Behind the CEO

Chapter 10

"Ren!" Jonathan exclaimed in disbelief. He knew that she could be very protective and sometimes defensive, but aggressive? It was something new. Serenity was usually nice to strangers, or at the very least respectful. But this stranger was posted on their door, so Jonathan had to give her the benefit of the doubt.

Serenity shrugged her shoulders. "Well.. I don't know him." Nonchalantly, she replied while staring down the mystery man at the door. Of course Serenity nor Joy knew this person, but their father did. All too well. For a moment, Jonathan just looked at him in disbelief. He never thought that moment would actually happen- he wasn't sure how to feel. It's been six years- what was he doing here?!

"I.." Jonathan paused, trying to find the words to say. He cleared his throat. "Is it just you or.." His voice trailed as he looked around them.

"Just me." Simply, Tristan answered causing Jonathan to nod his head.

"What are you doing here?" Jonathan asked curiously.

"I came to talk to you." Tristan replied. Jonathan heard his chilling toned voice. It's been six years the two spoke to each other. Six years of not seeing one another and Jonathan felt like what Tristan had to say must have been serious. He knew that Tristan wouldn't just show up at his door for no reason at all.

Jonathan sighed softly, thinking of all the plausible situations that could come from the simple conversation. He dug into to his pocket to retrieve his keys. He unlocked the door and invited Tristan in after sending Serenity and Joy inside. While Jonathan was in their bedroom setting up their iPad minis, Tristan sat patiently on the couch.

"Daddy, who is that?" Serenity asked boldly as she sat on her with Joy.

"Nobody too important." Jonathan lied after releasing a small chuckle. "Don't worry about it. Just sit in here and enjoy your iPad, baby girl."

"Okay." She replied simply and begin to play the word game on her iPad. Jonathan existed their bedroom and closed the door behind him. As soon as Tristan saw Jonathan emerge from the bedroom, he stood up from the couch. He could see the shocked look in Jonathan's eyes, and it made him nervous. He was nervous but happy nonetheless. He extended his arm to reach for Jonathan's hand just as Jonathan reached for his. Like magnets, their hands linked together. Their eyes watered as they looked at each other for the first time in six years. Jonathan pulled his little brother- his best friend into his arms for a tight hug. A hug that neither of them wanted to let go of, but eventually they did and sat beside each other on the couch.

"How do you know where I live?" Jonathan asked.

"I hired a private investigator." Tristan answered truthfully. Jonathan never expected that anyone from his past would go to such lengths to find him. But he wasn't completely surprised, either. He knew that if they wanted something, they would find a way.

"You were hard to find." He added.

"Yeah, that was the point." Jonathan said sadly. He had wished that he was always under the radar and was left alone to live his life. He was so disappointed that he had been found. It showed in his facial expression as well as his tone. Tristan picked up on it, as he always did, but said nothing as he just didn't give damn.

"I didn't expect you to be here, though." Tristan referred to him living in such a tiny apartment in the worst projects. He spoke without thinking that his words could be hurtful.

"I had absolutely nothing." Jonathan bitterly reminded him. "If I did, it was taken away. What did you really expect?"

"I don't know. I just hoped you were doing well-"