Jaden's Pov.....
The silence in the room was as heavy as the ornate mahogany furniture. Jaden's father, a man whose presence filled any space he entered, sat in a chair, his expression unyielding.
"Can we not have this conversation so early in the morning, please?" Jaden asked, his voice calm despite the frustration building within him.
"Why can't we?" his father replied, his tone razor-sharp. "It was something we agreed on: as soon as you completed your degree, you would join me in managing the family businesses. So why have you been avoiding this conversation since you were done with your degree?"
"Dad, I have already told you," Jaden said, running a hand through his hair. "I want to build something by myself. Besides, I'm doing tremendously well in my field. I have businesses I'm managing in my chosen career, so what is the problem now?"
Jaden's father stood, walking to the large window that overlooked the city skyline. "Listen, young man, it is not about how well you're doing in your field of choice, or how many businesses you own at your age."
"Then what is it about, Dad?" Jaden's voice tightened.
"It is about the continuation of the family's legacy. That is what this is about. You are my only child, hence the sole heir to everything this family has, and it is your responsibility to manage everything."
Jaden took a deep breath, fighting the urge to argue. He knew this conversation was a never-ending loop. "Dad, please. All I can say is that I am doing pretty well for myself and I do not want to be caught up with any family business. I just want to build my own future, and that is what I am doing now." He checked the time on his watch. "If there's nothing else to say, I'll have to take my leave. I was already prepared to go to school before you came here." He gave a small nod toward the kitchen. "If there's anything you need, you can either help yourself out or ask the help to assist you."
"Have a great day, Dad," Jaden said, the words feeling hollow as he turned and walked out the door.
He stepped out onto the porch, pulling his phone from his pocket. The city's morning air was surprisingly crisp. The tension from the conversation with his father still hung over him, but a familiar contact name brought a sense of relief.
"Hey, Ken, sorry I missed your calls," Jaden said into the phone. "Was having a talk with the old man."
"Oh, he came around?" a friendly voice on the other end, Ken, asked.
"Of course, he came around unexpectedly with this old bargaining of me joining the family business," Jaden replied with a sigh.
"Oh, I see. So where are you now?"
"I'm waiting for the ride I ordered to arrive, so I'm in front of the house."
"Okay. Have you left already?"
"No, bruh, you know I can't leave without you. I'm still home.I'll pick you up on the way then."
"Sure. Then let me cancel the ride I ordered. See you later."
Jaden hung up and felt a small smile touch his lips. He and Ken were two different people, but their friendship was a constant.
A short while later, Ken's car pulled up. Jaden slid into the passenger seat, pulling his dark mask over his face, a habit that had become second nature.
"Why is the school so busy today?" Ken muttered, looking out at the crowds of students. "It reminds me of old times."
"Oh, yeah, and this is what I hate," Jaden said, his voice laced with annoyance. "The attention."
"I know, right?" Ken agreed.
"Let's hurry to the class before people start noticing us." Jaden tried to quicken his pace, but the crowds were thick.
Ken shook his head, a wry smile hidden behind his mask. "Even if we covered ourselves in smog, you know people would still notice the only school's legendary Mr. Jaden. The news will be circulating a few seconds later."
"Can you stop being dramatic,Ken?" Jaden said, giving him a playful shove. "Focus and let's get to the lecture room first."
The two pushed through the crowds, completely unaware that their hurried dash to class would lead Jaden right into a collision with his past, and a girl who would change everything.