"Hello Mom. How are you."
"Roberto! Mom is dying." I heard my little brother's voice, Diego"What? What's wrong with Mom?" I stood up from the bed immediately.
"Mom's intestines is ruptured and the doctor said we need two million dollars for her to be operated on or she'll die." He announced as he weeped over the phone.
Tears began to drop off my eyes. "Where am I going to get two million dollar from? I've never made or touched such an amount my whole life." I said to myself.
"Who can I ask? Mother in law? Father in law? Wife?" I pondered.
Rosa came out of the bathroom wrapped in her white towel. I watched as water dripped from her hair down to her body.
"What's wrong? Your mood has changed."She said."Nothing is wrong with me babe." I concealed my sadness with a smile.
She dried her body and changed into her pyjamas. She hopped on the bed and placed her laptop on her laps as usual and I watched her battled with the loads on files beside her.I didn't have the mind to ask her for money but I didn't want my mother dead.
I decided to go visit my mom,just to see how she was faring.I went out and Rosa didn't even noticed I had left. She was concentrated on her laptop. I rushed to St Patrick hospital and I saw Diego waiting at the reception. He rushed to hug me.
"Brother! Brother! Mom is dying." His tears wet my shirt.He held my hand and took me to mom's ward. I met her fast asleep. It was as if she was lifeless because I saw so many medical instruments connected to her nose,hand and mouth."Where the doctor?" I asked him.
The doctor came in coincidentally. "Are you Mr Roberto?" She asked me."Yes ma. I am." I answered and shaked my head."We need a deposit of two million dollars. I'm sure your brother should have explained this to you. Failure to do this." She stared at me for a while and sighed.
"She might die." She informed and I glared at her. She pursed her lips and left."Where am I going to get such an amount from?" I asked.
"Ask your wife or mother in law" Diego said.My family members doesn't know how I'm always maltreated in my in laws house. I never informed them of my in laws behavior."It's not as easy as you think." I sat on the chair beside mom.
"I heard that rich people don't like helping poor people,are you now like that because you are marriage into the Parks family? Would you forget your own real family?" He yelled.
"How dare you say that to me? Do you know the kind of humiliations and embarrassment I face in that house everyday. Do you?" I stood up and yelled at him.
He was shocked. " I... I... I... I thought they love you." He said.
"No. They don't. I'm just staying there because of the love I have for my wife." I confessed."What are we going to do? Where are we going to get money from?" He asked and I just looked at him.
**********
Finally,the day for Mr Daniel Park is here. I found myself in a white shirt and trouser serving drinks. Rosa had to rush to the office for an appointment and my mother inlaw Mr Genevieve rose into action. I was laying on my bed when she barged in as usual. She was in a pink sleeveless dress. It was long and flowing to the ground. Her makeup made her look more evil fitting her personality. I didn't noticed the bucket she was holding until she poured it on me."You are so perfect at being useless." She commented and I stood up from the bed. Normally I would have woken up early but the shock I got yesterday made me have sleepless nights. I just got the opportunity to sleep well this morning.
"You have to go serve our guests drinks. We are short of staffs." She said.
I stood up and wanted to go to the bathroom but I was stopped."The clothes are downstairs. You have to be in uniform you cunt." She screamed."I want to take my bath." I said
She looked at her wristwatch and a wicked grin appeared on her face. She nodded and left me.I quickly took my bath and went downstairs to start serving. The party took place at the huge compund we had in the house. There were lots of people and the chairs were arranged around each table. All the decorations were purple. The cake was placed on a high table seperated from where the guests were seated. Mr Daniel my father in law was seated on a big white chair behind the cake. He was cladded in a expensive suit accompanied with a leather shoes.His first daughter Mira walked up to him and kissed his cheeks.
"Happy birthday Dad."
"Thank you." He answered.She placed her wrapped gift box on a table not far from him. Her three children all in the same blue gown ran to their Grandpa and kissed him."Grandpa I want a toy. An aeroplane one." Diana requested.Their father, Mira's husband came to seperate them from him."Dad I haven't requested yet." Sharon yelled as he took her hands and handed her over to the nanny.
