Silent Hearts: Operation Breaking His Ice Heart (Complete)

Chapter 32

The next morning, Rhythm was summoned to the Chairman's office. He thought it was about school matters.

But when he stepped inside, he immediately saw his mom sitting behind the large mahogany desk, a serious expression on his face. Gulf Finley Thompson rarely called meetings like this unless it was important—personal important.

"Sit down, Rhythm," Gulf said calmly.

Rhythm obeyed, crossing his arms stubbornly but lowering himself into the chair opposite his mom.

Gulf studied him for a long second, his sharp eyes catching the tension in his son's shoulders. "I know what happened last night. You don't have to tell me."

Rhythm stiffened, but he didn't respond.

"You're mad at Ada." It wasn't a question—it was a statement.

"Shouldn't I be?" Rhythm muttered, finally looking up. "He kept something like that from me. A whole business. All this time."

Gulf sighed, folding his hands on the desk. "Rhythm, listen to yourself. You're angry because he worked hard, in silence, so he wouldn't be a burden to you. That boy is rare, Rhythm. He's a gem."

"I know that," Rhythm snapped, voice rising. "But he should've told me! We're together—"

"Yes, you're together," Gulf cut him off sharply. "Which means you should trust him. Support him. Not punish him for choosing to stand on his own feet."

Rhythm clenched his jaw. "It feels like he doesn't trust me enough to share. I hate that."

"And do you know why he didn't?" Gulf leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "Because he didn't want to be abusive of what he has with you. Because he came from a simple family, and we... we are above him. He looks at himself and thinks he's a gold digger, even though he isn't. He doesn't want you—or anyone—to see him that way. Can't you see that?"

Rhythm's fists tightened in his lap. The words stung because he knew they were true.

"Rhythm," Gulf said firmly, "if you keep being possessive and too strict, you will lose Ada. That boy doesn't need your control—he needs your trust. Being in a relationship isn't only about love. It's about support, about believing in each other, about making the relationship work through balance. Do you understand me?"

Rhythm looked away, his throat tight. He wanted to argue, but his father's words carved straight through his defenses.

"I don't want to lose him," Rhythm finally whispered, voice hoarse.

"Then don't," Gulf replied softly. "Support him. Stand beside him. You don't have to agree with everything he does, but you must respect his choices. Otherwise, one day, you'll wake up and realize love wasn't enough to keep him."

Rhythm swallowed hard, guilt pressing heavily on his chest. He hadn't realized how much his reaction could hurt Ada—until his mom. laid it out so clearly.