Beneath the vows

ning sun streamed through

the lavish space with an almost div

ay he had yet to face. The faint hum of city life filtered throug

long given up on its futile attempt

e groaned and rolled over, pulling

e open, the sight of the clock sent a jo

throwing the pillow aside and scrambling

omptly at 10:00 AM, and attendanc

hael caught a glimpse of his reflecti

'd had. His hair was a mess, stickin

scent of stale whiskey clung to h

d in his mind: the pounding bass of the

his hand, perpetually refilled. It had been a good night-at least until he woke up to reality. Michae

ed how long it would take to get to the Williamson Industries skyscraper. At the Williamson Industries headquarters, Charles Williamson stood a

es, ready to present their reports. But Charles's mind wasn't on the q

go. His son. The door swung open, and Michael walked in, hi

oin us," Charles said, his voice cool but car

rying to mask his unease. "Sorr

mpty chair at the table. "Sit." The meeting resumed, but the tensio

mind wandered. He could feel hi

ou're late," Charles said simply, his voice deceptively calm as he closed a leather-bound portfolio. "I know. I said I

t as an afterthought?" Michael bristled under the sc

ose, his frustration breaking thro

discipline. And you waltz in here l

ing a hand through his hair. "Look, I was a

s's expression hardened, his disappointment cutti

exc

defensive. "I'm twenty-five, Dad. I

rk

e dripping with incredulity. "Do you

one? Do you think your late nights

?" Michael's temper flared. "Maybe I don't want to inh

ke you." Charles's jaw tightened. For a moment, he didn't

ust about you. It's about everyone who relies on this company-the employees, the shareholders, the community. And it's

ntrol." Charles stepped closer, his presence looming. "If

his gray eyes flashing with defiance. "Fine. Maybe you should. Because I'm done trying to live up to your impossible exp

there was a flicker of some

to control you?" Charles said quietl

ly-needs you to be." Michael didn't respond. He couldn't. The

el sat alone in his penthouse, the city l

ind. You're not

nd set the glass down, staring into

-suddenly felt hollow. But the alternative-becoming his father's

ticked by, Michael found himself caught betw

m. In the quiet of the night, he whispered the ques