"Happy birthday sir. Long life." He greeted and handed a key over to him. I guessed it was a car key. My father in law stood up and hugged him tightly.
"My daughter's husband bought me a car. Not my second daughter's husband. It's the first one." He yelled over the light music that was being played by the dj.
I shock my head from embarrassment.
I got another call from my brother. I excused myself from the compund where the party was taking place and left for the living room."What?" I asked
"Mom's condition is critical. Please find the money. She has two more days according to the doctor." He announced and the call dropped.Tears began to flow fully from my eyes and I used my hands to clean my tears. I wasn't ready to lose my mom. She was everything to me. She was always there and she struggled to send me to school.
I decided to go ask for my mother in law. I don't care what the outcome might be.
I went outside and saw my wife all dressed already. She was in a blue sequence gown. The hands was long and her hair was packed in a tight bun. She wore a black high heels and a black purse. A diamond earrings and necklace too. I decided to go ask her instead of my mother in law. I walked up to her and she was surprised to see me wearing a waiter's unifrom. She was about to ask but I stopped her.
"Could you lend me two million dollars. I promise I'll give it back." I asked and before she could answer my mother in law dragged me to the middle of the party and slapped me. I turned and I was embarrassed. The music stopped and all eyes were on me.
"Do you think we run a charity home here? My daughter should give you two million dollars so you can run away? You filthy thing." She yelled and all the children, grandchildren and guests laughed.
"Mom what's the meaning of this?" Rosa asked.
"I'm trying to protect you. Divorce this guy. He is a gold digger." She yelled."Stop it mom! He is my husband." She defended."He is not your husband. The guy we have for you is Mark." My father in law said.Mark was her ex boyfriend which she broke up with. Everybody seemed to agreed and no one defended me except RosaI ran out of the house and went straight to the hospital. Even if my mother would die,I should be with her till her last moments.
It went there and I met an old man wearing an expensive suit sitting and my brother standing beside him at the reception.I ran to Diego. " Where is mom?" I asked and he stared at me for a while before hugging me."Mom is at the operation theatre. She is being operated on right now." He said.
"How did you raise the money? Who paid?" I asked.
He looked at the man sitting down. "It's him." He whispered."Thank you so much sir. I appreciate sir." I almost knelt down.
Five hours later,my mom was brought out of the operation theatre. I held the doctors arm aggressively. I've been trying to get some information for the last five hours from the nurses but they ignored me. This time I must get something,that's why I held her arm."How is my mom? How is she?" I asked."She's out of danger now." She announced."Thank God. Can I see her now?" I asked."Yes,but she's sleeping. Make sure you don't wake her up." She said.We went into the ward and the man followed us. At first I was confused. "Did he do it for charity? Or does Mom know him?"We went in and my mom was fast asleep."Thank you so much sir. Thank you." I said to him again and this time he stretched his hand and I shock them.We all sat down except my brother,staring at my mother as she slept. The man still waited. Something was wrong,I felt attached and it was strange. I thought he should be on his way by now but it seems he had other motives. Maybe he wanted to talk to my mom.After a while,my
I drove in and met my mother in law about to enter her car. She came down and came to me. " What are you doing in my daughter's car? She asked."I'm coming from my mother's house. She just got discharged." I answered."I didn't ask for all that. I said what are you doing with my daughter's car?" She asked again. I was now confused."Well. I was driving it." I answered and she slapped me."Is that a way to answer someone who is more older than you?" She yelled. "Give me the car keys. Give me now." She ordered.I handed the keys back to her and she screamed. "Lowlife." I wanted to tell her I was no longer a low life,I wanted to tell her I was a Lionel's descendant. The Lionel's name which everyone bowed to. The name everyone feared and respected. Even my mother inlaw had mentioned the name several times to my hearing. She once said she was pursing a contract in one of the Lionel's company and it was rejected. This was the sixth time. She doesn't want to give up because when she gets
