"I'm Sorry, Aiden"

The rays of morning light radiated on Diego face, He squinted, his vision still blurred and heavy, as if he were looking through a thick fog. A dull throbbing ache pulsed in his head.

He sat up slowly, bracing himself against the edge of the bed, **What had happened?** He tried hard to recall what had happened the previous night—his time spent drowning in his sorrows at the bar.

Then, amidst the haze of confusion, a voice jolted him upright. "When did you start drinking heavily?"

Diego blinked rapidly, his eyes finally coming into focus as he turned to see his father standing in the doorway. His expression was a mix of disappointment and anger, making Diego's stomach drop. "Dad?" he croaked, still trying to shake off the remnants of sleep from his eyes,He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, but the movement only intensified the pounding in his head.

"Thanks to the woman who brought you home," his father continued, crossing his arms and tapping his foot impatiently. 

"What woman?" Diego asked, curiosity and dread coiling in his stomach,he felt someone presence but still couldn't figure who that person was.

"Are you happy,now that Mr. Kenneth isn't interested in the engagement?" His father's voice blazed like a hot brand, and Diego felt the heat curl around him, suffocating .

"Lucia, what about her?" he managed to reply.

" Idiot! I warned you not to mess up, but you ignored my warnings!" His father's voice pierced through the thick air, harsh and unforgiving. 

"You're fired! I never want to see you anywhere close to the company and all your credit card have been frozen!" The finality of his father's words hit Diego like a bucket of ice water. He blinked, reeling from the double blow—first Diana breaking up with him and now this complete severance from his father's business.

"Dad, wait—" Diego began, desperation creeping into his voice 

"Wait? You've had plenty of time to wait, Diego! Your life is falling apart around you, and I am done enabling your recklessness! I've spent years building this company and now you are throwing it all away!You need to grow up!" His father's face was a mask of fury, eyes blazing like coals.

Diego could feel the weight of disappointment in the air, and it was suffocating. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen…" he stammered, but his father cut him off.

"Meanings don't matter anymore! The consequences do. You put yourself in a position to ruin everything—you think that's acceptable?"

As his father continued to glare down at him, Diego's thoughts spiraled. He felt like a child caught in a storm, the winds of failure howling around him. He had thought that last night had brought him some clarity, but instead, it brought more chaos.

With fists clenched, Diego felt anger rising within him. "You don't understand! I'm not just your son; I'm a human being trying to live. You can't just cut me off like that!"

"And clearly, you can't handle the responsibilities that come with being my son," his father shot back, glaring at him. "You're an embarrassment. You've done nothing but throw away all the golden opportunities you've had,if you really want to be treated like an adult? Then act like one."

The room fell silent, the weight of the accusations hanging thick in the air. Diego sat there, stripped of the pride he had been clinging to, disappointment flooding through him. But deep down, beneath the anger and the hurt, he felt something else—an awakening.

"You know what, Dad?" he said, voice steady now, "maybe I've made mistakes. But I'm trying to find my footing. I can't keep living under your shadow, doing what you expect of me. I need space to make my own choices, to figure things out for myself."

His father's jaw tightened as shock crossed his features. It wasn't the defiance that shocked him but the resolve. "You think space will help you? You're lost, Diego. You need guidance—"

"Guidance? Or control?" Diego interrupted, standing his ground. "I appreciate everything you've done, but I can't live my life like this anymore. You've made everything about the company, about expectations, and I'm suffocating. 

His father's words hung heavy in the air as Diego watched him turn and walk away. The door slammed shut behind him, echoing through the silence of the room **Frozen. All his credit cards frozen.** The implications hit him hard.

"How could he do this?" he thought, frustration boiling in his chest as he ran a hand through his messy hair, feeling lost and alone.

"Dad, no! You can't do that!" he shouted after his father, but all he received in response was the cold silence of the house, a stark contrast to the tension that had just filled it. 

He sank back on the edge of his bed, running through the consequences of his father's actions. No access to funds. No way to pay for anything. His mind raced with scenarios—how would he manage day-to-day expenses? How could he find a place to stand when his footing had been ripped from under him? 

Diego felt a wave of anger swell up inside him, This wasn't just a fight or a disagreement; this was a declaration of war. His father wasn't just trying to control him; he was sending a message—a brutal reminder of who held the reins in their relationship. He had been backed into a corner and stripped of his autonomy, and it felt suffocating.

————

In their bedroom Raymond sat rigidly on the edge of the bed. His brows were knitted together, every ounce of frustration radiating from his frame. Across from him, Maya watched her husband, concern etched on her face.

"Honey, aren't you being too hard on him?" she asked softly, "He's struggling. It must be really hard on him."

"I don't care! He should be punished for his crimes," Raymond retorted, his voice biting and filled with indignation.

