Chapter 34 : Familial Façade

The grand entrance of the Harrington estate was alive with early evening bustle. The polished marble floors reflected crystal chandeliers, and varnished wood furniture held fragrant bouquets from the garden. Portraits of stern-faced ancestors lined the walls, their painted eyes ever-watchful.

Inside, the family matriarch, Clara Harrington, greeted guests with warmth that filled every corner of the room. She moved through the living room, arms wide and welcoming, her soft voice rich with genuine care. Despite her age, she carried herself with the ease of someone used to preserving harmony; a kindness she had instilled in each of her children.

Her husband, Jonathan Harrington Sr., entered more formally. He was tall, broad-shouldered, his gaze precise and assessing. His years building the family empire of real estate and investments had made him disciplined, reserved. He greeted guests with a nod, remaining polite, his attention drifting frequently toward the business end of conversations.

Their two older daughters, Isobel and Genevieve, lounged on the velvet settees. Isobel, the practical one, was already married and a mother. She carried herself with calm assurance, her eyes kind but astute. Genevieve, more outgoing, with effortless elegance was engaged to a reputable lawyer, her voice a smooth cascade of charm.

At the center of this evening was the guest of honor: Madeline "Maddy" Thornton, aged twenty-five and the only child of the Thornton family, owners of a prestigious hotel chain. She had just returned from London, where she'd completed an MBA in hospitality management. Perched on the arm of Isobel's chair, she bathed in attention; bright smiles, perfectly timed laughter, and delicate flirtations.

Her entrance had been orchestrated by Jonathan Sr. an unofficial step toward the long-discussed uniting of two powerful families. Yet while others embraced her, Elias's absence cast a complicated shadow. He'd left for a supposed two-week business trip and had quietly extended it into a third week without a word to his family about the delay.

Clara noticed Maddy seated and smiling, but her practiced gaze lingered toward the now-empty hall. "Elias will be home soon," she murmured to Isobel, though her words held a question mark.

Isobel offered a comforting nod. "He's tied up in meetings. Jonathan saw him off at the airport."

"Maddy," Clara said more brightly, turning to the guest, "we're so happy to have you back. You've grown since London."

Maddy flashed a radiant grin. "Oh, thank you, Aunt Clara. It's wonderful to be back." She paused, her gaze flicking to the fireplace. "Elias isn't here yet?" Her tone was light, but a trace of disappointment shadowed the words.

Clara cleared her throat gently. "He's in the city for work. He won't be back until the end of the week."

Maddy tilted her head, forcing a warm expression onto her face. "That's only another week... I understand how business must be."

Jonathan interjected smoothly, voice even. "We are glad you could come so soon after finishing your diploma. Your father is delighted."

Maddy's eyes lit up. "Tell him I'm excited to discuss our partnership; my hotel, his management company. I've prepared some proposals."

Jonathan beamed. "Your father will be proud."

Her tone flickered almost unguarded. "He should be."

Isobel sauntered over, murmuring about refreshments. "A glass of champagne, Maddy?"

Maddy tucked a strand of hair behind her ear with practiced grace. "Just water, please."

Isobel returned with crystal flute. Maddy sipped it elegantly.

Behind the formality, the undercurrent was tense. Maddy was here to solidify an alliance; but Elias, with his world-weary reserve and sparse interest, was the linchpin she truly needed.

Soon, Jonathan Sr. turned to the attendants. "Let's move to the dining room." The ladies stood. Maddy practically glided into Isobel's arm.

Clara stepped out of the line and whispered to Genevieve, "I hope Maddy's deliberately charming, not cunning."

Genevieve softened. "She needs the alliance. She's not bad... but determined."

Jonathan Osender, never one for sensitive concerns, shrugged. "Elias sees her as a business contact. He'll remain polite."

Dinner was served in the formal dining room: roasted lamb, honey-glazed carrots, a silky potato gratin. Maddy answered questions with grace but steered conversation to Elias. "When will he return?" she asked again over wine. "I prepared some documents I'd love for him to see."

Jonathan Sr.'s jaw tensed slightly. "He arrives at the end of the week."

She smiled tightly. "I'm glad. I missed his company." Her eyes were steady; too steady.

Elias's absence grew louder with each gentle mention. He was the center of this quiet storm. Maddy kept her poise, but those watching noticed how her eyes followed every wood panel, as if expecting him to materialize.

At one point she excused herself to the powder room. Clara paused in her conversation with Genevieve, watching her go. "Do you really think she suits him?"