I went in and saw my father in law watching me as I walked inside from the balcony."Where are you coming from and who dropped you?" He asked.I walked inside and I met him walking downstairs to the sitting room."That's my boss sir. I'm just coming from work." I answered and bowed. I dared not look into his eyes when talking to him."You are cheating on my daughter." He concluded."What? My boss dropped me off sir." I explained."So because we didn't give you the two million dollars you decided to go get married into another family." He yelled."What are you saying sir? I didn't do such a thing." I said."Out of my house. Now." He said."Sir please try to understand. it wasn't a woman who brought me home it was my boss." I tried to explain but he pushed me out. He took me to the backyard and I was locked up in the dog cage."Sir. Please listen." I begged holding the cold steel bar as I knelt inside the cage.He hissed and left. "That's what low life's like you deserve. "Listen pleas
The taxi dropped me off at the Lionel's mansion. It looked like a city on it own. There were two bodyguards in suit waiting outside. "You're welcome sir. Please follow me." One said as he led the way.I walked in through the gate and what I saw surprised me. There was a white gigantic building sitting in the compund then little houses which were seperated from it. One could know that the big white house was the main building. We walked into the house and I was greeted by the sweet scents and beautiful artworks that hung side by side on the wall. We walked further and I saw myself in a large living room. It was really big and a part of it was the dinning room. The dinning table was long and had five chairs arranged parallel to each other. There were huge chandeliers which brightened up the room. Five big leather chairs and a center table was in the living room. A large tv hung on the wall and a portrait of my dad sitting on a chair with his legs crossed hung in the wall beside the tel
"It's okay mom. I'm fine." I said."Diego! I promise,you'll live a good life." She said.We released the hug and she took my hand and placed it in my dad's hand."Nothing must happen to my son. Audrey must not harm him or else?" My mom threatened and honestly I was scared at the way she glared at him."I promise. Nothing would happen to him." He said."Who's Audrey? Step sister?" Diego asked."Step mother." My dad answered."Oh Brother Roberto. I heard step moms are dangerous. Be careful. Don't eat her food,don't cross her path, don't follow her anywhere." He said and he marked each point with his fingers."I'll be careful. Mom! Would you accept dad's money now?" I asked and she nodded slowly.My dad handed the black card over to me. "I'm sorry Grace. I promise I'll make it up to you." My dad said and my mom nodded again."I have to go back home now." I said and my mom hugged me tightly. "Be careful son." She whispered in my ear.After convincing my dad not to drop me home,I got home
I heaved a sigh. "That's it." I stood up and looked at myself in the mirror. My nose and lips had injury and I looked hideous."There's no way I can present myself to my dad's board of members like this." I said to myself.I picked up my phone on the bed and called my dad."Hey Dad. Good morning." I greeted"Good morning son." His voice sounded low,like he just woke up."Did I just wake you up?" I asked,worried."Hmm." He grunted."I'm sorry. I'll call back then." I implied."There's no need for that. Just say whatever you want to." He said,his voice sounded better as he spoke."I won't be able to come to sign today dad." I said and he didn't speak."Dad! Dad!! Can you hear me?" I asked but I heard nothing. I removed the phone against my ear to check if the call was still ongoing but it was."It's okay." He said in a very low tone that I couldn't have heard if I wasn't paying attention."Dad!Please try to understand I just..." I couldn't finish my statement when I heard my phone beep.
