Note:
- Ok this chapter also got very long and now I have to break it up, again.
- Holy fucking shit this story is long and it still feels like I haven't put enough plot yet. In my defence though, I am focussing on two couples. No one's going to read this story after see its length
- If you haven't realised already, these notes were written while I was writing the chapter, which is most definitely not when I'm posting this. I still have like thirteen chapters stocked.
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POV: Aiden
"Mary!" I practically screamed. She ran to me (and considering her age, it was pretty impressive) and pulled me into a bear-crushing hug. I reciprocated, ignoring all the eyes on us.
She pulled back but kept me at arm's length. "Look at you, my boy, you've grown up so much and so healthy."
I felt tears prickling in the corner of my eyes as I looked at my ex-maid, who doubled as my caretaker. I managed to hold back the waterworks. I smiled my most handsome smile instead and cheerily replied, "Well, I can and can't say the same thing about you. You've turned into an old lady now with all those wrinkles and that hunched back but still looking healthy as ever."
Beside me, Alfie stifled a laugh with a cough and Mary slapped my arm five times before harshly grabbing my left ear and tugging it down. Her Asian eyes were now squinted into a terrifying glare. There was the nanny I know and love. "Aiden! Didn't I tell you it's rude to comment on a women's appearance and age unless it's a compliment," she scolded, "honestly, did my beating stick beat nothing into you. You've turned into a heathen. Oh, I just knew I shouldn't have let you go out of this house alone and I should have gone with you so Iâ"
I laughed boisterously, effectively cutting her off and grabbed her shoulders to shake her slightly. "I'm kidding Mar, you look beautiful and haven't aged a day. And we all know you couldn't have come with me, nor could've your husband over there," I nodded my head in the direction of Alfie, who was observing our interaction, fondly. "I'm glad you guys stayed here," I continued, "you're in comfort and it's not like they did anything wrong."
The dark brown-haired woman looked at me softly before bringing her hand up to cup my cheeks. "But you're like the son we never had. Or can have. So when you left, it was like I was sending off my son to war, permanently. We had no idea if you were going to survive out there on your own."
My face was saddened as she once again reminded me the couple could never have children. The love they had was enough to not stump them into any sort of depression but I knew sometimes, it got to them and they both mulled over it. That's why they always treated me like their own and I was more than happy to consider them my parents over the legitimate ones.
I brought the hand on my cheek in front of me to kiss the palm. The action caused Mary to blush, removing any sort of sadness from before. I brought the mood up again by being my jester self. In the most dramatic way possible, I asked, "Mary, the lack of faith in me is highly concerning! I am offended and hurt. Did I live such a sheltered life? Do sheltered people get chased around with a shoe for accidentally breaking a vase?"
Alfie chuckled and Mary playfully hit my shoulder again. This time, it was Alfie who answered my dramatics. "If you're going to grow up in the hands of Chinese people, then you're going to grow up the Chinese way, shoes and all." Mary nodded in agreement as she removed her hands from my arms to link with Alfie. Alfie naturally took it and smiled at her.
You could see the love they shared for each other when they locked eyes, even after so many years and I couldn't help but show a toothy grin whilst desperately yearning for that internally. "You two worry too much. Look, I'm fine now and doing better than ever. Best of all, I'm the happiest I've ever been but I'd like to thank you for that. If you guys weren't here to support me during my time here, I might have been broken beyond repair." The grin turned into a melancholic smile before I quickly removed it to avoid the atmosphere from becoming depressed again.
The other two had a worried expression and Mary was about to say something but their posture immediately turns stiffened and they both looked to the right. I turned right to see nothing there but when I looked back, I noticed they both had an earpiece in their right ear. Oh, they're getting an order right now.
When their eyes returned to me, I smiled and told them to go do their jobs. They apologised a couple of times, promising to come back later in the night and disappeared to do their tasks.
Their retreating backs reminded me that being in the mansion wasn't all that bad and I had a couple of good memories.
Now to find the last good person in this place. Where the fuck is gramps?
I looked back to where the Troph gang were standing, only to find them nowhere near there. A sense of relief washed over. I walked to the centre of the hall (which was where they were) with poise, not looking left or right at the curious observers.
Once there, I found that George wasn't there and it was getting extremely frustrating because I couldn't fucking leave unless I saw him. It was like the man was trying to play hide and seek with me. I wanted to tug my hair out or kick the nearest person's shins. I exhaled an annoyed sigh and headed towards the entrance of the ballroom, opting to just wait there and observe till a wheelchair came into sight.
