A step forward

William woke up around 11 am, still in bed. He checked his phone for new messages, and on the top notifications were messages from Philip saying, 'Good Morning.'

William was puzzled for a second and replied, 'do you not know how to use emojis?'

Philip replied in a second, 'I tried to call but you were still sleeping, I don't like to text.'

William pouted for a second and called Philip. He quickly answered, "Did you sleep alright?"

"Yeah I did, what about you?"

"I did because I was thinking of you."

"I didn't know you could be so cheeky."

"I just told you the truth, btw what are your plans for today, and are we still going on our date?"

"Yes we're still going on a date, and I'm going to try on dresses and wedding venues for the wedding."

"Do you want me to come with you?"

"No, it's alright you'll probably have work."

"I can make time for you."

"It's alright Philip you're not suppose to see the dress until the wedding day."

"I didn't think you'd believe in traditions like these."

"I need to get ready, pick me up around 7 for dinner, ok?"

"Ok, take care."

William got out of bed to get ready while Philip returned to work.

After getting ready for an hour, William and his aunt decided to see the wedding venues first.

They arrived at the old castle built in 1800, which now hosts weddings. The castle manager gave them a little tour around the court and the ballroom, supported by 10 pillars from both sides and beautiful statues standing between each post.

between each pillar, "Do you like this?" Said, Mariam.

"Yeah, it looks straight from the fairytale, also it already have a alter."

"Yes that is where the Throne used to sit." The castle manager interrupted.

"Oh, how nice we'll get back to you after discussing." Mariam said.

"Sure, no problem." Said the Castle manager.

William and his aunt looked at more venues and places where they could hold the wedding reception. But after seeing many wedding venues they couldn't agree on which one to choose so they thought to see ore venues the next day.

They moved on to try on wedding dresses. William and his aunt arrived at the boutique, where she booked their appointment.

They were greeted by the salesperson who took them to their private area.

William asked his aunt, "What do you think about this?"

He was holding a simple wedding gown. It wasn't anything fancy but straightforward enough to scream elegance.

"No, let's just see another one." Said, Mariam.

William tried on different dresses but didn't like anything. It's hard to find the 'it' dress.

After exhausting all the options, William's eyes fall on a dress. It was a beautiful dress, and the gown was split from the front with a long tail. You could easily see the legs, decorated with diamonds from above the waist to the bust, leaving the shoulders and neck bare.

William told the salesperson to bring the dress for him to try on.

"You have a beautiful eye." The salesperson said while smiling.

William tried the dress on, his legs visible till his thighs, his small breast perfectly busting through the dress, and his waist perfectly fitting the dress.

"You look so beautiful," said Mariam, a tear forming in her eyes.

"We'll take the dress," William told the salesperson.

He gave his measurements to the boutique and left.

"We should go have some lunch I'm starving." William said to his aunt.

"Yeah let's go I'm in mood for some fried chicken." Mariam said.

"You'll have fried chicken I'll have some soup, I need to see my weight before the wedding."

"You barely have weight, eat with me." Mariam said to William while dragging him with the arm to a restaurant.

Meanwhile, in the Office, Philip was arguing with his Father.

"I will not budge from the offer, the french need our money and they'll accept whatever I'm offering if they want to save themselves." Philip told his Father.

"Philip don't be naive, we have worked with them for two decades for fuck sake they used to send you present on your birthday."

"I've had enough of them, I don't fucking care. They were the one to break our contracts I'll buy them 60 cents on a dollar and nothing else."

"Why are you being stubborn? They have realized their mistakes and have given full power to us."

"But they didn't sell all of their shares, if they want to survive the hostile takeover they'll either have to accept my offer or they'll have to sell all the shares."

"Fine. Send them your offer to buy them out I think that'll be the best course of action."

"Sure, and on the other topic I want to have a family dinner with William and his aunt."

"Yeah I was thinking about it too, she'll be our family now, and it's about time your siblings meet him too, one thing more your press announcement is tomorrow send the guards to his house at night."

"Ok, I'll tell him tonight when we go out."

"What going out?"

"He and I have a date tonight."

"Oh ok, and also the day after tomorrow we have director meeting I'll announce my retirement there."

"Ok, then I'll get new proposal ready and send it to them."

"Ok, do it, I'm going home, my back is killing me."

"Are you taking your medicine on time?"

"Yes yes I'm taking them regularly."

"Come on, I'll take you to your car."

"No, I'm fine you go do your work."

"Don't be stubborn I'll take you."

"NO! PEOPLE CAN'T KNOW ABOUT MY CONDITION."

"Dad please let me help." Philip said, worried that something would happen to his Father.

His Father rose, barely able to stand up, took his coat from the hanger, and wore it.

Philip seeing his father struggle, gave him his hand to hang on to.

"Just till the office door."

He took his son's arm and went to the office gate.

He let go of Philip's hand, straightened himself, and walked out his guards just two steps back.

Philip could only see his Father. He imagined his pain but mustered enough strength to walk by himself.

Wondering about his future, he looked around the office before leaving. He thought about the future and his love for William.

Will he survive as his Father did after his mother's death? Or will he and William survive?

There were no correct answers because no one could know the future.

He dwelled on his work, not giving himself time to think.

After countless meetings and work Philip plopped on his office chair, exhausted, but when he saw the time, it was 7; he promised to pick William up for dinner.

He was about to call William that he'll be late, but the door to his office flung open, and there he was, William, wearing his cropped hoodie and a mini skirt like sunshine he was.

A smile crept on Philips's face seeing him, and he got out of his chair to hug William.

"Are you sad? Philip." Said, William

"No, I'm just happy to see you."

"I knew you would be busy so I thought I'll come by self. If you're tired we can go tomorrow."

"I'm never tired whenever I see you."

Cupping his face, Philip kissed William on the lips savoring the moment.

"People don't know about us, I barely got in because I didn't have employee I'd card."

"I don't care, I love you so much."

"Ok, then should we go I'll make you your favorite."

"Are we not going to a restaurant?"

"No I thought if you were exhausted I'll let you do other things to me."

"Are you tempting me?"

"Yes or no."

They both left smiles on their faces. William hugged Philips armed as they made their way through the office, every eye on them.

To be continued...