Page 92 of Tangled Control

Dad’s hard words cut me as I join my parents, but I’m not even going to try to justify my actions. Instead I take a leaf out of Catriona’s book and straighten my back where I stand in front of them. “Yeah, kind of not happening.”

“You left the event – left Alexandra to be on her own. How the hell are you going to patch that up? I was deeply embarrassed on both her behalf and by your behaviour.”

I wince, guilt making its entrance. “I’m sorry. The timing was truly not great.”

“Not great?” Dad huffs, and his words turn venomous. “Sneaking off with one of your employees during a company event that is hosted by your future wife is not ‘not great timing’, it’s bad taste. I’ll not stand by this, Rian.”

Fuck, it really was bad taste. It can’t be undone, though. I grip the backrest of the chair as I brace myself for the outcome of what I’ll say next. “I-um. I’m sorry if it disappoints you. I knowyou both love Alexandra, but there’s been a change of plans regarding our joint future.”

Dad’s eyes widen while Mum’s shoulders slump. Silence stretches. Even the birds stop chirping.

I sense movement next to me. It’s Rosie, her mouth hanging open as she sinks down in the seat next to our mother. “Really? But I thought…”

“Is Alexandra aware of this change of plans?” Mum’s tone is all sad.

“Yes. We had a talk last night. It’s the best for the both of us.” I rub my jaw and glance at Dad. “I’m really sorry that this messes up the plans that you and Walter have for KSS and Calla.”

Dad sighs so heavily, his whole body deflates. I hold my breath, anxious for his reaction. As much as I’m set on my decision, I still feel bad.

“Son, we may have made plans for the companies based on you and Alexandra one day getting married, but we only did so because we thought it was what you both wanted. I would never expect you to marry Alexandra for the sake of the business.”

Fuck,how I needed to hear those words. “Thanks, Dad.”

But my relief is short lived when he continues, his brows pulled together and his mouth drawn down in displeasure. “But seriously, are you turning down your future plans for an office fling?”

“What office fling?” Knox saunters out from the house and takes a seat at the table. Great, even more audience - my whole family sitting at the table like a jury while I still standing here like an accused.

“Rian is dumping Alexandra in favour of a fling with one of his staff,” Rosie pretend-whispers, her eyes wide.

My brother’s head whips to me. “The girl in the yellow top?”

I grit my teeth. “She’s not a fling. It’s serious.”

“Fuckin’ Hell. What about Alexandra?” There’s anger underneath Knox’s words. He’s probably a closer friend than I am to the girl whom I, up until yesterday, had planned to be my wife.

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “We’ve talked.”

“Talked.”

“Rian, seriously, this is exactly what I’ve warned you about. You start flirting with staff and things get messy.” Dad slaps the table. “Fuck, this is a mess.”

“Language, Arthur.”

“I think it’s called for,” Dad mumbles and gives Mum a sideways glance.

Knox snickers, but tries to disguise it as a cough.

“Listen, this isn’t some fling. And the, um, Alexandra and menotbeing a thing isn’t because of Catriona.” I take a deep breath as I search for the right words, still standing behind my chair as if I’m on trial. “This is me choosing my own path. Making my own decisions. Doing what makes me happy. I’ve struggled with what’s been expected of me, the pressure of taking on the company, and that has made me act in ways I’m not proud of.”

Worry lines appear on Dad’s forehead, and his tone is hesitant. “Growing up, you always talked about working for and leading KSS. But…are you only working for the company because you feel you don’t have a choice in the matter?”

I take my time before answering. “I think I used to, which probably contributed to my…attitude problem at work. But lately, things have changed. I really want to prove myself to you, Dad, and to the company, if you’ll let me.”

There’s a suspicious sheen to Dad’s eyes, and Mum grabs his hand on the table. “Nothing would make me happier, son. But…sneaking off with your staff—”

“There you are,” Mum exclaims cheerfully, cutting off whatever Dad was to say next.

“She’s here?!” Knox hisses under his breath, then abruptly shuts his gob. I know my siblings well enough to guess that Rosie has kicked his leg under the table.