The Grounds of Desire

Alexander had officially spent over two weeks on the estate. After lounging and familiarizing himself with his surroundings again, he had begun to get tired of the wait. He knew deep down that his parents had not called him home only to supervise the estate, there obviously was more. Some days before, he had tried to talk to his mother to get the truth out of her. His relationship with his mother was a sweet one, if you don't count all the times she was on his father’s side. He’d gone to her room personally to sweeten her up with some flowers. He opened the door and saw her having tea on her patio. “Hi Mom, I got you these.” Eleanor turned surprised and smiled, “Come put them here baby.” He kissed her on her cheek as he did so. He tried to ask her general questions about her and the house but then she looked at him with a knowing smile. “I know what this is about Alex, and I'm not falling for it. Go speak with your father if you need to know anything.” Typically, he gave up. He didn't like to argue with her. He shook his head visibly, kissed her cheek, and said goodbye. He’d just have to wait. She always supported her husband through every decision and although it hurt Alex sometimes, Eleanor was one of the few people he could trust. He didn't have any friends, he'd been disliked as a child by most of his friends, coupled with the fact there was security everywhere he went. After the incident, his parents didn't take any more chances and stopped trusting anyone not in their immediate circle. That evening, when the sun had begun its descent, casting a warm glow over the Reynolds family estate. Within its magnificent walls, a conversation of great significance was beginning to unfold, unknown to Mia, who was tending to her duties in the gardens. Mrs Watson, a trusted member of the household staff, approached Alexander in the library, a note of urgency in his voice. "Mr. Reynolds, your father requests your presence in his study, immediately." he relayed. Alexander's brow furrowed with curiosity and concern. He groaned internally as he made his way to his father's study, the anticipation building with each step. As he entered, the weight of his father's presence filled the room. Edward Reynolds, a stern man of authority, sat behind a grand mahogany desk, his gaze fixed on his son. "Alexander, my boy," Edward began, his voice commanding. "I have called you here to discuss the future of our family and the running of our law firm here. I believe it is time for you to take your place by my side. You’ve had more than two weeks of leisure.” “Dad? This is the reason you called me home?” Alexander was getting infuriated. He had told his father countless times how much he didn’t want anything to do with New York and the business here. “Of course”, Edward answered. “ You couldn’t possibly think I asked you to come, merely lounge and dwindle in me and your mother’s affairs now, did you?” “Did you think I couldn’t manage the estate on my own? Come on, boy.” Alexander's eyes narrowed, a flicker of resistance flashing across his features. "And what about my life in Spain? I have built a career there, Father. I have made a life of my own away from the shadows of New York." Edward leaned back in his chair, his expression unyielding. "Your life in Spain was a temporary diversion, Alexander. It is time for you to fulfill your responsibilities within the family legacy. I have already sent your cousin Victoria to oversee the affairs in Spain temporarily, and we will find a suitable replacement in due time." “Victoria?” “She is unfit for such duties, Dad.” Anger surged through Alexander's veins, his memories of a difficult childhood resurfacing. "You always have a way of reminding me of the past, Father. The pain, the expectations, the suffocating control. I thought leaving New York would set me free." Edward's voice took on a colder tone. "I am your father, Alexander. It is my duty to guide you and ensure the prosperity of our family. Your presence here is crucial, and you will do as I say." Frustration and resentment welled up within Alexander, their argument reaching a boiling point. With a fierce determination, he stood his ground. "I will not be confined by your expectations, Father. I refuse to live a life dictated by others. I need time to consider this." Without waiting for a response, Alexander stormed out of his father's study, his footsteps echoing through the halls of the estate. He found comfort in the gardens, seeking a moment of peace amidst the chaos. He couldn’t be here, his dad knew that. If his dreams of the past few weeks are anything to go by, the memories of that incident will soon resurface. Unknown to him, Mia had been working nearby, hidden among the foliage, her heart heavy with the guilt of overhearing such a private conversation. She didn't mean to, she’d been tending to a bed of overgrown bushes when she heard yelling and it was so loud. She tried not to listen, but it was hard not to when every word was as clear as day. When it was over, she breathed a sigh of relief. As she bent to cut some weeds, she heard angry footsteps coming her way and panic set in. She ducked behind a bush when she saw him coming her way. As she observed him from a distance, she was torn between the desire to comfort him and the fear of exacerbating their already precarious situation. She prayed he’d just go away. What would he think if he saw her spying? Technically, she wasn’t spying, but then…She stayed crouching as her heart thudded against her chest. As if sensing her presence, Alexander's gaze turned towards the spot where Mia was hiding. "You can come out now, Mia," he said, his voice tinged with impatience. "There's no need to hide."