Suit & Scars.

Behind closed doors

Later that evening, Kevin leaned against the balcony railing outside the guest wing. The sky was dusted with stars, and the cool night air had finally coaxed him into rolling up his sleeves.

“You brought her here for a reason,” Cecilia said softly, stepping beside him with a cup of tea in hand.

Kevin didn’t look at her. “She’s an intern.”

Cecilia scoffed gently. “Kevin. I’ve known you since before you could tie your own shoelaces. Don’t insult my intelligence.”

He finally glanced at her, a flicker of amusement in his eyes.

“She’s… focused. Hardworking. Different.”

“And that’s why you flew her across the country on your private jet?” Cecilia arched a brow.

He smirked faintly, then sighed. “I didn’t plan this. I just… didn’t want to go alone. And when I thought about who I wouldn’t mind sitting beside for hours, she came to mind.”

Cecilia gave him a long, thoughtful look.

“You know what scares me?” she said. “You’ve built walls so high around your heart that sometimes I worry no one will ever climb them. But tonight… you were softer. With her around, it was like the version of you I used to know.”

Kevin’s jaw clenched slightly. “It’s not that simple, Mum.”

“I know it’s not. Not with your father’s shadow still trailing behind you. But don’t let his past stop you from writing your own.”

He didn’t respond for a moment.

“She doesn’t know anything about that,” he finally said. “And I want to keep it that way. At least for now.”

Cecilia reached over, gently placing a hand on his arm. “Then take your time. But if you think she’s worth it… don’t let her slip away.”

Kevin looked back up at the stars, silent.

---

Angela followed Ava up the curved staircase, still replaying the dinner conversation in her head. The house smelled faintly of lavender and something warm—like history and comfort. Ava’s heels clicked softly on the wooden floors as they reached the guest wing.

"This will be your room for the week," Ava smiled, pushing open a white door. The room was stunning—simple, elegant, with cream walls, a velvet armchair by the window, and fresh flowers on the nightstand.

"Wow," Angela breathed. "This is beautiful."

"I'm glad you like it." Ava stepped inside and sat on the armchair, smoothing her skirt. "You can get comfortable, but... mind if I stay for a little chat?"

Angela blinked, surprised. "Of course not."

Ava glanced toward the hallway, then back at Angela with a gentler expression. “You’re the first person Kevin’s ever brought home. Did you know that?”

Angela’s eyes widened. “I didn’t.”

“Not even friends. Not a soul.” Ava let out a quiet sigh. “He used to be so open. As a little boy, he’d tell me everything—what he dreamed about, who he liked at school, what scared him... But then something changed.”

Angela listened, silent.

Angela listened silently, her fingers curling slightly around the edge of the blanket as Ava spoke, her voice soft but filled with emotion.

“…Kevin’s always carried it all alone. Even when he was hurting, he never let anyone in,” Ava said, her eyes misty. “He puts up walls not because he wants to push people away, but because he doesn’t know how to let them in without getting hurt.”

Angela swallowed, her heart tightening. “He seems… so strong. I wouldn’t have guessed.”

Ava smiled gently. “He is strong. But he’s also human.”

Just then, the door creaked slightly. Angela and Ava turned. Kevin stood there, leaning against the doorframe with a brow raised, hands in his pockets.

“Talking about me behind my back?” he said, voice low but with a teasing edge.

Angela stiffened slightly. Ava stood, smiling knowingly. “I was just enlightening your intern.” She winked at Angela. “Goodnight, dear.”

She left the room, leaving the door ajar.

Kevin stepped in slowly. “So… what did she say?”

Angela hesitated. “Nothing bad.”

Kevin gave a quiet chuckle and sat on the armrest of the chair by the window. “I know my sister. She means well, but she likes digging up old scars.”

Angela looked up at him. “Sometimes scars need to breathe.”

He glanced at her, a little taken aback. “You always talk like that?”

She gave a small smile. “Only when I feel like someone needs to hear it.”

There was a pause.

“You surprise me, Angela,” Kevin said, voice softer. “Most people ask questions. You… listen.”

Angela met his gaze. “Only when I want to understand.”

Kevin stood. “Get some sleep. Big day tomorrow.”

He turned to leave, but paused again.

“Have a Goodnight Ms Angela ”

“Guess we're back to formalities? ”she asked

Kevin chuckled lightly then left.