Broken Bond: Between Vices and Virtues (BL)
Chapter 267 - 25: Unexpected discovery

Chapter 267: Chapter 25: Unexpected discovery

Shawn stood in the polished lobby of the Montgomery Security Agency. He took in the grandeur and professionalism radiating from the space as he looked around. The high ceilings and sleek design elements were all tailored to give off a sense of authority and efficiency, and even if it was his second time in there, he was still in awe.

He was expecting Kayla to guide him through the building, so when he saw Kayden waiting for him instead, he was caught off guard.

"You?" Shawn’s brows furrowed in surprise. He tried to keep his expression calm, but the unexpected sight of the doctor waiting there made him question if Kayden was really free or if he deliberately changed his schedule to accompany him today. I’m overthinking this. Maybe it was just a coincidence.

Kayden seemed to catch his unspoken question and chuckled softly. "Yes, it’s me. I know. I don’t seem like I’d have time for something like this, but today, it turns out I do.’

He gestured to the interior of the building with a light, friendly smile. "So, let’s get you a proper tour. Kayla’s tied up with other things right now, so it looks like you’re stuck with me."

Shawn hesitated, feeling that familiar sense of awkwardness return. Why wouldn’t he? Kayden was someone he’d turned down quite harshly, disregarding his confession as something not genuine. He tried to keep a polite distance from him since then, but when he suddenly received messages from him, his politeness vanished and was replaced with annoyance. He thought he was incredibly inconsiderate, but he couldn’t shut his simple greeting off, since he didn’t sound pushy and did not bring up their conversation.

Just simple texts like good morning, have a nice day, and good night.

Now, despite his reservations, Shawn forced a small smile, hoping that it would hide the discomfort bubbling beneath his calm façade. "Alright, then. I guess you know the place more than anyone else."

"Of course. I basically grew up in these walls. So, I know it well enough to give you the best tour you’ll ever get," Kayden replied, there was a glint of humor in his eyes as he fell into step beside Shawn.

They began walking through the hallways of MSA, passing employees who nodded respectfully at Kayden. The quiet, efficient hum of work going on all around them gave Shawn a strange thrill. He’d always been fascinated by this kind of setting—the quiet intensity of skilled professionals working behind the scenes, the controlled energy that came with being surrounded by highly trained agents. He was excited but he tried not to let it show too much.

The atmosphere changed when they entered a loud room—an indoor shooting range. He scrunched his nose up when he smelled the room of strong alpha pheromones. Kayden noticed and he quickly explained the facility, then dragged Shawn away.

"Have you ever held a gun too, doc?" Shawn asked as they walked away.

Kayden nodded. He had a disinterested look on his face. He changed the topic by asking Shawn. "By the way, how’s Knox doing?"

Kayden’s voice held genuine concern, and it surprised Shawn who naturally the question came from him. It seemed to him that Kayden and Knox were really close.

He cleared his throat. "I’m... not really sure. He and Knoa are currently staying at the chairman’s home. So, I haven’t seen him since the incident. I also couldn’t talk to him, so I can’t answer you. I just know that Athan wasn’t letting him out of his sight for a while."

Kayden briefly glanced sideways at the mention of Athan’s name, then he looked ahead. "He’s too overprotective."

"That’s because it’s Knox," Shawn replied. Kayden had a doubtful look, but Shawn couldn’t tell why. He then remembered to ask, "What about Sir Azrael? Is he alright?"

"He’s fine," Kayden replied, averting his gaze. The last time he heard, the guy tried to escape from the hospital, probably to see Knox, and hasn’t regained consciousness again. But there was no need to inform Shawn of that.

They continued walking, passing training rooms and several floors dedicated to the operational side of MSA.

Kayden’s demeanor was relaxed. His voice was friendly and accommodating, answering Shawn’s questions well, without a hint of discomfort or tension. He wasn’t behaving like a man who had his heart broken at all. If anything, he seemed like he was taking this a casual, friendly opportunity to spend time with Shawn.

