Breakfast Chaos
Axel walked out of his room and headed downstairs, only to find his family already seated at the dining table for breakfast. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as morning sunlight streamed through the large windows.
Without saying a word, he pulled out a chair and was about to sit down when his father's stern voice stopped him.
"Axel, before you leave for work, I want you to drop your sister off at school."
A smirk immediately appeared on Axel's face as he glanced at his younger sister.
Khaira groaned inwardly.
She didn't want Axel driving her to school. In her opinion, she was already grown up. Yet her father still treated her like a three-year-old child. For goodness' sake, she was seventeen and would be turning eighteen in just a few months.
Unfortunately, she knew better than to argue.
Once her father made a decision, nothing could change his mind—not even the heavens themselves.
Trying to ignore her frustration, Khaira focused on her breakfast.
"Dad, I won't be coming home tonight," Axel suddenly announced. "I want some private time at my condo."
Mr. Walman looked at his son for a moment. Behind his calm expression was a hint of sadness and concern, but he refused to show it. As the head of the family, he believed weakness had no place at the table.
"Axel," he said, setting down his coffee cup, "why won't you stay here? You prefer eating takeout food instead of sharing meals with your family. You have a home here, yet you insist on living alone."
Axel sighed.
Before he could answer, Khaira seized the opportunity.
This was the perfect moment to get back at her annoying older brother.
"Dad," she said innocently, "he doesn't want to stay at the condo alone. He plans to go out drinking with his friends."
Axel's eyes widened.
Khaira fought back a smile and continued.
"When he gets drunk, he'll probably return to his villa instead of coming home because he's afraid you'll scold him. I even heard him talking about it on the phone with Gabriel yesterday."
"Khaira!" Axel snapped.
"What?" she replied, shrugging.
Mr. Walman's expression darkened immediately.
"Drinking again?" he asked.
The dining room suddenly fell silent.
"How many times have I told you that alcohol is bad for your health?"
"Dad, it's not what she thinks—"
"Enough."
The authority in his father's voice was enough to stop Axel mid-sentence.
"You are no longer a child, Axel. As the eldest son of this family, people look up to you. Your sister looks up to you. What kind of example are you setting?"
Khaira lowered her head, pretending to focus on her food while secretly enjoying every second of the lecture.
Axel shot her a murderous glare.
She responded with a sweet smile.
Mr. Walman continued, unaware of the silent war taking place between his children.
"Family should always come first. I understand that you want your independence, but that doesn't mean you should distance yourself from us."
For a brief moment, guilt flickered across Axel's face.
The truth was that his father wasn't entirely wrong.
Ever since moving into his condo, he had spent less time with his family. Work occupied most of his days, while his nights were filled with meetings, friends, and endless responsibilities.
Sometimes he wondered if he was running away from something.
Or someone.
"Fine," Axel finally said. "I'll stay for dinner tomorrow."
A smile appeared on Mr. Walman's face.
"Good."
"Does that mean you'll also stop drinking?" Khaira asked mischievously.
Axel clenched his jaw.
"Keep talking, Khaira, and you'll be walking to school."
Khaira gasped dramatically.
"Dad, did you hear that? He's threatening me!"
The table erupted into laughter.
For the first time that morning, even Axel couldn't stop himself from smiling.
Little did they know that this ordinary breakfast would be the last peaceful moment they would share before a series of events turned their lives upside down.
