As Alex stepped into the manor, he was greeted by the grand staircase sweeping upward like a ribbon of polished marble. The servants bustled about, their footsteps quiet on the soft carpet as they prepared for dinner. The butler, Jenkins, stood at the helm, overseeing the arrangement of fine china and crystal glasses on the dining table with a practiced eye.
Above, the balconies curved around the great hall, their intricate railings casting delicate patterns on the floor below. The chandeliers overhead sparkled, casting a warm glow over the room. Through the windows, the gardens stretched out into the darkness, their perfectly manicured lawns and flowerbeds a testament to the estate's meticulous care.
The air was filled with the scent of fresh flowers and the distant clinking of silverware being polished. The atmosphere was one of refined elegance, a world away from the chaos of everyday life.
As Alex entered the manor, Jenkins greeted him with a respectful bow. "Good evening, Mr. Alex. Your father is expecting you in the study."
Alex nodded, his expression neutral, and followed Jenkins through the foyer. They walked past the grand staircase, its polished marble gleaming in the soft light, and down a hallway lined with family portraits.
The study door was ajar, and Jenkins pushed it open, announcing Alex's arrival. "Mr. Alex has arrived, sir."
Alex stepped inside, the familiar scent of leather and wood enveloping him. His father, Reginald, sat behind the massive desk, a glass of scotch in hand, his eyes narrowing slightly as Alex entered.
Alex stood tall, his hands clasped behind his back, as his father, Reginald, leaned back in his chair. The study's warm glow cast a soft light on the room, but the atmosphere felt tense.
"So, Alex, how's the company doing?" Reginald asked, his voice casual, but with an undercurrent of scrutiny.
Alex's expression remained neutral. "It's doing well, Father. We're exploring new markets and streamlining operations."
Reginald nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Good, good. I expect nothing but success from you, Alex."
Reginald leaned forward, his eyes skeptical. "And what about this social justice project you've been dabbling in?"
Alex's expression remained calm. "It's going fine, Father. We're making progress."
Reginald scoffed, his tone dismissive. "Wasting your time with charity work, Alex? You have a business to run, not fix the world."
Alex's jaw clenched slightly, but he kept his tone even. "It's not just charity, Father. It's a strategic initiative that can benefit the company in the long run."
Reginald raised an eyebrow. "I'm not impressed, Alex. Focus on what matters – profits and growth."
Alex's hands clenched behind his back, his fingers tightening into fists. He met his father's gaze for a moment before nodding slightly. He turned to leave and his Father's voice stopped him.
"Alex"
He met his father's gaze for a moment before his father looked away, his voice casual.
"We're expecting some guests, too. Prepare yourself."
Alex nodded curtly, though his father wasn't looking at him. "Understood."
With that, Alex turned and walked out of the study, leaving the tension and his father's expectations behind.
***********************************************
As he stepped out of the study, the weight of his father's disapproval still lingered. He made his way upstairs, the familiar turns and corners leading him to his room. The hallway stretched out before him, lined with doors to rooms that held memories and secrets.
The soft carpet muffled his footsteps, and the dim lighting cast long shadows on the walls. He walked past the doors to his siblings' rooms, the memories of childhood laughter and arguments lingering in the air.
As he reached his room, he pushed open the door and stepped into his room,
The dark tones enveloping him like a shroud. The king-sized bed loomed in the center, its black duvet a somber contrast to the usual warmth of a bedroom. He made his way to the bathroom, the soft glow of the lights a gentle reprieve from the tension that had built up in the study.
As he stepped into the shower, the warm water cascaded down his body, washing away the weight of his father's words. It trickled down his chest, pooling in the contours of his muscles, and slid down his arms, easing the tension in his shoulders. The droplets hit his skin like a soothing melody, calming his nerves and quieting his mind.
He let out a deep sigh, feeling the stress seep out of his pores, carried away by the water. For a moment, he just stood there, letting the warmth envelop him, and the water's gentle massage ease his frustration. The world outside receded, and all that existed was the water and him.
Finally, he turned off the shower, the sudden silence a contrast to the soothing sound of the water. He wrapped a towel around his waist, the soft fabric a gentle caress against his skin. He stepped into his walk-in closet, the rows of clothes a muted presence in the dim light. He chose a black T-shirt and black joggers, the darkness of the colors reflecting his mood. The atmosphere always felt gloomy, and black seemed the only fitting choice.
Alex's footsteps were quiet as he made his way downstairs, his hands tucked into his pockets. His mind was preoccupied with thoughts of the night ahead, and the mysterious guests his father had mentioned.
As he turned a corner, he bumped into someone, his shoulder colliding with theirs. A soft gasp escaped the person's lips, and Alex's gaze snapped up to meet a pair of startled eyes.
A woman stood before him, her features unfamiliar. She was tall and slender, with glistening green eyes and long, curly raven hair. Her skin was smooth and unlined, but her expression was one of mild bewilderment.
Alex lifted an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on the woman's face as he apologized. "Sorry, I didn't see you there."
The woman's eyes locked onto his, studying him with an intensity that made Alex's skin prickle. "Oh, I'm fine, it's okay," she said, her husky voice smooth as silk.
Alex nodded curtly, his expression neutral. "If you'll excuse me," he said, his tone polite but distant.
With that, he stepped around her, leaving behind an aura as cold as winter. The woman watched him.
The hallway seemed to grow quieter as Alex walked away, the only sound the soft rustle of his clothes. The woman's gaze lingered on him, her eyes followed Alex as he walked away,her gaze lingering on his broad shoulders and chiseled features.
She couldn't help but notice the way his dark hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck, or the sharp jawline that seemed to be set in a perpetual stoic expression.
As she watched him disappear around the corner, she smiled and turned to where she was going to.