Just then, the door to his bedroom burst open, and his son Alan came barreling in. The little boy’s face was lit up with excitement, his eyes sparkling with the pure joy only children can muster. Alan leapt onto the bed, landing with a soft thud beside Braylon."Daddy, come play with me!" Alan exclaimed, tugging at his father's arm. "You promised!"Braylon couldn't help but chuckle at his son’s enthusiasm. His worries about Eryx began to fade as he looked at Alan. "Alright, alright," Braylon said, nodding and smiling. He scooped Alan into his arms carefully, lifting him off the bed. "Let's go play."Alan cheered as Braylon carried him out of the bedroom and into the living room. They settled onto the floor, surrounded by Alan's toys. Alan grabbed his favourite toy car and handed another to Braylon."Daddy, let’s race!" Alan declared, already lining up his car on an imaginary track.Braylon smiled and positioned his car next to Alan's. "Ready, set, go!" he shouted, pushing his car forw
Braylon sat on his couch, feeling the effects of the medications. The sleeping pills, painkillers, and antibiotics prescribed by the doctor for his wound healing were doing their job, making him drowsy. He was on the verge of drifting off when his mobile phone chimed, startling him. He fumbled for it, blinking at the screen. It was an incoming call from Eryx."Eryx?" Braylon muttered to himself, confused. Eryx hadn’t replied to his messages in a whole day, now why? With a groan, he swiped to answer the call, his voice heavy with sleep. "Hello?""Braylon, you won’t believe what happened!" Eryx’s voice came through, loud and erratic, with a crackled chuckle and sudden pick up of his words. "I broke off my engagement with Amy at dinner that night. In front of my parents!"Braylon sat up from the couch, his drowsiness momentarily forgotten. "What? You did what?""Yeah, and that’s not all," Eryx continued, his words tumbling out in a rush. "I came out to my family. Told them I’m gay. And m
Eryx woke up the next morning with a start, his eyes blinking rapidly as he tried to get his bearings. It took a moment for the fog in his mind to clear, but when it did, he realized he wasn't alone. Beside him, nestled comfortably in his embrace, was Braylon. Eryx's heart skipped a beat. His eyes widened as he tried to piece together the events of the previous night, but no memories came to mind. Despite the confusion, a peace washed over him as he gazed at the sleeping face of the man he adored.Braylon stirred, eyelids fluttering open to reveal sleepy eyes that soon locked onto Eryx's. A small smile played on Braylon's lips as he caught his love staring at him. For a few precious moments, they simply looked at each other, eyes communicating feelings words couldn't capture. Then, unable to resist, Eryx leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Braylon's lips, earning a returned smile."Good morning," Braylon murmured, voice husky with sleep."Good morning," Eryx replied, his heart sw
It had been hours passed since Eryx came to the precinct and everyone was indulged in their own work. That's when Revilla suddenly spoke up. "Eryx, look at this." She pointed to a name on the staff list. "This guy, David Palmer. He worked with Thornton at his last job. Could be a coincidence, but maybe not."Eryx raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. Let's get in touch with Palmer. See if he can tell us anything about Thornton's past behaviour.""Alex, call Palmer to investigate." Eryx ordered, the latter got his task and pulled out a phone to call him.By late afternoon, Franklyn finally had an update on surveillance. "Brother Eryx, we got something. The tech team managed to restore part of the footage. It's not much, but it shows someone accessing the security system right before the cameras were tampered with."Eryx’s eyes lit up. "Can we identify them?"Franklyn nodded. "It’s not very clear, but it looks like someone wearing a staff uniform. We’re trying to enhance the image to get a b
Zaneta had rushed over to Braylon's house the moment she heard the news from her parents. The shock of hearing that her cousin had been shot had made her heart race, and now, standing at his front door, she could feel her pulse thudding in her ears. She knocked urgently, and it was only a few moments before Braylon himself opened the door, looking surprised but happy to see her."Sister! What are you doing here?" he asked, stepping aside to let her in."I heard what happened," she said, her voice filled with concern. "I had to come and see you. Are you okay? You idiot"Braylon gave her a weak smile and shrugged. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a flesh wound, really. The doctors said I'm lucky.""Lucky?" Zaneta echoed, raising an eyebrow as she stepped into the house. "You got shot, Braylon! That's not something you just shrug off.""I know, I know," he said, leading her to the living room. "But I'm okay, really. I'm a detective and it's all normal.""Normal, my ass." She grunted."But I'm more
As Zaneta drove home, she couldn't stop thinking about Braylon and the difficult choices he had to make. She hoped with all her heart that Braylon would find the happiness he deserved and that Alan would grow up knowing just how much he was loved.The next few days were a whirlwind for Braylon. He had a lot of time to think about his conversation with Zaneta, and he knew she was right. He had to follow his heart, not just for his own sake but for Alan's too.-------------------------Stiles slammed his fist on the table, frustration boiling over. He had meticulously planned the kidnapping of Braylon’s son, Alan, only to be thwarted by the ever-vigilant shadow guards. The guards, an elite force unknown to most, had rendered his attempts futile. "Damn it!" Stiles growled, pacing back and forth in the dimly lit room. "How the hell did Braylon get shadow guards? Who even are they?"He glared at his lackey, who shrank back in fear. "Find out everything you can about those guards. I want t
