Knocking at the Harringtons

Passing through

Edward Harrington had just returned from a long morning of back-to-back meetings. His mind was preoccupied with countless responsibilities, the business, his son, and Amaya.

There was a lot to do as he was head of the family business. Vivian's father, Marshall had stepped down as CEO, so he passed the rains down to Edward, his son in law. Afterall, Alexander, Marshall's adopted son had tragically died 14 years prior. Till this day there was an unfilled void left in the family. A void Edward tried to fill.

He had entered his study, a room lined with towering shelves filled with old leather books and drapes that blocked out most of the midday light. He sighed as he loosened his tie and sank into the large armchair.

Shortly after Vivian entered; her heels clicked against the hardwood floor as she approached her husband. "Rough morning," she asked, her voice gentle.

"Nothing out of the ordinary, just business," he answered.

"That's not all, Edward. I know you well enough," she said softly.

Edward looked away as he thought of the conversation he had with his son yesterday. How, and when did Sebastian find out about him and Veronica? He had to contain this information at all costs.

"You're right," Edward admitted, rubbing his temples. "It's Sebastian, he is becoming difficult. He needs to learn some damn respect," his voice flared with frustration. "He is 18 and should know better."

Vivian remained silent, watching her husband while sitting in the chair opposite him, crossing her legs. She'd sensed the tension between them for weeks now. However, she didn't want to insert herself in the situation too much, causing more trouble. She already had enough trouble connecting with her son.

"Maybe this is about Veronica, Edward," Vivian said. Edwards' face darkened at the mention of the girl. "What about her?" He asked, trying to keep his voice neutral, though his stomach turned.

"I mean they broke up, so this is probably his way of coping, Ed." Her voice was soft.

Veronica had mentioned something to Edward about them breaking up, but he never assumed it had something to do with his son's discovery about him. He felt his stomach tighten as he tried keeping his composure. He needed to move on from the topic.

"And then there's Amaya," he said, shaking his head. "I still think it's best if Sebastian doesn't know she's Alexander's daughter. If this gets out it'll only cause more disruption. We don't need more scandals."

Vivian's brow furrowed slightly. "Edward, you know that's not true. Sooner or later, the truth will come out. She isn't just some exchange student."

"Vivian—" Edward interrupted sharply, his voice laced with warning. "Let it go."

Vivian stiffened, taken aback by his sudden tone. Something about his reaction didn't sit right.

"Fine," she replied, her tone measured. "I'll let it go, for now. But remember, Amaya is family, not just passing through. Sebastian deserves to know."

Edward's expression remained unchanged as she rose to leave. She hesitated in the doorway, glancing back with a trace of concern. "We can't keep brushing things under the rug, Edward. Think of Sebastian. He doesn't even seem to eat anymore."

Vivian was concerned about her family's state, but knew this conversation was going nowhere, so she turned to leave. "We can't keep brushing things under the rug like this, Edward. Think of your son. He doesn't even seem to eat anymore," she said walking out.