The dining hall's grandeur was matched only by the tension that filled it. The long, polished table, adorned with fine china and crystal glasses, stretched out like a battleground, with 18 chairs lined up like soldiers on either side. At its center, a majestic wooden chair, intricately carved with symbols of power and legacy, stood empty, exuding an aura of authority and control. Alex occupied the chair next to it, his presence a subtle challenge to the patriarchal seat.
As Vivian, his stepmother, swept into the room, the atmosphere grew heavier. She was a woman who embodied arrogance and pride, her very demeanor radiating an air of superiority. Her green, floor-length gown shimmered with golden swirls, catching the light and casting a regal glow around her. The red plum shoes that peeked out from beneath her hem added a pop of color, a subtle declaration of her impeccable taste. She settled into the chair opposite Alex, her eyes locking onto his with a spark of malice.
The silence between them was oppressive, thick with unspoken animosity. Vivian's smirk twisted her lips as she broke the silence, her voice dripping with saccharine sweetness. "Hello, Alex. You've been away for so long." Her words hung in the air, laced with venom and unspoken accusations.
Alex's gaze met hers, his expression a mask of indifference. Yet, beneath the surface, a storm brewed, hinting at a depth of emotion he kept tightly reined. The air seemed to vibrate with tension as they engaged in a silent battle, each waiting for the other to make the next move.
The tension between Alex and Vivian was palpable as he replied, "I apologize for not sending my greetings, I've been very busy." His smile was polite, but his eyes betrayed a hint of wariness. Vivian scoffed, her displeasure evident in the curl of her lip and the flash of annoyance in her eyes.
Just then, a feminine voice echoed through the dining hall, "Mom!!!" The sound of heels clicking on the floor wasn't present, but instead, the soft thud of sneakers announced the arrival of Emily, Alex's stepsister. She burst into the room, her mini skirt swaying with each step, and her pink top stretched across her chest. Her hair was styled in pigtails, and she chewed gum with an exaggerated motion, blowing bubbles and popping them with a satisfied smack.
Emily's eyes sparkled with a mixture of curiosity and mischief as she gazed at Alex, her gaze lingering on his face before shifting to Vivian. She plopped down in the chair next to her mother, her movements carefree and confident. The same arrogance that radiated from Vivian seemed to emanate from Emily, though hers was tempered by her youth and exuberance.
As Emily settled in, her eyes locked onto Alex, and she raised an eyebrow, her gaze sweeping over him with a mixture of disdain and amusement.
Emily's fake smile faltered for a moment before she recovered, her voice dripping with insincerity as she said, "Hi, Alex." Alex ignored her, his gaze fixed on the tablecloth as he waited for the meal to begin.
The servants efficiently served the meal, placing steaks on each plate with precision. Alex picked up his knife and fork, his movements economical as he began to eat.
Just as the meal was underway, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hall, and Alex's father, Reginald, strode in, his presence commanding attention. He was a tall, imposing figure with a strong jawline and piercing hazel eyes that seemed to bore into those he looked at ~ eyes that mirrored Alex's.His dark hair was flecked with gray, lending an air of distinguished authority to his features.
By his side was his younger son, Sean. Sean was the complete opposite of Alex in many ways.Sean had an innocent -looking face, charming smile and an unassuming demeanor. However, there was something beneath the surface, a calculating glint in his eye that hinted at a more cunning nature. He seemed friendly and approachable, but there was an air of unpredictability about him.
As they took their seats,the atmosphere In the room shifted,with Reginald's presence drawing attention.
As they began eating, the clinking of silverware on fine china filled the room. Reginald sat up straight, his eyes scanning the room before beckoning Jenkins, the butler. "Jenkins, please show our guests in."
Alex's gaze followed Jenkins as he exited the room, only to return with a group of people. The woman he had encountered earlier in the hallway, followed by another woman who looked similar to her, likely her sister. A young man accompanied them, and behind them were two middle-aged people, presumably the women's parents.
As they approached, Alex watched as they nodded slightly in respect to Reginald. The woman he met in the hallway took a seat beside him, her proximity making him feel uneasy,Her sister and the young man sat side by side on the opposite side of the table and the parents sat across from them, their eyes scanning the table with interest.
Reginald's voice boomed, "Everyone, please meet Mr. and Mrs. Greenwood, their daughters, Selena and Sophia, and as well their son-in-law Brian." Alex's eyes narrowed slightly, taking in the new faces. The Greenwoods seemed like a formidable family, and their presence here likely meant business.
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As the dinner continued, Selena's gaze drifted away from the conversation between Reginald and her father, James Greenwood. Her eyes landed on Alex, who was intently focused on his meal, his movements precise and economical as he cut into his steak. Selena's fingers toyed with the edge of her napkin, her mind elsewhere as she picked at her food without much enthusiasm.
She couldn't help but steal glances at Alex, her eyes drawn to the strong lines of his face, the sharp jawline, and the piercing gaze that seemed to see right through her. Her heart skipped a beat as she felt a flutter in her chest, and she quickly looked away, trying to compose herself.
But her gaze kept drifting back to Alex, and she found herself whispering a greeting,
"Hi."
Alex's head turned slightly, his eyes meeting Selena's, and he replied softly, "Hi." His voice was low and smooth, and Selena felt a flutter in her chest as their eyes met. She smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly at the fact that Alex had replied to her. She was about to say something else, to break the silence that had fallen between them, but before she could, Sophia spoke up.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. REGINALD, LONG LIFE AND PROSPERITY," Sophia said with a warm smile, raising her glass in a toast. Reginald let out a short, hearty laughter, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Thank you, Sophia," he replied, his voice gruff with appreciation.
As Sophia's toast was acknowledged, the dinner party transitioned to the next course. The plates were cleared, and the dessert course was served. Sliced velvet cake was placed in front of each guest, the moist, rich aroma wafting up to tease their senses. Selena's attention turned to the cake, and she picked up her fork, anticipation building in her eyes. Alex, meanwhile, continued eating, his focus on his meal, but Selena couldn't help sneaking glances at him, her heart still racing from their brief exchange.
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Reginald cleared his throat, commanding the attention of the table. "Thank you for coming to my humble abode, James," he said, his voice warm and inviting. "Now, let's talk about the real business."
James Greenwood smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "It's alright, Mr. Reginald," he replied, his tone smooth.
Reginald chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. "Don't call me Mr. Reginald, we're family now," he said, his words dripping with significance.
Alex's head snapped up, his eyebrow raised in confusion. He hadn't expected this turn of events. Reginald, noticing his son's reaction, smiled knowingly. "Oh, Selena's parents are here to offer a marriage proposal between you and Selena," he explained, his voice casual.
The room fell silent, the only sound the soft clinking of silverware against plates. Alex's eyes widened slightly, shock written across his face. He felt like he'd been punched in the gut. His hands faltered, and he clenched the dessert fork, struggling to control his emotions.
Reginald tilted his head, his eyes piercing. "You don't have any problems with that, do you?" he asked, his voice low and expectant.
Alex's gaze met his father's, his anger simmering just below the surface. He swallowed hard, forcing himself to remain calm. His voice low and husky, he replied, "No, Father." He looked back down at his plate, his eyes fixed on the velvet cake, but his mind racing with thoughts of rebellion and escape.