2.

She cut her hair. It suits her quite well. There is no doubt about that. Casper thought to himself as he sat in his car. After Argen had gone, he had sat through an intense session of scolding from his grandparents.

Aren’t they being a little too unfair? I’m the one that was hurt, why do they keep supporting her? He wondered with his head on the steering wheel. A sober tune flowed from the radio and filled the car. He closed his eyes as he recalled their earlier conversation.

“Why do you keep acting this way?” Doore started immediately Argen had taken her leave. She sat down and calmed herself. “You have not seen her in four years and the first thing you do is insult her?” she had lowered her voice as she questioned him.

“Grandma, I-” she lifted her hand, an indication to shut up.

“Whatever the reason, you shouldn’t have spoken in that manner. Especially, in our presence and even more so because I had asked of you to stop. It was uncharacteristically childish of you and downright unreasonable. You dampened the mood and right now, we are quite disappointed.”

“Doore. Don’t be too harsh on the boy.” Millevern who had been quiet all the while spoke now. “The problem is between the children. We shouldn’t get too involved.” Turning his attention to Casper, he continued “you know we do not really consider you a disappointment.” Looking around the room he let out a sigh. “This really is not the reunion I was hoping for. You must be tired from your trip. Go get yourself rested. Secretary Dawson will contact you tomorrow as there are some issues to be discussed.”

Though she was harsh, grandma was right. That was far too childish of me. Too unreasonable. I really shouldn’t have spoken that way. He let out a long sigh. “I can’t help it though. I’m very hurt and frustrated. I’m disappointed too.” He revved the engine as he spoke out loud. The tune continued accompanied by the rap verse of a man who sounded like he was in pain:

Searching for peace at the end of a bottle. It’s pure torture, everywhere I look, I swear all I can see you. All the words you said to me are the thoughts now haunting me. Visions of you burned into the eyes of my mind are the reason I need to get drunk to sleep at night...

“Maybe, I should get a drink.” He said in agreement with the rap as he made his way back to the hotel he had been staying since he returned to town 5 days ago.

*

True to word grandfather’s secretary did send word the next day.

“Please be at Atty June’s office by 8:30 today.” The message said. It had been a restless night. He was awake when the message had come in. It was 6:30 the next day. Casper was beyond exhausted. He had been drinking all night but he couldn’t fall asleep. Fighting the nausea and fatigue caused by his hangover, he reluctantly dragged himself out of bed and into the bathroom. It took him a little over an hour to be ready. He checked himself in the mirror. After great effort all physical signs of fatigue had been erased. He looked clean and well groomed. In no mood to eat he reached for his car keys, feeling dizzy he stopped himself.

It would be too irresponsible in drive in this condition. I should get a driver... he exhaled loudly. And maybe some mint. He thought as he caught the smell of alcohol on his breath. He took a long look at the empty bottles that lay on the floor and the room was an utter mess. Since he got back, drinking himself to stupor every night had become a habit as a result, he had acquired quite a collection of bottles. This isn’t healthy. He turned around and walked out of the door.

*

Casper arrived at the office building just in time. It was 8:20 now. It took a while to find himself a driver, but thankfully the roads were free today. It wouldn’t do to look even more irresponsible than I already do right now he thought as he waited for the lift to take him up to the 10th floor of the 15 floor building.

“You made it just in time. How fortunate.” He was greeted by Secretary Dawson in the lobby. Nodding in agreement, they entered the office where Attorney June and his grandparents were waiting for him.

“Since we are all here, shall we begin?” June started as soon as he sat himself down. Atty June was the legal representative of his grandparents for as long as he could remember.

She has short hair too, just like... his thoughts came to a halt as his eyes settled on the sixth person in the room.

How interesting. I seem to be hallucinating now. He laughed at himself. Seated before him was Argen. He hadn’t noticed her initially, but she was right there in front of him.

“Casper.” Atty June’s firm voice pulled him back. “Did you hear what I said?”

“I’m sorry. What?”

With her stern gaze fixed on him she repeated “Your uncle, I am of the opinion that you are indeed familiar with him, will be here in two weeks. I am told you spent some time with him during the four years you were away, yes?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Good as that would make this easier.” Turning her attention to his grandparents, she continued “The audit and turnover would take about 2 years. Normally, it would not take such a long time, but given the extent and size of all your investments and business and all that, investigative analysis would have to be carried out for cases like fraud and embezzlement and all that...” she continued her explanations.

It seems they were quite serious about withdrawing from society. I understand why Kain would be involved but why is she here?

“I also understand that you would like to hand over some of your shares to Miss Iyeaner over here, yes?” An answer to his question came not long after.

“Yes. It is.”

What? Is that so? Why am I not surprised?

“Given the relationship with your son at the moment, it might cause a little trouble for the young miss if word were to get out about your intentions and Know you do not wish for that to happen.” Both Doore and Millevern nodded quietly in agreement.

“I am aware of the romantic involvement between both she and your grandson, Casper, if I may be so bold as to offer a suggestion?” She had his full attention now.

Where exactly does she intend to go with this?

“Perhaps, they should get married. Then you would transfer ownership to Casper which would automatically be split between the two. The process would be much easier that way.” The room went silent for a moment.

“We are not romantically involved.” Argen spoke bringing the uncomfortable silence to an end.

“Exactly, there is no way I could be involved with such an unpleasant woman.” He found himself speaking before he could stop himself. The room fell quiet again.

Visible hurt, Argen picked up her purse, “Thank you very much. I understand your goodwill towards me and I am very grateful, but like I said before, this is not necessary. Let us have dinner sometime.” She offered a weak smile and left.

“What if she marries Kain?” Doore spoke; sure Argen was out of earshot. Casper was a little taken aback.

“Doore, we’ve spoken about this. You can’t make her marry your nephew and she had a serious relationship with your grandson. It wouldn’t bode well.”

“I believe she is better suited for him though.” She eyed Casper with annoyance.

“Miss June, is there another way to solve this?” Millevern asked.

“I will look into it and inform you as soon as I come up with a solution.”

“Please, take your time.” Accompanied by his wife and secretary, he stood to leave. Before walking out the door, he looked at Casper who had been quiet for a while “Make sure you give her a call and apologise. Also, discuss this issue between yourselves.” With that instruction they left.

He looked at the clock; it was 8:45 p.m. now. That was almost 10 hours ago. He had absolutely no idea how he left the office building or how he got back to his room. He sat staring at his phone for hours. He still had her number; he was never able to delete it. Finally, he made up his mind. He dialled it.

I wonder if this would actually go through he thought as he held the phone to his ear.

It rang. He was about to end the call on the fifth ring when the call was connected. His breath stopped as a soft barely audible voice came through.

“Hello?”

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