It's Saturday, the last day of the year and also Darren's birthday party. When I opened my eyes this morning, I immediately really want to skip this day.
I've been feeling emotionally exhausted these past few days. Darren's parents arrived five days ago and stay. Caleb also have been staying here since the day after Darren's return from the military ground. My schedule is getting messed up. Darren still asked for my help to review some paperwork, but there are too many distractions for me to focus on that anymore.
Christina, Darren's mother, always invited me to have tea with her but end up only talking to Aria or Caleb who also join. Lord Marvin, Darren's father, once asked me to accompany him in his walk. I ended up only following him around while his secretary talks about things that need to be handled in the capital. I stay silent that whole evening. Caden doesn't have any personal memories towards them as he only meet them for a very few times. I assume their invitation is an act of politeness towards their in-law, an act to maintain their noble dignity.
They don't have to.
Several things I learned after spending some time with them. They don't openly act 'harm' towards me like Caleb did, but they also didn't act that nice. We didn't do small talk. Only making conversation when it looks necessary. Mostly, they issue a topic that I don't relate nor knowing the context, making me unable to reply properly.
I don't know why, but I often feel tired being with them. Is it their Alpha dominance? It is even more tiring than interacting with Darren, whom I don't talk much either. I feel relieved whenever Darren asked me to review some urgent paperwork as I can escape from his parents. It seems that he noticed my discomfort and I appreciate his small effort.
Dinner becomes the most unwanted task of the day, as I need to sit down in the time that feels so long and unbearable. I seldom talk on dinner with Darren but this atmosphere feels way heavier and more awkward than usual.
Like last night, at first, they talk about the trending situation in the palace and among high-ranking nobles as the news about my brother's pregnancy has officially released. It seems there will be a switch in the power as the current crown prince has not had any child yet. The upcoming baby's gender would be crucial to determine the power balance between the princes. I thought it was just a boring political situation until Christina utter her hope to see a grandchild. She actually uses that topic to urge Aria into meeting some marriage candidates, as she hasn't even got engaged. But Aria uses me as an excuse if they want a grandchild. They didn't say anything but everything becomes awkward.
Something strange. It's like they didn't hope much from me to begin with. I haven't told Darren about my condition. I don't have the courage to confront him. Other things to add to my long list of concerning things.
My head hurts as the stress keeps building up. Yuan still forbids me to train and I don't think I can do that as there are too many people here right now. Obviously, going to the town becoming an impossible option. There's no available proper media to release my tension.
Reviewing paperwork oddly becomes the only escape route. Sadly, the amount of report decreases significantly as the holiday season starts.
"Cad, don't daydream," Harry's call return my focus back to reality. I look at him. "Which one?" he asked when he know my focus is on him. He showed me a baby blue and a cream color suit. I look at a maid, Clara, who has been helping me to prepare for the party. She helped style my hair and insisted on giving me a basic treatment to brighten my face. I look at her for her suggestion. "I think the cream one would suit you more, Sir," she said. I then follow her suggestion. I prefer a darker color but Harry and Clara suggest the brighter one. I didn't think much about how they styled me afterward.
Clara finally let me go after an hour getting trap under her hand. Harry then help me put the suit on. "Wow, you should style yourself more often Cad," Harry told me.
I look at the mirror and quite surprised at how good Caden could look in the right hairstyle. Still, it's too much effort to do it every day, especially if I need to get trap staying silent while Clara helps me. There are so many other things can be done at that time. Also, it won't be special anymore if this becomes my daily looks.
"Thank you for your hard work, Clara," I said to her. I could see her face blush a little but she hides it with a bow. "It's my duty, Sir."
Harry is on the edge of the door, telling me to hurry as we will get late and have Darren wait. I gave Clara a nod before heading out.
Darren is standing at the end of the corridor, talking to George and Leo. I slow down a bit as I approach him. Leo is the first one to see me. His stare stays for a while, making Darren notice my arrival. When he sees me, he asked me to stand beside him and wait for a bit while he wrapping his talks with George. I do as he says and silently waiting beside him. I'm feeling nervous as I know that once I step into the party, more people will be more aware of my existence. I really don't want to go but it's just not possible.
"You ready?" Darren asked me. I look at him whose gaze is on me. I didn't realize that he already ended his conversation. Darren used to enter the party either alone or just with Aria. I actually will be very glad if he stays the same. Unfortunately, as his current partner, it's not even an option anymore. "No," I answer honestly.
"Come," he offers his hand.
It still feels weird for both of us to come out together. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves before taking his hand and walk.