Inamorata's Ascent: The heir and the Pauper

CHAPTER 14

Family Pressures

Leon’s POV

I hated missing my shift at the café, especially since working there had become such a meaningful escape from the pressures of my family’s business. But when my parents requested a meeting at a high-end restaurant, i knew i had no choice but to comply.

As i walked into the opulent dining room, i spotted my parents at a corner table, deep in discussion. They looked up as i approached, their expressions stern.

“Leon,” my father greeted curtly. “Sit down. We have much to discuss.”

I took a seat, my stomach knotting with the anticipation of what was to come. My mother wasted no time, diving straight into the conversation.

“Leon, we’ve given you ample time to find yourself or whatever it is you’re doing,” she began, her tone sharp. ”But the business needs you. We can’t wait any longer.”

My father nodded in agreement. “Your brother was supposed to take on these responsibilities, but since he’s not here, it falls to you. You need to step up, Leon.”

Their words weighed heavily on me, the burden of expectations pressing down. I had hoped for more time to live my life on my own terms, but it seemed they were unwilling to grant it.

“Why can’t we search for my brother more thoroughly?” i suggested, surprising even myself. “He might be closer than we think.”

My parents exchanged confused glances, their brows furrowing in unison.

“Why are you bringing this up now, Leon?” my mother asked, suspicion evident in her voice.

I hesitated, unsure how to explain my growing certainty without revealing too much. “Sa tingin ko lang, worth it naman siguro mag explore ng mga posibilidad. We never truly gave up hope, did we?”

My father sighed, his expression softening slightly. “Anak, we’ve spent years searching. We’ve exhausted every lead. We need you to focus on the present responsibilities.”

Seeing their resolve, i knew pushing further wouldn’t help. “Nevermind,” i muttered, feeling the weight of their expectations settle even more heavily on my shoulders.

The rest of the dinner was a blur of business talk and strategic planning. My mind kept drifting back to the café, to Saoirse, and to the strange coincidence of Reeve’s story.

By the time i left the restaurant, the sky had darkened, and the city lights twinkled like distant stars. i pulled out my phone, tempted to call Saoirse, but decided against it. She didn’t need to be burdened with my family issues, not yet at least.

Instead, i walked aimlessly, trying to clear my mind. The path ahead was unclear, but i knew one thing for certain: i had to find out the truth about Reeve. And if he was truly my brother, i had to make things right.

As i wandered through the streets, i couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hope in the middle of the overwhelming pressure. Maybe, just maybe, there was a way to reconcile my family’s expectations with my own desires. And it all started with finding Reeve.

Back at home, i sat down at my desk, pulling out an old photo album. I flipped through the pages, looking at pictures of my brother and me from our childhood. The resemblance between Reeve and my brother was uncanny.