The Solution To The Problem

"So," Leander cleared his throat and looked at Evander with a stern warning. His tone became harsher, and his facial muscles contracted as he remembered the state of the maid he saw earlier. "Just don't continue to kill anyone resembling her…" Leander's voice trailed off as his mother's eyes met his.

Her hands holding Evander's cheeks trembled and with a slight stumble, she walked to Leander. Her eyes were wide, and a pool of tears collected on her lower eyelid. She wetted her lips, and her voice was shaky.

"He is hurting. Hence, he did that. You know him, don't you? He's not being himself. I advised him and he…It's not him!" she placed her hands on his shoulder. "It's all that woman's fault. She broke him. He just needs healing. Now that she is dead, Evan would behave," she turned to look at Evander. "Won't you, son?"

Leander clenched his jaws. His mother was so worried that he will tell on his brother, she had already forgotten that he is hurt in the shoulder. She must feel the thick bandage on his shoulder, or she didn't, as she was so busy talking for Evander.

Their grandfather won't like what Evander did to the maid working in their house. Despite living lawless, their family adhered to certain principles. People working in their family and are loyal to them are considered their extended family.

And families don't hurt themselves. Don Peter hated in-fighting.

And that's why he had to use that woman's name to eliminate Ben that day. He didn't want his grandfather to know that he killed his brother's spy. If he knows that Evander is spying on him, he will be very sad and angry.

The shooting pain originating from the wound almost made him faint, but Leander smiled as his mother's eyes fell on him once more. The pain and utter panic in her eyes… He couldn't bear to see it.

"I know my brother will be fine, mom," he took a step back.

As much as he wanted to be in his mother's embrace, the pain was so unbearable. He didn't want to hurt his mother by fainting in front of her.

"Leander," Viola said looking at him. She was not bothered by him keeping a distance from her.

She took in a deep breath and folded her arms over her chest. As she did that, she became different. The soft smile that lingers on her face when she looks at Evander and the frown that was hanging by the corners of her lips some time ago as she talked about Evander's pain was no more.

She looked stoic, like a stern mother who was about to admonish her child, or more like a headmistress of a boarding school. She was just missing a stick in her hand.

But it didn't matter for Leander. His mother was looking at him! She was looking at him as if they are the only people in the room. For a moment, Leander thought that he has his mother just for himself.

Viola continued, her tone smooth and deep. "I don't want to see you causing any disturbance for your big brother. Not in these times, not ever. He still is the next in line and he commands your loyalty."

"I know, mother. My loyalty is to the family." He bowed to his mother. But his hands fisted to a ball.

He is saying that he is loyal. But he has the woman who hurt his mother on his bed and treats her. He prays for her survival every minute.

And he even found another woman who shared her appearance and killed her to make sure his family won't go for her. Her face is all smashed in as she was thrown fifteen stories down. But she has the same dark hair. It would be believable that the unknown woman is Viviana Mattias.

'Aren't I a liar and a traitor?'

"I'll leave now."

Leander walked out of the room not before sparing a glance at his brother. His mother was not even looking at him. His heart broke as she wiped the tears down her face with her sleeves.

With his head bowed, Leander left the room. His mother is right. He cannot talk to his grandfather about Evander's deeds. Maybe he should give him one more chance.

After all, who is he to judge his brother when he is the biggest liar in the family?

As he got down the stairs dragging his steps, he saw the men who carried the body of the dead maid, beside the stairs. He wanted to urge them to take the body out before getting caught by Don Peter.

"Get her out..."

Don Peter's voice made him slow down his gait. He wanted to hide it from his grandfather and if he had learned it, what is the purpose of him hurrying?

He got to the foot of the staircase. The men covered the maid's body and carried it out.

Leander turned to his side hearing a loud sigh.

The guttural exasperated sigh from an old man he respected so much, hacked his heart. He should not be this stressed at his age. He remembered the little disagreement he had with his grandfather earlier.

Don Peter looked at Leander. He said nothing. The deep crow's feet around his eyes didn't hide the pain and disappointment in his eyes. He was not angry anymore. He was plainly disappointed. He was saying without words that he had no good grandson to make him happy.

Don Peter held out his hand. His wrinkly hand that had age spots was shaking yearning for support.

Leander bowed his head. He did not want to refuse his grandfather. But he cannot betray his heart by going against it. He cannot marry a child.

"So, it is like this…" Don Peter sighed once more. "I put all my trust on you, always… And…"

Leander didn't dare to look at his grandfather.

"Bring her here," Don Peter said. Leander whipped his head up to look at him.

"That woman… I want to meet her."

Hearing his grandfather's request, Leander's throat went dry it stung. He wanted to talk but he could only cough. "She's still sick. I fear she might pass her cold to you," he said, finally finding an appropriate response.

He didn't think that he would get in a bind like this. It was stupid of him. Of course, his family would get curious about the woman he keeps in his bachelor pad.

"After she gets well," Don peter was not relenting. His shaking hand was still extended, and his lips were trembling expecting his answer.

"Yes," Leander held his grandfather's hand and kissed his ring accepting his request.

His grandfather could have ordered him to bring that woman here, but he didn't. So, he is not doubting her. He is just curious about her.

But, she… Evander will know who she is!

On the way back to the Orchid Gardens, Leander thought about what could be done. His mother's tear-filled face lingered in his eyes. He fisted his hands as he reached a decision.

'I shall kill her! That would be the best solution!'