Eddy's head hurt.

Eddy always wondered - why can't he remember his father's face?

He could clearly recall the face of the mistress, some of his caretakers, and the room he grew up in. However, for his father, Eddy could only conjure up a blurry idea of him. The tall figure, smooth suit, a gold glass.

The only thing Eddy could clearly remember was his voice. The voice calling his name that shook shiver down his spine.

Why can't he remember? What happened that made him erase him out of his head entirely?

Every time Eddy tried to remember his father, his head began to hurt as if to warn him - No, it's not worth it.

Then the warm sunset touching his face, the waves of the Odal beach flooded his mind and the soft voice of his mother rang in his ears,

"It's alright Eddy. Everything is going to be alright."

.

.

"...you knew," Eddy whispered.

Brett looked down at his feet, biting his lips.

"I didn't want you to meet him. This is your good day. I didn't want him to ruin it."

Eddy had so many questions but it was hard to formulate his words as the pounding headache continued. Eddy shook his head vigorously as if trying to get rid of the pain.

Why was he here?

Did his father ... like his performance?

Does he remember me?

Did he...ever think about me after I ran away?

"Were you... feeling sorry for me?"

Eddy's voice cracked as he asked Brett. He couldn't believe Brett tried to hide his biggest trauma over his back. Why didn't Brett talk to him?

So Brett was feeling pitiful for him, like everybody else who knew about him. The pity will turn to disgust soon, and Brett will leave him.

The trust was broken.

Eddy staggered out of the stall. Brett followed, talking about something that Eddy couldn't hear anymore. Everything was muffled, blurry, and confusing.

"No, Eddy," Brett gripped Eddy by the wrist as Eddy tried to step outside.

Eddy looked back at Brett coldly.

"Why are you stopping me?"

Brett knew something he didn't. And that drove Eddy crazy.

"He...he recognized you. But -"

That was enough for Eddy. He sharply snatched his wrist out of Brett's hand and stormed outside.

Brett was calling him from behind as Eddy ran to the hall. People were eyeing Eddy as if he were crazy as he roughly opened every door of the lounges, his eyes mad and lost.

.

.

Brett's parents have gone to meet other honorary guests on the top floor.

Anthony was alone for a moment, smoking in the private lounge when the door flung open.

Eddy was panting as he finally met face to face with Anthony.

The headache turned into a piercing scream inside his head. Eddy grabbed his head in pain as he looked at his father after ten years.

Anthony gazed at Eddy as if staring at an animal at the zoo.

"...why are you here?" Eddy asked, trying to keep his voice calm.

"Don't get me wrong. I just came here as the guest of the Yang family - "

Anthony stepped on his cigarette, mashing them under his shoes.

"-If I knew you were here, I would never have come."

The words stung. Even after a decade, his father still regretted him.

"I see that you have learned some several new...tricks after you ran away."

Anthony smirked as he walked up to Eddy who was avoiding his gaze.

"I am the first commoner to be sponsored by the Anderson family," Eddy replied, gritting his teeth, trying to defend himself. He was not the boy Anthony remembered - Eddy was recognized for his talent and rightfully and proudly so.

"And I wonder what you needed to...pay in order to play that toy, Eddy."

Whenever Anthony spoke his name, the screaming in his head only got louder. Was the screaming his or someone else's?

"Perhaps...just like how you paid me every night?"

Eddy staggered back, his breathing fast and uneven. Brett was right. He shouldn't have come meet his father. Eddy was not ready for this, even after many years.

"Why do you look so shocked?" Anthony laughed.

Eddy could now feel Anthony's breath in his face. Eddy trembled.

"Don't tell me you don't remember. That survival instinct runs in your mother's blood."

Eddy felt his knees getting weak. He stumbled back, almost crashing to the ground when he sensed a strong hand holding him.

"Mr. Chen, sorry for interrupting ... a family reunion."

Brett was in front of him, facing Anthony.

Eddy could only see Brett in his blurry vision. Eddy could feel a racing heartbeat of Brett as he grasped Eddy's hand tightly in his.

"Mr. Yang, your father was looking for you on the 3rd floor." Anthony changed his tone immediately, politely acknowledging Brett.

"I'm sorry but excuse us, I must take Eddy back to the dormitory now."

Anthony looked at Brett with quizzical eyes.

"Coming from the noblest family, I must say you have a peculiar taste in picking your friend, Mr. Yang,"

Brett's eyes turned dangerously fierce as he looked straight into Anthony's eyes. The look of warning -

"He's not my friend. He's mine and we have lots of love to make in bed tonight so please, do not insult my property-"

Or you will pay a price.