Selena's gaze drifted to Alex, her eyes meeting his for a brief moment before she looked down, a smile playing on her lips as she blushed. She seemed to be ignoring the turmoil that had just unfolded, her focus on the happy prospect of marrying Alex.
Vivian, on the other hand, couldn't help but smirk, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she tried to control her laughter. She seemed to find the situation highly entertaining.
Sean's expression was more serious, his eyes fixed intently on Alex as he tried to read his unreadable expression. He seemed to be wondering what Alex was thinking, but Alex's face remained a mask.
Reginald, seemingly satisfied with Alex's response, continued his conversation with James, discussing business and politics with ease.
Alex, however, had had enough. He pushed his chair back, his movements abrupt, and excused himself from the dinner table. "Excuse me," he said, his voice tight with emotion.
He made his way to the garden, the cool night air a welcome respite from the tension that had built up inside him. As he walked, the sound of laughter and conversation faded into the distance, replaced by the soft rustling of leaves and the chirping of crickets. Alex took a deep breath, trying to clear his head and process the shocking proposal that had been laid before him.
***********************************************
As Alex stood there, the breeze rustling the leaves of the nearby plants, he closed his eyes, letting the calmness of the garden wash over him. The sound of crickets and the distant hum of conversation from the dinner party created a soothing melody.
Just as he was starting to relax, he heard the sound of footsteps approaching. He turned to see his father, Reginald, walking towards him, a thoughtful expression on his face. The moonlight cast a silver glow on Reginald's features, highlighting the lines and creases that spoke of his age and experience.
Alex's eyes narrowed slightly, wondering what his father wanted.
Reginald's voice was low and pragmatic as he said, "The marriage is just business, her father's company is a prominent one, and the joining of the two companies would be great for the future. Get to know her and get married, it's for your own good."
Alex's smile was a forced one, his lips curling up in a mocking imitation of agreement. "His own good?" he thought, his mind recoiling at the familiar phrase. As usual, his future never seemed to matter to his father, only the family's business and reputation.
He replied, his voice neutral, "Very well, Father." The words felt like a betrayal, but he knew better than to argue with Reginald.
With a nod, Reginald turned and left, leaving Alex standing alone in the garden, the weight of his future settling heavily on his shoulders. The sound of his father's footsteps faded into the distance, and Alex was left with the silence, his thoughts swirling with resentment and uncertainty.