********
Marcus learned quickly that wearing two faces at once was heavier than any weapon he had ever carried.
By day, he was Marcus Blackwood , the flawless assistant, who is always two steps ahead, always calm, always efficient. He moved through Vale Tower like he had been born there: coffee ready before Noah asked, files arranged before meetings, emails drafted before problems even fully formed.
People noticed him, he is quite efficient, some of the workers murmured.
**********
Executives straightened when he entered a room. Staff whispered that he was cold, too sharp, too unreadable. But Noah... Noah noticed different things.
********
The way Marcus never rushed.
The way he listened without interrupting.
The way his eyes softened just a little, when Noah spoke about something personal.
Marcus felt it every time, he feels so attracted to Noah and it's not the mission.
At night, though, the mask changed.
By night, he was Louis.
Sitting alone in his cozy apartment with the lights low, phone in his hand, heart far less controlled than he liked to admit.
He would open the dating app and see Noah's name pop up, and something in his chest would twist before he even read the message.
Noah:
I had a long day,my brain is fried I must confess.
Louis:
Talk to me. I'm here.
And Noah would talk.
About board meetings that drained him. About how everyone saw the billionaire, but no one saw the man. About how lonely it felt at the top, how quiet his penthouse was at night, how tired he was of smiling for cameras.
Every word hit Marcus like a small cut, he tries to hide the guilt
He told himself it was just guilt and nothing more
Just the weight of deception.
But when Noah typed:
Noah:
I can't stop thinking about you... I keep wondering what your lips would feel like on mine. I want to kiss you so bad. And maybe more... like really be with you. Properly.
Marcus felt his breath hitch.
His thumb hovered over the screen.
He stared at those words again and again, feeling something rise in his chest that he had no name for.
He wanted to tell Noah the truth.Dang what the hell am i doing.
Wanted to say: It's me. I'm right here. I'm not who you think I am.
But he didn't, the Elders will kill him if he does that, he typed instead:
Louis:
You deserve someone real. Someone who can hold you, not just text you.
Noah replied almost instantly.
Noah:
I think that someone might be you.
Marcus dropped his phone onto his chest and stared at the ceiling.
Guilt settled heavy and deep.
*********
Two nights later, Noah stood in front of his closet, trying on his third outfit.
His mother had called him earlier.
" Hello honey will you come home for dinner, Noah. Just us, i promise now to talk about buisness.
He had tried to refuse at first said he was busy, tired, overwhelmed but his father had taken the phone and said, softly, "We miss you, son."
So now he found himself standing in his bedroom, adjusting the sleeves of a crisp navy shirt, hair styled.
He arrived at the Vale mansion just before sunset.
The house looked the same as always, tall gates, wide driveway, warm golden lights spilling from every window like a heartbeat made of glass and stone.
His father, Richard Vale, met him at the door before he could even knock.
Noah barely had time to smile before strong arms wrapped around him.
"My boy," Richard said, voice thick in a way.
Noah hugged him back, harder than he expected to.
Inside, the house smelled like garlic, herbs, and something sweet baking in the kitchen a smell Noah hadn't realized he missed until it hit him.
His mother, appeared in the hallway with a wooden spoon still in her hand, eyes bright.
"There he is!" my little boy who has grown so tall and big she said, pulling him into a quick, tight hug. "You look too thin. Are you even eating? honey
Noah laughed. "Mom, I eat."
She clicked her tongue. "Your assistant better be feeding you properly."
They moved to the dining room together, talking easily, comfortably, like no time had passed.
Over dinner, Richard asked about work.
Board struggles. New tech developments. Political shifts that could affect the company. Noah answered calmly, confidently, slipping into CEO mode without even realizing it.
His father watched him with quiet pride.
You've built something powerful, Noah, Richard said finally. "Not just money. Influence. Legacy."
Noah swallowed, nodding. "Couldn't have done it without you."
His mum smirked, leaning back in her chair. "All that power, all that success... and still no one to share your bed with."
Noah nearly choked on his water.
"Mom......
She grinned mischievously. "What? I'm just saying. Your birthday is coming up. Perfect time to snatch someone who catches your fantasy."
Richard chuckled softly. "Your mother has been watching too many romance shows."
They all laughed over dessert warm chocolate cake, rich and comforting,he felt the love,seen and human
*********
The drive back to his penthouse felt longer than usual.
He kept replaying the warmth of his parents' voices, the sound of his mother's laughter, the steady pride in his father's eyes.
When he reached home, the space greeted him in silence.
Too much silence.
He took off his jacket and called softly, "Lena?"
His housekeeper stepped out from the kitchen. "Yes, sir?"
"You can go home for the night," he said gently. "I'll be fine."
She hesitated. "Are you sure?" Mr vale
He nodded. "Get some rest."
When the door closed behind her, the penthouse felt even emptier.
Noah wandered to the living room, turning on the massive television. A nature documentary filled the screen ,oceans, whales singing in the deep, waves crashing softly against cliffs.
He laid on the couch, staring blankly.
The words washed over him, but nothing stuck.
His mind kept drifting, back to the late night messages
To Louis.
And, strangely... to Marcus.
He pictured the moment in his office - the way their eyes had met, the quiet intensity in Marcus's gaze, the strange pull he had felt in his chest.
He shifted on the couch, frowning slightly.
Why did thinking about his assistant make his pulse change?
He leaned his head back, rubbing a hand over his face.
Maybe he was just lonely.
The documentary droned on, but his thoughts slipped elsewhere.
Then softly, like wind moving through a faraway forest he heard it again.
A whisper, it wasn't from the TV, it was from his head.
Noah...
His breath stilled.
You are a destined child... don't forget who you are.
His heart began to pound.
Images flashed behind his closed eyes silver moonlight, blood on stone, figures moving too fast to see, flames licking the sky.
He sat up quickly, his chest rising and falling too fast.
The room was silent again, feeling bright, normal and safe.
He let out a shaky breath, pressing a hand to his temple.
"Get it together," he muttered to himself. "You're just tired."
Still, his fingers trembled slightly as he turned off the television.
He climbed the stairs to his bedroom slowly, every step heavier than the last.
In his room, he stood for a moment wondering what it will look kiss Louis lips.
********
Somewhere out there, Marcus or Louis - was awake too.
Somewhere out there, something ancient and hungry was watching him, and it was counting days for him to activate the curse.
