CHAPTER 3: THE GILDED CAGE

The penthouse was on the fortieth floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out over the entire city. It was luxurious - marble floors, leather furniture, a kitchen with stainless steel appliances that looked like they’d never been used. But it was also empty. No photos on the walls, no books on the shelves, no personal touches that made it feel like a home.

“This is your room,” Mia said, opening a door at the end of a long hallway. “Mr. Rothwell will be staying in the master suite at the other end. He’s asked that you respect his privacy - don’t go into his room, don’t disturb him when he’s working.”

Kai looked inside. The room was nice - a large bed, a desk, a walk-in closet. But it felt like a hotel room, not a place where someone lived. “Thank you,” he said quietly.

Mia nodded. “I’ll leave you to unpack. Dinner will be delivered at 7 PM. Mr. Rothwell will be eating in his office, so you can eat here.”

Then she was gone, leaving Kai alone in the big, empty room. He walked over to the window and looked out at the city below - the cars moving like tiny ants, the lights starting to turn on as the sun set. It was a view he’d always dreamed of seeing, but now it just made him feel smaller, more alone.

He unpacked his things slowly - his clothes, his books, the small photo of him and his friends at the birthday party where he’d met Leo. He tucked the photo into the drawer of the desk, not wanting to look at it. Then he pulled out the ultrasound photo from his wallet - the first one he’d gotten at the doctor’s office. It was just a tiny dot, but it was his. His and Leo’s.

He sat down on the bed, holding the photo in his hands. “Hi, little one,” he whispered. “I know this isn’t the life I wanted for you. But I promise I’ll take care of you. No matter what.”

There was a knock on the door. Kai quickly put the photo back in his wallet and stood up. “Come in.”

Mia walked in with a tray of food - roasted chicken, vegetables, rice. “Dinner,” she said, setting it down on the desk. “Is there anything else you need?”

Kai shook his head. “No, thank you.”

Mia paused at the door. “Mr. Rothwell… he’s not a bad man,” she said, her voice softer than before. “He’s just… been through a lot. Give him time.”

Then she left again. Kai sat down at the desk and started eating, but the food tasted like cardboard. He thought about what Mia had said - give him time. But how much time did he have? The baby would be here in seven months, and Leo still treated him like he was invisible.

After dinner, he decided to explore the penthouse. He walked down the hallway, past Leo’s office - he could hear voices inside, Leo talking to someone about “shipments” and “payments.” He didn’t stop, didn’t want to listen. He walked into the living room, then the kitchen, running his hands over the expensive furniture. It all felt so cold, so impersonal.

He was standing in the kitchen, looking out at the city, when the office door opened. Leo walked out, wearing a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, his tie loose around his neck. He stopped when he saw Kai, his jaw tightening.

“I thought I told you to stay in your room,” he said, his voice sharp.

Kai turned around, his heart racing. “I… I was just exploring. I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”

Leo walked over to the kitchen counter, pouring himself a glass of whiskey. “This is my home,” he said, not looking at Kai. “My space. I need you to respect that.”

“I know,” Kai said quietly. “I’m sorry.”

Leo took a sip of whiskey. “How’s the baby?”

The question took Kai by surprise. He didn’t think Leo cared. “Fine,” he said. “The doctor said everything is normal.”

Leo nodded, still not looking at him. “Good. That’s all that matters.”

They stood in silence for a few minutes, the only sound the hum of the city outside. Kai wanted to say something - to ask him why he hated him so much, to tell him about the ultrasound photo. But he was too scared.

“I should go back to my room,” Kai said finally.

“Good,” Leo said. “And Kai?”

Kai looked at him.

“Don’t ever come into the kitchen when I’m here,” Leo said. “I don’t want to see you.”

Kai’s heart broke all over again. He turned and walked back to his room, closing the door behind him. He sat down on the bed and started crying, the sound of his sobs lost in the big, empty penthouse. This was his life now - a gilded cage with a man who couldn’t even stand to look at him. And he didn’t know how he was going to survive it.

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