Genevieve inhaled slowly. "It's convenient. Business synergy. But I don't know if he's interested. We'll soon find out."

Not long after, the house became stiller, with conversation diffused and laughter measured. Maddy was seated between Clara and Isobel now; all eyes seemed to esperan for Elias's entrance. Clara checked her watch. "It's nearly nine."

Jonathan stood. "Perhaps I should go greet the driver?"

Isobel squeezed her mother's hand. "Not yet."

Maddy leaned forward, glass in hand. "If it's business, I can call him."

Clara frowned. "No. Let him arrive in his own time."

The silence that followed was thick. Maddy forced a polite smile. "I have so much I want to… discuss."

Jonathan took the cue. "Well, family first. After dinner we'll retreat to the drawing room for coffee and Vater's stories." He nodded to a butler. Maddy nodded, returning her gaze to the table, but inside, her composure faltered.

Others rose to exit the table. Soft piano notes drifted from the next room.

Isobel paused behind Maddy. "Clear your head back there? I'll get you some tea."

Maddy definitely nodded. As she left, Isobel's eyes held a question, but she then turned to join Clara and Genevieve moving ahead.

When the house was cleared of hushed voices, there was only anticipation: furniture taking Savile Row breath, portraits standing silent watch—and now Maddy alone, poised, as if waiting for Elias to walk around the corner.

....

Anya

Meanwhile, a different household woke quietly to a late alarm. The sun peeked through the curtains of the restaurant apartment; Anya pulled on her uniform pant and sneakers, mind already navigating the evening shift ahead.

She had missed Elias's messages that morning; his brief departure a reminder that their time together remained limited. She'd kissed his cheek at breakfast, whispered good luck, and raced out before realization settled.

At the restaurant, she signed in with a cheery "Hey Max," smoothing her dark hair into a ponytail. He looked at her sharply.

"Wow, someone looks... different," he said, scanning her expression.

She shrugged nonchalantly. "Probably just a good morning."

He arched an eyebrow. "Maybe. You're glowing."

She smiled tightly. "Nothing to that. Just ready for tables."

Elias's presence empty tonight hung behind her like a dream she couldn't shake. She shifted as a waitress moved past.

During the evening, table 14 gave her trouble; she dodged complaints and misplaced orders with an air of calm efficiency. Max covered her back twice, and she caught him smiling when she handed a citrus dessert with extra flair.

.....

Back at the Harrington Estate

Inside the drawing room, tea was once again served with practiced grace. This time, the weather was warmer, and the windows were cracked open to let in a late afternoon breeze. It was Maddy's second visit this week; her return to the household marked by the same rituals, though something felt subtly shifted.

Isobel poured the tea with the same motherly precision as always. Genevieve chattered easily about a charity auction she'd been invited to. The silver clinked. The porcelain gleamed.

Maddy sat, poised with her glass of water again; no tea this time, though she held the cup for appearance. Conversations turned to philanthropic events, art openings, and seasonal garden plans. Familiar, harmless subjects.

That was, until Jonathan Sr. cleared his throat and nodded to the butler.

"Would anyone like port?"

Maddy nodded delicately. "Please."

As the butler stepped out, Clara shifted slightly in her chair and turned to her.

"Are you feeling settled back in?" she asked. "London must have been… different."

Maddy's eyes softened. For once, her tone wasn't curated. "It was incredible—and lonely."

Clara nodded, kind and reflective.

"That's the way of business. But family is always here."

There was a pause, long enough for the faint sounds of the city beyond the windows to creep in.

Then Clara leaned forward slightly, lowering her voice.

"Have you spoken to Elias?"

Maddy exhaled quietly. "He was supposed to return yesterday."

Jonathan Sr.'s jaw ticked, though his voice remained smooth.

"He extended his stay. A few things came up on-site."

Maddy's gaze darted to the empty hallway. "I want to see him."

Clara offered a patient, practiced smile.

"He'll be back by the end of the week. He's still caught up in city business."

Maddy's hand trembled slightly around her glass. She lowered it to the coaster, her smile tight. "Of course," she said, voice even. "I'll wait."

But the air in the room cooled a fraction, as if everyone noticed her pause.

...

In the quiet hall, Isobel turned. "She doesn't like waiting."

Genevieve shook her head. "Few do. That, or she just cares more than she lets on."

Soon everyone moved toward the front hall to settle; soothing laughter, fanning applause.

Clara whispered softly to Jonathan Sr., "He'll be home soon."

He glanced at the portraits. "He'll come.