"Do you hate me that much?" Adler added. Franklyn shook his head. He definitely didn't hate him. He was superior in every aspect. But not him. "I don't want to hurt you. I just... You are like a moon but I'm like a toy on the dirt. You deserve better." Adler's eyes softened at the statement. His eyes met the younger who froze at his place. "I like you, and there is no partiality in that. Why are you lowering yourself. Hmm! I like the way you are right now." Adler squeezed Franklyn's hands, building up the tension in his heart."Okay, let's do this. No more arguments. Let's just get wasted. You can do that, right." Franklyn nodded, raised his glass.They continued drinking, the conversation shortened. Franklyn was well past tipsy, and Adler was feeling the effects too, though he kept a bit more control. Franklyn started to get wobbly, and Adler realised it was time to call it a night."Alright, I think we’ve had enough," Adler said, standing up and reaching for Franklyn's arm. "Let’s
"There are several reasons for his silence. Firstly, loyalty or fear. If Andrew felt a strong loyalty to the person who ordered the theft—perhaps because they helped him in the past or offered him protection—he might have chosen to stay silent. Fear is another reason. The person behind the theft might have threatened him, making the risk of speaking out greater than the risk of staying quiet."Franklyn interjected, "So, why do you think he will be ready to confess now? What if he keeps silent""Good question," Eryx replied. "After spending time in jail, He definitely won't let himself behind the bar a second time. Perhaps he's recognized that protecting the mastermind isn't worth the cost of his freedom. Alternatively, the isolation and pressure of incarceration can change a person's perspective. The guilt can become too heavy to bear, prompting a desire to come clean and seek redemption."Franklyn made a thumbs up sign, Eyes sparkled by the great speech Eryx had given. Both chuckled
Braylon's Pov!The sun was setting behind the city buildings. I stood by the window, my heart pounding with a secret I could no longer keep. I had planned this for weeks, hoping everything would go perfectly. I slipped out unnoticed, everyone too absorbed with the happy couple to notice my absence.As I approached the spot I had chosen, a secluded garden just a few minutes away, I quickened my pace. It was beautiful, exactly how I ordered the arrangements: fairy lights draped over the trees, a cosy setup with cushions and blankets, and a small table adorned with candles. It was warm and magical.My phone buzzed, pulling me from my thoughts. A message from Eryx: "Where are you? Everyone’s looking for you." I didn't reply, they might have already guessed where I was. I just wanted to wait for them to reach here. After twenty minutes, I heard the familiar voices of my friends. They had found me. Eryx rushed to me, wrapping me in a tight hug. "I was so scared when I couldn't find you," h
It was like a strong storm finished in their life. Braylon almost lost his sanity, when Alan was kidnapped. It had been two weeks, and everything had happened. Alan was coming out of the trauma slowly, Eryx often came home to cheer up his son. He wasn't going to school, not yet. "He must be tired. But he is strong, don't worry." Eryx squeezed Braylon's shoulder, pulling him close to Eryx. Braylon just hummed in response; eyes gazing at the sleeping figure of Alan softly. "Sister Zaneta came home to invite us to her wedding, but Alan didn't talk to her and ran into his room. She was suspicious about it, but I managed to lie to her." Braylon's eyes brimmed with tears, chest congested with a feeling of agony. "It's okay, he needs some time." Braylon nodded. "Alex and others came home but left just before you came. Alan seemed quite active today." "He will get out of this trauma soon. He is just a kid and it was too much for him. Just believe him." Braylon inclined his head in agreem
"I am coming with you two," "No... you aren't going anywhere," Eryx sternly said, refusing Braylon's request. "He is my son. I'll come with you two. If you two refuse me, I don't hesitate to kill myself," okay, this was the underrated threatening from Braylon, but what they didn't expect was his hands were holding a knife. Eryx and Adler exchanged a worried glance, their faces tight with concern. Eryx stepped forward, his voice low but firm.“Braylon, I know how much this means to you, but it’s too dangerous. You need to stay safe. He is my son as well. Don't do anything stupid.”Braylon’s eyes flashed with anger. “I’m not staying behind while my son is out there. I’m coming with you, whether you like it or not.”Adler sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. “We can’t protect you and search for Alan at the same time. You’ll slow us down.”“I won’t be a burden,” Braylon snapped. “I’m a trained detective, remember? I can handle myself.”Eryx glanced at Adler, seeing the defea
