Chapter 22

Aaron’s POV I woke up with a pounding headache that felt like someone was playing drums inside my skull. The sunlight streaming through the partially closed curtains didn’t help. I groaned, running a hand over my face, trying to remember how much I drank last night. Too much, clearly. My tongue felt like sandpaper, and my body ached from sleeping in a twisted position on my bed. I dragged myself to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face in an attempt to shake off the remnants of last night’s stupidity. The mirror reflected back bloodshot eyes and a scruffier version of myself than I liked. A quick shave and shower later, I looked presentable enough. The smell of coffee wafted up to me as I descended the grand staircase. My father was at the dining table, finishing his breakfast while reading something on his tablet. He looked calm and composed, as he always did, his posture impeccable and his movements precise. I slid into a seat, grabbed a plate, and started piling food on it.