Chapter 3: A Meeting of Shadows
The morning air was crisp as Leo stepped out of his sleek, black luxury car, the vehicle gleaming under the sunlight. He adjusted his tie, tossing his first suit jacket carelessly onto the passenger seat before stepping away. The soft click of his leather shoes echoed as he approached the grand entrance of Kai's company.
Kim followed closely, clutching a tablet and glancing nervously at his boss.
"You sure about this, sir?" Kim asked, his tone light but laced with concern. "You've been acting a little…off."
Leo shot him a sharp glance but said nothing. They entered the towering building, its modern design an imposing testament to power and success. Every detail, from the marble floors to the pristine glass walls, spoke of Kai's meticulous nature. Leo's chest tightened as memories threatened to surface, but he pushed them down, his expression unreadable.
As they made their way to the meeting room, Leo's steps faltered. Through the glass door, he caught sight of a figure sitting at the head of the table. Kai. The man looked poised and indifferent, his focus on the papers in front of him. His presence was commanding yet calm, a stark contrast to the storm brewing within Leo.
"Sir?" Kim's voice broke through Leo's thoughts. "Are you okay?"
Leo nodded stiffly, his throat dry. Kim gave him a curious glance but didn't press further. With a deep breath, Leo pushed the door open and stepped inside.
Kai's eyes flicked up briefly, acknowledging Leo's entrance with a mere glance before returning to his work. The room was silent except for the faint rustle of papers. Leo froze for a moment, his feet rooted to the spot. Seeing Kai again, so composed and distant, was like a punch to the gut.
"Sir, we need to start the meeting," Kim prompted, gently nudging Leo forward.
Snapping out of his daze, Leo moved to his seat, sitting down stiffly. His hands clenched under the table, his gaze fixed on Kai. But Kai didn't look at him, his focus entirely on the documents before him.
---
The meeting began, Kai's voice steady and professional as he laid out the terms of the contract. His words were sharp and precise, each point meticulously detailed.
"Mr. Leo, what is your opinion on this clause?" Kai asked, his tone devoid of emotion.
Leo opened his mouth, but no words came out. He sat there, frozen, his mind racing. The sound of Kai's voice after all these years stirred a whirlwind of emotions he wasn't prepared to face. The weight of unspoken words and unresolved feelings bore down on him, leaving him mute.
Kim, sensing the tension, jumped in. "The clause seems reasonable," he said quickly, his voice tinged with humor to lighten the mood. "But maybe we can discuss some adjustments?"
Kai's gaze shifted to Kim, his expression unreadable. "And you are?"
"Kim, Mr. Leo's assistant," Kim replied with a polite smile. "I'm here to make sure everything runs smoothly."
Kai nodded, his attention returning to the papers. "Fine. Let's hear your suggestions."
Kim leaned forward, outlining his thoughts on the contract. Throughout the exchange, Leo remained silent, his eyes fixed on Kai. His emotions churned—anger, hurt, longing—all swirling into a painful knot in his chest.
"Mr. Leo, are you okay?" Kim asked suddenly, his voice cutting through the tension.
Leo blinked, snapping out of his trance. "I'm fine," he said curtly, though his voice lacked its usual confidence.
Kim raised an eyebrow but didn't push further. He continued to handle the discussion, his light humor easing the otherwise strained atmosphere.
---
After the meeting concluded, Kai stood, gathering his papers with the same calm efficiency he'd shown throughout. Without a word or glance at Leo, he walked out of the room, his footsteps echoing in the silence.
Leo remained seated, staring at the empty chair where Kai had been. His hands trembled slightly, hidden beneath the table. Kim placed a hand on his shoulder, his tone uncharacter
istically gentle.
"Sir, are you sure you're okay?"