BETWEEN TWO BROTHERS AND A PAST

Chapter 5: The Party That Changed Everything. (Five years ago)

Andrew POV

“Congratulations, Andrew,” my father said, his voice steady but filled with finality.

I looked at the documents on his desk that I had just signed, formally becoming the CEO of Kane Enterprises. He was standing opposite from me, showing a rare flash of pride despite his often stern demeanor.

He went on to say, "You've worked hard for this. Don’t let me down.”

"I won't," I said, maintaining a steady tone.

After giving a single nod, he walked out of the office silently.

"Big day, huh?"

As I glanced up, I noticed Luke propped against the doorframe, grinning and his tie already undone.

I glanced at the documents before me and said, "It's simply another day."

Luke let out a snort. "Are you joking with me?. Dad just gave you control of the empire, and you're just sitting here as if it's nothing important?"

"Because it isn't," I replied frankly.

Luke rolled his eyes and stepped into the office, settling down in the chair across from me. "Andrew, you have to relax. This is very important. You are this company's youngest CEO ever. I'm not sure what else is worth celebrating if that isn't it."

I folded my arms and reclined in my chair. "I have no time to celebrate. Too much needs to be done."

Luke shook his head and remarked, "You say that all the time. Just one night, please. Let's get out, enjoy ourselves, and put work aside for a bit."

I snapped, "I don't have time for 'fun,' Luke."

Luke leaned forward, his smile turning into a giggle. “You’re scared.”

I arched an eyebrow. “Scared of what?”

He gestured around the room and continued, "Of having a life outside this office. You've been putting in years of hard work, and now that you've succeeded, you're too afraid to celebrate."

“I’m not scared,” I responded, my tone cold.

Luke got up and shouted, "Then prove it. Join me for this celebration. It’s supposed to be one of the biggest events in the city. No suits, no business talk, just… people.”

I turned back to my desk and remarked, "I don't do parties."

Luke let out a grunt. “You’re impossible. Alright, remain here and mope. But if you change your mind, I’ll be at the office entrance in an hour.”

He muttered something under his breath and left the room when I didn't answer.

An hour later, I was standing with my hands stuffed in my pockets at the office entrance. Luke was smiling like a lottery winner as he leaned against his car.

He opened the passenger door for me and remarked, "I knew you'd come around."

As I climbed in, I remarked, "Don't make a big deal out of this."

Luke chuckled. "It's too late."

*******************

The party was exactly what I anticipated it to be; noisy, packed, and intense. The room was crowded with individuals sporting elaborate masks, who were joyfully laughing and drinking without a care in the world.

As we entered, I whispered to Luke, "This is absurd."

He gave me a back pat and whispered, "Calm down, Andrew. Just grab a drink, relax, and have fun."

Almost instantly, Luke vanished into the crowd, leaving me standing awkwardly close to the bar. I have never seen a scenario like this before. My life was ruled by work, and I liked it that way.

I took a seat at the bar, requested a drink, and observed the chaos happening around me. Across the room, Luke was already talking with a group of women.

He appeared totally comfortable, as though he was supposed to be here.

I didn't.

The building was packed with people who were overly preoccupied with themselves, and it was noisy. I remained sat, tapping the edge of my glass lightly with my fingertips. It was a pointless party, but Luke had persisted. He'd said, "Celebrate." As though I enjoyed this chaos.

I was scanning the room, watching the endless swirl of masks and laughter, when I felt eye contact. Someone was staring. I slowly looked back and saw her.

She was a few steps away, wearing a black mask with silver trim, just like mine. Her confused and wide eyes met mine. The room's noise seemed to subside for a minute.

After hesitating, she approached me.

She paused next to me at the bar and said, "Uh, hi."

"Hello," I said in a firm voice. “Are you enjoying the party?”

She looked around and murmured, "It's... different. I've never been anywhere like this before."

I c****d my head a bit. "First time, then?"

She nodded while firmly holding her glass in her palm. “Yeah. "I’m Julia.”

My mouth's corner arched. “You shouldn’t give your name at a masked party,” I said. "That destroys the mystery."

She frowned before letting out a little laugh. "Oh, tell me your name."

I shook my head. "That would make it less enjoyable."

Her eyes rolled, but there was a glimmer of interest in them. "All right. So you're a "mystery guy."

I gestured for a better drink from the bartender and said, "If that works for you."

We spoke for a bit, just enough to keep the conversation going but nothing significant. Her smile was disarming, she was drowsy and she was laughing more freely now.

We continued to converse as the evening wore on. She was unlike anyone I had ever met; she was sincere, a little reserved, but had a quick wit that surprised me.

I discovered that I was loosening and had forgotten about the office, the duties, and the pressure of being the CEO.

"Want to leave this place?" Abruptly, I asked.

Her gaze widened a little, but she nodded. "Yes."

We went to the VIP lounge, a quieter and more private space. This wasn't who I am, and I was unaware of my actions. But being with her felt… unique.

One event led to another, and before I realized it, we were in a private room.

*****************

The sunlight pouring in from the window woke me. Confused, I blinked as the events of the previous night flooded my memory.

Beside me, Julia was still asleep, her face calm.

I squinted at the screen of my phone as it buzzed on the nightstand.

"Sophie?" As I answered the phone, I mumbled.

"Andrew," she said urgently. “It’s Edward. He’s not feeling well. You need to come home now.”

The air left my lungs as I froze. "I will be there shortly."

I looked back at Julia and hung up. I was too busy to wake her up or explain. I picked up a pen and some paper, and I quickly wrote:

My name is Kane.

I left it on the nightstand, grabbed my jacket, and rushed out the door.

As I drove away, I realized I’d forgotten something, my keys? Yes. But I couldn’t turn back now. My father needed me.

I ignored the idea and concentrated on the path ahead.