"I don't understand you, Rick. Your decision-making seems utterly reckless to me," Alekis said, his voice edged with disappointment as he set his fork down, the sound sharp against his plate. He took his napkin, dabbing the corners of his mouth as he looked Roderick over with a stern, unyielding gaze. The maid had already cleared his plate, her quiet efficiency leaving a lingering silence in the room.
Roderick shifted uncomfortably, lowering his eyes. "Grandfather, I'm truly sorry," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
Alekis didn't soften. "Why, Roderick? Why would you betray Layla for Orabela? Where did you pick up this behavior?" Alekis's tone grew colder. "And now, after insisting you loved Orabela, you say you've broken the engagement. I explicitly told you not to involve yourself with her, yet you claimed she was the one you wanted. Now, you end things as if it was some casual affair. Is this all just a game to you?"
