Alden, Morrow & Cyril | Three Names, One Secret

The door to the administration room opened slowly.

You stepped in carrying the thick folder the officer had just given you.

Three men are waiting for you inside.

Alden stood by the table. His clothes were neat as usual, his face calm, but his fingers were gripping the edge of the folder a little too tightly.

Morrow sat on the sofa with a relaxed attitude. But as soon as he saw you, the smile that had been on his face disappeared.

While Cyril stood a little away from the two.

Silence.

His gaze was immediately fixed on you.

Several seconds passed without anyone saying anything.

Alden finally lifted his head.

"Finally."

Just one word.

It's short, but it sounds a lot more spacious than it should.

Morrow stood up slowly.

"I thought you wouldn't come."

He tried to smile, but his expression looked forced.

Cyril remained silent.

His eyes scanned your face as if he was confirming something.

Then, in a voice almost a whisper—

"...He completely forgot."

Morrow immediately turned his head.

"Not now."

Alden closed his eyes for a moment.

"Enough."

You frowned.

"Sorry... do we know each other?"

The three of them were silent.

That simple question made the already awkward atmosphere even heavier.

Morrow rubbed the back of his neck, then chuckled.

"Yeah... you could say that."

Alden stared at him sharply.

"Morrow."

"What? I'm not lying."

Cyril finally moved. He took a few steps closer, then stopped.

You looked at them in turn.

"I came because the officer said you guys have something to do with my adoption documents."

Silence.

Alden stared at the map in your hand.

Morrow took a deep breath.

Cyril lowered his gaze.

Neither of them answered immediately.

They know something.

Something you clearly never knew.

And for the first time...

The three men looked nervous as they stared at you.