Claiming Mr.CEO

CHAPTER SEVEN

At night in Elrod Mansion,

Crescent accompanied his parents to the luxurious mansion which he was familiar with before, but now he didn't want to be there because of a certain someone.

"What's wrong? You don't look too good dear. Do you feel sick?" Crescent's mother inquired, concerned, as they strolled along the corridors.

"I'm okay." Crescent let out a hesitant laugh to calm down his parents, who looked anxious.

It was a matter of time, until Crescent walked across the magnificent indoor water fountain built with pearl white marble stone. The fountain was located in the room's eastern corner.

One of the Elrod Mansion's biggest attractions is this interior fountain, which flows with pure crystal blue water. Crescent recalls Ace telling him that his father, Daniel Elrod, practices Feng Shui, which advocates the use of indoor fountains to promote serenity, tranquility, and well-being.

The fountain area made Crescent remember a short memory of the past.

At a party held in the Elrod Mansion one evening,

Ace forcibly dragged Crescent away from the crowd and pinned him against the wall.

Crescent was both surprised and confused by Ace's behavior. He had no idea why Ace was so enraged.

Ace shouted, "I can't believe you let him gawk at you like that."

"What are you talking about with that man?" Crescent inquired in absolute surprise.

"That man you were talking to a minute ago had been using his eyes to undress you." Ace's fury was visible in his eyes.

"What?" Crescent asked, his voice hushed, as if he had overheard a ridiculous sentence, "He was only greeting me as a visitor. There's nothing else. It's not a big deal." Crescent answered as he placed his hands around Ace's neck in a hug. But soon he felt his hands roughly pushed away by Ace, who grabbed his wrists and pulled him close.

"Ace?" A low gasp escaped Crescent's mouth.

"To me, it's a big deal. I don't enjoy it when other men are eyeing at you." Ace's annoyance was obvious in his voice.

"Why are you reacting so aggressively, Ace?" Crescent questioned, taken aback by Ace's unexpected behavior. "It's only a minor matter." He stated.

Before Crescent could finish his sentence, Ace screamed, "A MINOR MATTER YOU SAY?!!" He asked, releasing Crescent's wrists and snaking an arm around his waist to properly wrap his body.

Crescent flinched as soon as he heard Ace yell. He didn't dare to say anything, and his body froze in place. This was the first time Ace had ever shouted at him.

Ace, on the other hand, realized what he had done when he noticed Crescent trembling in terror. Ace let out a sigh.

"Crescent." Ace muttered softly as he drew Crescent's trembling body into his arms. "I shouldn't have shouted like that, I'm sorry."

You don't have trust in me." Crescent buried his face in Ace's chest and spoke in a hushed whisper.

"I do." Ace responded right away. "with every fiber of my being. It's simply that I'm so possessive of you that I want to keep you all to myself."

"You know, I'm already yours." Crescent stated, lowering his face and meeting his eyes with Ace. "But you have to understand that your impulsive behaviors like this one hurt me a lot," His tone was shaky, and tears threatened to escape from his eyes.

"Don't cry," Ace took a deep breath as he stroked Crescent's back softly "I am sorry. I'm not going to hurt you again."

"Promise?" Crescent questioned, tears welling up in his eyes.

"Promise." Ace smiled as he used his thumb to brush Crescent's tears away.

Crescent jolted from his daydream and jumped back to the present. He couldn't help but smile bitterly when he realized he was reminiscing about old recollections of the past. In the end, everything was gone because Crescent was tortured by these sweet recollections, which now seem meaningless.

Crescent thought back to the scenario and murmured to himself, "You lied, you didn't keep your promise."

For a brief period, Crescent remained motionless in his stance and observed the flowing water of the fountain. He wondered how much he had changed in these past years. He pondered how much all the other things had changed behind his back. He wondered how much that man had changed.

Crescent flinched when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He looked back to see none other than Fay Hart, his mother.

"Where are you lost?" Fay Hart asked.

Crescent just nervously shook his head as a no.

"Let's go." Mrs.Fay Hart smiled at Crescent.

Crescent returned the smile with a nod as he walked away, giving the fountain one last glance.

Crescent had lived a lovely life. His and Ace's second anniversary had just passed. Everything seemed to be in order, but it didn't last long. The once-joyous and blissful relationship devolved into one of misery — both physical and emotional.

