ᴛᴀɪɴᴛᴇᴅ ʙʏ ʜᴇʀ

ᴛᴡᴇɴᴛʏ ᴇɪɢʜᴛ

💓H A P P Y N E W Y E A R 💓
💓Hopefully This New Year I'll Be Consistent.💓

Third POV

After Ciel and Akira left the penthouse, Ms. Chadwick turned towards Cayden, throwing herself into his arms.

"Cayden, your brother's been acting so differently. It must be that girl—"

"She's not a 'girl,' and she's definitely not what you're implying," Cayden interrupted, his tone firm as he gently pushed her away. "If you really cared about Ciel, you'd know that he actually cares about Akira a lot."

Ms. Chadwick huffed, her face contorting with frustration. "Ciel can't possibly care for someone like that. It's not about her skin color—look at her, she's dirt poor."

Cayden took a deep breath, trying to hold his ground. "Sure, Mother." He grabbed his shoulder bag and turned towards the door.

"You know, I donate millions to those poor starving children in Africa," she continued, her voice laced with false righteousness. "Even the ones in Eastern Asia."

"Okay, Mother. I really have to go. Take care," Cayden replied, exasperated.

Ms. Chadwick's voice followed him as he walked out. "Where are you going, Cayden?"

"I have a project due, with a friend," Cayden said, climbing into his car. "Goodbye, Mother."

As he drove off, she stood there, lost in thought. "Why did they have to grow up so much?" she muttered to herself, as her driver opened the car door. Once inside, she pulled out her phone.

"Thomas, can you do me a favor?" she asked, her voice icy. "I'd like you to do a background check on a certain someone."

⸻

Cayden arrived at Bryce's apartment, knocking on the door. It opened, revealing Bryce—topless, his muscular torso on display.

"Well, well, if it isn't the man himself," Bryce said with a smirk, letting Cayden in. "Sorry if I'm underdressed."

Cayden's eyes momentarily flickered to Bryce's bare chest before he mentally scolded himself for not focusing.

"You knew I was coming, didn't you?" Cayden said, keeping his voice low.

Bryce raised an eyebrow. "What was that?"

"Nothing," Cayden muttered, clearing his throat. "So, which part should we tackle first? We've got two sections."

"Want something to drink? Eat?" Bryce asked, walking over to the kitchen.

"Just water," Cayden replied, sitting down on the couch.

Bryce nodded, disappearing into the kitchen. Cayden looked around the apartment. It was spacious, neatly organized. He pulled out his laptop, placing his bag beside him. Bryce returned with two bottles of water, handing one to Cayden.

They sat down and began working on their project, the air quiet except for the clicking of keys.

About half an hour later, Bryce's leg brushed against Cayden's. Cayden stiffened, stealing a glance at Bryce, who was looking at him with a hint of mischief.

"Did you think about what I asked you?" Bryce asked, his voice low, laced with an unspoken challenge.

Cayden barely registered the question as he continued typing. "What do you mean?"

"You know I like you, right?" Bryce said, his tone shifting, more serious now.

Cayden stopped typing and looked up, confusion crossing his face. "So what? It's not like I like—"