Chapter 02
1033 Words
While exploring the social media platform, a notification from a profile without an image caught Ethan's attention. Driven by curiosity, he promptly interacted with the notification, engaging in a conversation with the individual self-proclaimed as "Mr. X." The exchange of messages continued for a few minutes until the sound of knocks echoed on the door of the room.
"Feel free to come in, the door is open," Ethan said.
Kamilla, the young woman with red hair he had seen earlier, entered the room with her hair elegantly arranged in a high bun.
"I apologize for any interruption, but your mother kindly asked me to inform you that dinner is ready," Kamilla communicated.
"Thank you, Kamilla. I'll join you in five minutes."
After Kamilla closed the door, Ethan redirected his attention back to the phone conversation but promptly decided to interrupt it and placed the phone on the bed. He then turned off the computer, stood up, and headed to the dining room.
Upon reaching the entrance of the dining room, Ethan encountered the presence of his older brother, Nathan, a criminal lawyer who practices in the same law firm as their father. Next to Nathan was their father, an individual whose personality resembled Ethan's. Nathan looked at his younger brother after noticing his arrival.
"Are you going to stand there like a statue or will you come in and take a seat?" Nathan asked, displaying a provocative smile, as he used to do in their youth.
"I did notice an unpleasant odor as I approached this place," Ethan replied provocatively, addressing his brother similarly. "So it was you who was coming."
The young man approached the table, pulled out a chair, and promptly took a seat, fixing his gaze on his brother.
"It's evident that you've matured, but the way you express yourself hasn't changed at all," Nathan declared emphatically.
"I'm sorry to say that, unlike you, your evolution seems to have been limited to your forehead," the young man retorted, countering his brother's words.
The father of the two young men, who until then had been absorbed in his mobile device, witnessed the provocative interaction between his sons. Nathan clenched his fist while maintaining a restrained smile, displeased with the words uttered by his brother, but aware of his own responsibility in starting the provocations.
Ethan maintained his usual serious expression, while the dynamics between them showed a noticeable deterioration in contrast to the harmony of their childhood. The transition into adolescence marked a turning point, and this tension persists to this day.
"Are you insinuating that I was betrayed?" Nathan asked, keeping his fist clenched ready to react aggressively.
"I didn't make any claims, it was you who just confirmed such a situation."
The tensions escalated, requiring the intervention of Rodrigo, who, familiar with both, recognized the imminence of a confrontation in the room. As they stared at each other with expressions full of anger, Kamilla and Priscila entered the dining room, carrying pots, followed by Alice, who struggled to handle a pot disproportionate to her size.
Upon witnessing the scene, Ethan displayed a smile and gracefully stood up, approaching Alice. He took the pot from her hands, gently placing it on the table. Then, he kindly pulled out the chair, helping Alice to sit down, holding her arm delicately. Afterwards, he assisted his mother and sister-in-law in the task of serving dinner. Once everyone had been served and began to enjoy the delicious meal, a sudden thought crossed the young man's mind.
"Something out of the ordinary seems to have happened... It's unusual to witness everyone gathered like this," Ethan pondered.
Undoubtedly, something unusual was taking place, as from a young age, Ethan rarely witnessed his father's presence at home, as well as the infrequent visits from his brother, which became scarce since his marriage. However, at this moment, they were all gathered like a regular family. Keeping this thought in mind, Ethan discreetly glanced at each person present, considering the possibility of inquiring, but chose to remain silent, savoring the magnificent meal.
The mother of the two young men fixed her gaze on her daughter-in-law and discreetly nudged her with a light touch of her foot under the table, catching Ethan's attention. Kamilla, in turn, made a hand gesture, while Nathan directed his gaze towards his mother, who promptly returned the gesture with her hand, indicating their father who was calmly enjoying the meal. Understanding the implicit message conveyed by his mother, Nathan simulated a slight cough, drawing Rodrigo's attention, who then turned his gaze towards his son, who pointed towards his mother.
Rodrigo fixed his eyes on his wife, who gave a sign indicating that "this is an opportune moment to discuss that." Rodrigo then shifted his gaze to Ethan and intentionally coughed lightly before casting a final glance at the other individuals at the table: the remaining three. Alice, on the other hand, was confused and limited herself to observing the situation.
"Son, are you aware of the purpose of this family gathering today?" Rodrigo asked, maintaining a serious expression on his face.
"I am not aware, but it is indeed unusual to witness everyone gathered in this manner, although I am unaware of the reason," the young man replied, also presenting a serious expression on his face.
Due to the lack of closeness between Rodrigo and Ethan, the man was facing difficulties in starting a conversation with his son. Aware of this situation and considering the limited interaction between the two, Nathan intervened in the conversation, seeking to assist his father.
"We have two pieces of information to share, one positive and one negative. Which one would you prefer to hear first?" Nathan questioned, directing his gaze to Rodrigo.
"Please start with the positive one," Ethan requested, in a formal tone.
"I have recently been appointed as the president of a new branch that is about to be opened in just one week," Rodrigo shared.
"Congratulations, Dad. It seems like you have finally achieved what you've been striving for... However, what is the unfavorable news?" Ethan asked.
"We will need to make a move because the branch I have been assigned to is located in Erathia."
- Writer
