Illumination Butterfly

In a dark, filthy corner of the room, a young man curled up in pain. He was Kaendar Bramantyo, the first son of Kusdinar Bramantyo. His life was far from what people imagined. Everyone assumed that someone born into a wealthy family could simply buy happiness with money, but he never once wished to live as Bramantyo’s son. If he had a choice, he would rather live with his mother. It was already ten in the morning, and he had forgotten that today he was supposed to meet his father’s business associate. He quickly got up, left the room he had been hiding in, and rushed to get ready. “Kaiii!” A voice called him from behind his bedroom door. “Kai, hurry up! Your father’s waiting.” It was his stepmother urging him to come out. Not wanting to cause trouble, Kay immediately stepped out of his room and found his father waiting with a sharp, cold stare—completely different from his younger stepbrother, who always looked at Kay with awkward sympathy. Clack! His father suddenly tossed him the car keys. “You drive,” his father said before walking away and heading toward the car. They were a wealthy family, yet they knew nothing about the meaning of happiness. Time passed, and they finally arrived at the restaurant where his father’s friend was waiting. Inside, May—Kai’s girlfriend and the daughter of his father’s business partner—was already seated. Everyone spoke with enthusiasm and warmth, except for Kay and May, who sat in silence. Kay felt guilty seeing May trapped in an arranged marriage with him. She quietly ate her food without uttering a single word, making Kay feel even worse for her fate. Kay and May were a couple, and they worked at the same place—at their fathers’ company. Both held the same position, manager. Kay couldn’t handle the position alone, so his father forced May to work alongside him. Although she didn’t want to do it, May couldn’t refuse—it was for her future and at her father’s request. When the meeting ended, they all parted ways. Despite being lovers, Kay and May never showed affection in public. They simply walked away from each other. When Kay returned to his room, he couldn’t hold back his tears. They flowed endlessly as his chest tightened to the point where he felt he couldn’t breathe. He truly believed his entire existence was nothing more than his father’s servant. He felt like a puppet—moving only when pulled by strings. He couldn't choose who he loved or who he would marry. Every part of his life seemed to be written solely by his father. What meaning did sadness have anymore? He couldn’t fight or run. And even if he tried to escape, where could he possibly go? How could he survive out there with his limitations? He had surrendered to fate, leaving everything to God. Zayn, Kay’s younger stepbrother who heard his cries every night, was always worried about him. Though only a stepbrother, Zayn cared deeply for Kay. Hearing Kay sob again that night made Zayn even more anxious, but he was powerless. He, too, lived as their father’s servant. Whenever their father hurt Kay, Zayn could do nothing but listen through the walls. Morning arrived. Kay was always the first to wake—he avoided having breakfast with the family. After getting ready, he quickly left the house, passing everyone at the dining table and creating an awkward atmosphere. His father, as usual, stared coldly, devoid of emotion. “Kay, want to eat together?” Zayn asked, holding a piece of toast in his hand. Kay ignored him and hurriedly ran out of the house. With his signature button-up shirt and combed hair, Kay looked incredibly handsome that bright morning. Ever since he graduated high school, he never drove by himself again. He preferred taking the train or bus. Girls often admired him on the streets, drawn to his looks, but his personal struggles made many assume he was cold and distant. When he reached the bus stop and walked toward his office, he froze. Right in front of him, he saw his soon-to-be wife kissing another man. He had always known this day would come, yet when it finally happened, his body felt weak. He quickly took out his phone to record proof of the affair—he was certain he would need it one day. Instead of confronting May, he quietly turned around and boarded another bus. His eyes went blank as tears refused to fall. He couldn’t blame May; deep down, he always believed she deserved someone better. So it wasn’t surprising that she sought love elsewhere—even before their wedding. Confused and not knowing where to go, Kay headed to the river where he had spent his last happy moment with his mother before she passed away. “Should I jump and follow you, Mom? What exactly am I fighting for in this world? For twenty-two years, I haven’t found a single piece of happiness since you left. Mom… Kay is really all alone now. Why did you leave me?” he whispered as he stared at the wide river. Rinnnggg! Kay’s phone rang, breaking his thoughts. “Where are you?” “Why didn’t you come to the office?” “Do you even understand what you’ve done? The investors waited for you for almost three hours! And May hasn’t stopped calling your father. Do you even have a brain, Kay? Hurry up and get to the office. Turning off your phone—really?” "Click" His father hung up without asking where Kay was or what had happened to him. Kay’s father was truly like a dead man living—alive, but without love or any warmth at all.