They entered another room, and Kayden gave a small chuckle as though he remembered something amusing. He guided Shawn inside and explained, "This is where the agents have tactical drills, though it’s empty right now."

Shawn looked around the empty room, taking in the sight of the state-of-the-art equipment lined up along the walls. He could see the utility in each piece of machinery, from the laser-target training devices to the obstacle course set up at the back. His eyes lit up with genuine interest. "This is impressive. MSA is bigger than I imagined. Are those in charge of the control center trains here too?"

"Those who are dispatched to fieldwork, yes..." Kayden dropped his gaze at the excited Shawn. He then said with a voice laced with seriousness, "This job is dangerous, Shawn." He warned. "We handle quite a range of clients, so keeping everything is top-notch essential, and that also means involving oneself in dangerous situations that could potentially... kill you. If you’re considering accepting Kayla’s offer, I’d like you to just stay behind the screens."

Shawn lowered his gaze. "I... haven’t thought about it yet."

Kayden stared at him. Shawn’s eyes were distant, he was lost in thoughts. Kayden sighed. He could tell what was holding him back. "Let’s keep going, then."

They moved through the building, discussing everything from security protocol to surveillance technology, with Kayden taking every opportunity to engage Shawn in conversation. Eventually, their conversation drifted toward more personal matters as they entered another room.

Shawn brought up what he had been wanting to know, ever since Kayden warned him about working on their company. "What... was it like for you?" he awkwardly began. "I mean, I’m suddenly curious. How did you end up as a doctor when your family runs a place like this? I thought you would at least be an agent... or the one running it."

Kayden paused. His eyes widened unnoticeably, surprised at hearing Shawn getting interested in knowing about him more. A small smile tugged on his lips. "It’s a bit of a story. But I’m willing to tell since it’s the first time you asked about me, Shawn."

Shawn stiffened. His gaze lingered on the doctor, wanting to clear his intention but Kayden already spoke.

"When I was younger, my father was set on making me his successor, being the son and all," Kayden began. "He was really strict. Insisted on training me, much like the agents you see here. I went through field missions, mock training, everything you could think of to mold me into the next head of MSA."

He looked at Shawn with a small smile. "But that wasn’t what I wanted."

Shawn ended up listening attentively to the doctor. Kayden talked in the past tense when mentioning his father, so he could only guess that he already passed away.

Kayden’s eyes softened when he said his next words. "My mother had a weak constitution. She’s always sick. So, I really wanted to pursue medicine for her. My father... he didn’t take it well. We clashed a lot." His gaze flickered to a group of agents passing by before settling back on Shawn. "In the end, I had to make a choice. Either follow in his footsteps or follow what I wanted for myself."

"Must’ve been hard," Shawn murmured, but he said it to himself. It was hard making his parents proud when his heart was not on the same path they carved.

"Not as much as hard as you," Kayden mumbled. Shawn looked up at him. "Kayla supported me. She took over the training, the operations, and everything, and proved that she could lead the MSA better than I. I pursued what I wanted. Not exactly the future my father had in mind, but... it’s mine. In the end, I’m the one who... took care of him until his last breath."

"...I’m sorry to hear that," Shawn softly mumbled.

Kayden raised his hand, tempted to brush away the locks of hair that cascaded on the omega’s forehead, but he stopped. He took his hand back and put it inside his pocket while replying in a casual tone, "It’s been years already. I’m fine now. Kayla took over this company as soon as he died. She’s the one who made it this big."

Shawn smiled, now feeling comfortable. The more he listened to Kayden’s story, the less he felt that lingering awkwardness. "You made the right choice. Being a doctor... suits you more."

Kayden laughed. It wasn’t the first time he heard that, but it still warmed his heart. The omega who barely reached his shoulder was looking around without discomfort or guarded anymore. Kayden gazed silently at Shawn, wondering if, just a little, he carved his way onto his heart.

The tour ended and Shawn was not expecting to have fun, but he did. Not only that, it seemed like he and Kayden became closer.

The next day, Kayla called him personally, asking him what he thought about the company. Shawn knew what she called for. So, Shawn finally gave him an answer.