Chapter 180: I'm afraid the report didn't turn out as I expected

Rhys's POV

I took another glance at the document after signing, still not able to believe it.

The pain that shot through my arm when I pinched my skin reminded me it was real. I chuckled and placed the document back into the envelope.

I folded the envelope and placed it into my top drawer alongside my pen.

But my brows furrowed when I turned around and saw Mark staring blankly at me.

“Don't look at me like that.” I said, pushing his face away. “If you have something to say, just say it directly.”

“Did you just sign that document?” Mark asked, his eyes wide in disbelief.

“You aren't blind, right?” I retorted, getting to my feet.

Mark got to his feet too. “I know getting into Black City team and all is everyone's dream but you didn't read the whole clause and—”

“I read it all.” I cut him off, walking towards the fridge. “Every single word of it, Mark.”

Mark inhaled deeply. “Fine, let's say you did. What about hidden clauses? Do most documents always have hidden clauses? You need to go through it with a lawyer at least to be sure that what the team is offering is exactly what's written in the paper.”

My hand froze on the fridge door as his words slammed into my thoughts. He was right, painfully right. I had just been too excited earlier and signed my signature without thinking.

“Also, Coach Reed asked you to meet him first after going through it.” Mark added.

I brought out another drink from the fridge and slammed it shut. “I've already signed the document, Mark. It's too early to cry over spilled milk.”

Mark nodded, walking towards me. He brushed me aside just when I had expected him to say something and opened the fridge, taking out a drink from it.

“It's slightly my fault. I was so engrossed in the other document that I couldn't stop you.”

I chuckled, clicking my can against his. “Did you sign the document or force me to sign it?”

Mark shook his head. “I didn't.”

“Then there's no need for you to apologize. The fault is mine.” I said, returning back to the bed.

Mark followed me without a word. He stopped in front of my drawer and pulled it open, bringing out the document.

Silence stretched in the room as he skimmed through the document.

“I don't think there's anything wrong with it.” Mark said after a while, returning the document back into the drawer. “You should just go and meet the coach later.”

I nodded, even though he couldn't see me.

“What about your father's offer? Don't you think it wouldn't be a bad thing to take it up?” Mark suggested, taking the space next to me.

I turned to face him. “Are you kidding me?”

“Wait and hear me out, first.” Mark said, slapping my arm slightly. “The Black City Hockey team will be scouting you next year and your father just wants you to work in his company for only one year. Don't tell me you don't understand what I mean?”

I paused, pressing my lips together. He was making sense quite alright but something in me still felt it was off. The scouting document's rule didn't state that but he couldn't be sure about the company's rule.

“I read through the company's rules and them being against having multiple jobs. Besides, hockey doesn't count as a job.” Mark continued, like he had read my mind.

I slumped onto the bed without a word. Could I really work in my father's company? Like would I work in the same environment I had hated since childhood?

Mark patted my leg. “I'll be returning to my room now. Remember to tell me whatever you decide before leaving the building tomorrow.”

I waited till he walked out of the building before getting to my feet. I trashed the half drank can as I couldn't bring myself to take another sip before locking the door.

I slipped out of my clothes and disappeared into the bathroom. I slumped on the bed afterwards.

The morning sun was barely up by the time I was done freshening up. I wasn't sure I had slept last night and the dark circles under my eyes confirmed my suspicions.

I grabbed the envelope my father gave me and my car keys before walking out of my room. I stopped in front of Mark's door. When he didn't open up after I knocked the third time. I pushed his door and he lay sprawled on the bed, snoring heavily.

“Like seriously!” I hissed, hitting him on his leg.

He stirred slightly and went back to sleep. I hit him again and again, yet he gave me the same reaction. I placed my face into my arm. How could I have forgotten that he was a heavy sleeper?

I sent him a message on his phone before walking out of his room.

The living area was in a mess. Different empty bottles lay scattered on the floor. There were also cigarettes and wraps of hard drugs all over the floor. Some students were still tangled up naked on the sofa.

I shook my head and hurried out of the room. I got into my car and was soon heading to the hospital. I wanted to see Clare first before going to face my father.

By the time I got to the hospital, the sun was already bright. I hurried straight to her ward and bumped into Zane on the door.

He blocked my view immediately. “Rhys, aren't you curious about the DNA test result?”

My mind reeled. I had been so focused with the envelopes that I forgot everything about the DNA test.

“So what does it say?” I asked, trying not to sound desperate or interested.

“What do you want it to say? That we are siblings?” He shot back.

I brushed him aside. “Keep it to yourself then.”

“I'm afraid the report didn't turn out the way I expected.” He said, forcing me to halt mid-step.