AFTER THE SWEETNESS
(Even sugar can't hide the bitter)
Shadow_vee
Dinner began.
Marina had gone all out with the dinner. The table was filled with carefully prepared dishes, each chosen according to everyone's preferences everyone except Zepher. He traveled too often, his tastes changing with every place he visited, and Marina knew his former favorite had long been replaced by something else. Still, she included a dish she hoped he might recognize, a small gesture of effort that spoke louder than words.
The formal table manners quickly fell aside. Everyone knew that after dinner, the real conversation would start. So for now, the kids shared updates on their lives.
"So," Marina said lightly, reaching for her glass, "tell me what I've missed this time."
Mia was the first to respond, of course.
"You missed my exhibition," she said, dabbing her lips with her napkin."Sold two pieces before the doors even opened, actually." a quiet confidence in her tone
She smiled, clearly enjoying the attention. "It sold by the end of the night though."
"Of course it did," Marina said fondly.
Mia tilted her head, eyes flicking briefly toward Andre she could see the approval on his face.
Zack spoke next, his tone calm and measured. "I closed a deal in Lisbon last week. Logistics were messy, but manageable." He paused, then added, "It's expanding faster than I expected." Oh mom by the way lily says she misses you and Steph sends her regards (lily was Zack's only child and Steph his wife)
Marina smiled affectionately
Andre nodded with approval, quiet but present.
Zepher leaned back in his chair, twirling his fork. "I was in Marrakesh," he said casually. "Then Rome. I might head to Cape Town next depends on my mood." He grinned. "And oh I got a very nice art piece for your study dad"
Andre's expression softened slightly
"My study could use something new,thank you"
Darla smiled faintly but said nothing until Marina looked at her expectantly.
"Just college stuff,"I've been volunteering more at the clinic downtown. It's… quieter work." Her gaze drifted, just briefly, to Damien. "But it matters."
Andre looked at her affectionately
Damien's voice dropped slightly. "They treating you well?"
Darla gave a small, almost shy smile. "Yeah… it' fine and I like that."
Damien met her eyes for half a second. Just long enough a shared understanding a reminder of who they used to be to each other.
"And you?" Marina asked him gently.
Damien lowered his gaze to his plate. "Work," he said. "Busy."
Darla frowned slightly but said nothing.
The conversation continued, but it felt thinner as something unsettled lingered.
During dessert
Andre set his dessert spoon down slowly.
The moment they've all been waiting for even with the whole smiles and conversation each person had questions in their mind as regards the urgency which their dad summoned them without giving room for excuses or absence
The table went still.
His gaze never left Damien. "We made a promise you seem determined to forget."
Marina's expression hardened. "Andre, don't start," she said sharply, already sensing where this was headed.
Confusion flickered across the others' face-Darla frowned, Mia stiffened, Zack's expression darkened,zepher looking lost.
He didn't even look at her.
"You've embarrassed this family long enough," Andre continued calmly. "And I won't allow it to continue."
A heavy silence followed.
Damien lifted his head slowly.His voice,quiet and measured
"I never agreed to belong to anyone"
The words landed like a quiet explosion.
Darla's eyes widened. Mia slowly turned to Marina as if saying you didn't tell me about this drama. Zack stared at Andre.Zepher leaned back in his chair, brows drawn together.Their mother who seemed to be the only one who knew what was going on was looking anxious.
None of them understood only that something far deeper than they knew was unfolding.
Andre's jaw tightened.
Darla broke the silence first.
"Dad… what's going on?" she asked, her brows drawn together. "Why does it sound like you're speaking in parables?"
Andre didn't respond.
"Damien," Darla called softly.
He turned to her. His expression remained cold,but for a brief second, something gentler flickered in his eyes care.
,regret,a silent apology.
Then Andre spoke again.
"I've indulged your defiance long enough," he continued, his voice steady. "You will fulfill it whether you like it or not."
Damien's jaw clenched
That was enough he pushed his chair back and stood. Without another word, he turned and walked away from the table heading towards the door.
Marina's breath caught. "Damien..."
But he was already nearing the door she stared accusingly at her husband
"I spoke to the board today."
Andre's voice was now louder deliberate.
Damien stopped.
Every gaze in the room shifted at once, from son to father as the weight of those words settled heavily between them.
Andre rose slowly to his feet.
"And starting tomorrow"
The next word that came from Andre's mouth turned the room's unease into shock.