Adler’s apartment was quiet except for the soft hum of air conditioning. Braylon was fast asleep on the couch after being convinced by Adler and Eryx. It was a hard task for Adler and Eryx to convince Braylon to sleep since he wanted to go to search for Alan. Adler had convinced him to stay over for the night, reassuring him that it would be safer than being alone. As Braylon slept, Eryx was staying with Braylon to take care of him while Adler was on the phone with the technical team. His voice showed how much rage he was holding right now. If that kidnapper got caught, he would surely skin them alive. "I need you to trace the caller ID that contacted Braylon Rhys earlier," Adler instructed the team. "It's urgent," Adler told them Braylon's number to trace. After getting orders from the chief, the technical person hung up on him. "Guys... We have an issue. Need to track the Caller ID," That guy shouted, getting the attention of everyone. Alex, being the one responsible for issuing
"Let's go home," Adler softly exclaimed. Braylon shook his head denying the offer. "We can't stay here, baby. We will surely find Alan, but for that, you have to be strong, right?" Eryx caressed his love's hair. Adler and Eryx had finally managed to convince Braylon to leave the bustling mall, where they had spent an hour under police surveillance. Adler informed his members before leaving the mall. It had been a long and exhausting day for everyone, and the last thing they wanted was to add to the worries of the Rhys couple. So, they decided to take Braylon to Adler's apartment, a place where Braylon could be safe for now.Adler's apartment was a haven after the chaos he had experienced. Adler went to cook something for Braylon. Eryx followed Adler. "Do you want anything?" Adler asked while searching for the ingredients. "Where is the first aid kit? I will treat his wound." Eryx uttered. "In the bedroom. Second cupboard on the left," Adler instructed. With a hum, Eryx left to g
It was another day, and Alan was once again brimming with excitement. He had been begging his dad Braylon to take him outside ever since they had fun in the amusement park. And it was his demand since Braylon hung out with his friend and refused to bring him with them.“Please, Dad, can we go out today? Please?” Alan had asked that morning, his big brown eyes wide with hope.Braylon sighed, knowing he couldn't resist his son's plea. “Alright, alright, baby. Let’s go to the mall. But you have to promise to behave, okay?”Alan’s face lit up with a huge grin. “I promise! I’ll be the best behaved!” He ran to get changed, Braylon stood there adoring his son.With that settled, Braylon got them both ready, making sure Alan had his favourite sneakers on and a small backpack with snacks and a water bottle. They headed out, the sun shining brightly as they walked to the nearby mall. Mr and Mrs Rhys hadn't returned from the business trip so He just texted them about the outing. At the mall, Al
The day had finally arrived. Eryx and Braylon had been planning the outing, and now it was happening. Braylon called Alex and Revilla, and then he contacted Adler and Franklyn to join them. Even though Braylon informed them, once again Eryx called them to confirm the outing. Alex and Revilla were happy about this little outing. In their group, they were only staying in the work since Eryx and Braylon quit. It was their dream job, but when their life took an unexpected turn, they had to choose a path that was not even their profession; that kinda hurts them, though.They hadn't seen each other for the past few weeks, and this little outing to the hotpot to the old place was what they needed. Eryx was the one to pick everyone from their place, Braylon's excitement bubbled in his face. It was quite hard for Braylon to convince Alan since the younger was stubborn to join them. Braylon wasn't selfish in not taking his son with him. It was quite a remote place; Alan would be uncomfortabl
In just one month, Alan would turn five, and today was the day Eryx and Braylon had planned to enrol him in the school. Alan’s excitement was visible; he had been homeschooled by his grandparents until now, and the expectation of attending a regular school with other children thrilled him. Braylon wanted Alan to experience school life. He argued with his parents to let Alan study in the school rather than homeschooling. At last, the Rhys couple decided to accept the decision of Braylon made. Alan was mature for his age, understood how Braylon was struggling and many other things, which was something both Eryx and Braylon were proud of, mostly Braylon.Eryx, Braylon, and Alan arrived at the school. The school building loomed large and renovated, compared to other kids' schools, with children’s laughter echoing from the playground. Alan’s eyes sparkled as he looked at the new atmosphere, excitement pooled in him. He was squealing in joy inside, obviously. It was new lBraylon and Eryx
Amy burst through the cabin door with a loud bang, startling Mr. Silvester immediately looked up from his desk. His secretary stood behind Amy, her face flushed and her hands wringing nervously, unable to stop Amy from intruding into the CEO's office. With a wave, Mr Silvester signalled for his secretary to leave them alone. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded and quietly closed the door behind her, leaving the two of them in the room.Mr. Silvester calmly gazed at Amy's angry face. She stood there, her fists clenched at her sides, her eyes blazing with fury. “How could you do this?” she shouted, her voice echoing in the spacious office. “You just broke off the merger without any warning!”Mr. Silvester leaned back in his chair, “I had to, Miss Anderson,” he said evenly. “My son wasn’t fond of the decision.” Amy let out a derisive laugh. “Oh, please! Don’t try to pin this on your homo son. You were okay with the merger, regardless of how much he opposed it. This was your decisio