The following weekend, Xander had to attend yet another party to meet another girl of his father’s choosing. His father pulled him aside from the crowd and spoke to him out on the balcony of the mansion. It overlooked a luscious green field where by day, the horses would gallop and the families in the neighbouring mansions that surrounded the paddock would often use this as part of their hobby activities; horse riding. It was only afternoon, and the sky was an orange tinge from the setting sun.

“They’re all beautiful, father, but I cannot ask them,” he said, leaning forward on the balcony railing as he gazed out to the peaceful scenery. “I do not want to marry a woman whom I don’t genuinely love, I cannot make a woman happy, if I don’t genuinely love her. We would destroy each other.” His voice became more softer as he spoke of the latter.

His father looked out to the horizon, his son’s words lingering in his mind as he, too, is painfully aware of what Xander is going through. He huffed lightly as he placed a supporting hand on Xander’s shoulder. “What if you get to know them, Xander? Would you give it more thought?”

Xander turned his gaze to his father, his face slightly expressionless as he spoke. “I have no interest in getting to know them. They all giggle the same way whenever they’re approached by a rich man, they all gossip about things they hear, and they brag. And how do I know this? I’ve heard their conversations as I pass by, and they make no effort to keep their high-pitched voices down.” He stopped himself from talking further as he could feel himself heat up in frustration and was about to take it out on his father. “Sorry father, this is just really... Frustrating...” he sighed, cupping his face into his hands.

His father didn’t argue, he simply nodded and patted Xander on the shoulder. “I’m sorry, son. I’m forcing you to make a huge decision in such a short amount of time. But please, be strong, be resilient. I am sure that one of the last three girls you meet will be to your liking.”

Xander shifted his gaze onto his father’s greyed emerald eyes; the man looked much older than he last remembered now that he was looking at his father closely. The dark shadows under his eyes showed the stress of work and lack of sleep he’s been through the past few months. Xander forced a smile, hoping to ease some of the stress on his father’s mind, and spoke in a much calmer tone. “I will try, father, for your sake.”

His father smiled, “Come now, Xander, our host is wondering where we have disappeared to.”

With a nod he followed his father into the ballroom where all the other guests were. As he entered the room, a small figure in a lilac gown raced passed him, almost bumping him, and headed out to the balcony in haste. He did a double take as he thought he saw the golden eyes of the young lady he met in the garden earlier that week. Impossible, he told himself, she’s a gardener – a worker, this party is exclusive to all the wealthy families. Brushing it off as a result of him lacking sleep from the stress of marriage candidates, Xander returned to the party and forced himself to socialise.