The girl accompanying Aisha was undoubtedly striking. She was beautiful and youthful, donning an edgy gray dress that accentuated her features. Initially, she walked with confidence, unaware of all the eyes fixed upon her. Although this was not a formal party, the guests were undeniably curious about her, the girl who briefly appeared alongside Martin Ingmar at the anniversary celebration of Grandfather and Grandmother Proust. Alaric didn't have a chance to greet her that night, much to Magdeléne's annoyance for the rest of the evening.
And now, the girl was walking ahead of Aisha. She moved slowly and carefully maintaining a poised smile as she returned the gazes of the onlookers. She was trying to exude confidence. Alaric was genuinely curious, wanting to offer his arm to ease her unease as they made their way inside to meet the Host. He wanted to assist her and, at the same time, inquire about her true identity. Unfortunately, Shafina, who was by his side, tightly squeezed Alaric's arm, causing him to instinctively turn his head.
"Who is she?" Shafina asked. Her grip firm.
Alaric smiled faintly. "Suspected to be the AR Durlach."
"Suspected?" Shafina questioned.
"It's yet to be confirmed, my dear," Alaric replied with a measured playful chuckle.
The young girl had thick, voluminous hair that cascaded down her back. The small adornments in her hair sparkled, hinting at flawless diamonds with a perfect princess cut. There was no need for a GIA certificate to recognize the brilliance of such a gem. The captivating young girl wore shoes that Alaric knew could only be acquired through custom order, even though the fashion label that produced them was popular.
Whispers had been circulating since last week, suggesting a strong possibility that she was indeed an AR Durlach. If Aymard hadn't reminded him that Aisha referred to AR as a "Madame," Alaric would have been inclined to assume the same. Who wouldn't? The girl arrived with Martin Ingmar, the second-in-command of the Durlach empire, at a private event for new acquaintances, accompanied by Aisha, known as AR's perfect PA. The RSVPs themselves were almost convinced, if not for Jayaprabhu Emyr mocking them on his rare-to-be-active social media account, which he only updated three times a year on average.
Speaking of Jaya Emyr, it was he who approached the Beautiful Girl, and she greeted him with a relieved smile. Alaric was certain they already knew each other. Besides, it had been evident for several months now who AR prioritized. Alaric often wore a wry smile when he noticed Aymard suddenly lose his appetite for work, usually because he knew Aisha was with Jaya Emyr, attending to their business matters. That was the case this week. Hopefully, Jaya Emyr's gracious treatment just now would ease Aymard's heart.
"Oh my, who is this Sexy one, Baby?" Shafina whispered.
Alaric turned his head to gaze at Shafina intently. His girlfriend was attentively watching Jaya Emyr, who was now escorting the Durlach Girl into the party arena. He squinted.
"What did you just say?" he asked.
Shafina glanced at him, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
"See! So I'm not allowed to comment on other guys being sexy while your eyes are practically popping out staring at that girl. Can't you resist being a little curious about someone refreshing?"
Alaric sighed deeply, "Don't be like that, Baby."
Shafina flashed a smile as she noticed Alaric whispering while pulling her closer in a tight embrace. She felt a light kiss on the top of her head. What more could Shafina do but smile broadly? She knew she was fortunate, treated like a princess by Alaric. Despite the disparaging remarks from jealous women labeling her as just a trophy girl, Shafina paid them no mind. Those who criticized failed to grasp how much more gracious-glorious-enjoyable life had become for Shafina since Alaric declared them officially together. She didn't mind trading it for accepting the venomous insults from envious women. What was the point of making a fuss? It would only waste energy trying to hinder people's thoughts in vain. As long as there were no actions, Shafina decided to remain unfazed in the face of such negativity. After all, isn't a person's worth judged more by their deeds than their thoughts? Thoughts are ethereal, just as ethereal as the specters observing from the shadows.
"Oh, what's wrong with your brother?"
Alaric turned his gaze to where Shafina now resting her eyes. He could see Aymard standing next to Aisha, who didn't enter the party arena. When did he leave Marcello and all of his friends? Alaric observed that Aymard was now holding a slender glass with a thin layer of foam, which he snatched from a waiter's tray. Naturally, his behavior attracted attention. People couldn't help but steal glances at Aymard and Aisha. Alaric held his breath for a moment, trying to push away the creeping unease. Did Aymard forget that their father was also present at this party?
"I wonder about your brother too. Why didn't he approach the girl just now? Why he sticks to those half-old woman?"
Alaric chuckled softly and looked at Shafina. He agreed with what she had just said. Among all the women he knew, although not the most brilliant, Shafina's sarcastic sense of humor always entertained him.
