Magdeléne gazed at Alaric, whose face had turned pale. The discussion tonight revolved around the arrangement of Alaric and Aymard's marriages. Although it was still in the exploratory stage, Alaric appeared more than just panicked by the prospect. On the other hand, Aymard simply grunted lazily and immediately declined, stating that he had already chosen who he wanted to marry.
Twice, Alaric was slapped with reality. Sophiè-Marguéritte was at the top of the list, although it was unexpected that Magdeléne did not push Alaric. The second was Isabel, whom Alaric immediately rejected. Aymard remained silent as Alaric turned to him, sharing his feelings as a brother. Isabel was the woman with whom Aymard had the longest relationship. They broke up less than a year ago after dating for almost two years. Alaric was not oblivious and sought moral support from Aymard to disapprove of the idea. However, to his dismay, Aymard simply ignored him. His older brother made no effort to conceal the distance between them. Then, when Magdeléne mentioned Andjani's name, Alaric felt his world constricting.
Andjani was stunningly beautiful and confident. Everyone almost worshipped her, but Alaric was determined not to get involved with her. They had known each other for a long time, and just like any other beautiful girl, Andjani could turn into a monster at the slightest disturbance. The problem was that Andjani's version of a monster involved dealing with tendencies labelled as OCD by others - not that they were genuinely meant, but Andjani's quirks were enough to make anyone depressed. Even minor issues like a slightly crooked hairpin could become a big problem for her. In many ways, Andjani was very much like Alaric. The difference was that while Alaric had Aymard, who always reminded him not to go too far, Andjani did not have anyone like that. Her dominant and pressurizing behaviour tendencies, one of which was her desire to always be the best, made people feel oppressed. But their people also understood it to some extent since she was an intelligent girl.
However, when it came to men, she was subject to endless criticism in secret. How could it not be so? Andjani had never been in a relationship with someone whose name didn't shine. Her position in society was strong as she was still the niece of CorporatE's leader. Andjani knew her value and enjoyed it. She knew she could freely choose whichever man she wanted as her lover before entering into a corporate marriage, just like all the girls from conglomerate families. Alaric never expected Andjani's name to be on his list of potential brides. Now he realized that he could no longer use Shafina as a shield to delay his marriage. He also thought he might be overwhelmed by the difficult-to-control Andjani. Andjani was also never willing to accept rejection. Her life had always been a closed consumption for the public. It was among them only because of her often irrational behaviour, like buying all the premiere tickets for Finding Dory at IMAX just because she wanted to be the first among the first. It was the kind of woman like Andjani that Alaric always avoided. Grumbling to himself, Alaric never thought that the gossip in the RSVP lived-chat about him would become a reality.
"Why, Mama? Didn't you give me a chance until last month? I was planning to introduce Shafina to Mamie next week!"
Magdeléne shrugged slightly. "Mama thinks, instead of giving false hope to Shafina, it's better to end it now. Make her understand her true position."
Dharma sighed. He knew very well that Magdeléne was often perceived as heartless because of her straightforward and unfiltered speech, always without sugarcoating.
"Alaric, Papa believes that from the beginning, you knew how your relationship with Shafina would end." Said Dharma.
Alaric lowered his head with slumped shoulders. "Yes, I know, Pa. But—"
"Don't tell me you're in love with her," Magdeléne interrupted.
Aymard tilted his head, closely observing every move Alaric made. His younger brother stretched his back and huffed,
"Can't Mama just listen to me until the end?" Alaric protested.
Magdeléne remained silent, once again only shrugging her shoulders. Aymard leaned back casually, lounging on the sofa, seemingly unconcerned with this conversation.
"Why Andjani? And why me, not Aymard?" Alaric asked, suddenly emotional.
Dharma looked sharply at Alaric for a moment, then shifted his gaze to Aymard. His eldest son put his feet on the floor and sat up properly now. A hint of a smile appeared on his lips, but Dharma understood his intention.
"This is also what Papa wants to discuss with both of you. You don't need Papa to explain your positions anymore, right?"