I was about halfway there when I got called out (again) but this time, it was by an unrecognisable voice. I looked back, trying to find the origin of the voice when all of a sudden I was tackled into a hug
"Ooft. What the fuâ"
"Oh, my gee! It IS you!"
I peeled her off my body and softly pushed her away to get a look at her. I stared and... yeah I had no fucking clue who she was. She looked like, five other girls I'd met at a club. Dirty blond hair tied up in a neat bun. Blue eyes, tan skin with cakey makeup. Instead of wearing the usual short skirts and skimpy outfits, she was wearing a sparkly golden dress accented with a sheer white cardigan.
Not wanting to lead her on, I bluntly expressed my confusion. "Uh, have we met at a club or something?"
Her expression quickly morphed into offence. "Aiden! I can't believe you don't remember me!" Her voice was high-pitched as hell and I felt myself cringing inwardly. "Even after growing up together, playing together and you professing your love for me!"
Professing my loveâ I've never professed my love for anyone, let alone a girâ oh wait a minute.
"Violet Evergreen?"
Just as fast as her pout appeared, it disappeared and her previous excitement was back. "You DO remember me, yay! I haven't seen you in like, ages! How've you been, where'd you go?"
I was shocked. It wasn't even a big deal but I guess seeing anyone from my childhood who wasn't my family was surprising on its own but anyone else remembering me was disorientating. I (my family) made sure that I was hidden or at least not brought out unless deemed necessary. That's why my relationship with them was easy to hide. Violet was one of the only kids who I was allowed to play with and that was only because her parents and mine were close, as well as her being the same age as me (introduced to each other at the age of seven).
We got along well, really well. She was the first friend I had (minus the maids and butlers) and she was my age, so we could understand each other more or less. I even had a lot more freedom when she was around, being allowed to play games I wasn't allowed before or having permission to go to certain wings of the mansion.
All in all, she made me feel like a very special person and very happy, so I confessed to her at the age of twelve). I couldn't remember the response but I'm pretty sure it was rejection in a very cruel way because I spent about a week crying about it. When she came back the next time, I assumed it was going to be awkward between us but she just pretended nothing happened. Me being the pining idiot took what I could and played along. Now that I think about it, I don't actually know if I ever liked her or if it was just the fact that she gave me attention. I'd rather much look like an attention whore than the former.
At the age of thirteen, she stopped hanging around me, choosing to blatantly ignore me. As a replacement, she was hanging out with Bradley, who was three years older than us and he surprisingly accepting of her. I knew it was an order by either Hugo or her parents but I honestly couldn't give less of a shit because it was during the time when I was coming in term with the fact that I wasn't oh so straight (thanks to young Leonardo DiCaprio and Alex's university jock friend).
I was attracted to both genders, just the male species A LOT more than the female, as evident by my dating track record.
Yeah, so that entire ordeal and the need to get out of the house kind of pushed Violet's existence out of my mind. Looking back on it, she was a cool friend but just a shitty person, treating anyone with a lower financial status as trash and having a posse of simps and money-grabbing bitches.
"Aiden?"
I zoned back to in front of me and I broke out of my stupor, giving my broadest, fakest smile because the last thing I wanted was a conversation with my horrid past.
I intentionally swerved around her questions. "I never thought I'd meet you here! Actually, it makes sense you're here. Don't mention that very embarrassing moment, I was just a confused child. Anyway, how's it going? You've grown up to be a fine lady, I bet you've got all the men in line, ready for your hand." I winked and she blushed easily.
"Of course we'd be here silly," she said in a cheery tone, "we're close family friends after all or did you forget after disappearing for so long?"
I just laughed awkwardly and scratched my head.
"Anyway," she continued, "You've turned into quite the flatterer. It's quite impressive. Sorry to disappoint you, however. I don't have a line of men waiting for me considering how I'm already off the market and I'm quite loyal to my man." She used the opportunity to push forward her left hand and show off the huge rock on her ring finger.
My thoughts? It was way too big and inconvenient but at least it was pretty.
I whistled in amazement. "That is one huge diamond but it's gorgeous. You've got quite the guy, is he here tonight?" I didn't want to meet him but it was courteous to ask.
And I was right to not want to meet him because a man stepped up from behind and wrapped an arm around Violet and kissed her on the cheek... three times. The girl just giggled and whispered something along the lines of "stop embarrassing me." My muscles stiffened up and the sensation of dread washed over me, not because of his actions but because of who he was and his next couple of words.
"Considering how it's my parents hosting the party, I feel like my presence is quite necessary. I also don't appreciate my little brother flirting with my future wife."
