Chapter 8: A New Reality

He signed the documents, naming Alex as his unlimited power of attorney. As he handed the papers to Alex, he felt a mix of fear and exhilaration. This was it. There was no turning back now.

Alex took the signed power of attorney, a smirk on his lips, and locked it away in his safe. He immediately assumed control of the real estate brokerage, his presence commanding and sure. When asked who he was, he simply replied, “I’m Nate’s new partner. He’s ceded all control to me.”

To Nate’s devastation, his former business partners seemed to take to Alex quickly, even warming up to him more than they ever had to Nate. Under Alex’s direction, the real estate company thrived, growing even more than it had under Nate’s leadership. Nate watched from the sidelines, a mix of pride and pain swelling within him.

Meanwhile, Alex started leaving Nate locked up more and more in his kennel at home. Nate would listen as Alex came and went, building his dynasty, while he remained hidden away, his life shrinking smaller and smaller. But still, Nate’s obsession with Alex didn’t waver. He craved his attention, his approval, his love.

But Alex seemed to pay him less and less mind, his focus shifted to his newfound power and status. Nate was left alone, locked away, his heart aching with a mix of longing and loneliness.

One night, Alex brought a girl home. Nate listened from his kennel, his heart pounding in his chest as he heard their laughter, their flirtations. He had thought Alex was gay, had thought that they had something special, something unique. But Alex didn’t seem to care, didn’t seem to have any respect for Nate or his feelings.

Alex moved Nate’s kennel to the closet, shutting the door and leaving Nate in the dark. He listened as Alex and the girl made love in Alex’s bed, their moans and whispers a stark reminder of what Nate wanted, what he craved. He loved Alex, but Alex didn’t seem to love him back. He didn’t seem to care at all.

As he lay there, curled up in his kennel, the sounds of Alex and the girl’s passion echoing in his ears, Nate felt a tear slip down his cheek. This was what he wanted, what he had signed up for. But the reality of it, the cold, hard truth of it, was more painful than he had ever imagined.

He had given up everything for Alex—his family, his business, his dignity. But for what? For a man who didn’t love him, who didn’t respect him, who didn’t care about him at all.

As the night wore on, Nate’s heart ached with a mix of love, longing, and pain.