Never Again

Chapter 8

The old man chuckled, and shook his head.

"Pardon my rudeness Mr. and Mrs. Quinn, but we should go in. It is not appropriate to talk in the walk way, also it's rather cold here. Please let me guide you." He said with a slight bow.

"Aiya, I say old man for the nth time. You really don't need to be so proper in our presence." Said mom, a hint of helplessness could be discerned in her voice.

The old man just smiled. "I ought to do my job accordingly."

"Uh-"

"Wife, let Old Go be. It's not like you don't know him." Dad interrupted what mom was going to say.

And thanks to Dad this short reunion is finally over. The butler immediately guided us.

As we walked in, I got to observe the interiors of the Ferguson's Mansion- oh wait, perhaps it ought to be a palace?

Well, honestly this is rather my first time entering here. Although, in the past my shameful self was chasing the young master of this place. My skin is not thick enough to visit his family outright. Albeit, the relationship of both our families are still close, but I am not. I was too busy chasing someone; doing stupid things that's why I had a cordial relationship with them.

So I was only able to enter his condo; specifically at the door of his condo.

Anyways, so much for that we have finally arrived at the venue of the banquet.

Currently we're in front of a huge hall. With its exquisite interior European design, it's giving off a majestic and solemn vibe. A huge staircase was located in the middle of it.

The moment our family stepped onto the red carpet, we instantly attracted a lot of attention. As one of the prominent families here in the Capital City, it is already expected that we would get attention whenever, or wherever we are.

However, most of them were looking at me with different reactions; some wore a confused expression, wondering who I might be. While the others were staring at me with awe, and amazement.

The others were just about to drop their jaws in shock.

I was a little surprised. Is there anything surprising and they react like that?

"Who is that girl?"

"What a beauty?!"

"Is it just me or am I really seeing a fairy walking in front of me right now?"

"You're not alone, sis."

"Why is she together with the Quinn's?"

"Bro, can you punch me if this is real? I think I just saw a fairy descent in front of me."

I heard faint moans and complaints in the distance.

"Look, she has the same features of the Quinn's."

"This might be the rumored youngest daughter."

"As expected, how can their bloodline be mediocre in terms of physical appearance."

The people around were whispering.

I really can't blame them if they don't recognize me. Because I don't go to the gatherings attended by mom and dad. This is also the first time I attended a gathering with my family.

I was busy with my stupidity and I didn't do anything other than that, besides I was abroad for three years so it's no wonder that they reacted like this when they saw me.

Maybe some of them only heard of me, but never actually saw me.

As usual I just ignored and didn't pay attention to the eyes looking at me.

From the corner of my eyes, I saw sister Av's wide smile as if she had won the lottery. He held his head high as if he was very proud of whatever he did. He even grinned at brothers Pen and Ark and raised his eyebrows as if he was telling them "What are you doing now?"

The twins didn't pay attention to him and they just kept walking without any expression.

When we finally got inside, the butler immediately guided us to our table, then he said goodbye.

Our table was located in the front based on our family's status, and close relationship with the Ferguson's.

When we sat down, there were some guests here who approached mom, dad, and brother Al. Probably their colleagues.

I sat quietly in my seat while observing my surroundings. Brother Ark and Pen were talking about something while sister Av was quickly typing on her phone and she was focused on what she was doing.

A few minutes later...

I saw someone walking towards the small platform on the side.

My attention immediately turned to that, and I saw a man wearing a black tuxedo with an average height. A big smile was plastered on his charming face as he greeted the guests.

"Welcome our beloved guests! I am Sam Lopez and I'm honored to be your host for today's special event." introduced by the host.

"We would like to thank you for giving us your time to participate in the celebration of the Patriarch's 80th birthday! So let us not waste time, and give a round of applause as we welcome the Patriarch of the Ferguson's and his only grandson and currently the president of the Ferguson Conglomerate!"

At the same time as the host's voice fell, two volumes came down from the high stairs.

As the two figures walked downwards: one is old with wrinkles on his face yet still retained the dignified manner he had, and the other is young with incomparably perfect handsome features as if God put all of His efforts on his face. Both of them were giving off a cold and detached feeling as if nothing could interest them.

My heart skipped a beat when I saw that face again, but I immediately calmed down. Although, I am finally free to the chains of my past, but that doesn't mean that I will immediately lose my feelings for him. What is magic that suddenly disappears like a bubble.

However, as I no longer held hope to my feelings for him, and finally freed myself from him. After some time, my feelings will also disappear. Time will tell.

When they finally got down, the Patriarch was immediately greeted with greetings. Mom and dad stood up to say hello too so we stood up and followed them.

