Alexander.
After leaving Kyle, I headed home for dinner. Family dinners weren't something I looked forward to, but tonight, my mother had made it clear my presence was not optional. Vivian would be there too. My fiancée.
When I entered the dining hall, the usual chatter paused. Mother's eyes lit up, relief in her gaze. Father gave a curt nod from the head of the table, and my grandfather, Richard, leaned heavily on his cane but smiled faintly at me.
Then there was Creigh. My nephew, quiet as the wind, usually disappeared before meals were served. But tonight, the boy was seated, back straight, eyes glued to the door until I walked in.
"Uncle!" His voice was soft, but it was enough to draw startled looks.
He hadn't spoken at dinner in months.
My chest tightened. I pulled out the chair beside him, lowering myself. "Creigh."
He shifted, almost shy, but the moment I ruffled his hair, a small grin tugged at his lips. Everyone else looked shocked, though they tried to mask it. They knew he rarely responded to anyone, except me.
Vivian's voice broke the silence. "You see? You're the only one he listens to. That's a bond I could never compete with."
She was beautiful, no doubt. Golden hair cascading past her shoulders, a face sculpted for admiration, and a refined elegance my mother adored. Yet to me, she was nothing more than a distant acquaintance, a carefully arranged ornament. I couldn't be saying that, could I? But I did anyway.
"Compete?" Lilith snorted, tossing her napkin aside. "Creigh doesn't make people earn his affection. He simply knows who matters."
And that is my daredevil sister
"Lilith." Mother's sharp tone cut through the air. "Be polite."
Lilith's dark eyes danced with mischief as she leaned closer to me. "You're late, as usual. Must've been off brooding somewhere or scowling as always?"
I gave her a pointed look. "Careful, Lil. Don't start something you can't win."
"Oh, I always win." She grinned, poking my arm like she used to when we were children. The familiar push and pull between us made her seem far younger than her years, which, of course, irritated Mother to no end.
"Lilith," Mother scolded again. "You're not a child anymore. Stop behaving like a brat."
"Better brat than boring," Lilith muttered under her breath, slouching in her chair while Vivian hid a delicate smile behind her glass.
As the men spoke business, Father and Grandfather deep in talk about mergers, expansions, and board votes, the women drifted to shopping and travel. Vivian leaned into Mother's words like an eager daughter-in-law, her voice pitched in perfect harmony with the conversation.
I let them talk. My focus was on the boy beside me. Creigh had slowly shifted, his small frame pressing against my side, and before long, he climbed onto my lap. He hadn't done that since he was five. His tiny fingers clung to my sleeve until his head rested against my chest.
Within minutes, his breathing softened. Asleep.
The table carried on, untouched by our small corner of quiet. Only Lilith noticed. Her teasing eyes softened briefly before she turned back to her wine glass, letting me carry the moment without interruption.
When dinner ended, I excused myself and carried Creigh upstairs. I tucked him into bed, smoothing back his hair as his small hand tightened around my finger.
"You're safe," I whispered. He didn't stir, but I knew he heard me in the way only he could.
Back downstairs, Vivian waited near the door, her coat draped elegantly over her shoulders. Mother kissed her cheek, Father exchanged polite words, and soon it was my turn to drive her home.
The ride was quiet, save for the hum of the city outside. Vivian was thoughtful, her gaze fixed on the passing lights.
When we pulled up to her house, she didn't leave immediately. Instead, she lingered, one hand on the door handle, her eyes catching mine with unusual sharpness.
"It's been years, Alexander," she said, her voice low. "Our engagement… it feels more like a placeholder than a promise. Tell me, when are we finally getting married?"
Her words hung in the air like a blade, sharp and demanding. And for the first time in a long while, I had no ready answer.