​A surreal, foggy haze. I see myself through these hands... wait, am I a child? My hands are small, pudgy... Was my life just a dream, and I’m still that boy?

I looked around and saw two shadows. My parents. Fighting, as always.

​My mother, forever chasing the attention of a man who only ran toward work. They were oil and water; my father, the cold, pragmatic machine, and my mother, the volatile, emotional fire. I was caught between them, a trembling heart lost in the thunder of their shouts. I would cry until my face turned crimson, just so they would stop—just to silence me.

​I woke up with a throbbing headache. Another pathetic dream.

11:58 PM. I needed water. As I crept toward the kitchen, I heard my father’s voice. I didn't care for his business talk, but then I heard my name.

​I hid behind the sofa, holding my breath.

"Listen," my father was saying, "I know she doesn’t agree, but think about it. I’ll guarantee your firm’s profits increase... Yes, Max might not be the 'ideal' lad, but please, speak with her. I want a blood-bond between our families."

​I froze. Who was 'she'? And what did I have to do with 'blood-bonds'?

He was speaking to Mr. Habsburg about his failing company. I managed to crawl away before he saw me, my heart hammering against my ribs.

​I grabbed my water and retreated to my room, trying to make sense of it. How could a man as arrogant and wealthy as Habsburg have company troubles? Life is indeed full of bitter surprises. I messaged Johann, pouring everything into a long text, but he was already asleep. I fell into a restless slumber, praying my father’s talk was strictly business.

​I was jolted awake by a violent pounding on my door.

"Max! Get up! We have important business today!" my father barked.

​"What business?" I yawned, still half-asleep.

​"Don't act like a toddler," he snapped. "You are to be the man of the Adler family. Get ready."

​The warm shower felt like it was washing my very soul, melting the tension into the drain. I dressed in a crisp white shirt, black trousers, and business shoes. I stared at the blemishes on my face in the mirror. "Disgusting," I muttered. "Too much self-indulgence and stress."

​I headed to the dining room. My father looked unnervingly happy.

"Father... is everything alright?" I asked cautiously.

​"Everything is perfect," he replied, a sharp glint in his eyes. "Especially for you."

​"For me?"

​"Yes. We’ve set the date for your engagement to Mr. Habsburg’s daughter."

​My blood ran cold. "What?!"

​To be continued...