Always You ✔

03 chapter

*Austin's POV*

So, there I was, sitting on my couch in *blissful peace*, eyes closed, minding my own business, when of course, the universe decided to mess with me.

"Austin, your dad wants to see you," my mom (the *ever-dutiful* Allison Hunt) said.

I sighed like I was being summoned to the gallows. I glanced at her, already dreading what came next. "Not again, Mom. I'm really not in the mood for another lecture from the King of Corporate Misery."

"Oh, come on, Austin. You know your dad—don't push your luck with him," she warned, like I needed a reminder of my father’s *legendary* tolerance levels (which were, spoiler alert, nonexistent).

I dragged myself off the couch like a prisoner headed for execution and strolled over to his office. Without bothering to knock (because seriously, who has time for that?), I let myself in. There he was, sitting comfortably, flipping through papers that, surprise surprise, I couldn't care less about.

“First, you need to learn some manners. Knock before you enter,” he said, eyes glued to his precious documents.

I scoffed. “Dad, you’re flipping through papers like it’s the ‘60s. And let’s not pretend I’m interested in intruding on your riveting privacy.”

“Sit,” he commanded, and honestly, I obeyed. Not because I wanted to, but because I was in no mood for one of his death-stares, or worse, another endless speech on ‘manners.’ So, like a defeated soldier, I sat, bracing myself for whatever *inspirational* speech he had lined up.

“So, how was your vacation?” he asked, like he gave a damn.

I stared at him, blinking. *Jason Hunt* doesn't care about vacations. I could've told him I vacationed on the moon, and he’d still only care about the financial impact.

“It was great. I’m actually thinking about Hawaii next—”

“No,” he cut me off, raising his hand. And there it was, *the look*. That look that screamed, ‘I’m about to drop a bomb on your life, Austin, so buckle up.’

“I’m glad you had fun, spent my money like water,” he said, with the world’s most sarcastic smile, “but I have good news. Tomorrow, you’ll be working with your brother.”

*Excuse me?* I blinked, stunned. “I just finished my degree. I need a break.”

“A break?” He raised an eyebrow so high it could’ve left the planet. “It’s been almost *eight months*, Austin. How much longer do you need?” Oh great, here comes the *sarcasm* masterclass.

I knew the lecture was incoming.

“Austin,” he started, like he was delivering a motivational TED talk, “you’ve wasted enough time and my money. Now, it’s time to show me your worth.”

*My worth?* I stared at him, dumbfounded. “Seriously? I’m your *son*. Now I have to prove my worth? Come on, Dad!” I threw my hands up, wondering if this was real life or some twisted sitcom.

And there it was, the golden phrase. “Look at your brother, Austin. Smart, responsible, hardworking…”

Oh, here we go. My inner voice was screaming, *Whoreman, scumbag, total dickhead*, but to Dad, Kai was basically a saint. The perfect son, the heir to the throne, and oh yeah, my personal nightmare.

“So, you’re comparing me to Kai again?” I huffed, already knowing the answer.

“I’m not comparing. I’m just saying you should follow in your brother’s footsteps.” *Not comparing, my ass*.

Great. Follow Kai’s path, he says. The guy who acts like I’m invisible unless I’m in his way. Sure, let’s all bow down to *King Kai*, the paragon of virtue (and by virtue, I mean manipulation).

I knew arguing was pointless. This wasn’t a discussion. This was my dad saying, “My way or no way.” That’s why I’d been avoiding coming home. I wasn’t interested in joining the family circus, where fun goes to die and all we do is work, work, work.

It’s not that I hate the business. I don’t. But if I get sucked into it, that’s it. Game over. No escape. Welcome to a life of endless board meetings, spreadsheets, and pretending to give a crap about corporate profits.

In the last eight months, I’d figured out what I really wanted to do. Open a tour agency. Yeah, I know, not exactly a corporate empire, but I love travel. I love *living*—something my family seems to have forgotten how to do.

But no, my dreams got shut down with one phone call. And now, here I was, sitting in Dad’s office, watching my future turn into a nine-to-five nightmare.

“Fine, I get it. I’m ready,” I muttered, feeling like I’d just signed my own death warrant.

Dad beamed like he’d just won the lottery, and I nodded, barely able to contain my enthusiasm (*insert sarcasm*). I stood up and left the room without another word, heading straight to my bedroom.

Closing the door behind me, I sat on the edge of the bed, staring into the abyss. Tomorrow, my life as Jason Hunt’s son—corporate drone—begins. My fun was officially over. I could already feel the weight of it all, and let me tell you, it sucked. Hard.

So, yeah. Here we go. My *glorious* new life. No one’s gonna save me from this one.

God help me.

---

Hope you guys enjoyed that chapter. Next up: Austin and Sabrina finally meet—no more family drama, I promise!

Don’t forget to drop a comment, hit that vote button, and I’ll see you all tomorrow!

Stay awesome, my lovely readers! Adiós! ✌