Ethan sat in the dimly lit bar, nursing a glass of whiskey. The weight of everything that had happened pressed heavily on his chest. He took a deep breath, trying to prepare himself for the conversation ahead. His eyes flicked toward the door as it creaked open, and in walked Victor.
Victor spotted Ethan immediately and made his way over to the booth. Without a word, he slid into the seat across from him, his eyes cold and unreadable. Ethan could feel the tension emanating from him.
"I hope this isn’t some bullshit excuse for why you let things get this far," Victor said, his voice gruff as he flagged down the bartender for a drink.
Ethan swallowed hard, avoiding eye contact for a moment. "It’s not an excuse. I just… I need to tell someone. I can’t keep this inside anymore." His voice w
