Chapter 10: Afflictions

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Baekhyun's father was a powerful senator in government, and it was through him that he learned how keep with appearances in the presence of changing  individuals. By the time he was sixteen, he had already learned the art of deception with the smile that was often plastered on his face. The secrets of his family, the dysfunctional chaos of their lives, were meticulously kept hidden with the sole purpose of protecting the reputation of a man who couldn't stay faithful and a women who had chosen to stay ignorant to reap the benefits of a lifestyle she wished to maintain.

It was no secret that Baekhyun stemmed from a powerful line of old money and public figures, but with the pressure to uphold the family name, he had to conform to the expectations that had suffocated him since childhood. Kris was the son of the man who controlled the management of the Byun's political endeavors. In turn, he also sought to make a mark in the world of politics, going so far as to use their relationship as a platform for himself. 

Though the latter had graduated two years prior, nothing had changed much about him, and Baekhyun could still feel emotions that resembled feelings of what once was. And yet, above all,  he couldn't rid himself of the memories that had done the most damage. Loving someone only to be left so broken that scars remained from shattered mirrors was the reason why Baekhyun swore to never forget.

The smile on his face was pleasant as Kris sat across from him. Acting was a peculiari