Chapter 7

Alex and Revilla are thrilled to see Braylon after so long, and Braylon smiles warmly. Franklyn is baffled, unable to understand the situation. As Eryx leaves the meeting hall, Franklyn follows him, leaving Braylon looking sad.

Braylon faces a tough situation: he loves Eryx but doesn’t know how Eryx feels about him. Moreover, he left the city without a word, and the guilt is overwhelming.

“Braylon, let’s go out today and celebrate your return,” Revilla says, jumping with joy.

Braylon hides his grief, his face becoming stiff as he nods in agreement. Alex pats him gently. “Let’s go find Eryx. That brat hasn’t changed at all,” Alex says, putting his arm around Braylon’s shoulder and pulling him close.

They leave the meeting hall together. Despite his tough exterior, Braylon feels powerless in front of Eryx. Alex drags him out of the building.

“Revilla... Bring Braylon with you to the canteen. I’ll go get Eryx,” Alex says before leaving.

“Come with me, Braylon,” Revilla says, dragging him to the canteen. They remain silent during the walk. Once they settle at a table, Revilla fixes him with a stare.

“Don’t look at me like that, Revilla. If you have something to ask, just ask it. Don’t make me feel like I’m under suspicion,” Braylon says, rolling his eyes.

“You know how to speak now, huh? You disappeared suddenly four years ago and now you’re back for a case. You didn’t contact us or give any notice. Do you know how worried we’ve been?” Revilla says, slamming the table.

“You know me well, Revilla. I couldn’t refuse my dad’s request, and I wanted to pursue higher studies. You have to understand,” Braylon explains, trying to justify himself without mentioning Alan. Revilla sighs.

Alex arrives at the canteen with Eryx, who shows visible reluctance. Braylon understands why Eryx is acting this way but is unsure of what to do. When Eryx sits down, Braylon tries to speak to him, but Eryx ignores him.

The silent tension is painful for Braylon. Alex notices the awkwardness and tries to break it.

“So, when did you get back, Braylon?” Alex asks with a warm smile, which makes Braylon feel a bit better. “I came back yesterday,” Braylon replies, smiling in return.

“Today’s a celebration for Braylon’s return! We’re not working today. Let’s go out tonight and celebrate,” Revilla announces loudly, drawing curious looks from everyone in the canteen.

Braylon hesitates for a moment, realizing he has to pick up his son from Zaneta. He can't inconvenience her any further.

“Guys... I think I can’t accept that. I have to pick up my son,” he says politely, not anticipating their reaction to the word "son."

“Son... Since when did you have a son?” Alex asks, clearly shocked and unsure how to react. Eryx remains silent, but he is also taken aback. Braylon realizes his mistake and mentally scolds himself.

“How old is your son?” Revilla asks, her voice calm but deep.

“About three years old,” Braylon replies, unable to avoid the question. Alex and Revilla sigh in surprise. Just then, Braylon’s phone rings, interrupting the conversation.

He excuses himself and answers the call. Zaneta immediately starts scolding him.

“You brat... You said you'd come soon, but where are you now? If I catch you, I’ll skin you alive. Alan is already waiting for you!” she scolds without pausing for breath.

“I don’t think I can make it today. Can you take Alan home when you finish your work? I’m tied up at work and won’t be home until late tonight,” Braylon says calmly, choosing his words carefully.

He avoids using the word "sis" to prevent raising any suspicions. Before Zaneta can respond, he ends the call, leaving her to groan in frustration.

Although Braylon was careful with his words, the situation led to a major misunderstanding. They assumed the caller was Braylon's wife because of how calm and sweet he was. Eryx gritted his teeth in frustration.

Eryx slammed the table and left the canteen, leaving everyone helpless. Braylon felt deeply saddened. He wanted to hug Eryx in the meeting hall and express how much he missed him, but things were far from normal between them.

Alex and Revilla also left the canteen, not asking Braylon anything further.

AT NIGHT

They go to their favorite hotpot place. Alex and Revilla convinced Eryx to join them in an attempt to mend their strained relationship, but their efforts seemed futile. Drinks are also brought to the table. Franklyn, who admires Eryx, joins them as well.

Franklyn remains silent, somewhat annoyed with Braylon, as Eryx’s mood has turned cold and distant since Braylon's arrival. Franklyn doesn’t understand their complex history and it will take him time to grasp it.

While they’re drinking, someone approaches them.

“Eryx... Is that you?” Amy asks, looking at Eryx for confirmation.

“Yes, it’s me. What are you doing here?” Eryx responds calmly.

“I came here with my friends, but they left already. I just saw you and wasn’t sure if it was you, so I came over to check,” she says, her gaze filled with affection for Eryx. It’s clear to everyone that she has strong feelings for him.

She then glances around suspiciously.

“Who are they, Eryx?” Amy asks, looking at the group.

“They’re my friends, and this is my junior, Franklyn,” Eryx introduces them.

“Eryx, can you drop me off at home? I don’t have a car. I came with a friend, but she’s already left me,” Amy says sweetly.

“Sure, I’ll drop you. Let’s go,” Eryx responds, standing up.

“But Eryx, you haven’t eaten your food yet. Why are you leaving so suddenly?” Revilla tries to stop him.

“It’s okay, Bunny girl. I’m not hungry. I’ll eat when I get home,” Eryx says, turning to leave. As he walks, Amy glares at Revilla, but they don’t notice.

“Who is she? She seems close to Eryx,” Braylon asks, feeling uncomfortable about their interaction.

“She’s Amy, the only daughter of the Richardson family, and Eryx’s fiancée,” Alex explains with a deep sigh.

When Braylon hears the word “fiancée,” he nearly chokes on his drink. “What... When did that happen?” he coughs slightly.

“The day you went abroad. They’re business partners with his father, so they arranged it,” Revilla explains with a sigh. “But the senior didn’t tell us about his fiancée,” Franklyn adds, disappointed that Eryx hadn’t shared this with him.

Alex and Revilla exchange looks.

“Never mind. It’s his personal life. We can’t interfere,” Franklyn says, though he still struggles with accepting it. While they’re discussing, Braylon starts drinking. It’s been four years since he last drank. He avoided alcohol during his pregnancy and hasn’t had a drink since that night.

“Okay, Senior, I’m leaving. It’s already late,” Franklyn says his goodbyes and departs. Revilla, Alex, and Braylon remain. Braylon continues drinking.

“Don’t drink too much, Braylon, or you’ll get wasted,” Revilla warns, trying to take the glass from him, but Braylon snatches it back.

“Man, don’t die before you’ve fought for your love,” Alex says, patting him hard.

“It’s been four years since I’ve had a drink. Don’t stop me. I want to drink until I’m wasted. You know, Bunny... I haven’t touched a drink since that night,” Braylon says, pouring more into his glass and swirling it on the table.

They are puzzled, unaware of the truth and what happened that night. If they knew, it would shock them deeply. Braylon gazes at the glass, tears welling up in his eyes.

Braylon sniffles, his ears and cheeks reddening from the alcohol. Revilla and Alex feel pity for his condition but are unsure how to comfort him.