Bathed in the golden evening light, my family mansion stood like a testament to opulence and old-world charm. Tall windows stretched from floor to ceiling, casting warm light onto the carefully manicured lawn outside. The scent of lavender and aged wood hung in the air, mingling with a faint trace of wax and polish.
One of the security guards at the foot of the mansion walked down the steps and opened the car door for me.
"Good evening sir." I looked up at the security. He was tall and sturdy, wore a white shirt with a black two-piece suit and black shades. He had on radio earbuds that he used in communicating with the other guards around the mansion.
I strolled past him and headed up the steps, the other two guards bowed as I entered the mansion. It was already dinner time, so I dragged my feet to the dining room, the headache was getting the better of me.
The dining room was a cathedral of luxury and light, it smelled faintly of cigar smoke and aged wine. A crystal chandelier hung above the dining table, refracting golden lights across every surface.
A long, mahogany dining table stood at the center of the room, the chairs around it were high-backed and upholstered in dark leather with brass studs lining the edges.
The walls of the room were paneled in dark oak, with portraits of our ancestors and pastoral landscapes. A picture of my great grandfather and his family stood behind a glass in an ornate, gold-leaf frames.
A shelf lay against the far wall, holding cut-glass tumblers, aged scotch, and a revolver tucked behind a crystal decanter. Usually used for a late night drink.
Two bodyguards stood by the door that led to the stairway, most likely my sister and mother's. My attention went back to the table, it was set for five people and four of them were currently seated;
My father, Martin Manches, head of the Manches family, one of the big three and leader of the Manches mafia. My mother, Gianna Manches, wife of Martin Manches, mother of the family and lover of her children. My brother, Tyler Manches, right-hand man to Martin Manches, first born son and next-in-line leader of the Manches mafia. And my younger sister, Elaine Manches, beauty of the Manches family, last born child of the Manches family and the most protected.
Then there was me, Zack Manches, second child and son of the Manches family, and probably the biggest disappointment. I let out a huge sigh, my head was banging and I felt half-head.
I sat on my chair and slouched my back. Elaine looked at me with pity, her facial features softened as she noticed I was in pain. I gave her a weak smile and let out another sigh. She turned away from me. Her blue eyes sparkled as she saw the chef walk in with a trolley full of food.
She had the same colour of eyes as my father and brother, pretty blue eyes. My mother has hazel eyes and that was what I inherited. I was the only child in the Manches family with hazel colored eyes.
The food was dished and we munched down our meals in unison, I guess it was a busy day for everyone.
My father cleared his throat and started talking.
"I want Tyler to be the second head of the mafia."
I choked, visibly. Everyone paused, there wasn't a sound to be heard at the table. Even Tyler seemed greatly confused at this statement that was made.
"But dearie, I don't think the mafia will agree to that" my mother muttered.
She was right, there was no way the mafia was going to agree to have two leaders from the Manches family. It would cause problems. Two out of the big three would be from the Manches family, no way. It won't work out.
They'd probably think that my dad was trying to take over the mafia and he'd lose face.
"Mom's right. It could cause problems." I agreed.
My dad frowned, he clenched his jaw and gritted his teeth, his nostrils flared and his eyes darkened. He hated me, it was so obvious.
"They have no option. I am the only surviving loyal leader, they do not have a choice." He declared.
Tyler shifted uncomfortably in his chair, his eyes darted across the room, from one place to another. This was the first time I'd ever seen him this nervous. He's usually tough and always agreed with my father.
"Dad.." he spoke up "I don't think I'm ready for that yet."
He looked down at his fingers, unable to make eye contact with my father.
"What do you mean, boy?" he seethed.
"It's a big step, dad. And I'm not good enough for that role.." he looked away "Yet. Plus, the mafia won't be happy about it."
"Who cares about the stupid mafia?" I could feel my dad's anger through his words.
"We already have a potential war on our hands. We can't afford to divide the mafia any longer." Tyler explained.
My father's face softened as he let out a sigh. Tyler had managed to calm him down, which is practically impossible for the rest of us to do. He really lived up to the title of the 'golden boy'.
The tense atmosphere dissipated and we resumed eating. I could feel my headache gradually slip away.
"So, mom, how was work today?" I asked as an attempt to break the silence.
"Oh, it was great, dear. Thanks for asking." She replied with a smile. "And how was the meeting?"
I felt it wasn't my place to answer so I kept quiet and sure enough, Tyler spoke.
"The usual." He said without looking up from his meal.
Mom nodded to acknowledge his statement.
"And Elaine. How was school?"
Mom turned to her left to look at my sister, who was deeply engrossed in picking out the green beans and vegetables from her food.
"Elaine! Don't do that, veggies are good for your health" she exclaimed once she noticed what her five year old daughter was doing.
Elaine pouted and looked at my mom with puppy dog eyes. Mom stared right back at her, not batting an eyelid once. Eventually, Elaine gave up and forcefully swallowed her veggies, this caused an uproar and everyone at the table laughed.
The laugh lightened up the mood and you could see small smiles creep unto everyone's faces.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AYLA'S POV
I looked over my shoulder to see Kylie dozed off on my beanbag. I got a blanket from my bed and covered her with it. I stared at my messy room, there were books everywhere, on the bed, floor and desk.
Well, the mess paid off cause I was done with the assignment. I took in a deep breath and exhaled.
I started cleaning, I arranged all my books in a neat stack and straightened out my bed. I was about to clear out my desk when I came across the letter we found downstairs. I looked at it and let out a troubled sigh.
I have to tell Cheryl about this, I thought to myself.
I finished arranging and got into bed, too exhausted to take a shower and slept.