The gossip

Silas maneuvered his car through the winding roads leading to the Sullivan estate, situated a distance away from the bustling city. The estate exuded grandeur, the mansion standing tall and proud against the backdrop of a distant mountain. Meticulously lined pine trees marked the boundaries, their lush greenery providing a natural border.

The driveway, flanked by trimmed grass and carefully pruned ornamental plants, presented a picturesque sight. Silas followed the path, his sports car gliding smoothly as he made his way around the five-layered white marble fountain adorning the entrance.

Parking his car strategically in front of the colossal building, Silas took a moment to compose himself. He knew an argument was waiting for him inside. He took a deep breath, ready to face his mother.

A guard hurried over, swiftly opening the door for him and offering a polite greeting.

Silas acknowledged the guard's greeting with a nod and a smile. "Good morning, Sam. How's your son doing?" He inquired, recalling the concern about Sam's ten-year-old son, who had been suffering from an atrial septal defect, a hole in the heart.

Sam's expression softened with gratitude as he replied, "He's doing well now. The surgery went smoothly. Thank you for making it happen so quickly."

Silas had used his influence to secure an appointment with a top doctor, ensuring prompt surgery for Sam's son.

"I'm glad to hear that," Silas responded warmly. "I heard he's a football fan. I have a collection of cards featuring football stars. I'll grab some for him."

With a reassuring pat on Sam's back, Silas swiftly made his way into the mansion. Inside, the opulent interior design of the mansion was evident, with lavish furnishings and expensive artwork adorning the walls. The sound of Silas' footsteps echoed throughout the hallway as he strode purposefully towards his destination, his confidence and authority palpable in every step.

Ewan Sullivan's warm grin greeted Silas as he entered the hall, the older man radiating an air of familiarity and paternal affection.

"There he is," he exclaimed, opening his arms to embrace his son. "My boy."

Silas smiled sheepishly, feeling a sense of comfort and security as he returned his father's hug. "Dad," he said, his voice muffled against Ewan's shoulder.

Silas had the impression that he had returned to his childhood days whenever his father embraced him like this.

Ewan released Silas from the hug but kept his hands on his shoulders. "Have you had breakfast?" he asked, his expression concerned.

Silas shook his head, adopting an exaggeratedly put-upon expression. "Mom called me so urgently that I didn't get time to eat," he complained. "Why is she so furious with me?"

Ewan chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Well, let's say she's a bit upset with you," he replied, his voice dry. "But don't worry; I'm here to help you. Come, let's eat something first. I haven't eaten anything, hoping to eat with you."

Silas's expression brightened, and his stomach growled audibly. "I am starving," he admitted.

Ewan laughed, leading Silas toward the dining room. "Well, let's remedy that situation then," he said with warmth and kindness. "Let's eat."

A striking middle-aged woman descended the staircase, her elegant pencil gown emphasizing her regal demeanor. Despite her poised appearance, her stern countenance and sharp gaze betrayed her discontent.

"You have spoiled him, Ewan," she snapped at her husband. "Shouldn't you reprimand him for what he has done?"

"Yes, Victoria, I'll have a word with him," Ewan replied calmly. "But I thought we should eat first."

Ignoring his mother's reprimand, Silas took a seat at the dining table, diving into his food without acknowledging her presence.

"Look at him. He is famished," Ewan said, gesturing toward Silas with a mixture of affection and sympathy in his eyes.

"Ewan, you're too lenient," Victoria retorted, glaring at her husband, knowing well that he wouldn't scold Silas. Slamming the tabloid she held onto the table, she demanded fiercely, "Who is she?"

Mid-bite into his bacon sandwich, Silas froze as he caught sight of the photo featuring himself and Esme. At that moment, the reason for his mother's fury dawned on him. Now, Victoria would start ranting the same things she had said countless times. The impending confrontation left him restless.

In the midst of the tense atmosphere, Silas maintained his composed façade, calmly chewing on his sandwich, unfazed by Victoria's escalating anger. His seemingly indifferent demeanor only fueled her fury.

"I asked you a question, Silas. Answer me," she demanded, her voice tight with anger. "The gossip about your numerous entanglements with various women is spreading like wildfire on social media. I've been bombarded with calls about your affairs since this morning. I'm tired of this incessant gossip. Can't you take anything seriously?"

"Victoria," Ewan attempted to intervene, seeking to diffuse the tension.

"Don't interfere, Ewan," Victoria said, shutting him down sharply. "Don't you know how serious the situation is getting? How will you explain this to Colton? He must have been devastated after seeing all these rumors. And what about Lara? Have you considered her feelings?"

Ewan fell silent, as he indeed didn't know how to explain his friend.

Victoria furiously turned to Silas and continued, "Put an end to this casual dating nonsense. Be responsible. Your marriage is fixed with Lara, okay?"

Rolling his eyes, Silas muttered in exasperation, "I've told you countless times, I won't marry her. Why can't you understand?"

Victoria clenched her fists, her anger mounting. "This isn't a joke, Silas. I'm dead serious."

"So am I," Silas shot back, his voice firm. "Lara is just a friend—a friend." He emphasized the word 'friend'. "I can't marry her. And besides, this is not casual dating. I am serious this time."

Victoria's mouth dropped open in shock. "Are you out of your mind? Have you lost all reason?" She had the impression that a ton of bricks had hit her head.

"Why?" Silas threw his arms in the air, stunned. "You have a problem with my casual dating, but when I'm serious about someone, suddenly it's an issue."

"Look, Silas. No one other than Lara will be part of this family," Victoria stated firmly.

"Victoria, take some water." Ewan intervened once again and handed her a glass of water. "Sit down."

"Ewan!"

"Just sit down and let me talk to him," Ewan insisted.

Victoria's forehead was throbbing, her anger and frustration threatening to consume her. She took a sip of water, trying to compose herself.

Ewan placed a calming hand on Silas's shoulder. "Listen, Son. Your mother has a point. We want you to be happy, but we also want what's best for you. Maybe it's time to take a closer look at your relationships and consider what's truly important to you." He flashed a comforting smile as he asked, "Now tell me, are you genuinely serious this time?"

"Yes, Dad," Silas affirmed with a nod, hoping to settle the matter.

"Good."

"Ewan!" Victoria's surprise was evident, her eyebrows shooting up in disbelief and frustration. Her husband's approach was contradictory to their plan to persuade Silas to marry Lara. "I thought you were..."

"Hmm, I am talking to him," Ewan interjected, cutting Victoria off, determined to steer the conversation his way.

Exasperated, Victoria drank the remaining water, her expression darkening with each passing moment.

"So, where were we?" Ewan continued. "Uh, so you are saying that you are serious this time."

Silas nodded.

"Well, I also like to meet this girl who has stolen my son's heart."

"Are you for real?" Victoria yelled, completely perplexed by her husband's abrupt change in topic.

Ewan's words not only shocked Victoria but Silas too.

Silas had said that only to stop his mother from bringing up the topic of getting married to Lara. He never thought that his father would demand something like this. From where would he bring a girl?