Chapter 10 - The Weight of a Name

Nathan arrived at the Cole estate without hesitation. His steps were firm, his face devoid of emotion as he walked through the grand hallways he once called home. The servants barely acknowledged him—they knew better than to get involved in Cole family affairs. Without knocking, he pushed open the heavy doors of his father's office.

Denis Cole sat behind his massive desk, his sharp eyes immediately scanning his son's appearance. His gaze darkened.

"Why were you playing football?" he asked, his voice cold and controlled. "And why the hell were you dressed like a homeless person?"

Nathan remained still, his expression unreadable. Then, with a slow inhale, he finally spoke.

"First, you made me live separately. Now, you have people watching me from a distance. Why don't you ask me directly how I've been living?"

Denis leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping against the polished wood. He was clearly unimpressed with the response. Nathan, however, wasn't done.

"If you were really my father, you'd treat me like someone you actually care about."

The words were sharp, cutting through the cold atmosphere of the room.

Denis remained silent, his expression unreadable, but Nathan had had enough. Without another word, he turned around and slammed the door behind him.

---

Nathan wandered through the dimly lit streets, the weight of the confrontation still pressing on his chest. He didn't know where he was going—he just needed to get away.

Eventually, he found himself at a quiet park. He sat down on a wooden bench, resting his elbows on his knees. His mind was filled with frustration, regret, and something else he couldn't quite place.

"Nathan? Alone at this hour?"

A familiar voice pulled him from his thoughts.

Nathan looked up to see Joseph Carter standing nearby, his usual composed expression tinged with mild curiosity.

"Where's Lilian?" Joseph asked as he approached.

Nathan exhaled heavily before shaking his head. "Not here."

Joseph studied him for a moment before sitting down beside him. "Something on your mind?"

For a while, Nathan didn't say anything. Then, finally, he spoke.

"Denis called me home just to remind me how much of a disappointment I am," he muttered. "Apparently, playing football and dressing like a normal person is unacceptable for a Cole."

Joseph remained silent, allowing Nathan to continue.

"He never asks how I feel. Never cares about what I actually want. I was supposed to be a footballer, you know? But one decision from him, and everything I worked for just… disappeared."

Nathan clenched his fists, his voice bitter. "The worst part is, he thinks all of this is normal. Like I'm supposed to accept it because I was born a Cole."

Joseph nodded thoughtfully. "Being born into power and wealth isn't always a blessing, is it?"

Nathan let out a dry chuckle. "It's a damn curse. No matter what I want, it's always about what's best for the family, what's best for the company. They don't care about me as a person—just the heir they're trying to mold."

Joseph sighed. "I understand more than you think. My father was the same. Cold, strict, always about business. I promised myself I wouldn't be that kind of father."

Nathan turned his head slightly. "And yet, you still expect Lilian to inherit your company?"

Joseph smirked. "No. If she doesn't want it, I won't force her. That's the difference between your father and me."

Nathan was quiet for a moment. He wasn't sure what he felt—maybe envy, maybe admiration. Would things have been different if he had a father like Joseph Carter?

After a while, he turned to Joseph with a curious expression.

"By the way… how did you even recognize me? I look nothing like the Nathan Cole everyone knows."

Joseph chuckled. "A father pays attention to the little things. And besides, Lilian talks about you more than you think."

Nathan blinked. "She does?"

Joseph simply smiled. "I won't say more than that. But, Nathan, take care of her. She may act strong, but she has a soft heart."

Nathan gave a small nod. "I will."

Joseph stood up, giving Nathan a reassuring pat on the back before walking away, leaving Nathan alone with his thoughts.

For the first time in a long while, he felt something warm settle in his chest.

End of Chapter 10.