They all arrived and the room was filled to the brim. I started sweating profusely even when all the air conditioners were turned on. My legs were shaking. My dad held my leg firmly and nodded his head. It seemed to have a little effect on me. My dad tried to stand up but I stood up before him and made him sit down back comfortably. "You can't stand now." I whispered in his ear. He cleared his throat before starting."I Raymond Lionel would be stepping down from my position as the CEO of Lionel corporation. Of all my thirty three branches worldwide would now be controlled by my son,Roberto Lionel." He tapped my shoulder.Everybody was shocked."Your son. I thought you never had a child." A woman with well polished nails said abruptly as she pushed her hair backward with her left hand."This is absurd. Did you just pick a child on the street to put as a CEO?" A fat man asked. His voice was very deep and he was bald and pale."That's nonsense." My dad hit the table and stood up. He fel
"Take the cups to the kitchen." I heard my mother in law voice and I pushed Grachi away gently."Didn't he answer when you called him?" My mother asked,ready to hit me again."He didn't answer ma. I've been arguing with him since. He even went to bath." She lied."Imagine. You are lazy and poor. How do you want to make it in life? I wonder what my Rosa saw in you." She yelled."I'm not a low life ma." I said and scoffed."Then what are you? A poverty striken person.I walked away from where she was standing to my wardrobe "Come downstairs when you're done. We have some visitors and you have work to do." She ordered and left with Grachi.I hissed when they left. I dressed casually and walked downstairs."Come here." My mother in law yelled as she spotted me coming down the stairs. There were some people in the sitting room. Two old people of the opposite gender and some kids. "I'm here ma." I said."Is that Rosa husband?" The old woman asked."Yes ma. I'm Roberto. Her husband." I an
***Rosa's pov***Getting to the hospital,mom was rushed into the ward and was attended to immediately. Dad was pacing to and fro scared of what the doctor would come and say. "Nothing much happen to her." I said."I know and I regret pushing her. It was a mistake." He bit his upper lip.Few minutes later,the doctor came to meet us."Are you her husband sir?" He asked and my dad nodded."Let's talk privately."I held my dad's hand."You talk here. I'm her daughter and he was the one who caused this in the first place." I glared at him."Shut it Rosa! It was a mistake." He corrected. "Well,she has stroke now. A side of her brain was affected so the left side of her body is paralyzed." He announced."What? Look at what you did to her?" I yelled. I wanted to hit him but we were in public."Will she be fine?" I asked."Maybe. It's a 50_50%. She could get better or worse." He said and I shaked my head."I hope she'll be alright. Even though I and my mom quarrel a lot,I wouldn't want her
***Roberto's pov***"What's my business with Roberto? What sort of madness is this?" Her screamed echoed in the room."You threatened you'd do something to Gabriel. Well we can't find him." I yelled back throwing my hands in the air dramatically."I was just joking. It was just a threat. Why would I kidnap Gabriel? What use would it be for me?" She dropped her spoon."Son! That accusation is just too much. Have you reported to the police?" I eyed him and he cleared his throat."I know you'll always support her. You've been blinded by her. I'll leave and I'm going straight to the station. If I find out she has a hand in this,I'll make sure she rots in jail." I said and was about to leave when my father held my arm."And if she's not guilty what would you do? I've told you to stop accusing her for whatever thing that happens to you. You're the one who's blinded by your ego and your sadistic thoughts. Why would Gabriel get missing and the first person you think of is your step mom?"I ya
***Rosa's pov***"Where? How? How did you find them? Tell me!" I demanded."Calm down. I only got to know the location. Besides we can't go get them. It would be too dangerous." She said and I hissed."Just give me the address and I'll do the rest myself." "Just be careful. Mr Roberto's security is always tight and if he finds out you're the one,you're a goner." She said and i laughed."If I'm a goner then you'll be what? Just send me the address and spare me the cock and bull story." I said and dropped the call.Minutes later,I got a message from Diana. The address of where Laura kids are is with me. I can finally get what I want from Laura.I can't wait to control all of these properties. I stood up and turned around,taking a view of my room.Can't wait to see the look on my father's face when I snatch all of his properties from him.The only problem I have now is to hire some men to help me get those children. What do I even need them for? All I need is a video of them,just to con
***Gabriel's pov***I sneaked out of the office knowing Mr Roberto wouldn't need me soon. I received t a call an unknown number asking me to come meet at the hospital where Alice's father has been hospitalized. I got there and it was Christian,Alice's younger brother. He raised his hand,signalling me to come in."Why would he call me here considering the fact that he hates me so much." I asked myself. We've even beaten each other once.He placed his hand on my shoulder."Hey bro." He said and started