Broken Bond: Between Vices and Virtues (BL)
Chapter 258 - 16: Only for you

Chapter 258: Chapter 16: Only for you

A week ago...

Athan slammed his fist on the desk. The recent events in the company grated on him—the subtle hostilities, the whispers, all of it aimed at Knox. He never wanted to be seen as the harsh, unyielding boss, but this ongoing strain had stripped his tolerance bare.

Adding to his irritation, the matter of the stolen design had been left unresolved, pushed aside in the race to prepare for their upcoming launch at a renowned beach resort abroad. His jaw tightened as he considered the next steps.

"Find out what happened discreetly. I want the results once we return," he coldly ordered the team leader of the security department, Vince.

With a curt nod from Vince, Athan felt a brief but necessary sense of relief. Knox had been enduring them and he wanted to fix it on his own, but he couldn’t just watch the unjust anymore.

He and his team were scheduled to fly tomorrow. This trip would mean he’d be gone for at least a week, and after a brief pause, he pushed back from his desk, standing with a plan already forming in his mind.

His gaze shifted toward the window, and he knew where he needed to be before the flight. He’d visit the hospital.

On the way, he bought a bouquet of white lilies and added a small package of pastries—Shawn’s favorite. When he arrived at the hospital, he noticed Shawn by the door, hovering near his father’s room.

"Why aren’t you going inside?" Athan asked, his voice was steady and soft.

Shawn was jolted by his voice. He looked up with surprise and gasped. "Athan!" He wasn’t expecting the alpha, especially after the way they parted the last time they met.

Athan glanced through the narrow clear window next to the door, catching a glimpse of the doctor with Shawn’s mother and brother, Heidi and Stephen, gathered closely around the bed where Stuart was half-seated.

He frowned after realizing what was happening. "Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be in there, listening to your father’s condition?"

Shawn pulled him aside while shaking his head. His eyes shifted downward as he spoke quietly, "I don’t want to add stress to him. The doctor said he shouldn’t get too worked up... I’m worried he might see me and get upset again."

"He hasn’t seen you yet since he woke up?" Athan asked carefully, but his brows knitting together.

Shawn answered, guilt still etched on his face. "He did... but I don’t want to risk it. He was still distraught that time."

"Haa... but you look like you really want to listen." Athan looked upset. He was disappointed that Shawn still thinks of himself as the cause of his father’s collapse. He sighed, his gaze softening. "You want to know how he’s doing, right?"

"Of course, I do. But asking my family... I’m still awkward with them, and they still... well, there’s that. But I don’t want to raise tension anymore so..." Shawn’s voice held a note of helplessness.

In response, Athan studied him for a moment, then reached out, silently offering the flowers. Shawn blinked, slightly bewildered, and took them into his hands, his gaze falling on the delicate petals.

Athan’s left hand then took the bag of pastries, freeing his right, which he used to take hold of Shawn’s hand.

"Athan...?"

Shawn was startled. His eyes widened when Athan slipped his fingers on the gaps of his hands and intertwined them. He could feel the warmth of his hands on his palm and it made his heart flutter.

Athan pulled Shawn to the door. Shawn was baffled and flustered. "Wait, Athan, where are you going?! I told you—

Athan looked back at him with a faint smirk, waving their hands clasped together in his eyes. "If he sees us like this, do you think he’ll get stressed?"

Shawn bit his lips, his ears beginning to turn red. "Uhm... no? He’ll probably be delighted."

"Let’s see," Athan grinned, he looked mischievous, and Shawn was mesmerized by his childish grin. He suddenly remembered a younger image of Athan’s smiling, back when they were still kids.

"What? Athan, wait..."

But Athan already pushed the door open.

Heads turned to them instantly. Heidi’s surprised eyes, while Stephen looked taken aback. Stuart on the bed stared at them for a few seconds, then a small smile broke on his lips after his gaze moved on their joined hands.

"Ah. I apologize for the sudden arrival. I wasn’t aware that the doctor was here," Athan said formally and looked at the elders politely. "I apologize for interrupting you, doc. But if it’s possible, will you please repeat the explanation of uncle’s current condition? I’d like to know."

Shawn lowered his head, slightly embarrassed and pressured by the gazes of his family, but Athan didn’t loosen his hold, keeping them firmly side by side.

The doctor looked up and nodded. "Of course. Mr. Williams’ condition has been showing steady improvement," he began, flipping to the latest notes in the file. "His vitals have stabilized over the past few days, which is an excellent sign, and he’s responding well to medication. However, it’s crucial we maintain a low-stress environment for him, both here and once he returns home."

Athan gave Shawn’s hand a reassuring squeeze. "How long do you think he’ll need to stay here, doc? And are there any particular concerns we should be aware of in the next stages?"

The doctor nodded, clearly appreciative of Athan’s straightforward approach. "Mr. Stuart will likely remain with us for another week, at the least. We’ll need to monitor his heart function and ensure that he’s fully stable." He glanced at the patient’s family and continued, "In terms of precautions, he’ll need to avoid any significant stressors—physical, mental, or emotional—for the next few months to support a full recovery."

Shawn’s gaze dropped slightly. He felt like it was directed at him. A flicker of unease crossed his face.

Athan was watching Shawn all this time. He only asked what Shawn wanted to hear, but he wasn’t listening attentively. When he saw the omega’s disheartened look, he squeezed his hands again and reassured him that it wasn’t his fault.

The doctor left after saying a few more things. Shawn turned to his father, still awkward, and held out the bouquet. "These are from Athan, Dad," he said politely.

Stuart expressed his gratitude to Athan and Heidi took the flowers to arrange them in a vase. She smelled the flowers and smiled warmly at Athan. "Thank you, young master Athan. These are lovely."

Shawn then took the pastries and began to hand them over as well, only for Athan to hold up a hand and softly murmured, "Those are for you."

Stephen coughed like he swallowed something wrong. He then apologized and excused himself after greeting Athan. Meanwhile, Shawn was completely embarrassed. When Athan looked at the flowers in Heidi’s hands, everyone thought the same.

The flowers were for Shawn as well.