A MAZE OF GREED

A brown carriage made up of wood halted on the grounds of 'the great manor'. Two men stepped outside when the O'Dell family was having their breakfast. A maid informed the family about the arrival of their guests, who were none other than the duo of Wright father and son.

Everyone was ready to welcome them but the most excited people were Elsie and Eloise. As soon as she got to know that Lester was here, Elsie felt a nervousness settled in the pit of her stomach but it was nowhere near uncomfortableness. Eloise was sharp to notice her sister's sudden change of demeanour.

After five minutes, Mr Wright walked into the room where everyone was midway into their breakfast, followed by his son Lester.

"Welcome, Lord Wright!" Augustus stood up as he hugged Mr Wright. They didn't show their close bond to the world who was aware of their long-lasted friendship but they were more than that. They were like family and greeted each other warmly instead of following any formalities.

Lester's green eyes eagerly searched for Elsie's sweet face and as soon as they found her sitting in between Eloise and Edwin, he couldn't help but smile brightly. Edwin stood up and hugged his childhood friend.

"Welcome, dear friend! It was a pleasant surprise to have you here." Edwin said after they pulled apart. He nodded in respect to Lester's father. "Hello, Lord Wright!"

"Good morning, Lord Wright!" Theodora greeted with a perfect smile plastered on her face.

"Good morning, Milady!" Mr Wright replied with a smile.

"Come on, have a breakfast with us." Augustus said.

"No... no. We don't want to eat anything just now after the long journey. We will have something later." Mr Wright said.

Augustus nodded in understanding.

"Why don't you gentlemen go and sit in the chamber and I will arrange for some fruits to send there. I am sure you both must be tired after the journey." Theodora suggested.

By her order, Fannie took the father and son to their respective chambers. She also arranged everything according to their needs then left. The O'Dell family resumed eating. But Elsie's corners of lips were drawn down a little. She was not sure what she was expecting but it made her sad that Lester didn't talk to her or acknowledged her except glancing at her a couple of times.

After they were done with the breakfast, Augustus sent a message for Mr Wright to meet him in his study. Edwin decided to go and see Lester. A new and comfortable company was what he needed.

Edwin came to halt in front of a door then knocked lightly on it. Within few moments the door was opened and Lester appeared. He had changed into different and comfortable clothes after getting freshened up.

"Hello, brother. Come inside." Lester said with a smile as he beckoned Edwin to follow him inside the room.

Edwin was a little taken aback at his choice of word. It had been years that someone had called him as brother aside from Eloise and Elsie. This was how the two men used to address each other in their childhood.

Edwin followed Lester who took him into a porch that faced the garden. Two chairs were placed with a table in the middle. As they sat on the chairs, a maid appeared at the doorstep with a tray in her hands.

"Milord, Lady Theodora have sent some fruits and tea for you." She said meekly while her eyes flickered to her young master, who had his face set into the expressionless mould. His eyes held a lazy look as he waited for her to leave.

Lester noticed a blush creeping the maid's face when her eyes met Edwin's. A smirk appeared on Lester's face and he shooked his head a little thinking his friend still had that charisma with him.

He cleared his throat to gain back the maid's attention. "Keep it here and leave. And close the door."

The maid did as she was told and again glanced in Edwin's way but he had his face turned towards the other side.

"Do you need anything else, milord?" She asked.

"No. Please leave." Lester said then waited till he heard the sound of the closing of the door.

He picked up a cup of tea and stared at Edwin who was still looking at the garden with unknown thoughts swirling in his head.

"Are you going to say something or keep staring at me?" Edwin said with a slight irritation in his tone.

"Shouldn't it be I to ask that question?" Lester said with a cocked brow.

Edwin sighed. "How are you? What's going on?"

"I am as fine as I look. And for your next question, there are different possible answeres, depending on in what sense you are asking."

Edwin hated when his friend acted all smart. Lester knew that something was bothering Edwin and if he asked him straightforwardly about it he would not utter a word. So he decided to take a different way to make his friend spill the beans.

"How you and your father came here unannounced?" Edwin asked slouching back in the chair.

"Ouch! Aren't you happy that I am here?" Lester put the cup down and watched his friend with a smirk.

Edwin rolled his eyes. "No, I am not! Is this answer fine with you?"

Lester laughed. "Keep denying your love for me."

Edwin cast an annoyed glare at Lester that made him sobered up. Suddenly his face became serious.

"You don't know why we are here?"

Edwin sensed a change in Lester's mood. He knew what he was trying to say but chose to let Lester speak.

"I think you are aware of the recent happenings in our lands." Lester's green eyes pierced through Edwin's cerulean blue ones.

Edwin turned his head and hummed in response.

After a couple of moments, he heard Lester say, "you shouldn't have done that, Edwin."

Edwin's jaw clenched and eyes hardened. He abruptly stood up to leave muttering, "I shouldn't have come here."

"Sit down, Edwin." Lester's words made him stop but when he didn't sit Lester again said, "I said sit down."

His voice came commanding.

Edwin slowly sat down again but didn't look at his friend. He was fuming with anger. But Lester on the other hand was composed with a calm face.

"I said you shouldn't have done that but I never said I don't understand why you did that."

That made Edwin's head snapped in his direction. His straight brows creased in the middle. "You... do?" He asked in a whisper.

Lester nodded his head. He scooted near to Edwin as he placed his hand on Edwin's knee. "Edwin, we are childhood friends. I have known you for almost all of our lives. I might be not a person who is close to you but I surely know everything about you."

Edwin watched his friend in bewilderment because he didn't expect this reaction from him.

"Initially when I got the news, I was mad at you for acting recklessly but when I gave it more thought, I understood why you acted that way. I don't know if it matters to you or not but I want you to know that I am with you brother. Every time you will look, you will find me beside you, no matter what the situation is." Lester said earnestly.

Edwin was stunned. He thought with the gap of more than ten years, the dynamics of their friendship might have changed. He didn't know what he was thinking when he came to meet Lester some time ago. All he knew was something in his heart compelled him to go talk to Lester.

He was doubtful about him coming here but now that doubt was replaced with pure affection.

Edwin gulped as all their childhood memories crowded in his head making him emotional.

"Thank you.... brother!"