Diego mom remained silent for a moment contemplating her husband words "I understand, but we have to remember he's still our son."

Raymond dismissed her concern with a wave of his hand. "There's something about that woman from last night that amazes me," he continued, his tone shifting as though the conversation had veered into a completely different lane. "in addition she gave me her business card."

Maya interest piqued. "You mean the lady who brought Diego home in his drunken state?" she asked, the worry in her voice tempered with curiosity.

"Exactly," Raymond replied, nodding slowly "I liked her the moment I saw her."

Maya raised an eyebrow, her pulse quickening with realization. "Where is this pointing to?" she prompted cautiously.

Raymond leaned back, folding his arms across his chest, a glimmer of determination in his eyes. "Now that Lucia is out of the picture…" he uttered, trailing off deliberately as he gauged his wife's reaction.

Maya eyes widened as the understanding dawned on her. The idea that her husband had been contemplating something beyond mere punishment sent ripples of disbelief through her. "Raymond, you can't be serious. You're thinking about involving that woman in our family's affairs?"

"Why not?" he shot back, his voice firm. "Lucia was a spoiled little rich girl, and our family doesn't need another like her! She was never right for Diego. But this woman—she's clearly capable, responsible. She showed genuine concern for our son's well-being last night. I'm intrigued by her."

Maya shook her head slowly. "You can't think that just because she helped him once, she's the answer to all our issues. Diego needs to find his path on his own, not through manipulation."

"Manipulation?" Raymond echoed, incredulous. "This isn't manipulation; it's about ensuring Diego doesn't fall into the trap of his own making. He needs a strong figure to guide him, someone who's not clouded by the expectations of our business, someone fresh and capable."

"Raymond, this isn't how we do things," Maya pleaded, She felt torn between supporting her husband and protecting their son. "Trying to fix Diego's life by introducing him to someone else, That's not fair to him"

"I feel we should give him some space,he will surely bring a woman home one day"

"No,I gave him the chance, but he failed,what if it works? What if she can help him find direction?" Raymond pressed, leaning closer. "She seems grounded. I didn't just see a woman last night, honey. I saw potential. Someone who could either help him get back on track or align with our family's interests. You have to admit, it could benefit both parties."

Maya panic at the thought. "That's not a healthy solution," she started to protest, but Raymond waved her off, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Honey, think about it. With Lucia gone, there's an opening. Diego needs someone he can lean on, and if it leads back to the family company, all the better. Perhaps this woman could help him find himself in a more productive space, away from distractions. If she's serious about him, she'll be motivated to help."

"But what if she isn't?" Maya countered, sensing the direction in which the conversation was heading. "What if treating this like some kind of business project just complicates things further? It could push Diego away even more."

Raymond sighed, running a hand over his face in frustration. "We're already losing him If we don't act now, we might lose him for good. Look at what this whole situation with Lucia has done. We can't let him spiral down a path we can't control. He needs encouragement, not just empty sympathies."

"And you think using this woman will encourage him? This is all so risky, and it feels so… manipulative."

Raymond's voice softened. "Not manipulative—strategic. Diego's a smart kid. He needs to understand that life doesn't just hand you opportunities; you have to create them. If this woman aligns with his interests and ours, then it's a win-win."

Maya looked at her husband, and in that moment, she saw the stubborn fervor in his eyes—a reflection of the man she had married.

"Raymond," she said carefully, "I'm worried this will lead to more conflict, not resolution. If Diego finds out we were playing matchmaker—"

"He doesn't have to know anything. It could help him, even if he initially resents it," he interrupted, a glint of determination strengthening his resolve. "Sometimes, to find the right path, you have to give a little nudge. And who knows? Maybe you and I both might find something we like—someone we trust—to help foster his growth."

Maya held her breath, and a storm of thoughts filled her mind. Could it work? Was it worth the risk? "We need to tread carefully, Raymond. Diego has been hurt enough. If we push him too hard, it might backfire."

Raymond nodded, finally looking contemplative. "You're right. We should be cautious. But I still think we should explore this woman. I want to meet her properly, gauge her intentions with Diego. If she's genuine about caring for him… maybe we can find common ground."

Maya felt a knot tighten in her stomach, uncertain if this was a step forward or deeper into precarious waters. "Alright," she conceded reluctantly.

"Of course, darling. We'll approach it delicately," he promised, a smile creeping on his face.

Meanwhile Diego stood up, a fire igniting within him. **He wouldn't let his dad cut him off just like that.** It was time to reclaim his future, one step at a time.

"Diana's out of the picture," he thought, the name echoing in his mind like a bitter reminder of what he had lost. "I have nothing left to fight for… But this ends now." 

 Diego strode out of his room,His father might think he had him cornered, isolated and alone, but he wouldn't bow under the pressure. 

