The Spare To The Throne

Chapter 31: The Visitors

Firm knocks come at the office door and simultaneously Xavier and I turn our heads.

"Come in." Xavier answers.

Edwin's head pops in through the door. "Sir, you have company downstairs."

At the sound of this, my ears perk up. It's strange to think that Xavier could have visitors due to how isolated he lived. He loved his privacy, yet doesn't want to give me mine.

It's been so long since I'd actually seen Edwin, I had to do a double-take. He looked the exact same as the day we first met. His butler vest is wrinkle free and so were his pants. I'm reminded of Alice, and wonder what she's up to. Perhaps Xavier will send me to her while he tends to his guests. The thought of someone actually being here excited me. I wanted to know who it was, but I don't dare ask. It wasn't my business.

"Thank you Edwin, you can be on your way now."

Edwin turns and gives me a slight nod, as if to acknowledge my presence. I smile in response. His head retracts and I hear his footsteps fade down the hall. Xavier stands, running a hand through his silky hair. It was a personal habit for him and he seemed to do it whenever stressed or tired. He lifts the the wrists of his button down shirt, checking his watch gravely.

"Accompany me." he says but it sounds more like a question.

Stunned, I respond. "Okay."

I sense of nervousness envelopes me and suddenly I feel self-conscious.

I stand up and follow him out the office door. The sound of an unfamiliar voice echoes through the house and the closer we drew towards the stairs, the clearer the voice became. Xavier grabs my hand suddenly, intertwining our hands. I crease my brows in confusion. My stomach flutters anxiously and I pull away. A look of pain flashes across his face but the expression is fleeting. It's gone too soon for me to decipher and I question if I was tripping.

From the top of the stairs I can see Xavier's guest. A man and a woman. They're heads turn, no doubt to Xavier's dominating appearance. It was like walking beside someone prominent while being the entourage. His conspicuous presence didn't ask for your attention, it demanded it. My stomach churns with every step I take, padding beside his exuberant frame.

Whoever these people were, they were upscale. High in class and business oriented. They're stylish clothes exuded confidence and it felt intimidating.

"Hakeem," Xavier grins, wrapping his free arm around the man dressed in black skinny jeans and a well tailored blazer. The man was tall, close to Xavier's height and his jovial sharp attitude was almost infectious. And for the second time again today, Xavier beamed from ear to ear. Glancing at the brunette who stood silently by Hakeem's side, I can't help but take in her appearance also. She wore a lovely red lace maxi dress. Her smile was charming and striking at the same time. Her features were doll-like. Her beauty was effervescent and her smile is courteous.

Xavier and Hakeem pull apart and I fascinate myself with the marble flooring of the house.

"Hakeem this is Farrah, Farrah - Hakeem." Xavier introduces, interrupting my frivolous task of staring at nothing in particular. Instantly, Hakeem extends his hand out to me and I shake it. I take in Hakeem's face. His features are alluring and so was his personality. His dimples are distractingly quirky and his clean-shaven face is chocolate toned. He was handsome-dashing even. But he didn't come close to Xavier. The thought of their comparison takes me aback, and I scold myself mentally.

"It's nice to meet you," he greets warmly. "This is Willow, my wife." he beckons towards the pretty brunette and the girl moves closer to Hakeem, letting his arm snake around her waist loosely. They fit each other well, like matching puzzle pieces and for a split second I think of Xavier.