Holds No Meaning

CHAPTER 16

Fabian, together with two other middle-aged men sat across from Maurice who kept smiling from ear to ear. "To what do I owe this meeting from the Graham Empire?" He enquired, a bit perplexed. He had not said anything about meeting with the Grahams to Alika so she could remain levelheaded. Unfortunately, Alika got a call from Stefan's assistant asking to meet her at Aurum Textiles. The launch of the first clothing brand was near and Alika being the designer, needed to pick out the best materials for her designs. Maurice who still felt guilty permitted her and did not bother her.

Thinking this meeting was about business, Maurice continued, "If you have any proposals, feel free to inform me... I'm all ears."

One of the middle-aged men passed a file to Maurice which he instantly took to take a look at. To his surprise, it wasn't a business deal but an approval of marriage ceremony from the City Hall. It was stated that the young man and woman in question should be present for their marriage ceremony in two days.

What?

"So soon?" Maurice enquired but at the same time, thought it was reasonable. Since the patriarch of the Grahams was in full control and all plans were made by him, there was no need disagreeing with his decisions. Also, there was nothing holding Alika back from getting married to his grandson so why should there be a cause for delay? After all, she herself had agreed to marry the young man.

"It was Old Master Graham's decision." Fabian clarified with Maurice nodding in understanding- implying that it was clear to him beforehand.

Fabian and the other men had nothing else to discuss so they left immediately.

Alika bumped into someone on her way. Looking carefully, she saw it was the same man from last night who worked for the Grahams. Subsequently, Fabian also recognized her. They both stared at each other for some seconds with Fabian feeling a bit awkward at Alika's gaze.

This woman was really divine!

Alika noticed his flushed face but pretended not to so as not to make the poor man Fe more embarrassed. "Good day to you Mr. Hugh." She said but was only given a nod in response followed by his walking away.

'Again?!'

Turning back to where she was headed, she saw Maurice coming out of the same room which Fabian had come from.

Did he come to meet with Dad?

"You're getting married in two days."

Alika was stunned. Two days?!

"How?!.... Why?!" She asked, still surprised at this information. She was yet to feel comfortable about this whole marriage preparations. She mulled over the probability that Leonardo Graham was equally dissatisfied.

"The patriarch's decision." Maurice added. It was then Alika had realized that the Graham family was not easy to deal with. They did not think of informing her about the matter and just decided it. They did not think to ask what her thoughts were on this decision as well. Did Leonardo Graham know about this?

Sighing, she nodded. There was no use arguing since it might cause them to think that she was not willing. She neither had any strength to cause chaos.

***

The room was absolutely dark with tiny, sharp stones spread across the ground. It's walls were extremely cold; leaving no trace of warmth.

Leonardo stared at the man who kept screaming and pleading to get released.

"I-know you're- there, son!! Please! Let me out!!" Asher's voice broke due to his slight shivering. But his words held no meaning in Leonardo's ears. He just stood there, staring at the blindfolded man without remorse. Even deep down, no matter how hard he tried, this man really had no place in his heart; he was a complete outsider to him.

"Sir. The old master called. He requested your presence at the old mansion." Fabian calmly informed him.

***

Dante Graham waited in the garden, sipping on his tea- "Have you found the idiot?" He said as soon as he felt that aura from behind.

"No." Leonardo replied intentionally.

The old man was not stupid and Leonardo knew that. But the fact that he said nothing seemed like an approval to Leonardo.

"Your marriage to the Langston's eldest daughter is in two days." Dante announced, observing Leonardo from the corner of his eyes.

"Okay." His response shocked the old man.

"You're not going to object?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. This was new...

"Whatever you say Old Master Dante Graham." Leonardo's response was filled with sarcasm making the old man fume in anger.

"Hmmphh!" Dante Graham was not in the mood to deal with Leonardo's behaviour and walked away. He couldn't spend one more second with his daring grandson who always managed to irritate him any chance he got.