As he approached his parents' room, a plan began to form in his mind. **If his dad wanted to pick a woman for him, fine. He could play along, pretend to go with the flow. But the real victory would be in keeping his connection to the company.** He would find a way to make this work to his advantage, to turn the tables on his father's calculations.

Without thinking, Diego marched straight to the door and swung it open without any warning. The sight before him was unexpected. His parents sat on the bed, their conversation halting as they turned to see him. He could sense the tension crackling in the air, as if the very atmosphere had shifted to acknowledge his entrance.

"Diego, what are you doing?" His mother asked, her voice a mix of surprise and concern. 

"I need to talk to both of you," he declared, the words spilling out with determined clarity. "Now."

Raymond's brow furrowed but he nodded, gesturing for Diego to enter. "Fine. But this better be good."

Diego stepped into the room, closing the door behind him ready to assert his presence in this chaotic game. "I know things haven't been easy lately, but you guys need to understand something." He took a breath, gathering his thoughts. "I'm not just going to sit by and let you make decisions about my life, especially not about who I should be with."

His father scoffed, the corner of his mouth twisting into a dismissive smirk. "You think you have a say in this? After everything that's gone down?"

Diego felt his frustration bubble over. "You might control the purse strings, Dad, but that doesn't mean you get to dictate every part of my life. Not anymore. I'm an adult."

Maya glanced nervously between them, sensing the building tension. "Diego, this isn't just about you. Your father is trying to help guide you. It's about making sure you find stability after everything that's happened."

"Stability?" he shot back, feeling the anger surge in him. "You think cutting me off and picking a woman for me is stability? I won't be your puppet to control—especially not after what I just went through with Diana."

"Then what do you propose?" Raymond asked, his tone sharper now. "You think running around with no direction is the answer? You've made mistakes, Diego, and it's time you accepted that. You need structure. You need someone who can ground you."

"I need a chance to figure things out for myself," Diego insisted, his voice unwavering. "If you think I can't do that as I am, maybe you should reconsider how you see me, Dad. I need to earn my place in the family, not just have it handed to me."

Raymond's expression hardened,"You want to earn your place?" he repeated, a challenging edge to his voice. "Then prove it. Show me that you can handle responsibility and make choices for yourself."

The challenge hung in the air, inviting tension and possibility. Diego steeled himself. "I'm willing to do that. But I won't be treated like a child who needs to be shielded from his own choices. You can look for someone to help me, but it better not come at the cost of my relationship with the company."

Maya's eyes widened in concern, but Diego pressed on. "I get it; you want what's best for me. But this is my life, and I'll damn well decide who I let in. If it means working with whoever you think is suitable, fine. But I'll also make my own choices."

"Suit yourself," Raymond said, leaning back against the headboard with an unreadable expression. "But don't expect me to go easy on you if you mess up again."

Diego felt his heart race, the thrill of defiance coursing through him.

Raymond fell silent, the wheels turning in his mind. Finally, he nodded slowly. "Alright. You want this chance—to prove yourself? Then I'll give you that. But don't think I'm going to sit back and let you fail. I'll be watching every move you make."

Diego released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, a mix of relief and remaining tension coiling within him. 

"Good," Raymond replied, an edge of approval surfacing in his voice. "We'll figure this out together, but don't forget the stakes involved."

"You won't object to getting married to whomever I choose" his dad continued.

"Accepted" Diego replied with a determined voice and his fist clenched.

A heavy silence fell between them, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air Left with the piercing gaze emitting from both.

"Can I at least know who she is?" he asked quietly, swallowing a lump of uncertainty that settled in his throat.

Raymond hesitated for a while before he finally spoke "I'll let you know, once I get to know her more"

" She's so beautiful Diego and I bet you'll definitely love this one ,Raymond continued, pride lacing his words as he leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "You'll see her soon." 

The room felt suffocating as Diego's stomach twisted in knots. The speed at which his father was laying out the terms was dizzying, but he knew better than to show any resistance. Raymond continued, his gaze going steely. "Since you're willing to cooperate, I will restore your rights only after the marriage. But remember, if you choose to mess this up, then forget about the company." 

Diego tensed at his father's final warning. "I'm ready," he replied, each word heavy with resignation, as if he were sealing a pact that altered the course of his life forever. 

In that moment, he realized that he was making a choice that felt perilously close to surrender. **This was the worst thing he had ever done: succumbing to his father's wishes.

As the realization sank in, hope diminished and despair shadowed every thought. "I'll just let him control everything," Diego thought bitterly, his heart shattering under the immense weight of defeat. He felt as if he were shackled, his dreams and desires exchanged for an agreement that offered no guarantees of happiness or fulfillment.

-——-

Megan sat cross-legged on her bed, her laptop open and abandoned next to her as she stared at the wall, lost in thought. 

