An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Christopher eagerly opened the gift box. But his smile instantly vanished when he saw what was inside. The box contained no precious gift or token of affection but plain white silk. Christopher raised an eyebrow and asked, “Is this the gift you prepared?”

“What’s the matter, Father? Don’t you like it?” Gage remained calm and humble. “Do you like it?” Christopher’s expression grew stern. He exclaimed, ” Look what you gave me!”

He threw the gift box to the floor, where it cracked open, and the white silk spilled out. The guests in the banquet hall were astounded. “What’s going on? Why would anyone give the birthday person white cloth?”

“That’s not a white cloth. It’s a white silk used for hanging.”

“White silk? That’s strange. Why would anyone give that?” “No wonder General Murray was upset. I would be, too. What the hell is Gage thinking?”

Whispers and puzzled looks spread through the room. The previously friendly atmosphere grew increasingly tense.

“Why did you give this, Gage?” Edgar asked with a frown.

back. It’s embarrassing!” Caden scolded. The gift

Father doesn’t like my

up the white silk and ignored

and smiled. “This white silk once belonged to my late wife. I’ve held onto it

especially the Murray family. Their facial

mention it. They thought Gage had returned to make amends with

the meaning of this? Why are you bringing it up now?” Edgar scolded. He turned to Christopher and pleaded, ” Dad, please don’t be

I don’t talk about it, does that mean what happened then never happened?” Gage smiled. He then added, “Do you remember, Father? Your actions led to my

my birthday but to seek justice?” Christopher was unsure

“Father, if you repent and admit your

out in anger, slapping Gage across the face. He said, “Today is Dad’s

wiped the blood from

responsible for my wife’s death. He destroyed my life and turned it into a living nightmare.