Chapter 6: A Secret

POV RICHARD

" A wild rival? Comical!" 

Sacarmo takes over my mood. 

All that was left of company was my car, and if he could talk, he would be as upset as I am now. We have that in common: being irresistible to women, or at least I thought so. I'd rather bet that Akira Selena isn't smart enough to see what an advantage it is to have me on her side. Or just, she is so amazed at all that I can offer, that she can hardly choose what is best for her. 

How much effort will I need to make to please her? Isn't it enough that I have to return to this end of the world to woo a poor wretch who should be begging on her knees for my love?

I hate Skyfall and everything about that primitive world of Selena. I hope my father is right about the riches that might be in store among those mountains, otherwise it will be a wasted time all the years I have come here and received absolutely nothing but this cold and closed faces of men who possess a foolish pride of who might measure strength with a Rockefeller. 

" Sir, do you want us to go after them?"

 A security guard asks, reminding me that there were witnesses to this ridiculous scene that Akira and her wild friend caused me. 

 My ego feels bruised, and on the men's faces, I see an amused smile that they try to hide. No doubt, employees always magnify themselves with the disgrace of their bosses.

"Don't do anything. This is a matter that I will personally take care of. Put the car away."

I pass through the gate again, to return to the inside of the courtyard that would give the entrance to the mansion.  

And if in front of the employees I can keep my posture, the same is not possible with my father.

" You came back too fast..." 

My father is sitting on the couch smoking a cigar and Lilian is reading some kind of book. 

"She preferred to return home with her friend Alfred...", 

It's hard to say those words and hear Lilian's laughter as she hears them, because it's an omen of what to see from my father will be even worse.

"Losing to a savage, dear brother? What would the ladies of London think of you? "

"Don't make me lose my temper, Lilian."

I close the door and walk down the two steps just outside the entrance to the room.

"Stop you two. Do I need to keep reminding you how important it is to have this girl on our hands?"

My father scolds, and Lilian and I remain silent.

His figure of a fat man, grown beard and formal clothes, still command the same respect and devotion as when we were children.

"I'm going to my room. I've done my part, do yours, dear brother. I need to arrange a good marriage."

Lilian says the only thing that matters to her.

My father waits a little longer to make sure she wouldn't be bugged. Lilian is as nosy as she is beautiful. With her green eyes and red hair, I would swear she was French.  And looking at the paintings of my late mother and father as a young girl, she looks nothing like them. Maybe it was another one of nature's riddles. Just looking at Akira so different from the rest of her people with her pearl skin and her night hair would make men surrender at her feet. Besides, her distinctive origin that arouses aphrodisiac fantasies. Just like herbs and spices brought from India. Everyone desires what is different and forbidden by social morals that vanish when night comes and men who claim to respect family values, go to the worst brothels that exist in the suburbs of London.

"Let's go to the secret office."

My father orders, and my fingers tremble with anxiety. 

Being called to the office is the same as being summoned to a hearing that you will probably not get away with your crimes.

It is at the end of the hall, in a basement. It is so stuffy that you would not even notice a scream of a man being injured. It is an emergency place in case of attack, and there are weapons hidden in a trunk. Only my father and I know of the access, except for the only witness: a lantern that illuminates the dark path.

It is cold here, but the seriousness of the occasion makes my heart beat faster, and an inexplicable warmth takes over my body. 

"What is the matter, my father? I know that I have disappointed you today. But, I will do my best. She has invited me to her people's party the day after tomorrow. It will be a good opportunity and..."

" Please stop and look at this!"

He interrupts me and my curious eyes follow the movements of his hands searching for something in one of the drawers. And a picture is the one elected among the other things and my father carefully hands it to me.

I look at the picture several times. Although it is black and white, a bit weathered, I can recognize the woman in the picture.

"Why do you have a picture of Akira? And why is she wearing clothes from the women in town? "

" Because it's not Akira Selena, you idiot!"

Yes, it can't be her. It wouldn't make sense.

"It's Selena's mother! Selena's real mother is not a savage and neither is her father." 

He says, and I am shocked.

" Now I understand why she is so different from the others. But, I know you dad, I know there is a much stronger reason than a simple picture. What does this woman mean to you, what does Selena mean to you?"

I have a right to know, it is my life that is at stake. 

" Sit down, I'll tell you a secret. Selena is not of our family, but after I tell you a story, you will understand why there is no better suitor for you, my son. Not even a dowry from any lady in London can compare with what you can gain by marrying this girl. "

It is a very interesting subject, I admit. 

I drag out one of the chairs and sit down to hear the secret that my father kept from me for so long....