"Megan, your engagement with Eric might be postponed," her dad's voice broke through the haze of her thoughts. "We still haven't heard a reply from Eric's family."

A lump formed in her throat. **Eric**. The boy her father believed was the perfect match for her, a prospect that made her stomach churn. She took a deep breath and called back, "Dad, I clearly said I have a boyfriend already!"

Her father leaned against the wall crossing his arms, his brow furrowed with frustration. "Megan, forget about Aiden," he warned, his voice a mix of irritation and concern. "This isn't just about you. It's about our family's reputation and the future we're building."

Megan felt the heat rise to her cheeks. "Dad, I appreciate that you want the best for me, but I can't just throw Aiden aside because you think Eric is a better match." 

"Aiden isn't a suitable partner for you," her father replied, his tone brokering no argument.

I'm not a pawn in some game to secure a business deal or improve our image!"

"It's not about image!" he shot back, his usually calm demeanor unraveling. "It's about stability, family legacy, and ensuring our name means something in this town. I thought you understood this." 

Megan pressed her lips together, fighting back tears. "But I want to understand love, Dad. Not some forced arrangement dictated by you or the expectations of our family. Aiden means a lot to me."

Her father's expression softened for a moment, but his resolve hardened too quickly for her liking. "Love? What do you know about love? You're too young to understand the complexities involved. 

"Maybe I've experienced more than you think. Look at you, imposing your will without even trying to understand what I want." Her voice broke, a mix of sadness and frustration flooding her every word. "You're not giving me a choice."

"Life isn't all about choices"he replied, exhaling heavily.

"You don't even know what makes me happy." Megan felt her heart racing, the disparity between their worlds growing larger with every word exchanged. "You're treating me like a business deal instead of your daughter."

"Enough!" Nelson shouted,the tension rising to an unbearable level. "I won't let you ruin your future over some fleeting infatuation. Aiden will lead you astray,a guy who hits you frequently, that is not love"

Megan clenched her fists, fighting back tears of frustration. "You're right, Dad. Maybe I'm just a foolish girl who thinks that love can exist outside of your rigid plans. But Aiden respects me, cares about me—"

"Naive?" Megan's voice trembled, her tone laced with both anger and hurt. "I'm trying to stand up for myself. Self-respect matters too, you know!"

He shook his head, frustration lining the edges of his face. "This isn't about respect; it's about reality. You have to learn this now because it will shape the rest of your life. 

Megan felt a deep ache form in her chest as she realized the gulf between them seemed unreachable.

The words hung in the air, heavy and fragile. Her father's expression softened for a moment, revealing a glimpse of vulnerability. "No, Megan. Not love. Choosing someone who isn't the right fit. It leads to heartbreak and disappointment." 

"How do you know Aiden isn't the right fit?" she challenged, crossing her arms defiantly. "Just because he doesn't fit into your perfect picture?"

He fell silent for a moment, the hurt look in her eyes penetrating the walls he had built around his heart. "Because I care about you, I've seen what can happen when one ignores reality. You don't have to like my choices, but you must understand that I know this world. I want to keep you safe."

"Safe? By controlling my life? You call this safety?" Megan turned away from him, biting her lip as tears threatened to overflow. "I know you want to protect me, but this feels like a cage. I'm not ready for a arranged life based on what you think is best."

"Megan…" he began, but she held up her hand, cutting him off.

"I'm tired of doing what everyone expects of me," she said, her voice steady .

"Megan, it's high time you make your decision, Aiden or the studio,I am planning to sell off the Art Studio,I made what you are today,and you will respect my decision so choose" her father said 

Megan eyes widened reminiscing the file she had seen in his room the previous day.

"So this was it,he was trying to sell of the studio inorder to coerce her in getting married to whomever he chose" she thought 

After much consideration Megan finally opened her mouth.

"Fine, do whatever you want," she said, her voice trembling. "Just don't take the studio from me." 

Nelson's face shifted from anger to a grim satisfaction. "Great, Megan. You've chosen well." The victory in his tone made her stomach churn. "However, there's a price for keeping your precious studio and it's one I expect you to adhere to."

"What do you mean?" she asked warily, her heart racing as dread creeped in.

"Cut all ties with Aiden," he commanded, his voice firm and uncompromising. 

"Dad, no! You can't be serious!" Megan pleaded, an icy grip of panic took hold of her chest.

"You've promised to keep the studio, so don't mess things up,or else you don't want to keep the Glowy project going.

"I hope you'll stick to your promise" Nelson said turning he walked out from the room leaving the door shutting behind.

Megan collapsed on the floor,she hated herself for trading her love with Aiden just like that.

"I'm sorry Aiden" Megan muttered as tears rolled down her cheek.