The First to Fall. - Ep 5 - The rival appears.

[Scene – Kitchen, Morning] The maids line up the plates neatly on the marble counter. The sunlight glints off the silver pot of coffee. Clyde pulls out a chair for Azer, who sits reluctantly. The spread looks like a painting croissant, sunny-side-up eggs, cheese, cold cuts, avocado toast, hash browns, waffles topped with strawberries, and steaming coffee.

Tristan Clyde Edrige

Clyde (smirking, sitting across): “See? I told them to prepare something you’d like. Croissants, fresh eggs, even waffles with strawberries… looks perfect, doesn’t it?”

Azer Pierce Hudson

Azer (coldly, glancing at the food): “Perfect for you, maybe. I don’t eat this much in the morning.

Tristan Clyde Edrige

I know, that's why I told them to prepare this for you. I couldn't bare seeing you leave without eating.

Maid 2 - Irish

Maid 2 - Irish (whispering to Shania): “He’s so cold to Sir Clyde… after last night?”

Maid 3 - Shania

Maid 3 - Shania (giggling): “Still, they look good together.”

Tristan Clyde Edrige

Don’t be picky, Mr. Hudson. You’ll need the energy after last night.

Clyde leaning forward, voice low and teasing.

Azer Pierce Hudson

Azer glaring, stabbing the avocado toast: “Shut up. And stop bringing that up while we’re eating.”

Clyde chuckling, sipping his coffee.

Tristan Clyde Edrige

Fine fine, just eat. I won't tease you anymore.

A tense silence fills the kitchen as Azer reluctantly eats. Clyde looks satisfied just watching him. The maids pretend to clean, stealing glances.

Tristan Clyde Edrige

Clyde (after finishing his coffee, standing up): “Alright. Time to head out. We’re going to your company.

Azer Pierce Hudson

(raising a brow, annoyed): “My company. And who said you’re coming?”

Tristan Clyde Edrige

(leaning back with a sly smile): “Remember, we have lots of work to do. We’re partners, Azer. If we don’t get it done, they’ll blame both of us not just me.”

Azer Pierce Hudson

(clicking his tongue, crossing his arms): “Tch. Always twisting things to your favor…”

Clyde smirking, standing to adjust his tie.

Tristan Clyde Edrige

Not twisting. Just reminding. Now come on, Mr. Hudson. Let’s not keep your company waiting should we?

He casually takes Azer’s wrist, pulling him toward the door. The maids watch silently, trading glances as the two men leave the kitchen together.

...

[Hudson Global Enterprises – Lobby] Clyde and Azer step into the building, employees greeting them respectfully. As they head toward the elevators, Secretary Lin hurries over with a folder in hand.

Secretary Lin

Secretary Lin (to Azer): “Mr. Hudson, Mr. Zachary came by earlier today. He wishes to see you.“

Clyde stops, his brows furrowing slightly as he looks between her and Azer.

Tristan Clyde Edrige

Clyde (curious, with a hint of suspicion): “Who’s Mr. Zachary?”

Secretary Lin

(professionally): “He’s the CEO of Hermes Titan Corporation, sir. A fast-rising competitor in our field. He’s… very persistent when it comes to meetings."

Clyde narrows his eyes, his tone cooling.

Tristan Clyde Edrige

Persistent, huh? And now he’s suddenly interested in seeing Azer?

Azer Pierce Hudson

It’s business. Don’t make a scene.

They step out of the elevator, walking toward Clyde’s office. The secretary’s words about Zachary still linger in the air. Clyde trails slightly behind Azer, his jaw clenched. Inside the office, Clyde closes the door, his voice softer than usual.

Tristan Clyde Edrige

Tell me… are you interested in that Mr. Zachary?

Clyde staring at Azer, eyes clouded.

Azer Pierce Hudson

nonsense, we don't know each other that much. (blinking confused)

Clyde voice cracking, gaze fixed on him.

Tristan Clyde Edrige

Then why does it feel like I’m already losing you… to someone I haven’t even met?

Azer taken aback, then sighs, brushing his hair back.

Azer Pierce Hudson

I know him, but not that much. We’ve only met at events a few times.

Clyde jaw tightening, trying to hide his jealousy.

Tristan Clyde Edrige

that’s enough for me to worry.

Azer Pierce Hudson

(coldly, but with a faint smirk): “Why? Afraid that Mr. Zachary might take me away?”

Tristan Clyde Edrige

(jaw tight, possessive): “I know you don’t love me yet… but that doesn’t mean I’ll let him take what’s mine.”

Azer rolling his eyes, arms crossed.

Azer Pierce Hudson

You’re so dramatic. I told you already, I don’t belong to anyone. Remember that.”

Clyde exhales deeply, trying to calm himself, but his clenched fists show how much the thought of Zachary unsettles him.