Chapter 43--No Intention

*Ryan*

“How dare she do that, right in front of me!” my mother bellows, her veins protruding from her forehead and begging to pop.

I stifle a laugh as I fix my gaze on her. “I do not see what she did wrong mother. What are you getting so riled up about?”

My mother looks like I have just thrown rocks at her. The disbelief etched on her face is palpable and it makes me want to chuckle even more. “I knew this woman had a hold on you, but I never knew how strong it was,” she spits. “How did you not see the blatant disrespect she showed here?”

I rise up from the chair, The colorful array of fruits, the golden hue of scrambled eggs, and the flaky texture of buttered toast, no more appealing to me.

My face is stern as I speak. “I would rather she have a hold on me, that you and my father trying to control my life so much. It is so bad, that you went all the way to invite Emily, someone I can barely even remember or care about.”

My gaze flickers to Emily and once are eyes meet, she looks down to the ground, her face heating up and reddening from embarrassment. I scoff, feeling utterly amused that she actually had the guts to show up here.

“Ryan! How can you say so rude things to Emily! She is a guest here!” my mother exclaims as she rises up from her chair.

My eyes snap to her and by now, my frustration is pooling out through my body. “You have no right to tell me about being rude. You brought Emily here, and ambushed me, trying to set up a silly date to try and get us together, and you think you can call me out for being rude? No mother, what you did is rude and I hope this does not repeat itself, ever again.”

I turn away from my mother’s shocked demeanour and begin to make my way out of the suffocating atmosphere of the large dinning Hall.

“How dare you walk out on your mother Ryan!” my mother yells at me. “Its because of that girl, isn’t it? Keep this in mind that the both of you getting married is a far fetched idea, so do not even think about it.”

I stop dead in my tracks and spin around, my eyes landing on my mother, whose chest was heaving from anger. “If you and father so wish to disapprove of this wedding, then I will get married without your blessing.”

Without sparing her any more looks, I swing the door open and slam it shut before she can even call out to me. I can feel the tension in my shoulder dissipate as I let out a long, deep sigh.

I know my mother was not approving of our marriage, but I never anticipated that she will go far lengths to make sure that I do not marry Amber. It is honestly baffling, but at the same time, it enrages me. I shake off the thoughts that sought to spark a flame of anger within me.

I begin down the hallway, my steps echoing through the large and empty space.

“Ryan?”

I halt, turning slowly towards the direction of the familiar, yet pesky voice. My eyes land on Emily and she makes her way up to me, a solemn expression etched on her make up filled face. I cringe as a waft of her lilac scented perfume grazes my nose the moment she stands a few inches away from me.

“What do you want?” I ask, not trying to hide the irritation in my tone.

“Well,” she speaks up, her eyes meeting mine, “I wanted to apologize, it seems that I must have angered you and I can assure you, that it was not my intention to do so.”

I nod. “It is fine, I harbor no anger towards you, I just do not care for your presence. I appreciate the apology however, but please, leave.”

Emily’s eyes go wide for a few seconds, but she maintains her composure and a smile crosses her lips. “Why, aren’t you cold, Ryan? It has been years since we talked and I see that you have changed a lot. You used to be way nicer to me, more...captivated with me,” she coos, her hands running along my arm.

I take a step back, folding my arms and gazing at her sternly. “That was years ago, we were children.”

“But we can rekindle the flame, no?” she asks, batting her eyelid as she moves closer to me.

Her steps are deliberate yet hesitant. Her eyes, fill up with a mix of longing, locks onto mine. A faint smile graces her lips, and her voice trembles with a vulnerability.

“As you can see, I have no intention of doing so, as I have someone else I am interested in.”

Emily bits her lower lip, a look of frustration and anger in her eyes. I am astonished by her reaction. Is she actually interested in me? I am Under the assumption that she is just a pawn, being used by my mother.

“But maybe we can make it work,” she speaks up, her voice strained. “We could give it a t—“

“Ryan!” a bubbly shrilled voice cuts her short.

I turn my head at the sound of my name, and there, running toward me with unbounded enthusiasm, is Ash. His fiery hair, gleams under the soft light. A wide smile spreads across my face as I crouch down, opening my arms to welcome him.

“Ash!” I call back, my voice filled with excitement.

Without hesitation, Ash leaps into my embrace, and I scoop him up, his small arms wrapping tightly around my neck. His laughter fills the air, echoing through the grand halls of the mansion. My heart swells with love and pride as I hold him close, feeling the warmth of his tiny body against mine.

“Ryan!” he exclaims, his voice bubbling with enthusiasm. “You won’t believe how much fun I’ve had exploring the mansion today!”

I chuckle, my chest vibrating with amusement. “Tell me all about it, Ash.”

Ash starts babbling excitedly, his words tumbling out in a torrent. He tells me about the secret passageways he discovered, the hidden rooms he explored, and the treasures he imagined he had found. His eyes sparkle with wonder and mischief as he recounts his adventures, and I listen with rapt attention, cherishing every word.

As I carry Ash in my arms, my gaze shifts slightly, and there she is—Amber. Her radiant smile matches the glow in her eyes as she watches our interaction. I let out a sigh of relief, as I am grateful for her presence.

I walk up to her, sliding my hands around her waist as I turn to gaze at Emily.

Emily’s features momentarily freeze, her eyes widening in disbelief as she witnesses the scene before her. I see her struggle to mask her emotions, the hurt and longing that flicker across her face.

“So, as you can see, Emily, I am very much satisfied, and do not need you to replace anyone.”