CRIMSON RED: The bastard who rules

Don’t forget the lilies, sir.”

He looked up from the stack of reports on his desk. “I won’t, Marie.”

Marie, his secretary, gave him a knowing smile. “Flowers are absolutely a girl's best friend . Can’t let her down, right?”

Ryan smirked. “Of course not. Tonight’s all about her. Though I think Lisa is more into flashy stuffs”

He set the last report aside and leaned back in his chair. Running this section of his father’s company was stressful enough, but he liked the freedom and creativity he could express. At least here, in this office, he could make things happen on his own terms. Unlike at home, with Jace.

Marie tapped a finger against the desk. “I will do the rest sir. Dinner plans still on?”

“Absolutely,” Ryan said, straightening his tie. “Just me, her, a nice dinner, and will probably buy her that diamond necklace she’s been yapping about.”

She laughed. “You better hurry. She’ll be expecting it, and you.”

Ryan nodded, gathering the lilies he had bought earlier. “I’ve got it covered.”

As he stepped toward the door, he allowed himself a small smile. Tonight, it would just be the two of them.

Ryan ran up the stairs, he was surprised that the door had been open.

His heart was racing, and the lilies in his hand shook in his grip. He had bought them for Lisa that afternoon. He wanted to take her out for dinner, she had been sulking lately and he would love to cheer her up.

His home had always felt huge and empty, Ryan had found peace with her, away from the troubles always brewing at home. Lisa had been like a light to him, lightning up his dim world.

She completed him, made him feel right like he was supposed to be there.

He had never felt right.

His existence wasn't…….. at least to certain people. Everyone knew he was the “other son,” the unwanted one.

Jace, his older brother, had everything he wished for.

Legitimate, charming, and clever, Jace could get anything he wanted.....people, respect, favors. Ryan had grown up in his shadow, learning to lay low unless when needed.

They had been close when they were younger and innocent. Now all Jace sees is competition.

Lisa was different. She was warm, kind, and she actually cared for him. Sometimes arrogant but she had her own ways of showing love. He had fallen hopelessly in love with her, completely smitten.

Tonight, nothing else mattered.

Ryan slowed at the top of the stairs and peeked. He could imagine Lisa’s surprised face already. He almost smiled.

Then he heard it.

Grunts. Moans. Laughter.

Ryan froze.

“Don’t stop….”

Her voice. Lisa. Clear as day.

Ryan’s grip tightened on the flowers. His chest felt heavy. He almost couldn’t breathe. His mind ran through the possibilities. Maybe he was wrong. Maybe it wasn’t what he thought. But deep down, he couldn't help imagining.

The other voice, deep and smooth, the one he hated hearing, laughed softly. Jace.

Ryan swallowed.

He stepped closer to the door of her room. His hand went to the handle, then froze. Part of him wanted to run, to leave and pretend he hadn’t heard anything.

He inched forward. The door was slightly opened. Shadows moved behind it. He could hear the movement of bodies, the ruffling of sheets, moans.

Ryan pressed his ear to the crack. He wanted to leave. It can’t be real.

The atmosphere felt strong. He felt tense. Ryan’s heart pounded so loud he thought it would echo through the entire house.

He looked at the doorframe. Just a little wider, just a crack more, and he would see everything. His pulse raced.

The laughter stopped for a moment, replaced by a whisper.

“You know you’re mine,” Jace said.

Ryan froze. His hand trembled. He felt like his entire world had collapsed. Lisa… his Lisa… and Jace… together.

He wanted to leave. He wanted to run. But he couldn’t. His legs were frozen in place, his mind in a haze of anger, disbelief, and heartbreak.

Then Lisa’s soft laugh floated out again, the kind of laugh she reserved for him. He had thought. Ryan’s chest tightened. He felt sick. He had imagined this moment so many times: her smile, her hand in his, the flowers he had in his hand right now. But reality was different.

His hand hovered over the handle again. He could see just a little more through the crack. The shadows shifted. He could make out two figures close together. His stomach twisted.

No… no… this isn’t real… it can’t be real…

But it was. He could feel it. Every instinct screamed it. His fingers tightened on the door handle. His hand moved an inch closer.

Then, from inside the room, a soft moan escaped. Not loud, but enough to make Ryan freeze. The lilies bent in his hand, petals cracking.

Ryan’s breath came in short, shallow gasps.

A part of him wanted to storm in, to demand answers.

He stood there, frozen, at the edge of the door. His heart felt like it would burst. His mind spun. Why her? Why Lisa? Why Jace?

Memories of his childhood flashed through his mind: growing up in the shadows, watching Jace take everything that belonged to him. Jace had all but was always interested in what belonged to him. And now… Lisa. The one person he thought was truly his.

He could feel the walls of the room close in, the quiet sounds from inside making it impossible to think straight. He pressed closer to the crack, straining to hear.

The sounds got more passionate. Ryan’s eyes widened. His hands shook. His chest felt tight.

He wanted to turn away. But he didn’t. He couldn’t.

Ryan took a deep breath.

A part of him was still doubting, still trusting, still hoping. He could leave, pretend he didn’t hear or see anything. Or he could face it ,know

the truth, no matter how painful.

He stepped closer. Hand on the handle. Fingers trembling.