บท 25: 25. Benjamin is Here
When she reached home, a limited edition sports car was parked in front of the Zane mansion. Alexandra was puzzled, who's here?
When she entered the house, the atmosphere was a little tense and she could see Sir Dominic Zane standing in front of the fireplace, staring at the mantelpiece. As she approached her father, suddenly a soft voice sounded from the side.
"Alex!" Alexandra turned and almost stumbled in her steps due to shock. Benjamin's here!
She immediately ran to him and hug him tight. He caressed her head and kissed her forehead before releasing her.
"When did you arrive? I didn't expect you to be here so soon." Alexandra asked.
"Alex, have you forgotten about your father?" Sir Dominic's stern voice could be heard.
Alexandra quickly went over to her father and hugged him before muttering an apology.
"When did you arrive, Benji?" Alex walked over to Benjamin again and repeated her question.
"Just a few minutes ago. We're waiting for you to have dinner together." Her father interrupted before Benjamin could answer. He cast a quick glance at the two of them before walking into the dining room.
Benjamin nodded to Alexandra when the girl looked at him for confirmation.
Sensing her father's displeasure, Alexandra docilely followed her father to the dining room while Benjamin walked silently beside her. He reached for her hand and squeezed it to reassure her that everything will be alright. Alexandra looked up and smiled at him.
The dinner was torturous for Alexandra. She kept glancing at her father and also at Benjamin. Her father had a serious look the whole time while Benjamin looked so relax as if he's just a bystander here. 'How can he be so calm? Father is clearly unhappy that he's here.'
Sir Dominic didn't utter a word during dinner. However, after they were done eating, he looked at Benjamin and said, "Your Highness, please follow me." He then turned and walked ahead.
Benjamin immediately stood up but Alexandra quickly held his arm, looking worried. She had never seen her father acted like this before. Benjamin patted her hand and smiled at her. He then proceeded to follow Sir Dominic to his study. Alexandra bit her lower lip in anxiety and went to the living room to wait for the two of them.
"Would you like a drink, Your Highness?" Sir Dominic asked while pouring himself a glass of drink.
"Please Sir Dominic, you can call me Benjamin. Thank you but I don't drink." Benjamin answered politely.
"Very well. Benjamin, let's get straight to the point. Why are you here today?" Sir Dominic asked while gesturing to Benjamin to take a seat.
"I am here to seek your formal approval to date Alex, Sir Dominic." Benjamin's face was full of determination when he said that.
"Did she tell you my concerns?" Sir Dominic took a sip of his drink before asking.
"Not in detail." Benjamin replied curtly.
"I know all about your background, your family and the connection your family has with the Royal Family of Northernlands. I don't want Alex to be entangled with any internal conflicts your family may have with the other royal family members, be it now or in the future." Benjamin sighed when he heard what Sir Benjamin said.
"I understand. Sir Dominic, since young I have been raised abroad and not until recently that I went back to stay with my family, all because of my brother's accident. As you know, he is now married and soon, we will have an heir to inherit his title in the future. As a second born prince, although I am eligible, I have never been interested and my family knew of my stand in this matter. That's also one of the reasons why I wasn't raised in the royal family when I was young nor was I trained as one. I fell in love with Alex because I can afford to do so, my parents do not decide who my life partner is. Sir Dominic, I truly love Alex, more than my life. I hope you can bless our relationship."
Sir Dominic closed his eyes and was silent for a few minutes before speaking.
"Benjamin, all I ever wanted is to see Alex happy without a care in world, she deserves that life. She has worked so hard to be where she is today and she still has a long way to go to achieve what she truly aspire to be. When I got her engaged to Zachary Croft before this, our families had reached an understanding that Alex would continue her career in the medical field and she would continue to do that as long as she wishes to. Marriage will not stop that. You and Alex didn't have any formal relationship before this except well, as an employer and employee. Don't even get me started on that, it's too bizarre and I would only attribute that to a move made by a man desperately in love. Now that she has found you again, I am not going to be the heartless father who would stand in his daughter's happiness. What I truly wish is for you to give space to Alex to do whatever she wants in her life. As for marriage, I feel you might already be thinking about it, but probably you should speak to Alex first. Moving to another country is a big move and might impact her current progress. Well, unless of course you'd be willing to stay. I wouldn't mind to train you as a successor to Zane Corp."
Benjamin smiled at his last statement, although it should be a joke but looking at this older gentleman who spoke with such a serious tone, Benjamin felt that he might be dead serious about it. However, regarding everything else that Sir Dominic has said, Benjamin knew that he needed to consider Alexandra's point of view in this matter.
"Yes, you're right Sir Dominic. Don't worry, I will definitely discuss everything thoroughly with Alex and I won't make her do anything she doesn't want to. As for now, do I have your blessings to our relationship?" Benjamin said with anticipation.
"Just don't break her heart. If you do, I don't care what your status is, I will come after you myself." Sir Dominic took a gulp of his drink and said that to Benjamin with a cold look on his face.
Benjamin nodded and smiled gratefully to the man in front of him. They continued chatting for a few more minutes before Sir Dominic sent him off. "Go on, that girl would probably think that I've beaten you up if you don't go out soon."
Benjamin chuckled and left the room promptly.
"Benji, what did my father say?" Alex ran to him when she saw Benjamin walked out of her father's study.
"Alex, can we go somewhere to talk?" Benjamin asked her instead.
"Yes, let's go." With that, she held his hand and led him upstairs, impatient to know what they had discussed earlier.
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