forced a smile she couldn't see. "Yes, sweetheart. Appa got it. I'll bring it home tonight." His tone was warm and reassuring, but it was so obvious that he was lieing.
Mr. Adam, who had been listening quietly, adjusted his cufflinks and gave him a side glance. "You didn't buy it, did you?"
Kim lowered his head, embarrassed. "I… I didn't have the time, sir. With everything going on, I thought I could manage tomorrow. But she's been waiting."
For a brief moment, Mr Adam said nothing. Then, with a faint smirk, he tapped the armrest. "Tell the driver to head for the mall. We'll pick something up tonight."
Kim blinked in surprise. "Sir, that's not necessary. You've already had a long day, at work"
"Nonsense," Adam cut him off smoothly. "A little girl is waiting. We won't disappoint her."
The driver steered the car into the brightly lit mall. Inside, the air buzzed with music, a stark contrast to the quiet intensity of Adam's office. Together, the two men strolled through the mall, looking completely out of place in their tailored suits.
After some wandering, they settled on a beautifully wrapped dollhouse set, complete with tiny furniture and painted details, that would make any ten-year-old beam. Kim also picked up a storybook she'd been wanting, while Mr Adam tossed in a box of chocolates with an amused shrug.
Back in the car, secretary Kim glanced at the bags and then at his boss with gratitude. "Thank you, sir. She'll be overjoyed."
Mr Adam only waved it off. "Make sure you give it to her yourself. You've earned that smile more than anyone."
The car first stopped at Secretary Kim's home. He stepped out carefully with the gift bags in hand, bowing slightly before the driver pulled away again.
Now alone in the quiet backseat, Mr Adam leaned against the window, watching the city blur past. His thoughts drifted, unbidden, to the memory of his late wife. He could almost hear her laugh, see the way she used to surprise him with little gifts for their son. A dull ache pressed at his chest.
He sighed, closing his eyes for a moment. If only she were still here, things would be different…
The driver's voice broke the silence softly. "Sir, we're almost home."
Mr Adam gave a small nod, his expression unreadable as he straightened his tie. The world outside rushed on, but in that quiet seat, he carried both the weight of his success and the emptiness that no wealth could ever fill.
As he got home, the bodyguard quickly rush to open his door. He stepped down and went into the house. In the sitting room, he was surprised to find Williams sitting on the chair, his expression unreadable. He was shocked to see his son at home at this hour, Williams usually came home very late. Seeing him at home at this hour. only mean one thing: something had happened.
"Williams," Mr. Adam called softly. Williams didn't answer. He only raised his head briefly to look at his father.
"What's wrong? Did something happen to you?" H asked. Williams still didn't answer. He stood up and left the sitting room, heading straight into his bedroom.
Mr. Adam followed him with his gaze, unsure what to do. He turned to a maid who had just entered the sitting room. "When did William arrive home today?"
"More than an hour ago, sir," she answered with respect in her tone.
"Did he mention anything?" Mr. Adam asked.
"No, sir. He just came back looking sad. Don't worry about him. No matter how you press, he will never say what he doesn't want to say. Maybe he will be willing to talk by tomorrow, after his temper has come down."
"It's better to leave him for now, sir," the maid advised gently. "He may need some time. Maybe tomorrow, he'll speak."
"You're right," Mr. Adam murmured. He sighed and made his way to his room.
After a brief shower, he collapsed onto the bed. The weight of the day's stress won him. Within minutes, he drifted into a deep sleep, unaware of the storm that was quietly building inside his son's heart.
Inside William's room, he sat down at the edge of the bed and stared into space. Lost in thought, his memory took him to his childhood.
He remembered his best friend then, Nora. She had been trustworthy and kind, someone he could share everything with. Alongside his mother, she had been his anchor. Since both of them died in a car accident, he had been lonely, and everyone who came into his life afterward had only been there for his money.
The only time he found happiness was when he was partying and flirting with girls.
Today, he had just come back from one of his usual reckless wild parties thrown at a high-end rooftop bar in Gangnam, where there had been a lot of drinks and women. The party was lively and noisy, the usual chaos that defined his lifestyle.
But this time, it didn't end with women and champagne.
Reader, it almost ended his life.
He didn't want to tell anyone, not the maids, not his father, who would call him names for getting into trouble recklessly. Only he knew the terror he had faced last night.