Page 6 of Chasing After You

“Understood,” I agreed, my heart aching.

* * *

The work had been grueling lately. Since the Halbrookes didn’t want Dorian accidentally running into me, I worked terrible hours. Most of my work took place between the hours of 2 a.m. and 5:30 a.m., but I was also often called upon whenever Dorian was out of the house.

I was constantly exhausted, running on fumes, but it would all be worth it to be able to see Dorian one last time.

I had to wonder how they’d explained my absence.

It was only four days before my birthday when everything fell apart.

I’d been sneaking to the kitchen for a late-night snack when I heard it. Arguing. Angry voices.

Deciding that I could stop by the kitchen after, I followed the noise until I was standing outside the door to Daniel’s office.

“Just tell me where he is.” Dorian’s frustrated voice leaked through the oak.

Daniel replied, “We’ve already told you, son. The answer isn’t going to change, no matter how many times you ask. You know he’s been in the hospital.”

Was someone in the family hurt? I hadn’t heard about anyone going to a hospital.

Dorian growled, “And I’ve already told you that I know you’re lying. I’ve checked every hospital in this goddamn state, and he isn’t in any of them!”

“There’s no way you could’ve checked them all,” Daniel laughed. “You’re intelligent, sure, but there’s no way a child could get access to patient records like that.”

“I had someone do it.”

“Okay, son, and so tell me—How do you know they told you the truth? I don’t know anyone in this household who would be loyal to a teenager over their employer.”

“I—”

Daniel cruelly mocked him, “Do you even know what his real last name is?”

“I don’t understand how that’s relevant,” Dorian muttered.

“I’ll take that as a no. So, let’s say that Joshua was admitted under that name rather than Halbrooke? Joshua is such a common name, you know.”

What…? They were talking about me?

“Oh…”

“Why can’t you just let it go?” Daniel asked.

“Let it go?Let it go? You have to be fucking joking,” Dorian roared.

“What did you expect? For him to be by your side forever and ever? The world doesn’t work like that, Dorian. It’s time to grow up and be a fucking man.”

“Speak for yourself,Dad.”

“You are a Halbrooke. There are certain expectations you need to be held to, and that includes not whining about shit like this,” Daniel hissed out.

“I never asked for any of this! I don’t want any of it! I don’t want to be your perfect heir or whatever!” Dorian shouted.

“Well, too damn bad. You’ll never be free of this family.”

“You sure about that?” Dorian asked coolly, voice suddenly calm and collected.

“Yes. Now drop it.”