CHAPTER 002.

Two years ago, an old man who knew well of Kendrick's true identity and the situation that surrounded his background took him into the house so he wouldn't perambulate around the street, he had also made his beautiful step-daughter get married to him.

Ofcourse, Kendrick has been one of the very reasons why the Roger's family business is blooming until today, unknown to the average family who is surprised by the decision of the old man, and no one dares to challenge that decision because he is way too sick.

To make it worse, shortly after the marriage he died, keeping every family member in deep ignorance of his real reasons for bringing Kendrick home. Thus, like a battered rag, the family sees this to be a perfect opportunity to subdue him to servitude.

Kendrick was eventually turned into a live-in-son-in-law, good only for the serving, and made a house help for the whole family.

To escalate, it all, Despite Kendrick's reports to Kathrine Rogers, she has never taken any action instead she would feed him with curses and brimstone for lunch, humiliations and abuses for dinner.

Kendrick Peterson, who was cheerfully serving some minutes ago stood in shock, his heart shattered in many pieces as Katherine Rogers now fuming in provocation rained abuses on him, at an instance, she slapped him hard across the face, her hands landed swiftly on his eyes, he bent in pain as his eyes reddened.

"What useless and stupid Son-in-law are you? I remember sending a warning that you do not leave the kitchen today, but you wouldn't listen. You are too disgusting and useless for my liking." She screamed angrily.

" I apologize on his behalf, Grandma… I beg you pardon him for his foolishness, everyone knows he has been dumb from the onset." Blossom, one of Kendrick's in-laws stood up from her seat only to plead for him but in a humiliating manner.

A group of onlookers laughed hysterically as she dragged him away from Katherine's table.

The other cousins had always welcomed a moment like this, they stood up, dropping their cutleries.

"I knew Blossom would always want to save your poor ass from trouble, you dirty and sluggish thing." They scowled and jeered as Kendrick fumed a bit.

"Exactly my point, asides from making tasty meals and keeping the compound and rooms clean, what again do you have to offer?" Another voice blared, adding to Blossom's humiliating words, it was her brother Pascal.

"I've never seen a guy as dummy and broke as you are. You're a thorn to our flesh, so worthless, I can't imagine he seemed soft like some rich dude but broke like a peasant. Can he just get outta this hall..!.!. All he does is ruin our happiness each and every moment".

The bitter and abusive words rained on Kendrick, piercing through his eardrums like a sharp object, his face sullen but he remained calm. He took that chance to glance through the hall again, and still there was no sign of his missing rib. His reddened eyes scanned through the angry faces staring at him.

***********

As a member of the Peterson's family, they kept a rule that before anyone of them could gain a part of the family's independent wealth, such should prove that he or she is capable and worthy of it by withstanding hard times for some years.

Mr. Peterson, Kendrick's father had risen to the zenith of life to lead a consortium of the world's highest ranking billionaires, and now it was Kendrick's turn.

For him, he was to be subdued to the open skies, and like a roaming prey, he had worked tooth and nail without his parents for some years. He was required to abandon the fame and wealth he floated on, to the open streets without help, and experience the lifestyle of an average man.

Kendrick, unable to withstand the shame and humiliation in the hall, as everyone seemed to mock him. Romsey, one of Roger's extended relatives emptied a glass full of drink on him when Blossom dragged him closer to his table.

"SWOOSH"

The drink poured and rolled down Kendrick's face, staining the shirt he wore.

"That's a good one for a useless guy like him" Another voice commended Romsey while they laughed loudly.

In a haste, Kendrick fumed in slight annoyance as he bumped out of the hall, his heart heaving hard as he walked. The crescendo of humiliation reached its peak, his face burned with a mix of anger and shame.

"After all I've done for them, they'll always pay me back in a bad way" Kendrick whispered to himself as he moved, walking down the hallway which led to the rooms.

The cruel jest and mocking words seemed to echo from the marbled walls, each one a dagger to his heart. His heart once buoyed by the anticipation of giving Louis a grand gift after being paid now sank into a mire of despair.

With a deep breath, Kendrick turned into the room, his movements deliberate and heavy with the weight of disgrace, his footsteps though measured carried the sound of anger as he moved.

Slowly he turned the door knob and pushed open the room door. The dim-lit light shone on him.

A sound seemed to come from the inner room, so he tip-toed carefully, minding the bottle of unfinished drink that stood lazily on the bed-side drawer.

Kendrick stretched his neck with a pry till he felt a surge of pain running through his spine as he peeped.

Suddenly, his eyes widened and his jaw dropped in awe, shock struck him down his spine, he seemed lifeless for a minute, while he stared.

"Oh… my goodness."

He gasped in surprise, pressing his palm tightly to his lips so he wouldn't shout.

Louis, his wife is seen having a quickie with another man, her skirt pulled above her waist and her pants lingered in between her legs well spread out. The man positioned behind her, his pants sagging down to the floor as he kept thrusting aggressively from behind.

Kendrick's eyes widened, his heart sinking as he glanced at his wife.

"L…OUIS..!..!" He wailed in shock, as the duo, frightened by the scream turned instantly.

"W..what the hell is this…?" He wailed as he surged closer to them.