chapter 3 Lunch
665 Words
**The Mystery of Green Valley Mansion**
Liam meticulously reviewed the last document on his desk. Realizing it was already lunchtime, he picked up the telephone and called Reuben.
"We are leaving," he said.
"Yes, sir," Reuben replied promptly.
Placing the telephone back in its cradle, Liam donned his coat and left the office. At the elevator, he met Reuben. They descended quickly in his private elevator, arriving at the ground floor. As they walked out of the company, heads turned, and eyes followed Liam, admiration and curiosity evident in their gazes.
Reuben opened the car door for him, and as they drove back to the Green Valley Mansion, Liam remained engrossed in his laptop.
"Is the meeting ready for City Z?" Liam inquired without looking up.
"Yes, sir," Reuben confirmed.
After an hour, the driver announced, "Sir, we have arrived."
"mmm," Liam responded, stepping out of the car as the door opened and making his way inside.
"Welcome, young master," Uncle Li greeted him warmly.
"Thank you, Uncle Li."
"Everyone is waiting for you."
They proceeded inside, where the atmosphere was bustling with familial warmth and the scent of freshly prepared dishes.
"Brother, wow, you are here!" Amelia exclaimed, her face lighting up with genuine excitement.
Liam just nodded, his mind elsewhere.
"Amelia, let your brother be," Grandma interjected.
"Grandma, you always take his side."
"He is my grandson."
"Yes, and we are chickens," Amelia retorted playfully, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Mel, aren't you tired?" Jack chimed in, smirking.
"Jack, can you mind your own business?"
"I would if you shut up."
"Can both of you keep quiet?" Laura said firmly, her voice carrying a tone of authority.
"Yes, mom."
"Yes, mom," they said in unison, retreating slightly.
"Now go wash your hands. It is time to eat."
"Yes, mom," they chorused and left.
"Mom, only you can keep up with them," Liam remarked with a faint smile.
"Son, you know it's good to take a break."
"It keeps me distracted."
"Okay." She kissed him on the cheek. "Let's go eat."
They went to the dining room, the table laden with an array of delicious dishes.
"Bro, are you planning to be single forever?" Jack asked, breaking the silence.
"Jack, eat your food," Laura said, giving him a warning look.
"Mom, I'm just asking since I've never seen my brother with any woman."
"He will meet her when the time is right."
"I need some fresh air," Liam said abruptly, leaving the dining area.
The room fell silent, tension hanging in the air.
Laura was visibly upset. "Jack, what did I say last time?"
"Sorry, mom," Jack muttered, looking chastened.
"Sorry for yourself." She left the dining room, her emotions simmering.
"Dad, why is mom always on bro's side every time?" Jack asked, frustration evident.
"Jack, your mom loves all of you, but your brother has something to settle."
"Dad, why is it every time we mention a girl and him, brother gets upset and leaves?"
"Don't worry about that, Mel," their father replied gently.
Laura went to the garden and found Liam staring into the distance, lost in his thoughts.
"How long will this last?" she asked gently, her voice filled with concern.
"Look into the moon tonight and say what you desire with a sincere heart," she advised, her eyes softening.
He looked at her, a mixture of gratitude and sadness in his eyes. "For now, we need to go inside and have our lunch."
"Only you understand me," he said quietly.
"She will understand you even more than I do," Laura replied with a reassuring smile.
They went inside and joined the family for lunch.
"Bro, I'm sorry," Jack said, breaking the silence with a sincere tone.
"It's okay, Jack," Liam responded, offering a forgiving smile.
After lunch, Liam returned to his office, the weight of unspoken thoughts still lingering in the air. The mystery of the enigmatic woman continued to haunt his mind, a puzzle he couldn't yet piece together.
- Writer