Bradley fucking Troph. What a surprise. Her fiancé was Bradley. My brother. My bully. My literal nightmare.
Once again, I was extremely glad I had something to drink (and continued drinking) before attending this event or else I'd probably lose all sensation in my legs and tremble like Bambi, recreating a similar situation back at Nero's office.
Alcohol in my system gave me enough nerve to talk to him in a neutral tone and I prayed it gave me enough nerve to show him my sass. I hated how much power he had over me and I didn't have any permanent solutions against it.
"Bradley," I said monotonously, "I heard you were engaged from Alfred. I assume congratulations are due?" Like hell I'm giving him my best wishes. They're worth more than your entire salary and net worth combined.
"They are in due but I don't want them from you. They're probably cursed." He snickered at his own comment and Violet said nothing, looking between our interaction with intrigue.
"Still the dick who loves to show off his dickiness in front of people..." I mumbled to myself.
"What?"
"I said my wishes aren't cursed but if you don't want them, ok." I shrugged, managing the blank face and trying to not show any signs of nervousness. Bradley growled at my casualness and I couldn't help but look at him in disbelief. Why the fuck are you pissed at me now? You didn't want my wishes so I didn't. This man can be so spoiled sometimes. Most of the time. All the time.
"So Violet," I stated, directing all my attention to her instead, "was it love at first sight or did he have to fight for your love? Surely you gave him a hard time?" God, I hope you drowned him and then dragged him out at the last minute, only to stab him in the leg. That would be a great hard time.
Her cheeks inflamed again and she looked up at Bradley (who was still glaring at me) lovingly. I nearly threw up. "Oh, it was a bit of both. I had a childish crush on him at first sight (when she started to hang out with him at thirteen I assume) but then I got over it after witnessing his fuckboi phase. It was quite unappealing."
"I'll say but then again, anything that's got to do with Bradley that requires movement is revolting" I didn't know where this sudden burst of confidence came from but I kept riding the high.
Bradley's mouth gaped open before he sputtered out. "Ex-Excuseâ what the fuck? Who do youâ"
"ANYWAY, back to my story" Violet interrupted (ah, still self-centred as always), "he began falling for me and my charms but I wouldn't let him into my heart that easily, after seeing his track record with girls. Long story short, he had to work hard for my love, successfully proved himself and now here we are."
I really couldn't give a flipping fucking duck. "Wow! Good on you. I hope you guys remain happy for the rest of yourâ"
"Oi dipshit, what were you saying earlier about me?" Brad hissed out in a low volume so the neighbours couldn't hear us. His expression was filled with anger and I was exhausted because not fucking again. Temperamental twat.
"Oh get over it Braddy (Bradley: "BRADDY?!"), I swear you get worked up over the smallest of things. When you constantly degrade my existence, it's completely fine, nothing is wrong and I shouldn't react but when all of a sudden I say one little insulting thing, you pop a vein and look as if you're about to go batshit crazy."
Bradley was lost on where I learnt how to fight back, considering how I was a mess the last time we met but he didn't waste time retaliating back. "Who do you think you are, talking back to me? You're nothing butâ"
I finally snapped. "I'm Aiden fucking Hendrix, unfortunately your half-brother and I'm sick of your shit and your childishness, so I'm calling you out on your bullshit. Now fucking answer the previous question."
Both Violet and her fiancé were flabbergasted at my outburst. I should've brought out a camera or something. "That's because you deserve it!" He blurted out in quiet, angry whispers, which got louder with each word, "You deserve all the shit that you get. And I don't have anger management issues."
"Why do I deserve it exactly? And I never said anything about anger management issues," I said the latter comment with a smugness, which turned the face of the purple head even redder and his nails were almost breaking skin as he clenched tightly.
"Because it's- because it's all your fault," he spat out. The volume of his voice was getting louder than before, causing nearby bystanders to look at us curiously. Violet seemed to notice this as she got fidgety and placed her hand on her fiancé's arm in an attempt to calm him down.
"Bradley... please stop"
My eyes darkened in fury and let out a bark of laughter. "Explain how on bloody earth it's my fault because from what I can recall, all I ever wanted was your and this family's fucking approval and I worked my ass off for it, only for you cuâ bitches to put me down mentally, physically and emotionally. So do explain, what the fuck did I ever do wrong?"
"You're a fucking homewrecker," Bradley hissed out, "you and that whore that father brought into this household. You ruined the peace we had and changed everything for the worst, youâ"
"Bradleyâ"
"Get your head out of your ass you moron," I growled out, "It's not like I was asked to be born into this fucking world. I was just a fucking baby, none of this was my fault. It's quite literally your father's. Moreover, YOUR PARENTS ARE STILL TOGETHER."
