The Rosé Family (Pt 1)

Partnership From Hell

On New Year's Eve in 1952, the bustling downtown streets of the city were adorned with colorful lights and cheerful festivities. Among the crowd, Tobias, Kingston's former lover and a man from his past, unexpectedly crossed paths with him. As fate would have it, this chance encounter sparked a conversation about Kingston's thriving business empire.

Tobias, his eyes filled with a mix of longing and curiosity, spoke up, "Kingston! It's been ages since we last spoke. Your company seems to be flourishing. I've always admired your entrepreneurial spirit."

Kingston, caught off guard by Tobias' sudden appearance but unable to ignore the echoes of their shared history, replied cautiously, "Thank you, Tobias. It's been a challenging journey, but I've been fortunate."

With a subtle yet unmistakable desire to rekindle what had been lost, Tobias continued, "I've been thinking, Kingston. What if we join forces, become business partners? Together, we could create something extraordinary."

Kingston's heart skipped a beat as a wave of conflicting emotions washed over him. He knew he was treading dangerous ground—he was a married man with a devoted wife and children to consider. Nevertheless, he couldn't deny the lingering flame of attraction he felt for Tobias. In a moment of weakness, he hesitantly replied, "I... I never thought I'd hear you propose such a thing. But perhaps, there's a way we can make this work."

Both men understood the high stakes involved, the potential consequences that could shatter the lives they had built—including the happiness of Kingston's family. Yet, their shared history and unresolved feelings clouded their better judgment.

Days later, after countless late-night conversations and shared dreams, Kingston summoned the courage to sign a contract with Tobias. The ink on the paper sealed their partnership, a pact that would intertwine their lives in unforeseen ways.

Little did Kingston know that this partnership would unlock Pandora's box of unforeseen darkness. The menacing secret Tobias held close to his chest began to reveal itself, lurking just beneath the surface. As the days turned into weeks, Kingston would soon discover the treacherous price he had paid for giving into his long-suppressed desire for Tobias.

On a sunny day, precisely on March 5th, 1953, Kingston called for a pivotal meeting with his trusted business partners. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation as they gathered around a large oak table in Kingston's elegant office, adorned with vintage maps and framed photos of their past accomplishments.

As they settled into their seats, Kingston, wearing a sleek suit, began the discussion with a warm smile. "Thank you all for joining me today. I have an exciting plan that will propel our company to new heights." He glanced at each partner, making eye contact to emphasize his enthusiasm.

Tobias, a thoughtful and cautious partner, raised an eyebrow. "Kingston, are you sure it's wise to spread our businesses across multiple cities? Wouldn't it be wiser to focus on smaller towns to avoid financial risks?"

Kingston leaned back in his chair, considering Tobias' perspective. "I understand your concerns, Tobias. But by expanding into different cities, we can tap into diverse markets and attract a larger customer base, increasing our chances of higher profits."