SECRET

The meeting was arranged at a discreet café on the outskirts of the city, far from prying eyes. Aidan sat at a corner table, his nerves taut as he waited for William Cross. He glanced at the sleek watch he’d worn to appear less out of place in the upscale surroundings, though he felt like an imposter.

When William finally arrived, he moved with a confidence that filled the room, his tailored suit and calm demeanor exuding wealth and authority. Aidan straightened in his chair, his pulse quickening.

“You came,” William said, his voice calm but firm as he took the seat across from Aidan.

“I have questions,” Aidan replied, his tone sharper than intended.

William studied him for a moment before nodding. “I figured you would.”

Silence stretched between them as a waiter approached to take their orders. William waved him off, his focus solely on Aidan.

“Let’s not waste time,” Aidan said, leaning forward. “Why did you leave my mother? And don’t give me some rehearsed excuse. I want the truth.”

William sighed, resting his hands on the table. “It’s not as simple as you think, Aidan. When I met your mother, I was in love—completely, deeply in love. She changed my life in ways I didn’t expect.”

Aidan’s jaw tightened. “Then why did you abandon her?”

“I didn’t abandon her,” William said, his tone hardening. “I was forced to leave. My family… they weren’t just disapproving. They were ruthless. They made it clear that if I stayed with Clara, they would destroy her life.”

“And you let them?” Aidan’s voice was laced with anger.

---

William’s expression darkened. “I didn’t have a choice. They didn’t just threaten her livelihood—they threatened her life. Do you know what that’s like? Knowing the people who raised you are capable of something so vile?”

Aidan clenched his fists. “You could have fought for her. For us.”

“I tried,” William said, his voice breaking slightly. “But I was young, naïve. My family controlled everything—my finances, my connections. They had people watching me. Every move I made was scrutinized.”

Aidan’s anger flared. “So you just ran away? You left her to fend for herself while you lived your cushy life?”

“I didn’t run,” William said sharply. “I was removed. Do you think it was easy for me? Every day, I lived with the guilt of knowing what I’d done—or rather, what I couldn’t do.”

---

“Guilt isn’t enough,” Aidan snapped. “You didn’t even try to reach out.”

William leaned back, his expression weary. “You’re wrong. I kept tabs on you both. I made sure she was safe. That you were safe.”

Aidan froze, his heart pounding. “What do you mean?”

William hesitated. “After I was forced to leave, I did what little I could from afar. I couldn’t be there for you in the way I wanted, but I made sure you had a roof over your head. Do you think those ‘anonymous’ scholarships your mother received were a coincidence?”

Aidan’s breath caught. “That was you?”

William nodded. “It was the only way I could help without drawing attention to you.”

---

“You think throwing money at us makes up for everything?” Aidan demanded.

“No,” William admitted, his voice low. “But it was all I could do without putting you both in danger. My family is not to be underestimated, Aidan. They are as powerful now as they were then.”

Aidan stared at him, his mind reeling. “You’re telling me you’ve known where we were this whole time, and you never once tried to see me?”

“I couldn’t,” William said, his eyes filled with regret. “The moment I got close, they would have known. And they would have come after you.”

Aidan’s anger bubbled over. “So you let me grow up thinking you didn’t care. You let my mother suffer alone.”

---

William’s face hardened. “You think I didn’t suffer too? Watching from the sidelines, knowing I couldn’t be there for you? It tore me apart.”

“Not enough to actually do something about it,” Aidan retorted.

William sighed, running a hand through his perfectly combed hair. “You don’t understand the kind of people we’re dealing with. They don’t just make threats—they follow through. They’ve ruined lives, taken lives. If they knew about you…”

Aidan’s heart raced. “Why would they care about me now? I’m nobody to them.”

William’s gaze sharpened. “You’re my son. That alone makes you a threat to everything they’ve built.”

---

Aidan leaned forward, his voice cold. “So what now? Are you going to tell me to disappear? Pretend this meeting never happened?”

“No,” William said quietly. “I’m going to offer you a choice.”

Aidan’s brow furrowed. “What kind of choice?”

William reached into his jacket and pulled out an envelope, sliding it across the table. “If you want to know everything—about me, about my family—you’ll have to play by my rules.”

Aidan stared at the envelope, suspicion flickering in his eyes. “What’s in there?”

“Instructions,” William said. “If you follow them, you’ll get the answers you’re looking for. But be warned, Aidan—once you step into this world, there’s no going back.”

---

Aidan hesitated, his hand hovering over the envelope. “Why should I trust you?”

“You don’t have to,” William said. “But if you want the truth, this is the only way.”

Aidan finally picked up the envelope, his heart pounding. “What happens if I don’t follow your rules?”

William’s expression darkened. “Then you’ll be left with more questions than answers. And you’ll be on your own.”

Aidan met his father’s gaze, his jaw set. “I’ve been on my own my whole life. Don’t think for a second I need you now.”

William’s lips twitched into a faint, humorless smile. “You may not need me, Aidan, but you’ll need what’s in that envelope.”

---

As Aidan stood to leave, William’s voice stopped him.

“One more thing,” William said. “Be careful who you trust. My family has eyes everywhere.”

Aidan turned, his grip tightening on the envelope. “Thanks for the warning.”

He walked out of the café, his mind racing with questions. The envelope felt heavy in his hands, its contents a mystery that could change everything.

Back at the apartment, Clara was waiting for him, her expression a mix of relief and dread.

“What did he say?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Aidan hesitated before slipping the envelope into his jacket. “Nothing I didn’t already know.”

Clara’s eyes narrowed. “Aidan, please. Whatever you’re planning, stop. This won’t end well.”

“It’s too late for that,” Aidan said quietly. “I’m already in too deep.”

That night, as Aidan opened the envelope in his room, a single sheet of paper fell out with an address and the words, Come alone.

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