"Don't you DARE talk shit about my faâ"
"BRADLEY shut UP!" The flare-up startled us out of our feuding and we came face to face with a very irritated Violet. "If you guys haven't realised," she said in a calmer volume, "you've garnered a lot of unwanted attention and they were about to gain a lot of gossip material if I hadn't stopped you two. I don't know what the hell is going on between you two (bullshit you don't) but I need you guys to play civil before father calls us into his office after the party."
The mention of Hugo's office brought a visible shiver out of Bradley and me, even though I wouldn't be the victim of his "talk". Past experience was enough for me to stop and listen to Violet's warning.
"Yeah ok whatever," I huffed out, "but if you expect me to be civil for the rest of the night, I need you two to move out my way for good."
Violet frowned sadly and Bradley looked more than happy to comply but surprisingly, instead of dragging his fiancé away. "Civil works for me, at least for tonight. To prove it, I'll ask you a very civil question. Where's your date, Aiden?"
Ah fucking shit, he would bring up the unwritten criteria. Civil my ass.
I chose the playing dumb option. "Date? Why mention whether I have a date or not? The invitation never said anything about a date."
I completely forgot about bringing a date. I was meant to bring Nero but after his ban, I immediately gave up looking and got caught up with work.
"Fuck off, you know about all of this. You know why you got a second invite and you know the rules for attending the party. Therefore, you know the consequences of not having a date and you know they're not pretty." Bradley gave me a vicious grin and I couldn't help but gulp. The horror stories came flashing through my head, the expression of the victims during the aftermath made me nauseous. The consequence of not having a date was a pain in disguise of a blessing.
I refuse to go down like this.
"Who said I didn't have a date?" I blurted abruptly. So I choose the "going down in hell's flames option."
Bradley raised his eyebrow in suspicion. "Bullshit you have a date." Yeah, you right.
"I do have a date." A date with disappointment for creating such shitty lies.
"Oh yeah? Where is she?"
Yeah, Aiden WhErE Is hE, you impulsive fool. "Uuuhhhh they're... not... here yet. Yeah, they're not here yet. And it's not a she, it's a he." Now I was just spewing bullshit out of my ass.
"He?" Violet interrupted, "You're gay?"
I shrugged nonchalantly. "I like girls too. I'm just more interested in dick than boobs and vaginas. Why? Got a problem?" If she did, it would be extremely hypocritical considering how Alex was pansexual and was accepted by the family just fine.
"What, no, Iâ," Violet lost composure and flustered about, "it would be extremely hypocritical of me if I was homophobic when I support your brother." He's not my brother...
"I'm glad," I said in a fake relieved tone. I didn't care for her support.
"When did you realise you were queer?" Bradley asked in genuine interest. This was the first time he ever said words to me that did not have hostile intent behind them.
"Thirteen."
"Does that mean you had crushes on my friends who came over?"
Yes. "No," I stated, scrunching up my nose in mock disgust, "they were all dickheads like you." Now that part was true.
Bradley rolled his eye and brought the topic back to the unfortunate date issue. "None the matter, where is he and why is he coming late?"
"And since when was I obligated to answer your stupid questions?"
"Ever since I got the power to inform the head of your dateless situation and cause immediate action on your punishâ I meant on your help."
I glared at him before huffing out some made-up answer that would hopefully come true. "He had to work overtime, that's why he's coming late. You'll see him eventually." Yeah right. All you see is my dust because I will be running around all over the place, avoiding you guys for the rest of the evening.
Bradley had a shit-eating grin, looking as if he already caught me out on my bullshit and was ready to destroy me in front of everyone for not only lying but for not having a date.
"I see," he said, "in that case, Violet and I should wait around, so we can welcome him with open arms. After all, he's the date of our least frequently seen brother. It's the least we can do."
Panic bubbled up my throat. "You do not need to do thaâ"
"In FACT," he interrupted, "We should call the brothers over and you should introduce him to all of us. I'm sure Alex and Marcel would be very eager to meet him. I'll call them now."
"You really don'tâ" but he was already gone. Violet was looking at me with pity but I ignored her to spiral into panic and dismay. I clutched my hair strands and ruffled them intensely out of utter frustration, causing the very little hairspray in my hair to be removed and leaving me with not sex hair but bed hair instead. Violet looked at me with a lot of concern then.
Maybe the plan of just blowing up the mansion wasn't such a bad idea after all.