"But seriously, do you think Aymard is trying to impress her, to make her as his dream woman?" Shafina murmured.
"Come on, Honey. Let's be a bit more realistic, shall we?"
Shafina giggled, finding it amusing to see Alaric briefly stirred up. Meanwhile, he responded with a sincere smile, though he winced inwardly. His words were not a lie, but he still felt guilty. To himself, he spoke the truth that Shafina had no idea. Just like everyone else, they had no inkling that Aymard was genuinely invested in his behavior. Apart from playing around for business purposes, Aymard was using his heart logically for Aisha. His actions were a synchronization of those two aspects, full of deliberation. In short, Aymard was a man of few words, doing everything according to his intentions and principles. Even when toying with his own heart, he remained steadfast in his principles.
Here we have Jaya Emyr, society's believed equal rival to Aymard. Both young and charismatic, the two also graduates of prestigious business schools. Jaya Emyr is the eldest son of one of the most prominent figures in a giant private corporation named CorporatE. A mogul conglomerate that is always regarded as an additional exponent. The absolute X factor in every business plan. The sprawling influence of CorporatE and their loyal consumer base makes it challenging for their market to be eroded. For a decade their business models being passively even their capital gain always among the bests. It's lead the environment entered a stagnant growth for such a long time. Sometimes, there are those who strive tirelessly to disturb them. Unfortunately, the Slumbering Octopus often ends up taking hold of those who cause trouble with it. Therefore, it is better to walk hand in hand with them..
That was Aymard's logical decision for the sake of his family, even though it required multiple restraints in facing Jaya Emyr. Their relationship had soured as they matured. Jaya Emyr, wild and indifferent like Midas, turning everything into gold effortlessly. It had to be accepted with a broad mind that there were brilliant individuals like that: shining without much effort and fully aware of their luck.
That's how Aymard interpreted Jaya Emyr. These guy is apparently someone who clearly didn't care about other people's judgments. Their past encounters placed them in a rivalry where mutual respect was observed. People said that Jaya Emyr's arrogance brought joy, for despite his confrontations with mayors at social parties or making unconventional business decisions, he always knew his limits. Somehow, no one ever felt humiliated or challenged by him. Instead, they were always impressed. The mothers whispered to each other, undoubtedly enchanted by Jaya Emyr's charisma inherited from his father. His value as a potential son-in-law soared over time.
And now, Jaya Emyr, who had become the center of attention for the fathers, was discussing a system that he believed needed correction, instantly overwhelming Alaric's mind. How could he keep up with all the seriousness? The madness of Jaya Emyr and Aymard laughing together as if casually conversing, even when discussing complex matters. Their banter, involving terms like hermeneutics, empiricism, and materialism, somehow led to discussions on moral ethics. Alaric could only smile weakly without being able to contribute much. He could only laugh along when others laughed, occasionally sipping on the golden wine that had lost its effervescence. His throat felt dry.
This is Jaya Emyr, who instantly diverted the conversation from moral ethics to the initial parameter of aesthetics titled "taste" as Aisha approached. The young girl he was escorting, who displayed remarkable intelligence earlier, objected when Materialism lost its meaning today, becoming a mere desire for worldly possessions, no longer correlated with the thoughts of Diderot. She seemed to understand what he was discussing when an elderly person interjected, doubting the absolute truth believed by Emmanuel Kant.
The truth is that the value of truth itself is purely instinctual and universally inherent in the human system of deliberation: everyone knows that. The famous figure who interpreted it in the form of the essence of thought was none other than Emmanuel Kant, in his Moral Ethics. Fortunately, the girl simplified it as conscience. However, she continued, it was not solely a matter of inner feelings that brought peace and comfort. Without much ado or fuss, she expressed her opinion that conscience serves as an alarm to prevent humans from behaving recklessly. Why, in recent times, have so many people become reckless? She arrogantly gestured and remarked,
"It's their own fault for silencing their conscience alarm. They are so eager to shed their innocence and naivety. It's no secret, is it? Young children, with their pure knowledge of true righteousness, are truly blessed. They are unashamed to be naive and not in a hurry to be considered mature when they don't understand anything."
Instantly, admiring gazes turned towards the Young Girl presumed to be AR Durlach. It would indeed be perfect if she were AR Durlach. Beautiful and captivating, with intelligence that is not excessive. All the intelligent and influential elders present seemed eager to continue joking with her. A light philosophical conversation suit no more with glasses of wine and -or, champagne. However, the Assistant arrived, apologizing for interrupting their engaging conversation. The Young Girl had to withdraw as she had to return to Belgium tonight. Aisha referred to her as "Princess," further solidifying the belief of those present that she was indeed AR Durlach.
******