Crescent's routine was the same every year on their anniversary — he'd have nightmares for days leading up to the dream-like romantic anniversary until the painful final confrontation with Ace. Crescent would frequently wake up alone, terrified and crying as a result of the memories' effects.

Crescent took a long time to recover from those three years of increasingly painful memories from the past. His rehabilitation was remarkable for the most part. To assist him deal with his emotions, he learnt how to make those little compartment boxes within his head to lock the painful memories. That is how he has managed to deceive others around him into believing that he's okay and none of this matters to him anymore.

Once Crescent arrived at the living room of Elrod Mansion, which looked nothing less than a big royal banquet hall, his parents immediately insisted that he go and greet David Elrod and Juvia Elrod, Ace's parents.

"It's been three whole years. Your uncle Daniel talks a lot about you. Believe me, when I say that he will be delighted to meet you." Mrs. Hart smiled softly as Richard Hart patted his son's shoulder.

Crescent couldn't help but smile at his father's statement, even though he wasn't feeling particularly upbeat about the meeting.

"Richard!" Crescent's father was taken into a strong hug by a man the same age as his father.

The man had chocolate brown hair. He was a tall person, standing 6 feet tall. In terms of physical appearance, he appeared to be in good shape. His dark chocolate eyes and French cut beard complemented his facial features. The gentleman was dressed in a formal black suit.

"Daniel!" Crescent's father, Richard Hart, exclaimed, hugging his closest friend.

Daniel Elrod, the city's most successful entrepreneur and the Chairman of Skylark Estates, is currently in charge of the city's business. This man does not require an introduction.

Daniel Elrod is the host of today's party. Today is the day of their reunion.

Richard Hart, Crescent's father, Daniel Elrod, Samuel Campbell, and Flynn Woods are Crescent's father's best friends. They grew up in the same village, went to the same school, moved to the same city, and formed their own identities.

But forming individual identities and establishing new connections surely didn't change the bond of friendship between the four friends. Thus, they commemorate this day every year, thanks to Daniel Elrod.

Crescent's gaze wandered around the room, looking for a certain person he didn't want to see. That person was nowhere to be found.

"I suppose he's not here." Crescent breathed a sigh of relief, thanking his good luck.

He knows he'll have to confront the man at some point because they're in the same social circle, but he wasn't in the mood tonight.

Crescent was aware that there was something strange about him. Crescent's eyes continued to search for that man even though he did not wish to encounter him. Crescent mentally scolded himself for allowing that man's thoughts to dominate his thoughts. Crescent snapped out of his thoughts when Daniel Elrod approached Crescent with a hug.

"How're you doing, my dear? Glad to see you back!" Daniel Elrod exclaimed as he hugged Crescent.

Crescent took a pause out of surprise but he soon politely responded as he returned the hug, "I'm doing well, uncle. Glad to see you doing well. How's aunty?" he asked.

"Oh I am doing absolutely fine, my boy." Daniel Elrod broke the hug and replied, "As for your aunty-'

Before Daniel Elrod could speak anything further, a beautiful woman in her 40s tapped on Crescent's shoulder. It was Mrs. Juvia Elrod, Daniel Elrod's wife and, as well as Ace's mother.

"I'VE MISSED YOU A LOT DEAR." She kissed Crescent's forehead

"Hello, aunty. Nice to see you being as gorgeous as ever." Crescent complimented her with a smile.

"You flatter me dear." Juvia Elrod said with a warm smile, but the very next moment, she frowned as she questioned Crescent in a tone tinged with slight anger, "Why did you not contact us? Do you know how much we missed you?" She asked

"I am really sorry aunty." Crescent let out a hesitant laugh as he answered Mrs. Elrod

"Do you know how much I missed the house being so lively when you used to visit often?" Juvia Elrod asked with a hurt expression.

Crescent let out a faint smile at the statement, "I apologize again." He said.

''Anyway, why don't you youngsters go catch up with the others while the seniors have some time alone?" She asked enthusiastically.

"Of course," Crescent's mother pushed Crescent to go ahead in the front.

When Crescent noticed that the seniors were engaged in private conversation instantly, he sighed. He frowned and pondered his next move. He left the spot and began to wander around. Pretty soon, he came across a counter where beverages were being served. Crescent was already irritated since, despite his best efforts, he couldn't help but think about that man repeatedly.

"A drink could surely make me feel better." Crescent muttered to himself as he approached the counter, but he abruptly stopped walking after spotting a familiar face.

