The bittersweet goodbye

The Ultimatum

"What's going on?" Anton questioned as his heart quickened faster than before

"Anton there's something we need to discuss," The CEO stated 

Anton straightened up with a flicker of concern crossing his features, his father a stern yet caring figure exchanged a solemn glance with the CEO and manager before stepping forward.

"Son," he said his tone measured but laden with paternal concern "you know how much we believe in your talent and potential."

Anton nodded slowly, his pulse quickening as a sense of foreboding settled over him. "sorry but where is this conversation going..?" as he spoke with confusion written all over him.

"Anton as much i really do not want to say this, i'm going to have to, Anton im so sorry.. but for you to debut in RIIZE your going to have to stop seeing serena..?"

Anton's eyebrows furrowed slightly, indication confusion and disbelief. "What!" he finally spoke after a minute of silence.

all three of them looking down, unable to make eye contact. The CEO spoke first "Anton, the public image of our artists is crucial for the success of RIIZE, and unfortunately your relationship with serena has become a point in contention." 

"The media scrutiny, the backlash- its becoming a distraction, RIIZE can afford any controversies especially not this close to your debut and with a raising star like you, the members need you." manager-nim hesitantly spoke up 

"And serena doesn't?" Anton spoke with anger filled in his eyes 

"That's not what we was suggesting," Anton's father spoke unable to hold eye contact with his heartbroken son 

"So what, i should just... break up with her, throw her away like those seven years we spent together didn't matter at all?" Anton replied as tears started to form.

"I know this is hard to hear son, but sometimes sacrifices have to be made for the greater good. we're not asking you to end your relationship out of spite its about protecting not just you and your future with RIIZE but also serena." 

Manager-nim leaned back in his chair, a pained expression crossing his face " I wish there was another way, i truly do. But the reality is, the industry is unforgiving. and if we want you to succeed, choices like these, have to be made." 

Anton stood up, turning his head trying to hide the tears that was about to roll down his soft, glowy cheek walking out of the room slamming the door behind him. He stood still for a second looking back at the room, does he break up with the woman he's loved for 7 years or does he risk loosing everything he has worked do hard for, Anton knew that whatever decision he was to make, would change the course of his life forever.