Ascent - Passion's Paradox - VOL.1

.15. Lawson Marshall

The sun is already high in the sky as the staff finishes setting up the golf course. It won't be long before the guests make their appearance. But in the meantime, here I am, facing a far worse ordeal than facing the entire upper crust of Manhattan on a microphone stage on a scandalous night.

"Nice shot. You've improved since the last time we played together, young Lawson."

I unravel and plant the club at my feet before turning to Alaistair Sinclair, complete with glasses and a thirty-thousand carats smile. With a silent head movement he invites himself to take my place. He tucks his sunglasses into his back pocket and works his rotation with the club he brought along. Behind him lamentably trails the butler Geoffrey and the golf bag.

"After the dismal defeat I suffered, I had to get better if I wanted to give back."

Alastair Sinclair chuckles quietly and, holding the grip of his driver with his hands, works on his swing without touching the ball on the tee. The strength of his swing effortlessly slices the air. He doesn't just look like a professional in this field, he is a master in this art.

"We will face each other on occasion. A second duel in the rules of art."

"I hope so."

Without warning, Alastair has already struck. His throw is powerful and the result of the ball's path is unprecedented. While we are on the tee shot of a par three, he drives the ball directly into the hole. Mouth agape, I take a step back, I can't believe it. It defies all laws of nature.

"It's an unnatural throw!"

"You flatter me," laughed Dorothy's father with false modesty. "It's nothing incredible, is it?"

"Nothing unbelievable?" I exclaimed.

If he doesn't roll his eyes, Geoffrey has already put a new base on the tee.

"You know, Lawson," his voice became more serious than it has ever been in my face as he got into position, "your marriage to my daughter is coming up. You will soon be part of our family. And Dorothy is the happiest."

The throw is identical to the previous one. A par-three made in one shot. Any golf enthusiast would scream impossible but what is happening is right in front of me.

The cold sweat runs down the back of my neck like an ice floe. I know it's not friendly and Alastair is not hiding it. We have never spoken so seriously. Alastair is not that kind. But this is about marrying his daughter.

"But I don't let just anyone carry the name Sinclair," he says in a voice so dark it makes me freeze. "And I've also heard of all your precedents. The frivolous ones as well as the dark ones."

If Geoffrey puts a bullet in me, at that very mention I jump forward in shock.

How did he-.

"Sir-" but he doesn't give me time to express myself, it's not a discussion, it's a monologue, a warning:

"You'll have to excuse me for snooping. I like to know who I'm dealing with. We've known each other for a long time and I consider you a son so I've never allowed myself to, but..."

The sound of wood hitting the ball echoes through the silence.

"I love my daughter more than anything in the world Lawson."

He doesn't look at the ball but we both know where it landed.

Those three pitches and his voice send a chill down my spine, and I know that if I make any mistakes, I will pay the price. Nevertheless, I keep my composure.

"She is a lovely girl with a heart of gold. I would never think of hurting her. Dorothy is also very important to me."

I know that in those words I lied as well as told the truth. Dorothy means a lot to me. She has been a part of me longer than I can say. But I don't love her in love. I don't want to hurt her, but Father gives me no choice. And I know that if I break her heart it won't be her fault but mine just like I can't let go of Neferu every time my mind drifts. I will end up hurting her, it is inevitable.