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.

Gage! Take it back. It’s embarrassing!” Caden scolded. The gift was an

doesn’t

the white silk and ignored the strange looks

it off and smiled. “This white silk once belonged to my late wife. I’ve held onto it for five years, always intending to give it to

shocked the people in the hall, especially the Murray family. Their facial expressions

it. They thought Gage had returned to make amends with his family. No one expected

up now?” Edgar scolded. He turned to Christopher and pleaded, ” Dad, please don’t be angry at Gage. He must

then added, “Do you remember, Father? Your actions led to my wife’s death. You pushed her to hang herself. You manage to tear us apart for

but to seek justice?” Christopher was unsure of his son’s

repent and admit your

out in anger, slapping Gage across the face. He said, “Today is Dad’s birthday. You can’t do that.

He wiped the blood from the corner of his

responsible for my wife’s death. He destroyed my life and turned