THE FATED HEIR

Liam just hoped for a miracle. He entered and saw Alex typing something on his laptop. He quickly evaded his eyes from him and looked down.

Alex on the other hand, continued with what he was doing. He closed the laptop and placed it aside after a minute, he seemed to have finished with what he was doing or maybe not.

He relaxed in his chair and looked at Liam with a deep gaze. He continued with this for about 5 minutes making Liam very nervous under his gaze.

He decided to start the conversation.

Big brother. ...., he started to say but was interrupted by Alex.

What?

Thought you've lost your ability to speak, he started with a smile on his face.

I heard you are very good at talking, why aren't you saying anything. Care to show me your skills, he continued to say.

Liam closed his mouth and all the words he had prepared to say went down the drain. He was stunned, he didn't expect that Alex would want him to begin the conversation. He indeed had something to say but was silenced be the coldness in Alex's eyes when he entered and he did that for a whole five minutes. How could he be willing to say anything after what he went through just now.

Even though his brother didn't say anything and just looked at him, he had known him long enough to understand what he meant when he looked at him that way. Although he was not afraid of death, he didn't want to die just yet. He was still too young and had a lot of things he wished to do before dying.

Liam was still deep in thought when he felt a stinging pain on his left cheek. He took a moment to realize he had been slapped and his cheek was swelling up at a speed visible to the naked eye, waking him up from his day dream. He looked up at Alex who had gotten up from his seat and is now staring at him. It seemed he had really been out for sometime now or was it because Alex was too fast that he didn't realize anything just now.

You dare to space out when I'm talking to you. Alex thundered and his voice echoed in the room.

He looked at Alex with a pleading expression ready to say something when he was interrupted by Alex.

Wow...Liam, I'm impressed. It looks like leaving you here for just a year was my biggest mistake. I thought I should leave some space for you to improve yourself but seemed....

He stopped midway and shook his head. It seems I did not do my work well. A self deprecating laugh followed after his words.

Liam was stunned. No, this has nothing to do with you. I know I did wrong and I'm the one at fault not you. You've thought..., he continued to say but was again interrupted by Alex.

Yes, that's the point. You're at fault, meaning I didn't do my work well. I guess I was too lenient with you and that's why you can still misbehave.

Liam on the hand was visibly shaken, what, lenient? Did he just call that as being lenient.

What does he mean by that. Liam was scared to speak and kept quiet. It seems I'm just making my situation worst by talking. It's best I keep quiet.

Leave the study to your room and make sure to go to the punishment hall for your punishment tomorrow morning before six.

Alex said. I'll hand in your punishment to them this evening. He continued.

Big brother, I'm really sorry. Please spare me just this time. I did not intend to do that and the situation was unexpected. Liam said, anxiety evident and his voice.

He was still in talking when he was met with a single " leave " from his brother. He kept quiet but continued to stand there with a pleading expression on his face hoping for a miracle but was met with Alex's cold gaze forcing him turn around and leave, closing the door behind him.

Liam was overwrought with worry as he took the stairs to his room. There was a lift that can send him to his floor but he was not interested in using them today.

He held the rails on the side as he walked up leisurely to his floor.

At this time, most of the servants have retired to their quarters except for a few security personnels working the night shift that are left to guard the premises.

Oddly enough, the evening was very quiet even though there were a few people around.

Liam finally got to his floor after taking his time on the stairs but he was still not better.

He continued to walk through the hallway and finally to his room.

At this time, he was really regretful but there was nothing he could do. He just have to take it as a lesson learnt and improve upon himself.