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Aiden stood awkwardly in the entryway of Sion's penthouse, lips swollen from their passionate kiss, shirt rumpled, and pulse still racing. The last thing he expected was to meet Sion's father — like this.
Sion's dad, tall and regal even in his casual coat, crossed the threshold with the silent authority of someone used to command. His sharp eyes didn't leave Aiden, even as Sion tried to regain control of the situation.
"You said you were coming next week," Sion muttered, brushing his messy hair back.
"I changed my mind when I got...news," his father said dryly. "And it seems I made the right decision."
Sion narrowed his eyes. "Don't tell me my assistant—"
"We'll discuss your assistant later," his father said coolly. "Right now, I'd like a word with him."
He looked directly at Aiden.
Sion stepped between them. "No. You can talk to both of us."
His father's voice dropped. "Sion."
Sion turned, locking eyes with Aiden. "Do you want to talk to him alone?"
Aiden hesitated… then nodded. "It's fine. I'll listen."
Sion stepped aside reluctantly, jaw clenched, but not before leaning in to whisper, "If he says something that hurts you, I'm ending the conversation."
Aiden gave him a small, appreciative smile.
The elder man gestured for Aiden to follow him to the sitting room. They sat down — Aiden, still tense, folding his hands in his lap.
Sion's father got straight to the point.
"You're not just some casual fling, are you?"
Aiden's eyes widened. "No, sir."
"You're the one my son has been obsessing over. The one he risked his temper, his time, and his sanity for."
Aiden remained quiet.
"Then tell me this — what are you risking for him?"
The question hit deeper than Aiden expected.
"I..." he began slowly, "I've lied. Not to manipulate him, but to protect something I didn't understand. I came here from somewhere else — not just a different city... a different world. I didn't expect to fall for him. But I did. Deeply."
Sion's father studied him in silence.
"I broke his heart once," Aiden continued, "And I regret it every day. I'm not asking for your approval. Just your understanding. I'm not here to hurt him. I want to stay."
There was a pause — long, silent, and heavy.
Finally, the older man stood. "My son has always been stubborn. But he rarely lets people in. If he's let you in this far... then you're already part of something serious."
He looked toward the hallway where Sion was pacing.
"You hurt him again, and you won't have to face me. You'll lose him, and that will be punishment enough."
With that, he turned to leave — stopping by Sion on his way out.
"He's got guts," he muttered to Sion. "Don't mess it up. Either of you."
When the door shut behind him, Sion rushed back to the living room.
"What did he say? Did he threaten you? Should I sue him?"
Aiden laughed softly and stood. "No. He just asked me what I'm willing to risk for you."
Sion blinked. "And what did you say?"
Aiden stepped closer and wrapped his arms around Sion's neck. "Everything."
Sion didn't need any more words. He lifted Aiden off his feet and kissed him breathless, carrying him to the bedroom with all the quiet desperation of someone who almost lost what mattered most.
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