Alan King

Sophia

“Good evening, Sir.” I smiled gently at the old man standing in front of me. He was beaming with authority, making me address him with the utmost respect.

“Good evening.” He greeted us back, offering me his hand, which I gladly accepted. “It’s Alan for you. We are family now, after all.”

“Evening, Dad,” Kieran said curtly, and I didn’t miss the coldness in his voice.

So, the impression I had about their relationship when I first saw them together wasn’t that wrong. I remembered thinking the same at Ellie’s wedding reception, but it wasn’t exactly the day when my mind was at its clearest.

Alan led the way to the dining room, with Kieran and me following behind. I used the chance to look around and admire the exquisite interior. I had to admit it was cozier than Kieran’s; it had that ‘woman’s touch,’ a warmth of sorts, and it got me wondering…

We sat at the table set for three people, and the atmosphere made me slightly uncomfortable. Questions would be asked tonight, questi