Both Aymard and Alaric remained silent, only turning to look at Dharma. Of course, they understood that their father was referring to their respective positions in their family company in the future.
"The current situation is that we are at the peak of our performance. True, our company is not as old as our competitors', I am the third generations, and you are the fourth generation. Our company consider still young. As you know, third and fourth always be a tip point. Continuing our predecessor's to be success, or being the fallen."
Silent came to be exist. Then, Dharma began to continue,
"Therefore, establishing connections with those older than us is natural. Coincidentally, the families of Isabel and Andjani are very impressed with both of you. Especially since you have known each other for a long time."
"I know, Papa! But why does it seem like Mama and Papa are pushing me more towards Andjani than Aymard towards Isabel?" Alaric protested as soon as he found an opening.
Magdeléne blinked slowly, gazing at Alaric intently, then smiled faintly. "Because, as part of our prenuptial agreement, you have to be married before taking over your father's position at the age of 35."
"That's still seven years away!" Alaric exclaimed in frustration.
"If we expedite it, it's even better. Listen, Alaric! Marry Andjani, and then you will occupy a position as one of the Chiefs on Board directly under your father. Consider the waiting years as a period of learning for you," Magdeléne advised.
Alaric furrowed his brow, "And Aymard?"
Aymard chuckled, "What? Why are you suddenly concerned about me?"
Dharma quickly looked at Aymard, as he had suspected since that dinner, both of his sons were not getting along.
Alaric stared at Aymard blankly, "I just want everything to be clear!"
"Clear about what?" Aymard retorted on a rising tone.
"Why is it only me who has to follow all the rules set by Mama? And why doesn't Papa object to Mama's absurdity at all? You're the firstborn, Aymard! Everyone praises you for your work! Why do I have to be forced to step up now and replace Papa's position?"
Magdeléne clenched her jaw tightly. If one observed closely, her face had turned red, and her breath was slightly labored. She was even holding back the warm liquid that was about to burst out. Her eyes slowly turned red and appeared ruthlessly gleaming.
"Because Mama decided from the beginning that it won't be Aymard who will inherit all of this!" she said with a trembling voice.
Alaric didn't perceive his mother's shifting emotions. He clenched his jaw and asked again, this time louder,
"For what reason? Mama, you know, this doesn't feel fair to Aymard. It's not fair to me either! Has Mama ever thought for a moment that I'm tired? That I also want to be as free as Aymard?"
"What? Free? You're saying I'm free?" Aymard turned his body to face Alaric.
"Yes!" Alaric replied in frustration.
"You can't just say that!" Aymard snapped back.
"Off course you're free! Mama and Papa never ask you for anything, or dictate who you should be with!" Alaric continued.
Aymard laughed sarcastically while snorting. Alaric continued,
"You can choose to continue studying wherever you want. You can choose whoever you want to hang out with. You can choose to date any girl you like! But what about me? Mama gets upset even if I have a few friends she doesn't like. If I like a girl even a little, Mama disapproves and tells me to stay away from her!"
Aymard smiled cynically, "Coward. Is that all you're protesting about? Who said Mama never pressured me about school, friends, or girls?" he refuted.
Alaric remained silent, his tongue tied as he accepted Aymard's distant and unfamiliar gaze.
"Mama objects, Mama dictates me. But the difference between me and you are that I don't follow everything Mama says. Yes, I followed Mama's wish to continue at Babson and end things with Mirella because it wouldn't work out. Mirella has connections to the Mexican Cartel. Does that make sense?"
Alaric swallowed again, unsure of what to say.
"But did I obey Mama when she didn't like Marcello or any of my other friends? Just because we weren't in the same class?" Aymard continued.
Magdeléne turned her head, looking troubled, and Dharma looked back at her, trying to calm her either face the situation. Although Dharma was genuinely surprised, he chose to let them argue to understand the feelings of both his sons.
"No! I made my own choices! Mama's whims mostly weren't crucial. That's the difference between you and me. You had swallowed everything Mama said. And now you feel burdened? Nonsense, Alaric!"
Magdeléne straightened her back, realizing that Aymard used Alaric's real name, not that derogatory nickname. It pierced her heart to hear the tone of hatred in Aymard's words.
