“Sebastian, what time do you call this?” My older sister, Evangeline hissed as I stepped into the foyer of the mansion. I was thirty minutes late for our weekly family dinner. Thanks to Nathaniel, the schedule was messed up, and I’ve spent the whole day trying to fix it. I took off my coat and allowed one of our butlers to take it away. Evangeline was still standing there, raising an eyebrow at me, “Well?”

“Fixing some things that happened this morning. Father knows about it.” I simply answered, walking past her into the hallway, “Is dinner ready?” Evangeline followed me in and pulled me into the kitchen.

“Have you forgotten about our guest?” She whispered. It was evident that dinner was already served in the dining room next door.

“Who?”

“Leader of the South Side Crew.” Kingsley. I sighed heavily and tried to search for some alcohol. Something to numb the growing pain in my head. Evangeline giggled and handed me a glass filled with red wine, “Relax, he and Father are in some intense conversation about their deal.” Kingsley and my Father have a ten-year-long friendship. Kingsley used to work for my Father before starting his own syndicate. Thanks to his ’ultimatum’ that he presented to me, things have become before more complicated. Now Kingsley is willing to abandon their friendship because I don’t want to sleep with him? Just thinking about the sticky situation that he has thrown us in, no pun intended, makes my blood boil.

“Do I have to go in there?” I asked. Evangeline rolled her eyes and dragged me into the dining hall. As I expected, my Father and Kingsley were sitting directly opposite each other, and the rest of the siblings were sitting around the family table. All eyes were on me when I walked in. Great, this is what I wanted.

“Sebastian, it’s great to see you! Great work today!” My Father greeted happily, lifting his wine glass to me. He was already a bit tipsy. Kingsley doesn’t drink, so he had a glass of water. I could feel his eyes piercing through me as he took a sip.

“I’m sorry, I’m late.” I apologised, with a slight bow.

“Don’t be silly! Come sit down with me and my guest, Kingsley.” I could feel myself cringe inside. How could this evening get any more awkward? I ignored the typical glares from my older brothers, Jason and Davis. My heart sank when I saw an empty chair next to Kingsley. He smiled and patted his hand down on the seat. I hesitated to sit down until I looked at my Father. He was so happy to have Kingsley around, they were such good friends. I didn’t want to ruin that. In defeat, I sat down next to him.

“I haven’t seen you in a while.” Kingsley lied, greeting me with a pat on my shoulder. I almost shuddered at his touch.

“He’s grown so much, hasn’t he?” My Father said, “I’m so proud of watching you grow into an independent young man. It feels like yesterday when you were living with me, getting upset at all the curfews I gave you.”

“You have other children too, Father,” Jason muttered under his breath. Father wasn’t stupid and looked at my jealous brother.

“Of course, I love all my children. But you’ve been adults for so long, Sebastian only moved out two months ago. Of course, I’m going to worry about him.” Jason rolled his eyes and continued cutting his steak. I don’t know why he can’t let me have my moment of receiving Father’s praise.

The private chef served my plate, and I gave him my thanks. I’m not a big fan of eating all these fancy meals. However, my Father hates me not eating anything, so I tried my best. Despite being distracted by a mirror that was placed for Kingsley’s convenience behind my Father, which displayed our reflection. Kingsley’s gaze was fixated on me the whole time I was eating, and it was irritating me. There are other places to look at, and he’s meant to be talking to my Father. I’m surprised it hasn’t been noticed yet.

“So, Kingsley, my dear friend. How are your own projects going?” My Father started talking again after digesting most of his food.

“Excellent, thank you. I’ve just received some good products from the Lima suppliers actually.” Kingsley replied, giving me a secret glance.

“Yes, they’re brilliant, aren’t they? Pablo knows about quality. Have you spoken to him recently, Sebastian?” Pablo was my uncle from my mother’s side of the family. He was the leader of an organisation in Brazil and has been friends with my Father longer than Kingsley. Longer than I have lived on this planet.

“Not really.” I slowly answered, glancing at my siblings who seemed uncomfortable with the mention of his name. It’s tough being a half-brother to three full-blood siblings, especially when my mother’s family comes up. My Father’s wife, Keiko, is sitting right there. She was never fazed by the fact that my father cheated on her, and the result of that is sitting across from her. When she noticed my observation of her, she gently smiled at me. Keiko was so kind to me. I wonder how she really feels.

“Well, it’s good to keep your family close. Even when you don’t see them much,” My Father continued.

“Father, do we have to talk about this?” Jason muttered, slamming his glass down, “We get it. You love the Lima family.”

“Jason, I have told you to stop acting like this. You’re making Sebastian uncomfortable.”

“We’re not, but…”

“But nothing!” He yelled. Silence fell upon the room. Thanks for making it more awkward, Jason. I sighed and stood up.

“I need some fresh air, excuse me,” I informed Father with a slight bow and walked out. I couldn’t stand being there. It was suffocating. During times like this, I feel like an eyesore.