Errand Boy Son-in-law Becomes The Idol Of Many

CHAPTER 3

Mr. Billing was referring to Bingo, Tobiat, and Bertrand. They were three of Mr. Billing’s former security detail who betrayed him by taking a bribe from a business rival who wanted to block a large-scale delivery of Mr. Billing’s products. 

Mr. Billing saw the trio as nothing but traitors so he instructed that they should be beaten and locked up. They had been locked up for 3 years until today.

“Hahaha! It's good to see that the three of you still have a lot of muscles after all these years,” Mr. Billing’s mouth widened into a cruel laughter.

“We are going to play a game. Something like the semi-final of the World Cup you know?” he said, making funny gestures - he was clearly excited. 

“But this time, it will be a wrestle. Mr. Greyson would fight Tobiat while Bingo would fight Bertrand in a no-one-comes-out-alive fight. The overall winner would then receive a sum of 50 million dollars. I am sure that is more than what you would ever make even if you could live a thousand years.”

Lesley’s eyes were bright and full of enthusiasm. “Yes, Dad…Your brain still works as sharp as a man in his prime. Let's see how Alan will come out alive,” he turned to Alan and gave him a look of disdain. He was still holding bitterness towards Alan because of his watch.

“I am loving this papa,” Margaret added.

Rose’s eyes were downcast. She blamed herself inwardly for what Alan was facing. Alan would definitely not survive a minute fighting Tobiat not to talk of Bingo who was the strongest of them all. 

She narrowed her gaze toward Alan. He should feel more pity toward himself, she reasoned. He was about to die and not even a tear was coming out of his eyes.

***

The rich guests were convinced by Lesley Billing not to book hotel suites yet because there was still a fun show for them to watch. 

The guests were sipping expensive wines and clinking cups in merriment as they watched the exhibition before them. Their eyes sparkled with interest as they reclined their seats repeatedly. Some of the drunken guests were even punching their fists into the air as they laughed in an uproar, making a mockery of the fighters.

The fighters - Tobiat, Bingo, Bertrand and Alan had shame written over their faces as they were made to fight each other in a fighting ring that was designed just on the stage. Alan especially bowed his face toward the ground, a burning sense of ridicule tingling his skin.

The stage was filled with sawdust, the bright light casting a shadow on their faces.

Alan and Tobiat had their faces painted with charcoal before entering the ring for the fight.

Poof! Alan felt his cheek connect with Tobiat’s fist, prompting blood to pool out of his mouth. 

As expected by many of the guests, Tobiat didn't waste time to show Alan that he was no match compared to him. 

His muscles were rippling under his skin and his arms were like the trunk of an elephant. How big he was compared to poor Alan.

Whoof! Another punch grazed Alan’s cheekbone, sending him to the ground.

“Woohoo!”

“Hooray!” The guests screamed in excitement - they were all quite drunk with their shirts untucked and buttons undone. The female CEOs and executives there also had their hair messy and their makeup smeared.

“Son, did you see that move? Hahaha…I can put all of my money on that huge guy to win the fight,”  Mr. Lawrence - the chief executive of Doubas Corporation told his 10-year-old son.

“But, Dad, this makes no sense. Why are we doing this? Is it because they are not wealthy like us? My teacher in school teaches us not to disrespect anyone irrespective of…..”

“Shusssh!” Mr. Lawrence shushed his son. “One day when you are much older, you will learn that life is never fair to the poor - they are meant to lick the dust off the feet of people like us. But for now, just enjoy the fight okay?”

Brody - the little boy nodded his head, hiding his disappointment. He could not understand why adults would humiliate their fellow adults in that manner. What could they have done to warrant being forced into a fight just to make a show of mockery?

Alan’s wife, Rose, couldn't stand the sight of her husband being beaten to death so she waited outside the hall.

Her brain kept asking her questions that she couldn't answer. What if Alan had been beaten to death? Had he already been put in a casket? Was it the end? He didn't stand a chance against any of those huge-bodied thugs.

Rose met Alan 5 years ago while he was working as a part-time grocery store attendant. She admired his good looks and wit. 

They went on dates subsequently and even though Alan didn't earn much from all of his part-time jobs combined, Rose respected him because he was resilient. He would never leave a job done halfway and he always paid attention to every work detail.

They got married after dating for 18 months but things went bad for Alan after their marriage because he wasn't on the level of his rich in-laws who always ill-treated him. 

Rose had held enough in her heart. She would storm into the hall and confront her father - Mr. Billing. She wouldn't let Alan die if there was something she could do to help him.

She stormed into the event hall angrily, her heels clicking on the floor as she went straight to where Mr. Billing was seated - he seemed to be having fun.

Thank Goodness Alan was still alive, she thought - although she was too terrified to look long enough to know how exactly he was faring in the ring.

“Announce an end to this useless fight now or else I would create a scene,” Rose pressured. Her face was red and her entire body vibrated in anger.

“And why will I do that, uh? Can't you see the guests are having so much fun? Our family could secure a lot of positive partnerships when these wealthy families are comfortable with us,” Mr. Billing argued.

“We both know that this goes beyond partnerships and business deals,” Rose outraged. “You can’t humiliate my husband in public like this - I won’t accept it. Look at everyone and how they are taking videos. Are you not aware that you are making a mockery of me as well.”

“Oh! Of course, I am aware. I want you to understand that poverty doesn’t stand a chance in my lineage.”

“But, Papa…just tell me what to do to make this degrading show come to an end.” Rose bit her lips and wished that she could disappear. The embarrassment from the shit show was getting to her. 

“You know what you have to do, Rose,” Mr. Billing responded. “You must divorce him or else he will die in this fight.”