walking out of the hospital. "What's going on? Where are we headed?" I asked but he smiled.I should tell you but Alice would kill me if I utter a single word."I've told Alice I'm no longer interested in this relationship. Why would she try to surprise me?" I yelled."Just calm down. I know my family has hurt you in so many ways. Just take this as a sorry." He smiled and opened the car for me. The bodyguards standing outside cladded in all black suits were just so intimidating. I'm a bo
***Diana's pov***I get he wants to take his revenge but this is just evil. How could he separate those children from their mother? How could he do such a thing to them? I wonder how those kids would feel like now. I clenched my fist as I walked towards them."Diana! Where have you been? Couldn't go on lunch break because of you. We were supposed to work on this together." Olivia banged the file on the table. i could see the happiness in her eyes."Quit lying. You never asked me to work on any file with you. If you want Mr Roberto to like you,you're doing a great job." I folded my arms."What's wrong with you? Don't you know you're in the office? I told you I don't want any personal shit here?" He yelled at me.I wanted to defend myself but he spoke over me."I'm not interested in you. I don't like you. I'm only keeping you here because you've been of great help. This is the last straw Diana,the next one will be the end." He said and walked out of the office.I felt hurt. I felt a ver
***Rosa's pov***"Let's meet at Deemarks restaurant by two." I said."Sure. Please make it on time. I've got lots of work to do." She replied and i nodded as if she could see me.I dropped the call and raised my clenched fist up in the air. "Yes. Finally something to take Roberto down. I want him to beg at my feet. I want him to beg for mercy." I smiled as the thought of me ruining Roberto made me smile.I couldn't wait to hear what she has to say. I left all the things I was doing and rushed to the restaurant. I sat down and the waitress handed the menu over to me.I glanced at the menu as they had lots of good food and drinks but my mind kept pondering,thinking of the good news Diana has to give me. The restaurant looked every nice. Nice artworks hanging on the wall,comfy chairs which were arranged in rows,good lightening and great customer care.I kept tapping my left foot against the floor,anxious and nervous at the same time,checking the entrance to see if Diana was approaching
***Cynthia's pov***"The issue must have died down. I'm going out." I eyed Rosa."Mum? I'm telling you people don't forget things like this. Don't go out. It's dangerous and it can affect stocks and shares at the company. The corporation is at the verge of dying." She begged."What's your business? I need to go for shopping. It's very important." I yelled as i walked out on her. I got into the car and drove off to the mall. I got down and I saw the glances and murmuring. I waved it off thinking it wasn't that much. I locked the car and took a few steps and people started taking my pictures and laughing at me.Soon it became like a protest,they started calling me names like slut,pig etc and I was embarrassed.I ran back to my car with so much difficulty as some people decided to be violent and started hitting me.I got to my car and drove back home. I got into the compound and my body was red and swollen. They all hurt. Sone were itchy while some were burning."Didn't I warn you?" Ro
***Roberto's pov***After the clash with my dad,I've been keeping tabs on my stepmother. I just need to find something to use on her. Anything!Diana has been behaving strange especially with Olivia. I know she had told me countless times how much she loves me but I don't need a distraction and that doesn't mean she should hate on Olivia.If not for the friendship between us and how she stood by me when I had nobody I would have sacked her. I hate how unprofessional she's been."Sir! Meeting in five minutes. The members are here sir." Olivia informed. I searched around for Diana but she was no where to be found.This is what she's supposed to be doing but she's busy grumbling and acting jealous. Olivia has been the one doing all of the work.After the meeting,I went to my office to rest and Gabriel walked in."What is it again?" I asked them yawned."I just want to talk about Diana sir." He said and I turned to face him."If it's about her loving me please just forget about it. I'm so
***Rosa's pov***Watching mom try to make dad fall in with with her again was so annoying to watching. It made me cringe whenever she tried to seduce him. When I say seduce,I mean her using old stupid tricks like throwing the remote on the floor and bending to pick it while wearing a short seductive dress,I mean that's so disgusting considering they are your parent."Just get the fuck away from me. I'm trying to watch tv." My dad yelled as he left the living room."Wait up Daniel. I know you want this. Don't be shy." Mom said and she ran towards him.This is so embarrassing. I know she doesn't love him. She just wants him to change his mind against the divorce.All I want is for mom to steal shares or the company. That's all I want. I need to see Laura. She knows all of dad's password. If I can blackmail her with something or threaten her,she can tell me."What can I blackmail her with? She's in jail. Shes got nothing else to lose anymore." I bit my lower lip as I paced round the room