Broken Bond: Between Vices and Virtues (BL)
Chapter 254 - 12: Glimmer of hope

Chapter 254: Chapter 12: Glimmer of hope

Kayden sat behind his polished desk. His hands folded tightly as he stared blankly at the papers scattered in front of him. The office was tidy and clinical, but there were personal touches here and there: a framed degree on one wall, a small plant that added a bit of color, and a faint scent of antiseptic lingering in the air.

The white walls were offset by the soft, warm lighting that diffused through a minimalist lamp on his desk, casting a slight shadow across his furrowed brow.

Outside, muffled voices of hospital staff and the gentle beeping of machines filtered in now and then, faint reminders of life moving on just beyond these four walls.

Yet inside, everything felt frozen. His mind was whirring, replaying his conversation with Knox that night, the image of Shawn carried by another man, and the contents of the investigation result he asked on one of his sister’s employees.

He shifted in his seat, gaze falling on that said file on his desk. An intrusive, nagging thought pulsed through him—Shawn’s scent lingering on the hospital blanket he took back, Athan’s tender gaze as he looked down at the sleeping Shawn, and Knox’s wary gaze after he asked for his help.

Kayden leaned back, exhaling heavily, tapping his pen lightly against the desk. Each tap echoed his restless thoughts. He finally found the omega that haunted his dreams, only to learn that he was committed already.

’Although it’s true that Shawn was forced into this arrangement... There’s only one thing I can assure you, Dr. Kayden. Athan and Shawn had no feelings for each other...’

Kayden stopped tapping. He recalled how Athan looked at the omega, and then he mumbled, "I doubt it."

But if Shawn was forced into that relationship, and until he confirmed his feelings, then Kayden won’t lose hope.

With only three hours of sleep in that office, morning arrived and Kayden went back to check on his patients. He was on his way to buy coffee while walking with other doctors when he spotted the two who had been occupying his mind.

"Dr. Kayden?"

He turned to the other doctor and waved, "Go ahead. I saw a friend. I’m going to greet him."

He approached the two but also stopped midway after realizing it was rude to come between two people who seemed to be talking seriously. Thus, he waited.

Athan had a serious look on his face, while Shawn looked resigned. Kayden was tempted to walk closer to overhear what they were talking about. Is it about their engagement?

After a few minutes, Athan pulled Shawn into a hug, then, they parted. He walked in the direction of Kayden, and Kayden just stood there, watching him leave. His eyes moved to Shawn, who was left looking down on the floor.

Kayden did not know what came to him, but when he walked, he deliberately bumped Athan’s shoulder as they passed each other. His hands were on the pockets of his coat, and he slightly turned back to apologize.

"Sorry," he did, but anyone could tell he was insincere. Maybe the annoyance he felt last night after seeing Athan threw the blanket and pillow he gave to Shawn resurfaced. It was petty, but Kayden couldn’t care less.

Athan raised his brow. The doctor’s unapologetic smile irritated him, but he just ignored it. He turned away, ready to walk out until he smelled the same scent that lingered on the hospital pillow and blanket. He stopped in his tracks, looked back, and froze. That doctor approached Shawn.

Athan felt his chest tightened at the sight of Shawn talking with someone who clearly showed interest in him, but instead of acting on that unnamed feeling, Athan just continued on his way. He and Shawn had no clear label on what their relationship was. What binds them is just a verbal agreement between their parents.

But that truth left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Meanwhile, as Shawn lingered in the same spot, trying to make sense of everything Athan had said, he heard a familiar voice.

"Hey."

He looked up to see Dr. Kayden approaching. Caught off guard, Shawn’s instinct was to leave; talking to the doctor was the last thing he wanted. He averted his gaze and was about to walk away, when the alpha spoke in a gentler tone, surprising him.

"How’s your father? Is he doing alright now?"

Shawn hesitated, his guard instinctively rising. "He’s... stable now," he replied, keeping his voice neutral. But the slight tension in his shoulders eased at Kayden’s concerned look. Maybe his intention in approaching him wasn’t to talk about the past at all. Shawn still couldn’t get his head on it... on the reason why the alpha was desperately looking for him. Wasn’t it just a one-night stand?

"How about you?" Kayden asked again, pulling Shawn from his thoughts. "Are you okay?"

Shawn shifted his gaze away, feeling a mixture of gratitude and discomfort under Kayden’s steady, genuine attention. "I... well, yeah, I’m fine."

"Are you heading home now?" Shawn shook his head. Kayden sighed. The omega was clearly uncomfortable with his presence. Even knowing this, Kayden did not want to leave. "Have you had breakfast?"

Shawn nodded. However, his stomach betrayed him.

Kayden smiled, but he hid it by glancing away. "I was just on my way to grab breakfast. If you’re still hungry, why don’t you join me? I know a diner nearby with great food," he suggested, his tone was light and hopeful. "Nothing fancy, just good food. It’s better than eating alone."

Shawn hesitated, casting a wary glance at him. The last time he ate was last night, after he woke up, Athan fed him while Shana was with them, and then he left after they chatted for a bit. This morning, he came again to bring him some clothes, since he refused to leave his father’s side until he regained consciousness.

There was a packed meal made by Knox in them, but eating alone in that silent room felt too lonely.

He wasn’t sure why the doctor was being so friendly suddenly; they barely knew each other too. Yet there was something about his relaxed smile that chipped away at Shawn’s defenses.

Kayden seemed to sense his reluctance and let out a soft smile. "I promise I won’t ask you anything about what happened between us."

Shawn’s gaze lingered on Kayden’s face a bit too long. He didn’t know if it was the kindness in Kayden’s expression or his persistence, but he felt himself agreeing almost against his will.

"Alright, I guess... I could use the company," Shawn admitted casually, a faint smile slipping past his hesitation.

Kayden’s smile broadened. "Great. Let’s go before it gets too busy."

Shawn was relieved that Kayden didn’t pry into his life. He followed the doctor silently; his mind somehow cleared as he listened to him listing his favorite menu on this particular eatery he was talking about. For a moment, he forgot his talk with Athan and let his stomach grumble louder from Kayden’s descriptions.