Love Unspoken

"William, you embody prowess not just fortune. When your son undertakes the significant milestone of matrimony, the act of presenting a gift becomes imperative."

A flicker danced in William's eye. "Marriage proposal? Are you insinuating...?"

"Has Orion not informed you?"

William's legs faltered slightly as he swallowed a lump in his throat. "He's proposing marriage? Alexander, please spare me such jests. In my advanced years, I cannot bear such merriment.

"My disobedient son. I coerced him to consider marriage, yet he refused. How could he suddenly be proposing now?"

With no further ado, Alexander walked off toward the Villa, indifferent to William's queries. "William, if you doubts it, you should summon him back for verification. Once the gift is delivered, there can be no retraction." William's countenance soured deeply, silently cursing Orion for leading to Alexander's unwelcome visit. If the person in question were inconsequential, would Alexander bother to deliver a gift?

Unavoidably, William's thoughts drifted back to the girl he had glimpsed at the base. Could it be... her?

Not daring to delay, William promptly dialed Orion, only to realize his number had been barred.

William instantaneously incensed, and a blaze of fury coursed through him.. He extended his hand toward the butler beside him. "Hand me your phone."

Orion was dining with Quinn at the time of the call. They were in the cafeteria where the orphanage provided a self-service dining area. The trio sat at a table and were occasionally greeted by acquaintances who curiously inquired about Quinn.

However, Orion simply introduced her as a friend without extra elaboration. Given the current circumstances, their engagement with Quinn was uncertain in its longevity. He harbored no desire to tarnish Quinn's reputation.

The cafeteria fare was decent, yet Quinn displayed little appetite. She picked at her food with her utensils and consumed just morsels.

As Orion was about to speak, the butler's call interrupted. Without much contemplation, he answered the phone, "Mr. Smith?"

"You scoundrel. Where are you now? Get back here immediately!"

A foreboding sensation crept into Orion's mind when he heard William's words. Rising to take the call outside, Orion inquired, "Return for what purpose?"

"I'm asking you, did you propose marriage?"

Indeed, Orion's suspicions were confirmed. Bracing himself, he asked, "How did you come to know?"

Orion's response nearly caused William to boil over with rage. Suppressing his anger, William demanded, "How did I come to know? How could you, whom are you marrying, omit to inform the family?" "I'm marrying. Why should I inform you all?"

"I am your father! Do I not have the right to know whom you are marrying? You are becoming increasingly lawless. Who permitted you to clandestinely propose marriage?"

Orion, equally incensed, retorted, "If I wish to marry, I shall do so. Must I seek your accord? I am your son, not your minion. Do I lack agency even in this affair?"

"Great! Great!" William, seething, said repeatedly, "I do not concern myself with such matters. Simply tell me, who are you going to marry? What is her name?" Orion replied, "Her name is Quinn."

"Quinn. What is her relationship with Alexander?"

Growing impatient, Orion snapped, "Has Alexander approached you? Why not inquire directly from him? Why interrogate me?"

William lowered his tone as he said, "I demand an answer today. What is the nature of her relationship with Alexander?"

Unamused, Orion replied, "The relationship of former spouses. What other relationship could there possibly be?"