"I don't follow every whim of Mama's, but I take responsibility for all my duties as a Dirdja! What do you mean by saying I'm free? You know nothing about our family, Mamie's family! If you want to know why you will inherit all of Mama and Papa's possessions, go to Mamie Papie and ask them for an explanation!" Aymard yelled in anger.
"Aymard, my dear, that's enough." Magdeléne said weakly.
Aymard shook emotionally, his shoulders rising and falling rapidly, and he seemed overwhelmed, trying to contain his anger towards Alaric. Magdeléne got up and quickly hugged Aymard.
"Please, my dear. Calm down," she pleaded.
Dharma looked at them alternately from behind his desk, his fingers tapping gently on the surface. He didn't expect the discussion about their arranged marriages to become emotional. He knew his sons well. Even though Alaric fell short of expectations, he understood his position as a child and the Heir. However, from the beginning, Aymard was in a different position despite being the firstborn of Magdeléne. Remarkably, Aymard understood and didn't mind this fact, accepting his own identity, unlike Alaric. Aymard even always put Alaric first since their childhood. So, reluctantly, Dharma had to trust his instincts this time, there must be a serious issue between Aymard and Alaric. It couldn't be just a trivial matter that made Aymard explode emotionally like this.
"I have never been angry with Mama," Aymard muttered.
Magdeléne shook her head vigorously while hugging Aymard,
"Mama knows. Mama knows. It's just that I feel I've been so unfair to you all this time." she said.
Aymard chuckled softly, "I'm not angry. I understand why Mama is like that."
Alaric was taken aback to see Magdeléne crying now, holding onto Aymard's arm tightly. He had never seen Magdeléne so emotional before.
Dharma cleared his throat, "Let's end it for tonight. We'll talk again tomorrow when your emotions have calmed down."
Silence. Only Magdeléne's sobs could be heard. Then Dharma continued,
"Alaric, we've never restricted you. Think about it, please. Aymard, I know you sometimes try too hard to prove yourself. I'm proud of you, and there's never been any disappointment from me towards you."
Aymard fell silent, slowly lowering his head and embracing Magdeléne, who was still shedding tears. Alaric was frustrated; he couldn't understand why his objection had led to a dramatic confrontation between Aymard and Magdeléne. Moreover, Dharma's words were cryptic and incomprehensible. He sensed something amiss, something being kept hidden from him.
"What's going on? Am I the only one who doesn't understand any of this?" Alaric demanded.
Dharma smiled gently at him, "You'll know in due time, my son."
Alaric shook his head, "Explain it now, Pa!"
Magdeléne shook her head, looking at Dharma with pleading eyes.
"Mama is tired, Alaric," Aymard interjected sharply.
Alaric laughed in disbelief, "Explain it now, right now!"
Alaric was a stubborn and petulant child indeed. He didn't care that Magdeléne looked so distressed. Aymard stared at him while Dharma sighed once again. Magdeléne pleaded with her eyes once more, and this time Dharma forced a tight smile.
Aymard allowed Dharma to approach and support Magdeléne now.
"Mama is tired. Keep your curiosity until the time comes," Aymard said to Alaric.
Magdeléne bit her lip, gazing at Alaric imploringly.
"Ma?" Alaric called out.
Aymard looked angrily at Alaric, who insisted despite Magdeléne's clear reluctance to comply. They exchanged stern looks, their emotions intertwined with other matters.
Dharma led Magdeléne to sit beside him on the sofa.
"Enough, you two. We'll talk about it another time," he said firmly, glancing between Aymard and Alaric.
Aymard sighed and turned away from Alaric's gaze. He approached Magdeléne and kissed her forehead, saying,
"Goodnight, Mama. Forgive me. Rest well."
Magdeléne closed her eyes, holding Aymard's arm lovingly and nodded. Alaric stared at them intently, certain that there was a significant secret deliberately kept away from him. Without a word, he turned around and stormed off with wide strides, leaving them behind. He was genuinely annoyed, angry, and in such moments, he only sought to lose his sanity.
*****