Crescent observed a man wearing a white formal suit. The man was sitting in the corner of the counter, sipping on a drink while idly scrolling through his phone.

Crescent's lips curved into a smile as he recognized the man. With silent footsteps, he approached the familiar figure.

Crescent tiptoed and crept behind the man's back, tilting his head.

"Bored?" Crescent asked the man, "How about some company?''

"Crescent! You're back you little fucker!" The man exclaimed as he turned his head back and saw his childhood friend. He drew Crescent into a bone-crushing hug, the man displayed the most endearing smile.

"I'm having trouble breathing." Crescent chuckled gently, attempting to hold back his cough.

When the hug finally came to an end, the man asked, "Why didn't you tell me you were back?"

"Well, it wouldn't be a surprise if I did." Crescent laughed, but the Elrod Mansion was not the ideal location for him to meet his best friend, Antonio Campbell.

Antonio Campbell, Age 27

Samuel Campbell's son and Campbell Industries' sole heir

Because of his American father and French mother, he is of mixed race. With the most charming smile and the brightest pair of blue eyes, he stands at a height of 5"11".

At the counter, Crescent and Antonio took a seat. They started chatting about random topics.

''What may I get you, sir?'' The staff at the counter asked Crescent.

''Well..'' Before Crescent could respond to the staff, Antonio interrupted and replied instead, "Whisky mixed with 30% coke."

''Right away, sir.'' The staff grinned and began preparing the beverage.

''You still remember my favorite drinks,'' Crescent laughed.

''Well,'' Antonio grinned. ''Of course I do, since it's you.'' he said.

''Is that so?'' Crescent arched an eyebrow while feigning surprise and said, "I'm extremely flattered," .

''Your beverage is ready, sir.'' The male staff member reached out his hand and a glass of drink.

''I'll grab that for you,'' Antonio stated as he took the glass from the staff. The next moment, he extended the glass towards Crescent and said, "Here."

''Someone is being a real gentleman.'' As he grabbed the glass from Antonio Crescent, he chuckled slightly. The very next moment, Antonio leaned in close to Crescent.

''Falling for me already?'' Antonio asked playfully

Cresent sighed and pushed Antonio a little bit further away by placing his palm against his chest.

''You are still the same, Mr. Player.'' stated Crescent. Antonio was a Casanova, he knew that.

''That hurts.'' Antonio faked a hurt expression as he moved away from Crescent.

Antonio and Crescent both shared a laugh.

''I'm glad that you haven't changed.'' Crescent muttered with a bitter smile.

Antonio, on the other hand, was quick to notice Crescent's expression. "So, how have things been going for you? You seem to have lost weight." Antonio asked, concerned, but Crescent brushed off the question with a smile, "Same old." Crescent responded, and Antonio chose not to continue the topic because he could tell Crescent was uneasy.

"Never mind, now that you're back, I'll fatten you up well," Antonio said. Crescent laughed at Antonio's remark.

"Hey, buddy." Mr. Flynn Woods entered the scene, and Samuel Campbell greeted him, which drew Crescent and Antonio's attention.

These four friends and their families have gathered here.

"I thought the air around here felt toxic. Turns out it's you two." Crescent and Antonio heard a voice. They both turned their heads to see a familiar face.

Regan Woods.

When Regan took a step towards Crescent, Antonio and Crescent both rolled their eyes in anger as Regan spat in a dissatisfying tone when his gaze locked with Crescent's, "I see you're back."

Regan Woods, 26, is the son of Flynn Woods, the owner of the city's largest private hospital network.

His line of work is not the same as his father's. He is currently employed as a manager at Skylark Estates.

Crescent preferred to remain silent rather than respond to Regan. He didn't want anything to do with Regan, who happened to be the best friend of someone Crescent was trying to avoid. However, Antonio backed Regan's hostile attitude towards Crescent.

"I suppose you do realize that we're not thrilled to be in your presence either," Antonio sneered in a hostile tone, and Regan replied with a glare.

A very clear name boomed out in the hall before anyone could utter anything else.

"Ace!"

Daniel Elrod embraced his son who had just arrived.

Crescent's body temperature dropped as he realized he didn't want to see this man, since the wounds from the past were still fresh as ever.

He took a few steps back as the very sight of that man didn't give him a very good feeling.

The one name he didn't want to hear

The one person he didn't want to meet

But little had he known that fate had other plans for him, twisting his life in the worst way possible for that person.