Fortnight

Chapter - 6

Paris

Two years ago,

Theo stands outside his father's room, feeling a knot of anxiety in his stomach. His father's secretary had approached him earlier, delivering the message that his father wanted to discuss something important. Panic bubbled up inside Theo as he wondered if his father had somehow found out about his unplanned adventure the previous night. Did someone recognize him and report it to his father?

Taking a deep breath, Theo knocks on the door. His father's voice, stern and commanding, answers from within, "Come in."

Theo releases a shaky breath and steps inside. His father is seated at the study table by the bed, engrossed in some documents. The room is meticulously organized, reflecting his father's disciplined nature. Theo closes the door softly behind him.

"Good morning, Father," Theo greets, trying to keep his voice steady.

His father looks up from his work, his piercing eyes meeting Theo's. "Morning, Theo. Have a seat."

Theo sits down across from his father, his nerves still on edge. "You called for me?"

"Yes," his father replies, setting aside his papers. "I wanted to know how the conference went."

Theo mentally sighs in relief. He had been dreading a confrontation about the underground boxing ring, but it seemed his father was none the wiser. "The conference went well overall," he says with a smile. "Lots of networking opportunities and informative sessions."

His father nods, looking somewhat satisfied. "And the meeting with Mark Johnson?" Theo asks, trying to maintain the casual conversation.

His father's expression darkens slightly. "The meeting didn't provide any clear insights. I might have to stay longer than two weeks. I can't trust Mark, really. He's too slippery, always trying to hide something."

Theo is confused but keeps his face neutral. He didn't know many details about the deal, as his father had been very secretive. He only knew that his

father didn't trust Mark and wanted to ensure everything was thoroughly checked before finalizing anything. Despite the uncertainty, a part of Theo is happy at the prospect of staying in Paris longer.

Clearing his throat, Theo asks, "Is there anything else you need from me, Father? If not, may I go back to my room?"

His father studies him for a moment before nodding. "That will be all for now. Have a good day, Theo."

"Thank you, Father. You too," Theo says, standing up. He turns and walks towards the door, feeling a mix of relief and lingering anxiety. As he exits the room and closes the door behind him, he lets out a sigh of relief.

Back in his own room, Theo collapses onto his bed, staring at the ceiling. His heart still races from the encounter, but at least for now, his secret adventure remains just that—a secret.

As Theo lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind replayed the events of the previous night. It had been the most thrilling night of his life, far beyond anything he had ever experienced. He hadn't expected much when he followed Kwang, just a drink and a chat, but it had turned into something far more exhilarating.

He remembered sitting across from Kwang in that dimly lit room, the warmth of the alcohol making him bolder than usual. At one point, he had leaned in closer, his fingers lightly tracing the intricate tattoos on Kwang's neck. "What does this one mean?" he had asked softly.

Kwang had smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "That one? It's a phoenix. It symbolizes rebirth, rising from the ashes."

Without realizing it, he had held Kwang's hand, caressing it mindlessly as Kwang spoke about his tattoos and life experiences.