Markian and Jeffery let out a low laughter, and I couldn’t hold back my smile. Heather is just unbelievable and my anger couldn’t hold out for long. Whenever I was upset about my father, she just knows what to say to calm me down. I love that about her.
Markian stepped out to a quiet corner to call Livy and probably ask why she’s running late. I wanted to wait for him until I saw my father coming my way so I hurried to get away, but he stopped me.
“Son, wait!” He called out to me.
I stopped in my track and turned to face him.
“What do you want?” I asked rudely.
“Just a minute with you would do.” He answered straight away.
“Just like the minute you had with Heather? I’m not stupid father, it’ll take more than a minute to convince me of your intentions. So what is it you want this time? Why have you come here tonight.” I asked unfeelingly.
“I suppose I deserve that and I know you’re not stupid either. I’m not trying to deceive you, I just came here because I really wanted to support my daughter tonight. I’ve made mistakes in the past with you and your sister, but because of you and the uncompromising loyalty you have for your cousin I was able to realize those mistakes.” He replied with a sadness in his voice.
What do I make of these? Is this a new tactics he wants to use for get me to his side?
“I can’t trust anything you say. It would take more than few words from you to convince me that you’re trying to change father.” I stated sternly and I was serious.
Tion Winfrey has a way with words and can be very deceptive. It’s dangerous giving him a listening ear for even a minute.
“I wasn’t expecting you to trust me either, and you’re right. Which is why I’m going to spend the rest of my years working towards being a better father to you and your sister. I’ll live out my remaining years trying to gain back you trust, I promise.” My father stated as a sad smile appeared on his lips.
“I’ll look forward to that.” I finally stated before excusing myself from his presence.
Few minutes later, Markian came inside with a worried frown on his face. I went to meet him across the room to ask why he looked so worried.
“I can’t seem to get a hold of Livy or Judy. Both of them aren’t answering their calls and I have a feeling something is wrong.” He explained disheartened.
I was about to ask him what he intend doing before Heather approached us.
“Markian, Daniel, there’s someone I really want you both to meet.” She interrupted as she dragged Markian along with her.
I knew he’s worried about Livy and only obliged to Heather because he didn’t want to ruin her mood. So I stayed back as I took out my phone and tried Livy’s number, but no answer.
It’s just a matter of time before Markian loses all cool and goes in search for his wife. I slipped back my phone in my pocket and walked towards the direction of where they both went.
Jeffery is also with Heather’s important friend as I joined them.
“Andre here saves my ass some time ago in Bosa. They call him the Prince of Sardinia, and I didn’t understand why until I saw things for myself. But he truly is an amazing and trustworthy friend and ally to have. I really can’t believe he made it here today.” Heather ranted on as she praised a very ruggedly handsome young man with the darkest green eyes I’ve ever seen.
He seemed pretty dangerous but held a smile that says otherwise, what a contradiction his face held.
My sister sure knows how to make the best kind of dangerous friends after all, I thought.
“C’mon now. I was in the country so why wouldn’t I honor your invitation?…” he asked rhetorically with that deceptive smile. “… she really makes it sound as though I alone helped her. Your cousin sure knows how to repay a debt and I like people like her. It’s truly a pleasure meeting her family. I feel like I know you all since I’ve heard a lot about you. So, please forgive my informalities.” he added addressing Markian and I.
“It’s equally a pleasure to meet you Andre. We heard of her little adventure in Bosa 2yrs ago. But I hope you’re enjoying the party?” Markian asked while I crooked my neck staring at Andre.
Something was off about this daring man but I just can’t place my finger on it.
“Oh, the party is lovely. I’m glad I came.” He replied with a nod.
“This is my brother, Daniel. He’s now in charge of S. Group.” Heather introduced with a pleasant smile.
“It’s really a pleasure meeting you Daniel. You have an amazing sister I must say.” Alfredo said as he stretched his hand to me for a handshake and I obliged.
“I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m expecting someone who should’ve been here a while ago. If you don’t mind, I’d like to make a call. Please excuse me.” Markian stated politely before he excused himself from our midst.
“So Mr Alfredo, what exactly is it you do?” I blurted out curiously, but his brief silence made the environment a bit awkward.
“Ehm… Daniel, maybe you shouldn’t ask…” Heather started but he interrupted her.
“I’m a gangster, but people refer to me as a bad guy.” he replied still with that smile he has plastered on his face for the past minute.
I don’t know what was funny about what he said, but Heather and Jeffery burst into laughter. Maybe he’s being sarcastic, or maybe I believe him because my mind keeps jumping into conclusions tonight and I wonder why.
“I told you not to ask.” Heather said muffling a laugh.
“I don’t know if you’re trying to be funny or not, but we need to have a serious talk later. As at the moment, I beg to be excused while I go check up on my cousin.” I said before leaving them to go find Markian toward the direction had gone.
I was close to the stairs when I overheard my father’s conversation with Markian’s dad.
“I saw you talking with your son. Are you both plotting something again?” Mr Matthew asked my father causing me to stop and listen.
“Of course you would think so, wouldn’t you?” My father replied back.
Have I been right all along? I wondered.
“Of course. Your action last time made me realize just how low you’ll get to acquire Castlehill.” My uncle stated.
“It was never about Castlehill and you know it.” My father countered.
“No, no it wasn’t…” Uncle Matthew replied plainly.
Then what was it all about if it wasn’t for Castlehill?
“… I can’t believe it took us almost 30years, 2 lovely boys who are now men, and a realization from their unbreakable bond to knock us back in track.” He added with a sigh.
“And they learnt it all on their own. They became men without our help because we were too engrossed in our petty futile rivalry.” My father stated.
Is this the day? Could this finally be the day that ends the Winfrey brother’s 36years of rivalry? I asked myself.
“I shouldn’t have held on back then and made things complicated. I can’t believe we almost ruined our kids because of our greed and selfishness.” Uncle Matthew stated regretfully.
I stopped eavesdropping when I remembered Markian. I was about to walk up the stairs when I saw him running down the stairs in a haste.