Chapter 10

Michael

I sat alone in the room, my mind swirling with the events of the day. After that intense afternoon with Vincent, I had been waiting, expecting the new contract to be drafted. Every sound outside the door made my heart race, anticipating Vincent's return. The hours dragged on, and the silence was deafening.

Just as I was beginning to lose hope, the door creaked open. I looked up, expecting Vincent, but instead, there was Ryan. My brother. He rushed in, and we collided in a hug, both of us in tears. It felt surreal, holding him, knowing he was safe.

"I can't believe it," Ryan murmured, his voice choking with emotion. "I thought I'd never see you again. The deal fell through, and I got picked up at the airport…. I don't understand."

"You're back safe," I replied, my voice shaking. "That's all that matters."

After the initial wave of happiness, I pulled back and looked at him seriously. "Vincent kept his word," I said. "Now, I have to keep mine." Ryan gave me a puzzled look.

I turned to Vincent, who was standing in the doorway, watching us with an unreadable expression. "Thank you, Vincent," I said, sincerity in every word. "I will do my part of the deal as promised."

Ryan looked at me, his face contorted. To my surprise, before I could even face my brother with answers, Vincent stepped forward and handed me a piece of paper. I unfolded it and stared at the words in disbelief. It was a statement declaring our debt cleared. Both Ryan and I were speechless.

"I don't understand," I finally managed to say. "Why?"

Vincent's eyes met mine, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of something—regret, maybe. "I no longer want to keep you here by force, Michael," he said, his voice firm but soft. "I don't need you or want you here anymore."

My heart ached at his words. I stepped forward, intending to hug him, to show him my gratitude, but he stopped me with a gentle yet firm hand on my chest. "It's not necessary," he said, his eyes holding mine. "My driver will take you both home. Leave, and never come near me or my business again."

His words were like a knife to my heart, but I nodded, understanding his need for this clean break. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Ryan and I walked out, escorted by Vincent's driver. As we drove away, I looked back at the mansion, feeling a mix of relief and sorrow. I had been freed, but a part of me felt like I was leaving something important behind.

In the end, Vincent had done what I asked—he had freed my brother. And in doing so, he had freed me as well, even if it meant breaking both our hearts in the process.

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A few months had passed since that fateful day, and life had started to settle into a new normal for Ryan and me. We were out in the city, enjoying a rare day off. Ryan had landed a good job, and I had enrolled in college, determined to make it through, even as I juggled studies with a part-time job at the local bookstore. The scars of our past were healing, and we were learning to live again.

We walked through a bustling market, the sounds and smells of the city enveloping us. Ryan pointed out a small new second-hand shop at the end of the street. "Hey, let's check it out!"

"You go ahead, I'm gonna grab some coffee." I nodded, heading to a nearby cart.

As I approached the shop, I bumped into someone, nearly spilling his drink. "I'm so sorry," I began, looking up to see who I had collided with. My breath caught in my throat.

"Vincent?" I whispered, stunned.

He was dressed casually, a stark contrast to the sharp suits I had always seen him in. For a moment, we just stood there, speechless.

"Michael," he finally said, his voice soft. "It's good to see you."

"You too," I replied, my heart pounding. "How have you been?"

He shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "I've been alright, you?"

"I'm good too. Having a day off…." I looked down awkwardly, my hands shaking inside my pockets.

"I've missed you." He admitted, his eyes searching mine.

"I'm sure the business keeps you busy," I said, trying to keep the conversation light despite the emotions swirling inside me.

Vincent shook his head. "I left that business behind," he said, surprising me. "For good. I'm only running the casino now."

I stared at him, trying to process his words. "Why?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

He sighed, looking away for a moment before meeting my gaze again. "I realized that in that line of work, I'd lost the one real connection I had in a long time. An actual chance at something good. And even if it's too late for us, it is not what I want for the rest of my life."

His words hit me hard, and I felt a mix of emotions—sadness, longing, and a glimmer of hope. "I've thought of you too," I confessed. "And it doesn't have to be too late."

Vincent looked at me, a flicker of hope in his eyes. "What do you mean?"

I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. "Maybe we can start over. See where it takes us."

He smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes. "I'd like that," he said.

The journey ahead wouldn't be easy, but for the first time, I believed we could navigate it together. Our past was filled with challenges, but maybe, just maybe, our future could be different.