Next Day

 Benjamin’s eyes fought against the intrusive light, struggling to open. His head throbbed relentlessly, a painful reminder of the previous night's excess. The room felt unusually bright, the curtains pulled back to let in the morning sun. He recognized the touch of a friend helping him onto the bed, the familiarity of Edwin's firm yet gentle support. The air smelled faintly of cedarwood and the remnants of last night’s cologne, mingling with the morning freshness seeping through the open window.

 As he surveyed the room, Benjamin’s gaze landed on his father standing by the window, one hand gripping the curtain’s edge. The light framed William’s figure, casting a long shadow across the room. Benjamin blinked, his vision clearing, and realized it was indeed his father standing there. William’s posture was tense, the worry lines on his face more pronounced in the daylight.

 "Dad... Good morning," Benjamin greeted, ruffling his own hair, trying to shake off the lingering fog of sleep and alcohol.

 "Ha... Good morning, Son," William replied, turning towards him. His voice held a mix of relief and concern, a father’s perennial worry for his child.

 "Are you doing well?" William’s voice was soft, but the concern was unmistakable. His gaze swept over Benjamin from head to toe, searching for any signs of distress. William had a knack for reading people, especially his son. He knew when Benjamin was uneasy—when his eyes wouldn't meet his directly or when his clenched fist betrayed his efforts at avoidance.

 "Son," William said, placing his hands on Benjamin’s shoulders, his grip firm yet comforting. "You’ve grown up, excelling in your work. Your dad is truly proud of you. But do you know... there are negative rumors about you... especially about your sexuality. Are you really interested in... boys?" William asked, his voice dropping, his head bowing slightly as if to brace himself for the answer.

 Benjamin laughed, a short, dry chuckle. "Dad, do you really believe those rumors? Look, your son is indeed straight... but the thing is... every girl is the same. You’ve experienced that, right? As for me, I'm still not ready..." His laughter masked the bitterness he felt, the scars left by his mother’s abandonment still raw.

 "But, Son," William continued, his eyes softening, "not everyone is like your mom. There will be a girl meant just for you. My instincts tell me she’s nearby..." William’s voice held a note of hope, a father’s belief in the possibility of happiness for his son.

 Benjamin’s mind was now filled with Isabella’s image. Her face flashed before his eyes, her teary-eyed look, and the delicate way she handled the kitten. He didn’t know why his thoughts centered on her, but he shook his head to clear her image. "No, why am I thinking about her...!!! She is not different from those other girls..." Benjamin cautioned himself, his inner voice tinged with frustration.

 "Benjamin?" William’s voice snapped him back to reality. "What are you thinking?"

 "Nothing, Dad," Benjamin replied quickly, averting his eyes. "It's time for me to go to work..." He avoided breakfast, heading for the shower. The hot water was a welcome distraction, a way to drown out his father's probing questions and his own turbulent thoughts. As the water cascaded over him, Benjamin’s mind wandered back to Isabella. He remembered the moment she had saved the kitten, her fearless and selfless act. Despite his best efforts, he couldn’t shake the image of her teary eyes and the gentle smile she had given the little girl. Was she really different?

 "No," he told himself firmly. "She’s just like the rest."

 But the doubt lingered, making him uneasy. Benjamin hurried through his routine, eager to distract himself with work. The company was his refuge, the one place where he felt in control.

 William shook his head, smiling to himself as he thought about his son. Edwin had mentioned a girl yesterday, and William had sensed there was something special about her. Curious and wanting to make sure, he had brought up the topic with Benjamin, his son. He hadn’t missed the way Benjamin had zoned out when he suggested that the girl might be nearby.

 With a knowing smile, William walked outside, feeling a mixture of amusement and concern for his son’s obvious turmoil. The morning sun bathed the garden in a warm, golden light, and he took a moment to enjoy the peaceful scene, hoping that Benjamin would soon find his own peace.

 ---

 **At Benjamin's Office:

 The office was a symphony of quiet activity. The hum of computers, the murmur of voices, and the occasional ringing of phones filled the air. Benjamin sat behind his large mahogany desk, surrounded by stacks of papers and folders. The scent of leather and polished wood added to the room's air of authority. He was busy signing documents, his brow furrowed in concentration.

 "These documents need corrections," he said, handing a few papers to his assistant. His voice was curt, the strain of the morning already showing.

 Leaning back in his leather chair, Benjamin closed his eyes for a moment, trying to ease the tension in his mind. The soft glow from the desk lamp cast a warm light over his tired features. The gentle knock on his door was a welcome distraction.

 "Sir, may I come in?" his assistant asked.

 He nodded, gesturing for him to enter quickly. The assistant entered, collected the documents, and left the room quietly, closing the door behind him with a soft click. Benjamin picked up the phone and dialed Albert’s number, the absence of his reliable assistant weighing heavily on him.

 Albert was on a month-long paid leave, and his temporary replacement wasn’t up to the mark. Benjamin had to explain every small detail, which was a constant source of irritation. His frustration grew as the phone rang, the dial tone echoing in the quiet office.