"Happy Birthday Uncle." Dad greeted when we finally walked towards them.

"I see that you're still energetic Old Man." Mom also greeted with a smile.

The Patriarch's previous indifferent expression softened when he saw us. He happily smiled and said. "It's been a while, I can see that both of you are doing well."

"Of course, we're doing fine Old Man not just that, but our wealth is also catching up with you." Mom said proudly.

The Patriarch laughed loudly then patted dad on the shoulder. "Then I'll wait for you to catch up," he said playfully.

Dad shook his head and sighed.

Mom and her cheekiness.

After their short episode, the Patriarch's attention turned to us. And that's when mom and dad remembered us, forgetting that they still had children standing behind them.

"Alexander? Avery?" It calls the two older brothers.

Sister Av smiled widely as she approached the Patriarch. "Grandpa! Happy Birthday!"

Sister Av waved as she approached.

"En. It's been a long time since the last time I saw you. You were still young at that time clinging unto me, calling me grandpa while asking for a candy. " Turan was pleased with this.

"Happy Birthday, Grandpa." Brother Al greeted him politely and also waved at old Ferguson. His usual aloofness, and alienation to strangers were gone.

"Alexander, you've grown up into a fine young man," he said with a smile.

He then tapped brother Al's shoulder.

He turned to the three of us that were left so we greeted him as well.

"Happy Birthday, Chairman," the three of us said respectfully and at the same time and also waved to old Ferguson.

It made us laugh and shake our heads. "You can just call me Grandpa just like your elder brother and sister," he said and smiled kindly at us.

"Yes Grandpa." Brother Ark

"Got it grandpa." Brother Pen

"Yes Chai—Grandpa." I.

It was our turn together that made old Ferguson laugh again.

"I presume the twins are Aspen and Archer?" This is a question.

Dad answered immediately. "En. They were still a baby when you left at that time. Also, this is Allison our youngest daughter." Dad introduced me.

The Patriarch looked at me so I bowed slightly and greeted him politely. "Hello, Chai—Grandpa." Poop.

He also smiled back. "Such a gorgeous child." He suddenly praised me.

I was not embarrassed and smiled at him. Well, I've been praised, shall I narrow it down? Who does not enjoy being praised? I'm not like those people who have been praised and will get angry when criticized. It's like bullshit.

"Of course, who else will inherit," Mom replied.

Old Ferguson laughed again and shook his head.

Then old Ferguson looked suddenly behind him. "Right. You might not have met my only grandson Logan yet. You're the same age." Introducing it to the grandson who was on his side who had been speechless for a while.

The old Ferguson waited willingly for him to introduce himself to us but he remained speechless while looking at me. I simply frowned at him because I had noticed his eyes before. I just ignore it.

Is this a problem? It was yesterday at the mall.

Old Ferguson gave him a bad look and then turned to us and smiled at us.

"I apologize for this rascal's rudeness, he's rather timid, and shy." He excuses his grandson's actions.

I almost fainted when I heard it. This Buddha? Timid? Shy? I was horrified at the thought. Even if the world will collapse, I wouldn't dare associate him with those words.

He treated his words like diamonds. So I wasn't surprised if he didn't even say a word to me.

That's when he only spoke to me once, the day I experienced being bashed for the first time.

Suddenly old Ferguson took a sip to relieve the awkwardness that prevailed over us.

It turned to me.

"Allison, why don't you come visit me here some other time? So that we can get to know each other more? This old one is also very lonely inside of this big house, so why don't you stay here, and accompany me?" It's sad.

It was like I was stoned where I stood. Eh?

I heard mom's voice. "No. My daughter just came back from abroad and you Old Man want to snatch her away? I won't allow it." Mom objected.

"Stinky brat! I just want to know your youngest daughter." Old Ferguson frowned.

Mom looked worse. "If you want to get to know my beloved daughter then why don't you just come to our house then," mom answered.

"What?! You want this old one to exhaust my fragile and weak old body?" Old Ferguson answered while his eyes were still wide.

"You have many cars, and private jets. Use them." Mom immediately retorted.

"..." I grabbed my senses. Why do I feel surrounded by childish minds?

Dad immediately intervened as almost all the guests were already looking in our direction.

"Alright. Alright. Stop arguing and calm down. We'll talk about this matter later. For now, we should be celebrating on today's special event." Dad's weaning.

Mom and old Ferguson immediately stopped arguing when they noticed that the guests were looking at them and whispering.

I really don't know whether to laugh or cry, because they're arguing over such a simple matter.

Dad was relieved and immediately changed the subject.

"Logan, I heard that your working on a new project?"