Saxe Hendrix Mondragon

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Damn, this challenge. It's a kid's game, but here I am, becoming one of them.

"Have you lost it?" Elle looked at me suspiciously. Her face and shirt were coated in thick flour, and a few specks of glue were mixed with paper cuttings in her hair. She was in a grave mess, and I knew who was the culprit.

"I'm pretty sure it was in my pocket." I kept checking my pockets, and there was no way I had lost it.

"Damn! Did I drop it?" My shoulder sagged. Now, that little lunatic will grill me tonight.

"You dropped it? Oh God, Hendrix!" she grunts, rolling her eyes in frustration. "Axton will kill you."

I paused, considering whether it had slipped out of my pocket, then bit my lower lip while placing both hands on my hips. "I think it jumped out of my pocket, Elle," I said sarcastically.

"What the. . . Are you kidding me? That was special, you know. Liam made it. It was a limited edition of G-Dragon. It was made of gold! I can't believe you lost it, Hendrix. Poor Greenburg." She turned around, wiping her hands on the side of her pants. I quickly followed her, looking in each direction, making sure that Axton was not in the area.

"Don't worry, Axton is taking a shower."

She made her way to the kitchen, where the maids efficiently cleaned up the mess. They worked diligently like robots, and within a minute, the entire place was spotless. Elle reached for the cold lemonade on the table and took a sip.

"Thank you, Maria!" She raised the glass and finished it. "Oh, that was good." She spun around and untied the apron, and one of the maids promptly handed her a fresh set of clothes.

"I need to take a shower before Axton finishes. Just wait in the garden. I'll be there in five minutes!" She hurriedly ran towards the bathroom.

I sighed. She didn't even give me time to explain that I couldn't stay here longer because my mother was coming to the estate tonight for dinner.

I head outside, checking the garden. I smile in silence when I see the majestic fountain in this part. I remember the day the first time I saw Eleanor. She was captivating, young, and innocent. When my father introduced me to her, she couldn't even believe I existed. She was amazed.

"I'm done!"

Her voice interrupted my imagination, and I turned to see her approaching. Her hair was still wet, and she wrapped it in a towel, twisting it into a bun.

"Here. Take this." She handed me something. It was a G-Dragon. It is the same color as mine, but this one has no initial.

"I never thought you've got an extra?"

"Well, I managed to keep one for myself. However, that one doesn't have your initial... Liam gave me this as a replacement for yours. However, it's not the same as yours. You need to find yours. I won't forgive you if you can't find it."

"Yes, I know," my shoulder dropped. "I will look around the mansion. Maybe I left it there. Thank you for this. I will return this soon," I said, putting the G-Dragon inside my pocket.

"By the way, Madame Violette is searching for a professional matchmaker with a dignified reputation."

My forehead creased. Why the hell is my mother looking for a matchmaker now? Is she looking for a husband?

"What for? Is she dating?" My lips form a thin line.

She laughed, adjusting her skirt. "Are you kidding me? Your mother isn't dating. It's for you!"

My mouth opened slightly, and I chuckled. What the heck!

"You can't blame your mother. Your reputation with all the beautiful ladies out here has rocked the nation. Do you want to know what they said about you? They said that no one lasted with you because you are ruthless and that you treated all your ex-fiancée like shit! Can't you believe that!?" She crossed her arms above her chest, looking furious.

"I understand why you broke all your engagements with them. They all only look good physically, but they can't even touch the rag to wipe the floor and clean the table. Yes, they're classy and came from a reputable family, but my God! Are those women even in your choices?" She looked at me in disappointment.

"You have poor taste in choosing a partner. Try not to focus on superficial qualities. It does not matter if she's a daughter of nobles or not. What matters is the heart," she said, pointing at her chest.

"Use that, Hendrix," she said, pointing her finger at my chest. "And not that head!" she added, pointing to my forehead.

I slightly shook my head and chuckled. Eleanor is a character. She's got no filter when it comes to this. She will tell you straight away if she doesn't like you at all. And for me, that's the most admirable quality I want for a woman.

"I told your mother about the most reputable matchmaker in Eden. I only heard about her from my mother. She told me that Rosy's marriage matches were all successful. They're all happily in love."

"I'm not interested." I turned my back, getting ready to head back. I will see Axton before leaving for home. I can't stay long. Mum is probably waiting for me. I promised her dinner tonight. Thank you for this!" I winked before getting inside.

"Good luck!" she yelled out, and that was it.

I had a quick conversation with Axton. He's a clever boy. He suspected something was missing from me, and when he asked for the G-Dragon, I showed it to him but never displayed it all. He probably saw only the head of it. He was okay right after that and continued his playful routine.

When I returned to the mansion, Butler Michaello greeted me and announced my arrival to my mother. I quickly adapted to the change. It has become a regular occurrence for me. Even though I am no longer part of Findlaech-Crinain's household, my mother still keeps an eye on me.

I was the son who bore all her secrets. The limelight was too much for her, and to create a scandal would be her downfall. Her parents arranged her marriage to my so-called father to conceal her pregnancy. I have no connection to my father. We are not blood-related, but he treated me like his own. He is a great ruler of Castleburgh, and he alone has a secret that must be kept.

"Finally, you are home."

My body whirled around to see my mother's voice behind me. I had not yet tied my necktie when she came closer, wearing her motherly, loving smile.

"My son. . . You've grown so tall over the years, and I kept forgetting that you are getting older." She adjusted my tie, running her fingers along the side of my top to straighten it.

"What are you up to nowadays? Why is it so hard to catch up with you?"

"Not much, Mom. Just handling some business and then hanging out with the boys."

She nodded, not convinced of what I said.

Bryce and Diezel are in the country. I haven't seen them, but maybe we will catch up in the next few days. The business keeps me moving around and busy, and I like it that way.

"Saxe, I want you to settle down, son. I'm not getting younger anymore. I want to see you settle down with the right woman before I leave this world."

"Mom, I'm interested," I walked past her, and she followed me.

"Is there any particular woman you like? Tell me. What about Gracie? Lucinda? They came from a very reputable family, son. They're the best candidate I see."

I stopped and looked back at my mother. "I've had enough of arranged dating, Mom. I can handle things on my own. Don't worry. It will come," I said with a wink.

"But when? If I do not arrange a date for you, nothing will happen!"

"It's not your job, mom. Just quit. I will find a way."

She sighed, almost losing her balance. She touched her forehead as her grip tightened on the handle of the stairs. I hold her quickly, making sure that she's not going to faint like the last time.

"You certainly know how to give me a headache."

I held her tightly and said, "I'm sorry, Mom," in a calm manner.

"If you are truly sorry, then you should meet Rosy Stewart. This will be my final favor, and I won't bother you anymore." She stood firm and took my hands off her.

"Dinner is getting cold," she said coldly before walking away.

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c.m. louden